VMPL

Vadodara (Gujarat) [India] August 10: Navrachana University inaugurated the Centre for Public Health, a new initiative of its School of Science, on August 8, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to addressing emerging public health challenges through interdisciplinary research, education, innovation, and community engagement. Established as a multidisciplinary platform, the Centre will promote ethical, evidence-based, and action-oriented approaches to public health by advancing research, strengthening professional capacities through training and mentorship, fostering partnerships across government, academia, healthcare, industry, and civil society, and translating research into policy and practice, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The Centre was inaugurated by Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Anand, as the Chief Guest. The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Bhavesh Modi, Director and Scientist, National Institute of Occupational Health (ICMR), Ahmedabad. The ceremony was held in the presence of the University leadership, including Smt. Tejal Amin, Chairperson, Navrachana University; Prof. Pratyush Shankar, Provost; Prof. Sandeep Vasant, Registrar; Prof. A. V. Ramachandran, Professor Emeritus & Mentor, School of Science; and Dr. Darshee Baxi, Associate Dean, School of Science, Navrachana University.

The inauguration was followed by a panel discussion on 'Public Health in the 21st Century through the One Health Approach,' bringing together eminent experts from public health, medicine, governance, agriculture, and industry. The panel featured Dr. Amarjit Singh, Former Principal Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; Dr. Dhananjay Bhatt, Former UN Community Health Specialist and Health Consultant, UNICEF Gujarat; Dr. Sandeep Shah, Head, Department of Psychiatry, GMERS, Vadodara; Dr. Sunil Nayak, Head, Department of Community Medicine, GMERS, Vadodara; Mr. Pradeep Yadav, Technical Consultant - Sustainable Agriculture, Climate & ESG, IFFCO; and Mr. Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, Fermenta Biotech Pvt. Ltd.

Speaking on the significance of the Centre, Prof. A. V. Ramachandran, said, 'The launch of the Centre for Public Health reflects our commitment to addressing emerging health challenges through research, innovation, and collaboration. The future is not something we inherit; it is something we create through knowledge, innovation, and service.'

Emphasizing the Centre's vision, Prof. Sirimavo Nair, Head and Honorary Professor, Centre for Public Health, said, 'One Health is not merely a slogan, discipline, or profession - it is a practice. Through the Centre for Public Health, we aim to translate research into meaningful, community-focused solutions that improve health and well-being for all.'

Highlighting the Centre's academic and societal impact, the Associate Dean, School of Science, Dr. Darshee Baxi, said, 'Today's public health challenges demand interdisciplinary, evidence-based collaboration. The Centre for Public Health will drive novel discoveries through a life-course approach to preventive healthcare while serving as a transformative learning platform for students. By engaging with real-world health challenges, students will develop the skills, innovative mindset, and societal perspective needed to become future leaders in science and public health.'

The launch of the Centre marks a significant milestone in Navrachana University's efforts to strengthen public health through interdisciplinary research, innovation, and meaningful community engagement.

For more info - https://nuv.ac.in/

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