JAMMU: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, on Monday paid floral tributes to its Founder Director Col Sir R N Chopra on his 144th birth anniversary, recalling 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 Chopra on the institute premises.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ahmed described Col Chopra as the “Father of Indian Pharmacology” and highlighted his role in establishing a scientific approach to the study of medicinal plants and traditional systems of medicine.
He said Col Chopra made significant contributions towards the preparation of Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopeias, helping bring India’s traditional knowledge systems within the ambit of scientific research and paving the way for wider global recognition.
Dr Ahmed 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 these efforts contributed to the development of the country’s mint industry, with India subsequently emerging as a global leader in mint oil production and related products.
“Col. 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,” Dr Ahmed said.
He said the best tribute to Col Chopra would be to pursue scientific research with sincerity and dedication and work towards taking India’s indigenous knowledge systems to the global stage.
Dr Ahmed said CSIR-IIIM’s ongoing work in medicinal cannabis research, lavender-based products, natural products and collaborations with national institutions and industry reflected 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.
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, Kaushal Kumar, Dr Saurabh Saran, Dr Shashank Kumar Singh and Dr Amit Nargotra.
