Institute of Science and Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University together organized a national level symposium on CME: Immunology in Health and Diseases, 22-23 February, 2024 under the aegis of the Indian Immunology Society. The event was coordinated by Dr. Aarthi Sundararajan and Dr. Bhagawati Saxena. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM), Government of Gujarat and Indian Immunology Society (IIS) provided financial support for the event.
The event began with the auspicious lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana. Prof. Sarat Dalai, Director, Institute of Science and Convener and Prof. Tejal Mehta, Deputy Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), Nirma University welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Inaugural addresses were given by Dr. Taruna Madan (President, Indian Immunology Society), Dr. Sanjeev Kumar (President, R&D, Zydus Research Center, Ahmedabad) and Dr. Dinakar Salunke (Emeritus Scientist & Former Director, International Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, New Delhi). Dr. Anup Singh, Director General, Nirma University gave the presidential address, followed by the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Aarthi Sundararajan.
The series of invited lectures by eminent scientists working in the field of Immunology started with the keynote address ‘Connecting Immunology and Pharmacology’ by Dr. Dinakar Salunke, (Emeritus Scientist & Former Director, International Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, New Delhi), ably moderated by Dr. Sunil Arora. During the two days sessions, several eminent talks by Dr. Dipankar Nandi, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; Dr. Devinder Sehgal, Scientist-VII, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi; Dr. Taruna Madan, Scientist G, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child health, Mumbai; Ms. Aashini Parikh, Zydus Research Center, Ahmedabad; Dr. Dipyaman Ganguly, Principal Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata; Dr. Arvind Sahu, Executive Director, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Dr. Vineeta Bal, Professor Emeritus, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Sunil K Arora, Professor, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Dr. Amit Awasthi, Senior Professor, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad; Dr. Sharvan Sehrawat, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan, Professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; Dr. Samir Sangitrao, Zydus Research Center, Ahmedabad.
On the second day, the valedictory function had esteemed dignitaries Dr. Arvind Sahu, Dr. Sunil K Arora, Dr. Amit Awasthi, Dr. Sharvan Sehrawat, Dr. Aarthi Sundararajan, Dr. Bhagwati Saxena, and Prof. Sarat Dalai gracing the stage. The knowledge assessment quiz was conducted and each of the winners received a prize of Rs. 2000 and a certificate generously sponsored by the Indian Immunological Society. It was a great learning experience for about 200 participants who actively engaged in the symposium. Dr. Bhagwati Saxena, gave away the vote of thanks. The ceremony concluded on a patriotic note with the rendition of the National Anthem.
