Union Minister Dr Jitendra inaugurates i-Connect prog
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 25 2023:
On the second day of the three-day programme of International Bioresource Conclave and Ethnopharmacology Congress, which is being organised by Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) in collaboration with Society for Ethnopharmacology, India and International Society for Ethnopharmacology, Switzerland at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, here; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh, who joined through online inaugurated i-Connect programme & SFE-annual award ceremony on Saturday.
Speaking at the programme held on the theme 'Reimagine Ethnopharmacology: Globalization of Traditional Medicine' as chief guest, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that the conference organised for the first time in North East region is focussing mainly on globalization of traditional medicines.
He continued that the central government will bring a great leap in the economic growth in North East region.
Urging the people to take opportunity of the conclave which not only provides academic but also business platform, he lauded the initiative of IBSD and SFE for proper utilisation of bio resources found in various states of North East.
Jitendra further appealed to all concerned to timely take bio patent for the herbs found in the region and stressed the need for finding out the components in the medicines used in ancient times.
Young entrepreneurs should focus on bio start up as it will help in magnanimous economic improvement of the country.
There is possibility of enhancing the economy by making medical herbs found in the biological hotspot into plant extract.
Such possibility should be taken by academics, researchers and people having innovative idea so as to fulfil the dream of PM Narendra Modi of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
More than 105 scientific lectures by eminent scientists will be conducted during the conclave, which is being participated by more than 700 delegates representing over 35 countries and states of the country.
Department of Biotechnology secretary Rajesh S Gokhale highlighted various activities of DBT for the development of Bio-economy and promotion of ethno pharmacology in recent context.
He appreciated the initiative of IBSD director Prof Pulok K Mukherjee in organising the congress in Imphal to showcase the unique bio resources of Manipur in particular and whole NER in general.
The programme was attended by director Prof Pulok, ISE secretary Prof Marco Leonti and Ministry of Ayush former secretary Sekhar Dutt among others.
As part of the congress, a special panel discussion session "i-Connect program: Business meet" was also organised for the developing industry linkage with the entrepreneurs of the region.
The congress will provide an environment for knowledge sharing among researchers, policymakers, industry persons, healthcare practitioners, and decision-makers interested in the promotion of bioresources, traditional medicines, ethnopharmacology and drug discovery.
Centre for outreach activities and scientists & students hostel facility of IBSD was inaugurated and pictorial guide 'Flora of Manipur' jointly produced by Botanical Survey and IBSD was also released during the function.
During the annual awards ceremony of SFE, awards were presented to Prof Thomas Efferth, Prof Satyajit D Sarker, Prof Guruaribam Shantibala Devi, Prof Alvaro M Viljoen, Dr Lal Hingorani, Dr Caroline Sonja Weckerle, Dr Sanjay Kumar and Prof Nongmaithem Rajmuhon Singh for their excellence in their research areas.