Reinforcing its leadership in integrative healthcare research, SVKM’s NMIMS Shirpur Campus successfully hosted a two-day DST-ANRF sponsored National Conference on “Ayurveda & Tribal Healing for Respiratory Health.” The conference was organised by the School of Pharmacy & Technology Management (SPTM) in collaboration with SVKM’s Multispeciality Ayurveda Hospital and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Council.
The conference brought together researchers, academicians, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the integration of traditional knowledge systems with modern scientific validation, particularly in the area of respiratory health and sustainable herbal medicine.
Integrative Science Meets Traditional Knowledge
The second day featured impactful plenary sessions that highlighted translational research and interdisciplinary innovation.
Dr. Swapnil Borse (Ministry of AYUSH, SPPU, Pune) delivered a session on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) studies and herb-drug interactions. He emphasised the use of mathematical modelling to bridge the gap between preclinical findings and patient outcomes, presenting respiratory case studies that demonstrated how Ayurgenomics can be strengthened through scientific validation.
Dr. Siddheshwar Chauthe (NIPER Ahmedabad) evaluated Terminalia tomentosa as a sustainable alternative to Pterocarpus marsupium, linking Rasapanchaka properties with modern biological activity. His session underscored the importance of sustainable tribal sourcing to maintain the integrity of Ayurvedic formulations amid growing resource constraints.
Dr. Sanjay Tamoli (Target Institute of Medical Education and Research, Pune) concluded the plenaries with research on a nicotine-free herbal formulation designed to support tobacco dependence management. His team developed Smotect Azaadi Pop, formulated using Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Kaunch, based on clinical insights into energy and dopamine pathways in smokers.
Valedictory Ceremony and Research Recognition
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Sanjay Tamoli, along with Convenor Dr. Shyam Sunder Pancholi and Co-Convenors Dr. Shashikant Bagade, Dr. Saurabh Maru, and Dr. Vishal Beldar.
Dr. Pancholi reflected on the conference’s success in bridging Indian traditional healing systems with modern research methodologies and quality assurance frameworks. He acknowledged the generous support of DST-ANRF and industry partners including Vasu Pharma, Karma Enterprises, and Targate CRO.
The conference also recognised outstanding research contributions:
Tribal Healing Track:
- First Prize: Dr. Saurabh Maru (NMIMS Shirpur) for research on tribal remedies in cervical cancer
- Second Prize: Shyam Vachhani (M.Pharm QA, NMIMS) for work on Yoga and Pranayama in respiratory health
Research Track:
- First Prize: Snehal K. Bhavsar (R.C. Patel Institute) for isolating cytotoxic derivatives from Eulophia herbacea
- Second Prize: Aparna Chauhan (Central University of Rajasthan) for research on the anticancer activity of Barleria prionitis
Advancing Integrative and Sustainable Healthcare Research
The organisers expressed gratitude to Shri Amrishbhai R. Patel, Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS, and Shri Bhupeshbhai R. Patel, Joint President, SVKM, along with institutional leadership and mentors for their continued encouragement.
The successful hosting of the conference underscores NMIMS Shirpur’s growing footprint in integrative biomedical research and its commitment to advancing sustainable, evidence-based healthcare solutions that combine traditional wisdom with modern science.
