L to R: Dr C L Kaul, Dr Anji Reddy, Prof V S Ramamurthy and Dr K K Bhutani

In a short span of a decade, the pharmaceutical research industry across the globe has seen how the Indian research could survive and succeed in the pharmaceutical research, said Dr. Anji Reddy, Chairman, Dr Reddys Laboratories, while delivering the foundation day lecture of NIPER entitled "The agony and Ecstacy of drug discovery." He urged that genomics be used extensively to find new targets for drug discovery.

In this age of target based drug discovery, the research foundation has the credit of having several firsts. Dr. Reddy said, it has been possible because of the committed pharmaceutical scientists, biologists, and a team of researchers coupled with the carefully thought strategies in research. In a very short period, the research group has earned 15 million US dollars. Finally, Dr. Reddy encouraged the young scientists to join pharma research and ensure success.

The foundation day of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) was celebrated on February 15th, 2003 at the Convention Center of the Institute. The function was attended by over 300 people which included distinguished guests, scientists, students, alumni and faculty of the institute.

Dr. C. L. Kaul, Director of the institute said he was delighted to welcome the honorable guests and expressed his gratefulness. Through some precious pictures, he explained the growth of the institute during the last eight years. Dr. Kaul expressed satisfaction over the fact that new faculty has joined NIPER in the past one year.

Prof. V. S. Ramamurthy, Secretary Department of Science and Technology outlined the steps the government has taken in the area of drug discovery. He stressed that multidisciplinary teams are required to carry out pharmaceutical research and called upon everyone involved to have a proactive approach in this direction. He said the government is taking steps to build national facilities for research within the country and in some instances even outside India. He also highlighted the need for awareness regarding IPR, patents, bio-informatics and regulatory measures in force while researching in pharmaceutical sector.

The prizes were distributed for various sports and co-curricular activities during the year; they involved students, staff and faculty of NIPER. The function ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. K. K. Bhutani, Dean of NIPER.