DIBRUGARH, March 12 � Scientists and researchers from at least four foreign nations have joined a congregation of the Northeast�s scientific community at Dibrugarh University here to develop a realistic roadmap to harness the enormous potential of the region�s plant diversity for human welfare through scientific approach for drug discovery.
The foreign scientists and researchers are from Bangladesh, Japan, Australia and Malaysia and they will be exchanging ideas and knowledge with the region�s scientific community during the three-day international conference on �Harnessing the Sub-Himalayan Plant Diversity for Human Welfare� and during the 4th Indian National Seminar of Asian Network of Research on Antidiabetic Plants (ANRAP) on the concluding day.
Another objective of the conference is also to create a platform for sharing the views and ideas on the contemporary trends in drug discovery from the plant sources. The two concurrent events inaugurated on Wednesday are being hosted by the Dibrugarh University in the run-up to its golden jubilee celebration. The conference was declared open by the Vice Chancellor, Dr Alak Kumar Buragohain.
It is pertinent to mention that the sub-Himalayan region is recognised as one of the largest biodiversity hotspots of the world. The region is well known for its unique ecology, lush landscapes and diverse physiography ranging from plains, plateaus and mountains. The region is considered a storehouse of numerous medicinal plants.
Professor Lila Kanta Nath, the convenor of the international event, in his welcome address, said: �Though the vast potential of the unique plant diversity is known and discussed, little has been done to harness the inherent potential towards drug discovery in a manner that is eco-friendly and sustainable.�
The three-day international event will include among other discussions and deliberations, seven plenary lectures, 19 invited lectures, 22 research paper presentations and 159 poster presentations.
Participants include scientists and researchers from the diverse allied disciplines like Ethno Botany, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Chemical Sciences. The plenary speakers and invited lecturers for the technical sessions include internationally acclaimed scientists from both foreign and different parts of India. About 300 delegates are participating in the conference. Some 35 participants are from Bangladesh alone.
The conference is sponsored by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India; Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi; Defence Research and Development Organisation, Government of India and Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Government of India.
Dr Kanury Venkata Subha Rao, renowned scientist and head, Immunology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi was the chief guest for the inaugural session. The inaugural programme was attended among others by Professor Samir Bhattacharya from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan; Professor CK Kokate from KLE University, Karnataka; Professor AK Azad from ANRAP, Dhaka and Dr NC Talukdar, Director of Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, Guwahati as guests of honour.
