Ghatshila, August 15, 2026:
The 80th Independence Day of the country was celebrated at SDU School of Pharmacy, Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, in a dignified, enthusiastic and patriotic atmosphere. The programme was attended by University Chancellor Shri Prabhakar Singh, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua, Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana, Principal of SDU School of Pharmacy Shri Sudhanshu Shandilya, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students of B.Pharm and D.Pharm.
The entire campus reflected a strong spirit of patriotism, discipline, social responsibility and commitment towards the nation.
This year, the Independence Day celebration was connected with pharmacy and public health and focused on the theme: “Women Empowerment for a Healthy Nation — Safe Medication, Better Health.” The Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi, gives special importance to professional competence in pharmacy education and practice, medication safety and responsibility towards public health. In keeping with this spirit, the programme highlighted women’s health, women’s empowerment, the safe and rational use of medicines, and the role of pharmacy professionals in building a healthy society.
On the occasion, Chancellor Shri Prabhakar Singh said that independence is not merely about political freedom; it also represents a continuous commitment to providing every citizen with equal opportunities, dignity, health and self-reliance. He said that empowering women through education, healthcare and opportunities to participate in decision-making is essential for building a strong, healthy and developed nation. He called upon the students to use their knowledge, talent and professional skills for nation-building and the welfare of society.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said that universities are not merely centres of knowledge but also important foundations for developing responsible citizens and a sensitive society. He said that pharmacy students have an important responsibility to safeguard the health of society. Therefore, they must give the highest priority to safe medication practices, patient care and their professional responsibilities towards public health. He encouraged the students to make a positive contribution to national progress through their education and talent.
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana said that women’s empowerment and better health are deeply interconnected. She emphasized that safe and rational use of medicines, health awareness and access to quality healthcare for every section of society are the foundations of a healthy and empowered India. She encouraged students to connect their academic knowledge with social welfare and national service.
Principal Shri Sudhanshu Shandilya said that Independence Day is a festival of pride, duty and resolve for every Indian. He noted that the field of pharmacy is no longer limited to the manufacture and distribution of medicines. Pharmacists now play a crucial role in disease prevention, medication safety, patient counselling, health awareness and public health. He said that “Women Empowerment for a Healthy Nation — Safe Medication, Better Health” is not merely the theme of Independence Day but also a message of social and professional responsibility for every future pharmacy professional.
Assistant Professor Mrs. Harsha Verma highlighted the importance of women’s health and empowerment. She said that a healthy and empowered woman is the foundation of a healthy family and society. Promoting awareness among women regarding healthcare, safe medication practices and disease prevention is an important step towards strengthening the overall health of the nation.
Assistant Professor Mr. Kishore Kumar Mahakud said that the safe use of medicines is directly connected with the health of every individual. He emphasized that the role of a pharmacist is not limited to dispensing medicines; providing patients with proper information regarding the correct, safe and rational use of medicines is also an important professional responsibility.
Assistant Professor Ms. Uma Mahto addressed the students and said that today’s pharmacy students are the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. She encouraged them to make social responsibility, discipline, human sensitivity and the spirit of national service an integral part of their lives, alongside their professional knowledge.
The programme was successfully conducted with the valuable contribution of Laboratory Demonstrator Ms. Safinaz Tayyaba and Laboratory Assistant Mr. Prateek. Students of B.Pharm and D.Pharm participated in the celebration with great enthusiasm, discipline and patriotic spirit. Through their active participation, messages related to women’s empowerment, safe medication use, health awareness and nation-building were effectively conveyed.
The programme prominently conveyed the message that an empowered woman is the foundation of a healthy family, safe medication is the foundation of better health, and a responsible pharmacist is an important contributor to building a healthy nation.
On the occasion, SDU School of Pharmacy reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that pharmacy education is not limited to academic excellence but remains continuously connected with public health, medication safety, women’s health and social responsibility.
On the auspicious occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Sona Devi University and SDU School of Pharmacy reiterated their commitment to the unity, integrity, health and prosperity of the nation. The programme concluded with the inspiring message that “Women Empowerment for a Healthy Nation — Safe Medication, Better Health” should not remain merely a theme but should be reflected in our conduct and professional practices as a meaningful contribution towards building a strong, healthy and self-reliant India.
