Focus on Tackling AMR
Mandi, April 03:
A national workshop on the theme “Medicinal Plants as Novel Antimicrobial Agents: A Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” was inaugurated at Abhilashi University in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. L.K. Abhilashi and Guest of Honour Dr. Geetanjali Sagina, Scientist ‘C’ at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Health Research (DHR), Government of India, through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
In his address, Dr. L.K. Abhilashi emphasized that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a serious global health challenge. He highlighted the growing importance of research on medicinal plants, stating that natural sources could offer safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives in the future.
Dr. Geetanjali Sagina stressed the urgent need for scientific research and innovation to combat the rising threat of AMR. She noted that ICMR plays a crucial role in promoting evidence-based research in the country and encouraged participants to undertake scientific and validated studies on medicinal plants.
On the first day, several expert lectures were conducted. Dr. Tarun Sharma, Additional Professor at AIIMS Bilaspur, elaborated on various aspects, mechanisms, and challenges of AMR. Dr. Rahul Kumar, Associate Professor at DAV University, Jalandhar, spoke on the role of medicinal plants in addressing AMR, highlighting their active compounds and therapeutic applications.
Additionally, Dr. Navneet Kumar Upadhyay from Amity University, Jaipur conducted a laboratory-oriented session, providing hands-on insights into lab safety, phytochemical standards, compound identification, and experimental procedures.
The program also included participant registration, introductory sessions, group formation, and a quiz at the end of the day. Participants from across the country are attending the workshop and will receive practical training in advanced laboratory techniques in the coming days.
The university management, including Chancellor Dr. R.K. Abhilashi, Pro-Chancellor Dr. L.K. Abhilashi, Vice-Chancellor Prof. H.K. Chaudhary, and other officials, congratulated the organizing committee. They stated that such academic initiatives enhance research quality and provide valuable exposure to students and scholars, helping build a skilled and competitive academic environment.
They expressed confidence that the workshop will not only enrich participants’ knowledge but also open new avenues in research, with the university continuing to host such high-level academic events in the future.
