THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
- Minister (Education), Ms. Atishi Ji,
- Chief Guest, Prof. Nirmal K. Ganguly (Former DG, ICMR)
- Vice Chancellor, Prof. R.K. Goyal,
- Members of General Council,
- Board of Governors,
- Academic Council and Board of Studies of DPSRU,
- Graduating students and their parents,
- Ladies and Gentlemen.
It gives me pleasure to be amidst you on the occasion of 6th Convocation of the Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University. I extend my warm wishes to all 605 young talents graduating today in the field of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences of this University, their parents and the faculty members.
02. This is a momentous occasion, a testament to your hard work, dedication, and pursuit of knowledge. Today is the beginning of a new chapter in your life when some of you might aspire to go abroad, some of you may choose to take up a job in Pharma Industry, some of you may be interested in setting up your own business. However, I wish, and I am sure, you will pursue to fulfil your dream that is aligned with a commitment to the prosperity of the Nation as you are graduating from a prestigious university, the first and only Pharma University of India.
03. Convocations are filled with mixed emotions. While on one hand, there is hope and excitement, on the other hand, there are also apprehensions of stepping into the unknown. Dear Students, you are on the cusp of a new life where the education you earned till now, will be faced with the practical challenges of the “Real world”. Your journey during academia must have been full of challenges and triumphs. You have exhibited resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. As you stand on the threshold of a new phase in life, I firmly believe that the education you have received here has equipped you with the skills and knowledge needed to face the world with confidence. It is said:
टीचर भी सिखाता है और वक्त भी सिखाता है
दोनों में फर्क इतना है कि टीचर सिखा कर इम्तिहान लेता है
और वक्त इम्तिहान ले कर सिखाता है
04. The year 2023 has been eventful for India. The greatest of all the events has been successful launch of the Chandrayan, that too at the South Pole of the moon where no other country in the world has reached so far. This has been possible due to the sheer brilliance and academic strength of Indian scientists. The Presidency of India for G-20 was not just a regular Summit of G-20 countries, but a message to the world that firmly put the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम) on the global agenda of future growth.
05. It is the year when we witnessed India implementing the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020. This is helping individual students in all dimensions to contribute to local as well as global development. I am happy to note that DPSRU has been taking a lead in implementations of the NEP-2020.
06. As we move towards the goal of becoming one of the largest economies in the world, Science and Technology are going to be one of the major vehicles to take India to the front ranks. While there are challenges ahead, there are enormous opportunities as well. The year 2023 is the starting of the “Amrit kaal” (अमृतकाल) of the country with a target of becoming “Viksit Bharat by 2047”. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji expects every youth to contribute to this mission.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
07. In the goal of Viksit Bharat set-forth by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Indian pharmaceutical industry, which is already a global player, will have a major role to play. It has been ranked consistently at number 3 in the world with over 60% contribution for generic medicines and vaccines. Additionally, the market for natural health products in India is witnessing robust growth. The natural health and wellness market is becoming a key focus for pharmaceutical companies. This presents a unique opportunity for pharmacy graduates to contribute to the development and promotion of natural health solutions.
08. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for the pharmaceutical sector have been introduced to boost domestic manufacturing. This underscores the government's commitment to promoting self-reliance and encouraging the pharmaceutical industry to be a global leader in both innovation and production.
09. The pharmaceutical sector in India significantly contributes to the country's economy. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Pharmaceutical Industry attracted record FDI in 2022 & 2023. This reflects the determination of stakeholders to propel the industry towards further growth.
10. However, friends, despite the pharma sector prospering, it is disappointing to note that employment opportunities in the sector are not satisfactory. Neither in terms of quality employment, or comparable pay packages, are pharma graduates at the same footing as their peers from other academic disciplines. This is an area of concern to me. To my mind, Pharmaceutical Universities that are institutions of higher learning are not supposed to be producing chemists and wellness centre owners only. You have the onerous responsibility of indulging into basic as well as high-end research in partnership with the pharma industry as indeed the government.
11. To this end, I have three sutras to offer to you. One, aim at becoming entrepreneurs and not job seekers only. Become job creators by starting ventures and start-ups that fuel research. In this direction, it is encouraging that DPSRU is facilitating Incubation and Innovation through the Bio-Incubator Centre established in the University through DBT-BIRAC of Government of India. Friends, IITs, IIMs and NIPERs of our country are supposed to be the breeders of innovation. DPSRU also should evolve strategies like these institutions.
12. Secondly, develop the habit and culture of zero tolerance towards maintenance of Quality. Pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated and one has to ensure highest standards of quality.
महान स्वतन्त्रता सेनानी, शिक्षाविद, देश के प्रथम राष्ट्रपति भारत रत्न, डॉ. राजेंद्र प्रसाद ने कहा था,
“मंजिल को पाने की दिशा में बढ़ते हुए याद रहे कि
मंजिल की ओर बढ़ता रास्ता नेक हो”.
The University will do well to engage with the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) and the Common Research and Technology Development Hub (CRTDH) for MSMEs, established by it. It should ensure that this sector opens up different opportunities for the University, especially for its students. “Think excellence, Live Excellence and Embrace Excellence through Perfection” should be your mantra on the way to Viksit Bharat@2047.
13. Thirdly, diversifications and newer opportunities must be looked at in health sciences. Medical devices, genome based diagnostics, precision medicine and tele-health are some of the areas emerging out in pharmacy. Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be there in every field, and more so in the health sciences, where robotics have already established itself as a major diagnostic as well as curative norm. It is satisfying to know that DPSRU has started not only the Precision Medicine Center but also a PG program in Precision Medicine and is using bioinformatics and QbD in research at the University.
यहाँ मैं कहना चाहूँगा कि
“जो चीज़ आपको challenge करती है,
वही आपको change करती है”
14. Additionally, the focus on research and development is evident in the statistics related to patent filings in the pharmaceutical sector. Recently, India witnessed a notable increase in patent applications, indicating a commitment to innovation and technological advancements. This determination is crucial for realizing the vision of a Viksit or developed Bharat in pharmaceuticals.
Dear students,
15. You are now joining a distinguished group of alumni of DPSRU. Never forget the great sacrifices your family, friends and faculty made to provide you the best possible education and environment. It is now your responsibility to do your best possible to give back to the family, the society, the nation as indeed the world. Make them proud, go ahead with confidence and courage, dream big, work hard, and never lose sight of your goals. May your paths be filled with success. I wish you all the best and exhort DPSRU to focus on the basic tenets of pharmaceutical education and research.
Thank you.
Jai Hind.