The IPR Cell of Meenakshi College of Pharmacy, Chennai, successfully organized the “IPR Day Celebration – 2026” on 25th April 2026 at the Seminar Hall from 11:10 AM to 12:30 PM, with the participation of 62 students. The programme aimed to create awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), particularly in the context of traditional medicine.
The event commenced with an invocation and lighting of the lamp, marking an auspicious beginning. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by Prof. Dr. D. Chamundeeswari, Principal, who emphasized the growing importance of IPR in academics and research.
The Chief Guest, Dr. R. Meena, M.D. (Siddha), Ph.D., Research Officer and Scientist II, Central Council for Research (Siddha), Chennai, was introduced by Prof. Dr. S. Dhanalakshmi, Department of Pharmacognosy, and felicitated by Prof. Dr. L. Karpagavalli, Department of Pharmaceutics.
The highlight of the programme was the keynote address by the Chief Guest on “Intellectual Property Rights in Traditional Medicine: Challenges and Opportunities.” The session provided valuable insights into the protection of traditional knowledge, patent-related challenges, and emerging opportunities in herbal drug research.
As part of the celebration, a hand-sketched poster competition was conducted on 24th April 2026 to encourage creativity and enhance awareness of IPR concepts among students. The University IPR Cell sponsored mementos and certificates for the winners, and prizes were distributed during the event.
The programme was effectively coordinated by student masters of ceremony Aarcha B. Shankar and Redika Shree (I B.Pharm). It concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. K. K. Rajasekhar, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, followed by the National Anthem.
This academic engagement enhanced students’ understanding of intellectual property rights, innovation protection, and their application in traditional medicine, while strengthening their awareness of research ethics and legal frameworks.
