We strive not simply to provide topic knowledge but also the necessary training for the holistic development, Dr Datta

In an exclusive interaction with Shiksha.com, Principal of Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology Prof. (Dr.) Lopamudra Datta shares her views about the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance in paving the way to success. She also emphasized that developing communication skills by students is also very important in addition to learning technical skills to help them meet global competition and become industry ready

Dr. Datta expressed that GNIPST continuously strives to create an environment of learning. This institute is committed to provide continuous support and encouragement to innovative ideas and research

Read the complete interview below.

Q: What are the three things that your institute is doing that will enable it to differentiate itself from the competition?

 A: We at GNIPST intend to prepare our students for their future by providing not only domain knowledge but also the requisite training for the overall development of the individual. In order to differentiate ourselves from other Pharmacy institutes, we put emphasis on the following three dimensions :

• Flipped teaching and project-based teaching-learning

GNIPST is the first among the Pharmacy Institutes to introduce flipped teaching and project-based teaching-learning methods. Flipped method helps students to improve their self-learning capabilities and project-based learning ignites their innovative minds and makes them industry-ready.

• Guidance for competitive examinations and extensive campus drive for placement

Our institute extends proper guidance to all students willing to continue with higher studies and provides adequate training for appearing in competitive examinations. Renowned multi-national pharmaceutical companies and other global recruiters regularly visit our campus, conduct placement drive and recruit our students.

• Encouraging students for co-curricular and extracurricular students for holistic development

GNIPST believes that parallel to the process of developing domain knowledge, students must also develop other skills such as communication skills and leadership abilities. Our students are encouraged to actively participate in various co-curricular and extra-curricular activities which help in the holistic development of the individual into a responsible citizen.

Q: What are the top three initiatives undertaken by you that are helping your students become more industry-ready?

A: To make our students' industry-ready the following initiatives have been undertaken:

• On-floor training in reputed pharmaceutical industries
• Students are sent to reputed pharmaceutical industries for on-floor training so that they get exposure of the actual practices in the industry.
• Finishing school programme for final year students
• Every year a finishing school programme is organised for the final year students where they get an opportunity to learn from the industry experts and interact with them, thereby know the expectations of the industry from the students.
• Collaboration with industries and seminars and guest lectures by experts from Industry
• Collaborations with different pharmaceutical industries help our students not only during visits to industry but also to work on live industry projects. Industry experts from reputed pharmaceutical companies regularly deliver lectures to our students during seminars, webinars and conferences organised by the institute.

Q: What are the key attributes that a student should have in order to qualify for your institution and perform better in curriculum?

A: To qualify for the institution, one must fulfil the eligibility criteria to have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/ Biology as mandatory subjects.

Besides this, all eligible candidates must appear for WBJEE/ AMPAI/ JEE(Mains) as a qualifying exam.

To perform better in the curriculum, one must be dedicated and willing to learn. By willingness to learn not just means individually but in a team also. Besides this, one must be regular in studies too

Q: Which programme/s would you say is/are your best? What is it that helps your institution differentiate itself for this programme?

A: Among the complete range of programmes that we offer, it is difficult to say which one is the best as the curriculum of all the programmes is up-to-date and industry-relevant. The curriculum is designed and sometimes also delivered by eminent industry experts for a quality learning experience.

As we focus more on practical exposure for students, we try and bring challenging internship opportunities onboard and live projects so they get the hands-on experience of working in the corporate culture.

Q: What are you doing to improve/drive better campus placements for your current students and alumni? What kind of jobs routinely come to campus? What would you say are the key recruitment trends for your university/college (observed over the past five years at your institute)?

A: GNIPST undertakes the following initiatives for better campus placements :

• On-floor training in reputed Pharmaceutical Industries
• Collaboration with industries
• Strong Alumni Network through Alumni Association
• Initiatives to improve communication skills
• Organising Finishing School Program
• Organising Mock Interview and Group Discussion sessions

Our Campus Recruiters offer jobs in the following sectors :

• Pharmaceutical Industry – Research and Development
• Pharmaceutical Industry – Production
• Pharmaceutical Industry – Quality Assurance
• Pharmacovigilance
• Pharmaceutical Marketing

Major recruitment trends are as follows :

• Pharmacy graduates recruited in
  • Production sector
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Pharmaceutical marketing

• Pharmacy post-graduates recruited in
  • Research and Development in the Pharmaceutical Industries
  • Quality Assurance