Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
 
Udupi, Dec 21: In a fervent plea to Indian pharmacologists assembled for the 44th Annual Conference of Indian Pharmacological Society (IPSCON), Dr V M Katoch, secretary, department of health research under union ministry of health and family welfare and director general of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR, New Delhi), urged them to carry out original research.
 
In his keynote address, at the annual conference at Fortune Inn Valley View, on Monday December 19, Dr Katoch said, “Serious attention must be paid to translational research. What is carried out must ultimately be beneficial to the society and the country at large. Translational research should be based on essential innovation.”

He exhorted the pharmacologists to resolve to be a part of an army to bring glory to the nation and build the nation’s image. Dr Katoch called for innovation, for which there must be formation of broad coalitions and cohesive approach. 
 
Dr K Laxminarayan Bairy, organizing secretary of the 44th IPSCON outlined about the conference.
 
Dr Bhagirath Patel, treasurer of the Society, gave a presentation on the acquisition of a permanent headquarters by Indian Pharmacological Society (IPS) at Ahmedabad.
 
Dr Dinesh Kumar, general secretary, in his brief address, presented the report of the activities of the Society.
 
Dr N R Biswas, vice-president of the Society, read out the address of the President of IPS.
 
Dr Ramdas Pai presented IPS fellowships, medals, and prizes to pharmacologists chosen by the Society for their contribution to society and to research through outstanding publications.
 
The pro chancellor and vice chancellor of Manipal University Dr H S Ballal and Dr K Ramnarayan released the souvenir and an abstract book of the conference, respectively.
 
Around 1400 delegates, 100 resource persons and guests, drawn from different parts of India and abroad are attending this conference.
 
The department of pharmacology of Kasturba Medical College (KMC) is hosting this national event for the first time. The conference will conclude on Wednesday on December 21.