The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad witnessed its 10th convocation on Tuesday, 27th Feb, 2024. During this ceremony, 127 M. S. (Pharm.), 24 Pharma MBA and 10 PhD students from batch 2021-23 were conferred with their degrees. Shri Pankaj Patel, Chairman, Zydus Lifesciences, as the Chief Guest and Prof. Anupam Shukla, Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), Surat. as Guest of Eminence, Members of the Board of Governors and the Senate members as Guest of honour graced the occasion. Besides these selected dignitaries, Prof. Shailendra Saraf, Director NIPER-A, faculty members, staff and alumni attended the ceremony.

The convocation started with an academic procession with the chief guest Shri Pankaj Patel, Prof. Anupam Shukla, Prof. Shailendra Saraf and other invited guests. The dignitaries were followed by the Dean, faculty members and students of NIPER-A. The convocation ceremony was formally declared as open by Prof. Shailendra Saraf.

Prof. Shailendra Saraf, Director NIPER-A warmly welcomed the chief guest, guest of honour, guest of eminence and all invited guests who gathered at the NIPER-A campus. He presented welcome address and acknowledged all the dignitaries on- and off the dais for gracing the occasion. Prof. Saraf also briefed the journey of NIPER-A and narrated how it is consistently contributing in health care research industry. He emphasized that NIPER-A is committed to strengthen the symbiotic relationship between academia and industry.

The Director took permission, thereafter Prof. Anupam Shukla gave permission for exhortation and further gave a pledge to the graduate students.

After the pledge, the chief guest of the function Shri Pankaj Patel presented gold medals to overall toppers and to department toppers. Following gold medal distribution, book prizes were jointly circulated by Prof. Anupam Shukla and Prof. Shailendra Saraf to the selected students from the different academic department. After degrees and prize distribution, distinguished guest of eminence, Prof. Anupam Shukla, shared valuable insights on the role of science, technology, and innovation in shaping India's future. Addressing the graduating students, the esteemed guests expressed immense pleasure in being part of the prestigious event. Recognizing the pivotal mandate of NIPERs, the guest commended the institute's impressive contributions towards becoming a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical technology.

Drawing inspiration from the words of Dr. Abdul Kalam, he encouraged the young graduates to have the courage to think differently, innovate, and pave new paths towards success. Emphasizing the importance of leadership and innovation, the guest urged the students to embrace challenges and take calculated risks in their pursuit of excellence.

Highlighting the government's initiatives to promote start-ups, technology, and innovation, he underscored their significance in driving India's transformation. Quoting the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the guest reiterated the role of startups and innovation as effective instruments for India's progress.

In concluding remarks, Prof. Shukla urged the graduating students to continue questioning and innovating, emphasizing the need for adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Encouraging them to integrate new knowledge into existing practices.

After this, chief guest of the function, Shri Pankaj Patel, addressed the gathering and heartily congratulated all the successful graduates. In his address, Highlighting the significance of NIPER-Ahmedabad, Shri Patel praised the institution's commitment to scientific innovation and cutting-edge research. He commended the visionary leadership of the Department of Pharmaceuticals for establishing NIPERs in 2007, with NIPER-Ahmedabad emerging as a beacon of excellence in the pharmaceutical sector.

Hon’ble chief guest further emphasized to promote the innovation ecosystem between different Departments as an initiative of the Government for setting world class research facility. He explained how education and science play a key role in transforming lives, impacting society through improved healthcare, agriculture, environment and industrial growth. He urged institutions like ours to develop the capacities for taking up high-quality scientific research in emerging and disruptive technologies and also define a pathway for the current faculty in adopting to newer science seamlessly.

Shri Pankaj Patel highlighted the challenges in the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for increased access to quality medicine and healthcare services. He underscored the importance of affordability, availability, and quality of care, calling for greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

Recognizing the pivotal role of institutions like NIPERs in nurturing excellence, Shri Pankaj Patel emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. He called for a growth mindset that breaks boundaries between basic and applied science, fostering partnerships to drive innovation and societal impact.

Shri Patel encouraged the graduating students to embrace values of integrity, empathy, and humanity as they face future challenges. He commended NIPER-Ahmedabad's efficient placement cell, which has facilitated numerous opportunities for students with an impressive placement record of over 90%.

Toward the end of his address, Shri Pankaj Patel congratulated Ms. K Bharathi and

Mr. Mhatre Mahi Nishad from Department of Pharmaceutics to be the overall topper of 2021-23 batch. He also congratulated all the students and appreciated the faculty

members of NIPER-A for making of NIPER-A as a frontrunner institute in pharmaceutical and biomedical research.

Followed by addresses from all the dignitaries, the award of degrees to the students were conducted. Prof. Shailendra Saraf, Director NIPER-A declares the closing of the 10^th convocation, followed by the national anthem, and group photo with the dignitaries and faculties were snapped at the venue. The program was followed by lunch, NIPER-A campus visit, and departure of the guests.

AP/GP/JD

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