Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy, Tumakuru, celebrated World Pharmacists Day 2026 on 26 September 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the college premises. The programme was organised in association with the Food Safety & Drugs Administration, Tumakuru, and the Chemists & Druggists Association, Tumakuru. The celebration was held under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures,” highlighting the importance of strengthening the pharmacy profession and recognising the valuable contribution of pharmacists to healthcare and public well-being.
The programme was organised with the divine blessings of His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sree Shivakumara Mahashivayogigalu, Founder President of Sree Siddaganga Education Society, Sree Siddaganga Math, Tumakuru. The occasion brought together representatives from pharmacy education, healthcare administration, drug regulatory authorities and the professional community, providing a valuable platform to acknowledge the expanding responsibilities of pharmacists in contemporary healthcare.
The programme was presided over by Dr. S. Sacchidanand, Executive Director, SMCRI, Tumakuru, and Former Vice-Chancellor, RGUHS, Bangalore, and graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Their distinguished presence added significance to the celebration and reflected the importance of collaboration between administrative authorities, healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies and academic institutions in promoting public health.
The programme was further honoured by the presence of Sri. Mallikarjun Nagur, Deputy Drugs Controller, Regional Office, Tumakuru, as Guests of Honour. The participation of eminent personalities from healthcare, academia and drug regulatory administration provided additional professional significance to the occasion.
The celebration was also graced by Mrs. Chandrakala Shilpa, Assistant Drugs Controller-I, Tumakuru; Mr. B. Suresh, Assistant Drugs Controller-II, Tumakuru; Dr. Suresh V. Kulkarni, Principal, Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy, Tumakuru; and Sri. N. S. Pandit Jawahar, President, and Mr. Vijaya Kumar, Secretary, Chemist & Druggist Association, Tumakuru. Officers of the Food Safety and Drug Administration, representatives of the Chemists & Druggists Association and members of the Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy community were associated with the programme.
The central theme of the celebration, “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures,” emphasised the increasingly important role of pharmacists in modern healthcare. Pharmacists contribute not only to the preparation and dispensing of medicines but also to medication safety, appropriate use of medicines, patient awareness, public health and the overall improvement of healthcare outcomes. The occasion therefore provided an opportunity to recognise pharmacists as essential members of the healthcare system.
The celebration also highlighted the importance of strengthening professional knowledge, ethical responsibility and patient-centred approaches among pharmacy professionals. In an evolving healthcare environment, pharmacists have an important responsibility to promote the safe and rational use of medicines and to contribute towards improving the quality of pharmaceutical care. Empowering pharmacists through education, professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration can further enhance their contribution to society.
World Pharmacists Day also serves as an important occasion for pharmacy students to understand the dignity, responsibilities and social relevance of their chosen profession. Such celebrations help future pharmacists appreciate that professional success extends beyond academic achievement and includes ethical practice, commitment to patient safety, professional integrity and service to society. The collaborative organisation of the programme by the Food Safety & Drugs Administration, Tumakuru, Chemists & Druggists Association, Tumakuru, and Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy demonstrated the value of cooperation between regulatory authorities, professional organisations and academic institutions. Such interaction can contribute towards strengthening professional awareness and developing a greater understanding of the responsibilities associated with pharmaceutical practice.
A special highlight of the celebration was the recognition of Dr. Suresh V. Kulkarni, Principal, Sree Siddaganga College of Pharmacy, for his outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacy education and academic leadership. He was honoured with the prestigious “Best Pharmacist Award (Academics)” Award in recognition of his dedication to academic excellence, innovative teaching practices, professional development, and his significant contribution towards the overall growth of the institution. The award stands as a testimony to his exemplary leadership, commitment to nurturing young pharmacy professionals, and continued efforts towards strengthening the standards of pharmacy education.
Further, the Food Safety & Drugs Administration also honoured to Mr. Ravi K N, Senior Pharmacy Officer, General Hospital, Gubbi, Mr. B.Siddalingaiah, Sangam Medicals and General Stores, Tumakuru, Mr. T R Narayana Murthy, Pradeep Medico House, Tumakuru and Mr. A S Venktesh, Amruthuru Medicals, Amruthuru, Kunigal in the same occasion.