Governor stresses on self-reliance in pharma, chemical fields

Country has to strive to regain the global leadership role in science and technology, says Tamilisai

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan has exhorted the scientific community to make a dedicated effort for the country to become self-reliant in Advanced Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSM) to reduce dependence on other countries under the Atmanirbhar initiative propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. The country has to strive to regain the global leadership role in science and technology with all the stakeholders joining to promote research especially in ‘applicational oriented research’ and increased funding through different sectors. “This would help us stay ahead in the global competitive market through patent applications, trademark filings and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to make the country a knowledge superpower,” she said. Participating in the 78th Foundation Day celebrations of CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) virtually, Dr. Soundararajan said there has to be improved linkages for an expanded research based eco-system among the institutions and the academic bodies. Patting the ‘prestigious’ research institute for its crucial role in promoting chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and also in making indigenous COVID vaccine as well as drugs, she wanted the scientists not to become ‘complacent’.