Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, jointly in collaboration with the Indian Pharmacy Graduates’ Association (IPGA) Tamil Nadu State Branch; organized a five-day Virtual Faculty Development Programme (FDP) titled “Future-Ready Pharmacy Education under NEP 2020: Empowering Pharmacy Faculty for Excellence in Teaching, Research, Innovation and Professional Leadership” from August 24 – 28, 2026.
The programme was designed to empower pharmacy faculty with future-ready knowledge, skills and competencies aligned with the vision and implementation of NEP 2020. The FDP focused on contemporary priorities in pharmacy education, including learner-centred and competency-based education, innovative pedagogy, Artificial Intelligence and digital teaching platforms, digital health, scientific and grant writing, research ethics, quality assurance, accreditation preparedness, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and professional networking.
The programme featured eminent academic and professional speakers, including Prof. Dr. S. Kavimani, Dr. Mohanraj Rathinavelu, Dr. Gayathri Hariharan, Dr. K. Lakshmi, Dr. V. Subhadra Devi, Dr. Sudha Murugesan, Dr. R. Rajeswari, Dr. Binoy Varghese Cheriyan, and Dr. T.N.K. Suriyaprakash; representing leading pharmacy institutions and professional organizations.
The programme was convened by Dr. Ramaiyan Velmurugan, Professor and Principal, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, SIMATS, Chennai, and coordinated by a multidisciplinary academic team, including Dr. Thirumalaikumaran Rathinam, Dr. Mohanraj Rathinavelu, Dr. Bhavya Ekambaram, and Dr. Binoy Varghese Cheriyan and other faculty members.
The FDP provided a structured platform for 140 faculty members in terms of professional development and exchange, supporting participants in strengthening teaching competencies, research capabilities, digital readiness, academic leadership and institutional development. It reinforced the need for continuous professional development and innovation to prepare pharmacy education for emerging academic and healthcare priorities under NEP 2020.
