Students Conveyed Messages of Health Awareness, Public Service, Research and Innovation on the Theme “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future”
Ghatsila, September 25, 2026: The School of Pharmacy, Sona Devi University, Ghatsila, organized a grand academic, awareness and cultural programme on the occasion of World Pharmacists Day 2026 on Friday at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium of the university. This year’s theme was “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future.” The programme aimed to familiarize students with the broader social and professional responsibilities of pharmacists and create awareness about their role in building a healthier society.
The programme was attended by the University Founder and Chancellor Mr. Prabhakar Singh, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pingua, Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana, Principal of the School of Pharmacy Mr. Sudhanshu Shandilya, Chief Guest Dr. Sundar Lal Mardi, Medical Officer-in-Charge, CHC Kendadih, Special Guest Mr. Jitendra Singh Dev, BTT Trainer, CHC Kendadih, faculty members and a large number of students.
Ceremonial Lamp Lighting and Felicitation of Guests
The programme commenced with a welcome address and introduction to the event by Sandeep Singh Dev, a fifth-semester B.Pharm student. Thereafter, the distinguished guests formally inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The lamp-lighting ceremony conveyed the message of making a positive contribution to the fields of knowledge, service and healthcare.
As part of the felicitation ceremony, Chief Guest Dr. Sundar Lal Mardi was felicitated by University Founder and Chancellor Mr. Prabhakar Singh. Special Guest Mr. Jitendra Singh Dev was felicitated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pingua.
Students Presented Awareness and Cultural Programmes
During the programme, students presented PPT presentations, a short play, songs and dance performances on various important topics related to pharmacy and healthcare. Mausami Mahto, a third-semester B.Pharm student, captivated the audience with her graceful “Sinha Ji” dance performance.
Thereafter, fifth-semester student Sandeep Singh Dev delivered a PPT presentation highlighting the role and responsibilities of pharmacists and their importance in the healthcare system. This was followed by the Pharmacy Oath, through which the students pledged to perform their professional duties with honesty, responsibility and a spirit of service.
Principal Sudhanshu Shandilya Guided the Students
Addressing the students, Mr. Sudhanshu Shandilya, Principal of the School of Pharmacy, said that pharmacy is not limited merely to the manufacture and distribution of medicines or pharmaceutical knowledge; rather, it is a highly responsible field directly connected with human life and health. He emphasized that a pharmacist’s role extends beyond providing the right medicine to patients and includes educating them about the proper use of medicines, prescribed dosage, possible side effects and safe medication practices.
He said that the healthcare sector is changing rapidly. With the growing influence of new medicines, emerging technologies, digital health and scientific research, pharmacy students have both wider opportunities and greater responsibilities. He encouraged students not to limit themselves to examinations and degrees, but to focus continuously on learning, research, practical knowledge and skill development.
He advised the students to make humanity, ethics, discipline and a spirit of service the foundation of their profession. He said that society needs pharmacists who are scientifically competent while also understanding the emotions and needs of patients.
Effective Student Presentations on Health Awareness
Sharda Rani, a fifth-semester student, presented a song. Thereafter, fifth-semester students presented a short play on Tuberculosis (TB), creating awareness about its symptoms, precautions and the importance of timely treatment.
Riya Paricha, a seventh-semester student, delivered a PPT presentation on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). She highlighted the challenges arising from the inappropriate and unnecessary use of antimicrobial medicines and emphasized the importance of responsible use.
Following this, third-semester students presented a short play on Generic Medicines. Through their performance, the students highlighted the importance of correct information about medicines, taking medicines as advised by healthcare professionals and creating public awareness.
Special Guest Jitendra Singh Dev Emphasized the Spirit of Service
Addressing the students, Mr. Jitendra Singh Dev, Special Guest, said that the healthcare sector is directly connected with human life and therefore the responsibility of every person working in this field is greater than that associated with many other professions. He said that pharmacy students should use their knowledge and skills not only for personal career development but also to address the healthcare needs of society.
He called upon the students to make discipline, punctuality, good communication and a spirit of service an integral part of their lives. He said that there is still a significant need for health awareness in rural and remote areas, and young pharmacists can play an important role in this direction.
Thereafter, Mohan Yadav, a third-semester student, delivered a PPT presentation, while Anshu Kumari, a seventh-semester student, delivered a speech.
