The School of Pharmacy at GITAM Deemed to be University, Hyderabad, celebrated National Pharmacy Education Day on the 124thbirth anniversary of Prof. M.L. Schroff, under the theme “Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy: A Paradigm Shift in Pharmaceutical Education and Research.”
Dr.Sistla Ramakrishna, Chief Scientist, IICT-Hyderabad, attended as the Chief Guest and urged budding pharmacists to uphold the dignity of their profession, think beyond conventional boundaries, and embrace interdisciplinary learning. He encouraged students and researchers to explore diverse domains within pharmacy and adopt an innovative, problem-solving mindset.
Dr.VamshiMadugula, Head–DMPK at Sai Life Sciences, was the Guest of Honour and delivered a keynote address highlighting the transformative role of AI in pharmaceutical research. He emphasized the growing importance of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK), the challenges in conventional drug development, and how AI-driven approaches can enhance efficiency, enable early risk assessment, and shift the focus toward predictive and preventive strategies.
The event also featured a panel discussion with industry experts, who shared insights on current trends and future prospects in pharmaceutical sciences.
Earlier, Prof. G. Shiva Kumar, Principal and Convener, welcomed the gathering and encouraged students to actively engage and leverage emerging opportunities in AI-driven pharmacy education.Students from B.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Ph.D. programs actively participated, making the session interactive and enriching.
The programme was coordinated by Assistant ProfessorsDr.GatadiSrikanthand Dr.Priya Singh.

Civil Defence Volunteer Training Concludes at GITAM
A week-long Civil Defence Volunteer Training programme concluded successfully on March 18, 2026, at GITAM Deemed to be University, Hyderabad. The programme was organised by the Telangana Fire, Disaster Response, Emergency and Civil Defence Department in association with various State and Central Government departments.
The hands-on training equipped participants with essential skills to respond effectively during emergencies such as air raids, chemical incidents, nuclear situations, and natural disasters. Volunteers received practical training in rescue operations, firefighting techniques, first aid, crowd management, and the distribution of relief materials.
Participants were also trained to coordinate with key emergency response agencies, including the Police Department, Fire Services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), ensuring a well-organised and timely response during crisis situations.
Officials noted that the initiative plays a crucial role in building a strong network of trained community volunteers capable of providing immediate assistance, thereby helping to save lives and minimise damage during emergencies. Upon successful completion of the training, participants were awarded identity cards and certificates of appreciation, recognised as valuable credentials both nationally and internationally.
Students of GITAM expressed their pride and satisfaction in being part of this unique and impactful initiative.
The programme was formally inaugurated on March 12 by D.V.V.S.R. Varma, Resident Director, GITAM, Hyderabad, and B. Nageswara Rao, District Fire Officer, Sangareddy, in the presence of K.V. Nagendra, Station Fire Officer, Patancheru, other officers, and staff.