By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 14 Feb: Uttarakhand is the richest state of India in medicinal plants, said Director of Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR) Dr RS Sangwan at the three-day International Conference on ‘Medicinal Aromatic and Neutraceutical Plants from Mountainous Areas’. The Department of Life Sciences and Technology, Graphic Era University, in association with American Council for Medicinally Active Plants (ACMAP), USA, has organised the three day international conference. A total of 200 delegates, 80 institutions and 500 students from across the globe are participating in the conference. Delegates from America, Iran, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Czech Republic, Korea, Canada, Nepal, Bangladesh and others from 15 different countries are participating in the conference. More than 150 research papers will be presented at the three day international conference.
Chief Guest Dr RS Sangwan said that a balance between nature and humankind was a must for the betterment and growth of any society. He also said that human interference in nature had led to many problems and therefore it should be avoided. Located in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand was a treasure trove of aromatic and medicinal plants and there was immense research potential in the state.
Guest of Honour, Director General, UCOST, Dr Rajendra Dobhal emphasized on the policy making and research potential of Bio-Resource development. He also encouraged the youngsters to avail themselves of various research and start up opportunities at UCOST and explore the area.
President, ACMAP, USA, Dr Jeffery Adelberg pointed out that India was rich in tradition and culture with a multitude of medicinal plants that could be used for human welfare.
Vice President, ACMAP, Dr N Joshee encouraged the students to adopt nature, nurture it and live with it. Executive Director, ACMAP, Dr Fabricio Medina in his presentation highlighted the use of traditional and medicinal plants for prevention and cure of several diseases. He discussed the medicinal value of peanuts, grapes and blueberries. He said that the peanut had the medicinal substance called ‘Resveratol’ which had anticancer, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to cure several diseases.
Ex-President, ACMAP, Dr S Rao Mentreddy focused on the collaboration between industry and academia, which was essential for growth in the field of research and innovation.
Chancellor, Graphic Era University, Prof (Dr) RC Joshi stressed that locals and villagers had immense knowledge of traditional and medicinal plants, which should be utilised by the researchers.
Vice-Chancellor, Graphic Era University, Prof (Dr) Rakesh Kumar Sharma said that, in the presence of vibrant group of researchers and scientist, students could use various opportunities to grow and innovate. Vice-Chancellor, Graphic Era Hill University, Prof (Dr) Sanjay Jasola in his presentation talked about the various achievements and benchmarks of Graphic Era in the field of Technology, Communication and Pharmacy.
President Graphic Era Group Prof (Dr) Kamal Ghanshala, and Dr Promilla Sharma, Fort Valley State University, USA, were part of the International Conference. The Department of Life Sciences and Technology, HOD, Dr Ashish Thapliyal proposed the vote of thanks and Dr Manu Pant anchored the event.
