In the efforts to enhance scientific, technical, medical, and societal support while strengthening research in drug discovery, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu and Government Ayurvedic Medical College, Akhnoor on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu. The MoU aims to foster enhanced academic collaboration, upgrade undergraduate and postgraduate students at GAMC, and create an interdisciplinary environment integrating traditional medicines with modern drug discovery and pharmacology. Additionally, both institutions are committed to pursue the joint research and development (R&D) projects based on mutual research interests.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, elaborated on the significance of the partnership, stating that this MoU represents a milestone in combining modern scientific approaches with traditional Ayurvedic knowledge. It will enable groundbreaking advancements in drug development and reinforce our commitment to improve healthcare through innovative research. Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of GAMC, Akhnoor, added that “this collaboration will empower our students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and hands-on experience in integrative medicines. It will also strengthen evidence-based practices in Ayurveda, building robust connections between modern and traditional medicines systems.”

The MoU was signed by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of GAMC, Akhnoor, Jammu, for and on behalf of both the partner institutions, in the presence of Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head of RMBD & IST, Dr. Shashank Kumar Singh, Senior Principal Scientist and Dr. Ramajayan P., Scientist of the Pharmacology Division, Dr. Love Sharma, Scientist of RMBD & IST Division from IIIM side and Dr. Narinder Sharma, Dr. Poonam Gupta and Dr. Dheeraj Khajuria from GAMC. This partnership marks a pivotal step toward integrating traditional and modern medical sciences, promising significant advancement in healthcare and drug development, which is also very important for the globalization of Indian knowledge.