By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 24 Sep: A two- day International Conference on Indigenous Traditional Knowledge based on the theme, ‘Recent Approaches in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ITK– 2019)’, began, today, at Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, here. The objective of ITK–2019 is to offer a standard platform for interaction between the Students, Young Researchers and Eminent Personalities from Research Institutes and Pharmaceutical Industries. It is expected to provide a platform for rigorous discussion on the subject and find a way forward to utilise the benefits of ITK in a rational and mutually acceptable manner. Present were representatives from ITK and its application in Pharmacy and allied sectors. Prof (Dr) Arun Kumar Tripathi, Director, Uttarakhand Ayurveda University, Haridwar, was the Chief Guest, while Dr M Muruganandam, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IICSW, and Prof Kumud Upadhyaya, Kumaon University were the Special Guests, along with Chancellor Jitender Joshi, and Vice Chancellor Prof (Dr) NK Joshi, Uttaranchal University. Convenor Dr Anuj Mittal, Director UIPS, welcomed all the delegates, and focused on the role of Indigenous languages in creating knowledge systems. The speakers included Dr Rashmi Chamoli, Dolphin Institute, Dr Jyoti Saxena, Shobhit University, Dr Manoj Kumar Sagar, NKBR College of Pharmacy. The event witnessed participation of 600 students and academicians from different Colleges and Universities. Featured with interactive sessions, plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, the event aimed to acknowledge the value of ITK brought forth the challenges to ITK. The development of new technology and the new use of traditional knowledge based products today is the major threat to the survival of many of these communities due to the commercial exploitation of traditional knowledge based products by the manufacturing without the permission and profit sharing with the communities. The Speakers emphasised that there is immense potential to harness the benefits of traditional knowledge to bring out new products or to find out new use of existing products and utilising it. Organizing Secretary Dr Amit Semwal said that the conference aimed to connect policy and science with traditional knowledge by highlighting the possibilities of synergies and exchanges between scientific and traditional knowledge, through medicinal, sociological, agricultural, and forestry- oriented approaches. He emphasized the important role that traditional knowledge plays in sustainable development and the management of ITK in Pharmaceutical Sector. Tarun Parashar, Kiran Dobhal, Soniya, Jyotsana, Pallavi, Nidhi, Prashant, Aashish Dimri, Neelima and other faculty were present at the event.
