Chandigarh: Pharma institute comes a long way from Lahore

CHANDIGARH: At the start of the platinum-jubilee celebrations of the Panjab University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) on Monday here, its entire journey from 1944 in Lahore to 2018 in Chandigarh was traced to show how it grew from humble origins to be a leader in research and academics.

PU vice-chancellor Raj Kumar inaugurated the event and called for regular interaction among students, alumni, and masters of the field. He appreciated the strong global network of the UIPS family. November 26 marked the 90th birthday of professor Harkrishan Singh, Padma Shri winner and doyen of Indian pharmaceutical sciences. Professor emeritus P C Dandiya of SMS Medical College, Jaipur, and former rector, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, delivered the Panjab University pharmaceutical sciences oration.

A scientific-theme cake decorated with the structure of a drug discovered by the research group of professor Harkishan Singh was cut on the occasion. It was lined with a periodic table, with the sugar sculpture of a humble man and his volcano of ideas on top. It was designed by the teachers and students of the UIPS. A compilation of the memoir of pharmaceutical scientist, teachers, and students was presented to professor Harkrishan Singh. UIPS chairperson Kanwaljit Chopra presented professors Harkrishan Singh and P C Dandiya with mementoes.

The teachers said the interaction with professor Harkrishan Singh ignited the spark of innovative thinking in them. A speaker said about him at the event: "He encourages you to explore the road less travelled and never be afraid of take up challenges in life, for these difficult roads often lead to the most beautiful destinations."