Jalandhar, November 22

Scientists from around the world gathered at DAV University to underscore the crucial need for integrating recent healthcare advancements with ecological considerations to propel sustainable development. The pressing global scenario calls for a strategic shift towards affordable yet sustainable healthcare technologies to address critical issues affecting our planet.

The distinguished gathering of scientists at the international conference, One Planet, One Health, One Future, emphasized the urgency of investigating the surge in coronary diseases and heart attacks among the youth post-COVID outbreak. The two-day conference at DAV University is being organized in collaboration with Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and Indian Science Congress Association (Chandigarh Chapter).

Various dignatories inaugurating the conference

The conference, was inaugurated by esteemed academician Prof R C Sobti, former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh, and BBA University, Lucknow, Vice Chancellor of DAV University Prof Manoj Kumar, President of the Indian Science Congress Association Dr Aravind Saxena, Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba, Canada Dr. N. S. Dhalla, Founder President of Punjab Academy of Sciences Dr I J S Bansal, Adjunct Professor at the University of Ottawa, Canada Dr H S Buttar, Registrar Dr S K Arora, and Dean of Science and Technology at DAV University Dr R K Seth. The conference witnessed the participation of about a dozen international scientists.

Recognizing exceptional contributions, the Punjab Forum for Science and Technology Communication conferred lifetime achievement awards upon four distinguished figures. Prof R C Sobti is the honorary president. The forum also established its nodal centre at DAV University. The awardees included Dr Punam Suri, Chancellor of DAV University for outstanding contributions to education, Dr N S Dhalla, Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba, Canada, Dr I J S Bansal, Founder President of Punjab Academy of Sciences, and Dr V P Kamboj (posthumous) for their significant roles in scientific research.

As part of the event, DAV University launched an international journal of science and technology, “Pratyaksham Vigyanam”, and unveiled the conference souvenir.

In his inaugural address, Dr Aravind Saxena, President of the Indian Science Congress Association, highlighted the importance of integrating research across all branches of science for a sustainable future. Prof N S Dhalla shed light on emerging causes of heart diseases, including psychological factors such as anxiety or extreme happiness.

Dr H S Buttar highlighted the immense potential of bovine colostrum in healing various medical conditions, while Dr D K Aggarwal from Western University of Health Sciences, California, USA, discussed the role of Vitamin D in preventing coronary artery disease. Dr Rashmi Kaul, from OSU Centre for Health Sciences Oklahoma, USA, explored the application of nano-diamonds in intracellular infections.

In a notable moment, the conference paid tribute to the late Dr V P Kamboj, who was posthumously given the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr Kamboj, the former Director of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, was instrumental in developing Saheli, the world’s first and only oral non-steroidal contraceptive pill. Launched in 1991, Saheli is renowned for being free from side effects like weight gain, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.