First-semester students presented an impactful short play on Drug Abuse, spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse. Through the presentation, the students conveyed the message of staying away from drugs, adopting a healthy lifestyle and creating a positive environment in society.
Chief Guest Dr. Sundar Lal Mardi Highlighted the Importance of Pharmacists
Chief Guest Dr. Sundar Lal Mardi, Medical Officer-in-Charge, CHC Kendadih, in his address said that pharmacists play a highly important role alongside doctors in making the healthcare system effective. He stated that pharmacists are an important part of the healthcare sector with scientific knowledge related to medicines, and their responsibility in ensuring the safe and appropriate delivery of medicines to patients is significant.
He advised the students that when they serve in the healthcare sector in the future, they should not view patients merely as individuals or consumers, but should understand their illness, circumstances and needs and interact with them sensitively. He emphasized the need to create awareness regarding the safe use of medicines, accurate information and responsible medication practices.
He further said that pharmacy students should connect their knowledge with the community. Young pharmacists can play an effective role in rural areas through health-awareness programmes, disease prevention initiatives, medicine-related education and promotion of healthy lifestyles.
“Gadbad Samachar” and “Agomoni” Added Cultural Vibrancy
In the next segment of the programme, Baleshwari Mandi, a third-semester B.Pharm student, presented a performance titled “Gadbad Samachar.” This was followed by a group dance performance on “Agomoni” by third-semester students, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the programme. The performances created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement in the auditorium.
Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana Emphasized Connecting Education with Society
University Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana, while addressing the students, said that the purpose of higher education is not merely to obtain a degree but to connect knowledge with the needs of society. She said that pharmacy students have the opportunity to act as a bridge between science, healthcare and society.
She encouraged students to use their education to promote health awareness, educate people about the safe use of medicines and create a positive environment for healthy lifestyles in society. She also encouraged them to continue learning, adopt new technologies and develop leadership qualities.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pingua Emphasized Research and Innovation
Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Braj Mohan Pat Pingua said that pharmacy education is an important component of the rapid transformation taking place in the healthcare sector. He emphasized that students must connect traditional knowledge with modern science, technology, research and innovation.
He encouraged students not to view problems merely as challenges, but to recognize them as opportunities for research and innovation. He highlighted the wide range of opportunities available to students in areas such as drug development, pharmaceutical research, quality control, digital health and public health.
He said that the university is committed to providing students with an academic environment where they can develop practical skills, research capabilities and a sense of social responsibility along with knowledge. He urged the students to use their knowledge to improve human life.
Chancellor Prabhakar Singh Said, “The Future of the Nation Rests on the Shoulders of the Youth”
University Founder and Chancellor Mr. Prabhakar Singh, while motivating the students, said that the future of the nation rests on the shoulders of its youth. He said that education becomes meaningful only when its benefits reach not only the individual but also society and the nation.
He called upon students to make research, innovation, skill development and creative thinking an integral part of their lives. He said that the field of pharmacy offers immense opportunities for research related to new medicines, emerging technologies and healthcare services. Students should identify these opportunities and utilize their knowledge and talent in the national interest.
Mr. Singh said that education and skills have an important role in building a self-reliant India. He encouraged students to strive for excellence in their respective fields while also understanding the needs of society and promoting research and innovation that can directly benefit the common people.
He urged students to take “knowledge beyond employment and connect it with nation-building.” He said that young people are not only builders of their own future but also important participants in shaping the future of the country. He called upon students to move forward with honesty, discipline, hard work and a spirit of service.
Vote of Thanks and Conclusion
At the conclusion of the programme, Sandeep Singh Dev, a fifth-semester B.Pharm student, expressed gratitude to the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Chief Guest, Special Guest, Principal, faculty members, students and all those associated with organizing the event.
The programme concluded formally with the National Anthem and the National Song. Thereafter, faculty members and students from various departments of the university gathered for a group photograph to preserve the memories of the significant occasion.
The World Pharmacists Day 2026 celebration was not merely an academic programme for the students but also an important opportunity to understand their role in health awareness, social responsibility, public service, research, innovation and nation-building. The programme conveyed the message that a competent, compassionate and responsible pharmacist can make a significant contribution towards building a healthier society.
Acknowledgement
The successful organization of the programme was made possible through the efficient leadership and guidance of Harsh Verma, Kishore Kumar, Uma Mahto, Safinaz Tayyaba and Prateek Tiwari.
