The Global Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), Radaur, Yamunanagar, hosted a one-day National Conference on August 24, 2024, perfectly aligned with the spirit of National Technology Day. The theme of the conference, “From Schools to Startups: Igniting Young Minds to Innovate,” aimed to inspire young students to think creatively and pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. Sponsored by the Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation & Technology, Directorate of Science & Technology, Government of Haryana, and supported by the Society of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (SPSR), the event brought together experts and students for a day of learning and inspiration. The Chief Guest, Shri Sanjeev Chawla, ADC from the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, shared his experiences as an entrepreneur, motivating students to follow their startup dreams. The Guests of Honor, including Dr. Shashi Alok, National President of SPSR from Bundelkhand University, Jhansi; Prof. Dr. Kumar Guarve, Principal of GGSCOP, Yamunanagar; and Dr. Prateek Sharma from Government College of Pharmacy, Kangra, emphasized the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial skills from a young age. Key speakers like Dr. Vanish Kumar, Scientist-C at the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Chandigarh, and Dr. Rahul Taneja, Scientist at DST, Government of Haryana, provided valuable insights on nano biosensors for food contamination detection and the role of innovation and intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical industry.

The conference also featured over 30 resource persons including Prof. (Dr.) Sameer Sapra, Prof. (Dr.) Ramandeep Singh, Prof. (Dr.) Lovkesh Bhatia, Prof. (Dr.) Divya Kiran, Prof. (Dr.) Akash Jain, Dr. Sukhbir Lal Khokhra, Prof. (Dr.) Bhawna Chopra, Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Deswal, Dr. Ajmer Singh, Prof. (Dr.) Prabhjot Singh, Dr. Balram, Dr. Gurvirender Singh, Dr. Vaibhav Rathi, Dr. Kalpana Garg, Dr. Abhimanyu Rai Sharma, Dr. Binu Raina, Dr. Navgeet Sandhu, Dr. Mamta, Dr. Benu Chaudhary, Dr. Deepak Bhateja, Dr. Prerna Sharma, Dr. Jasmine Chaudhary and other renowned academics and industry experts, who contributed to the discussions and shared diverse perspectives. With more than 300 delegates attending, the event offered an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and networking. A significant highlight was the release of the college’s annual magazine, “The Pharma Chronicle,” which showcases the institute’s academic achievements and research milestones. In addition, the release of the conference souvenir was another highlight of the day. The conference featured over 100 abstracts, all of which have been published in International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, a peer-reviewed journal indexed in Web of Science and PubMed.

The model preparation and panel discussion segments allowed students to present their innovative projects, receive feedback from experts. The model preparation competition was particularly noteworthy, with students from various institutions showcasing outstanding projects. Vani, Tanishka, and Yashvi from Hari Om Shiv Om School secured the 3rd position with their model on Renewable Energy Resources. 2nd place went to Shejal, Ankit, Chehak, and Aanchal from GRIP, Yamunanagar, for their Modified Release Tester. 1st place was claimed by Ankush and Sumit Rohilla from RPIIT, Karnal, for their model on an LPG Leakage Detector.

College Chairman CA Sanjay Jindal and Vice Chairperson Ms. Indu Jindal praised the students’ efforts and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting young innovators. Dr. Ashwani Dhingra, Principal of GRIP, Radaur, expressed gratitude to all the distinguished guests, speakers, resource persons, participants, and members of the organizing committee for their contributions in making the event a memorable and enriching experience. Dr. Neha Yadav (Organizing Secretary) and Dr. Smita Narwal (Coordinator) ensured the smooth execution of the event, which was celebrated as a great success.