Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!đ Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu today paid rich floral tributes to Col. Sir R. N. Chopra, the Founder Director of the Institute, on his 144th birth anniversary, remembering his pioneering contributions to pharmacology, medicinal plants and Indian systems of medicine.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu and Director, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, along with scientists, technical and administrative staff, research scholars and other employees, offered floral tributes at the statue of Col. Sir R. N. Chopra on the institute premises. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed recalled the remarkable contributions of Col. Chopra, who is widely regarded as the Father of Indian Pharmacology.
He said Col. Chopra played a pioneering role in establishing a scientific approach towards the study of medicinal plants and traditional systems of medicine. Dr. Ahmed highlighted Col. Chopra's contribution towards the preparation of Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopeias, helping bring India's traditional knowledge systems within the ambit of scientific research and creating a pathway for their wider global recognition.
He also recalled Col. Chopra's pioneering work on medicinal plants, and his role in introducing the commercial cultivation of mint in India in 1968. He said his efforts contributed to the development of India's mint industry, with the country today emerging as a global leader in mint oil production and related products.
âCol. Chopra carried forward his scientific work at a time when research facilities were very limited, yet he made remarkable contributions in the fields of pharmacology and medicinal plants. His passion for science and commitment to serving humanity continue to inspire us,â Dr. Ahmed said. He said the best tribute to Col. Chopra would be to continue pursuing scientific research with sincerity and dedication and work towards taking India's indigenous knowledge systems to the global stage.
Dr. Ahmed further noted that CSIR-IIIM's ongoing work in medicinal cannabis research, lavender-based products, natural products and collaborations with national institutions and industry reflects the scientific vision and values championed by Col. Chopra. The CSIR-IIIM fraternity reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward the legacy of its Founder Director through innovative research in medicinal plants, natural products and traditional knowledge using modern science and technology.
Prominent among those present were Heads of various research divisions and senior faculty and staff, including Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Sumit G. Gandhi, Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, Dr. Rajkishor Rai, Sh. Kaushal Kumar, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Dr. Shashank Kumar Singh and Dr. Amit Nargotra, among others.