Lucknow: The CSIR–Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, is hosting a two-day Symposium on “Drug Discovery and Development: Past, Present & Future” along with its First-Ever Alumni Meet–2025, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the institute. Day One of the programme was celebrated today, 18 December 2025, bringing together distinguished alumni of CDRI, scientists, academicians, industry experts, researchers, and students to celebrate CDRI’s rich legacy and seven decades of contributions to drug discovery, development, and biomedical research. The day featured engaging Alumni Talk Series, a nostalgic Alumni Reminiscence Session, an informative Campus Tour, and a vibrant Cultural Evening, providing a perfect blend of scientific discourse, memories, and cultural celebration.
The programme began with the Inaugural Session at the CSIR-CDRI Auditorium. Dr. Radha Rangarajan, Director, CSIR-CDRI, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the institute’s seven-decade-long contributions to indigenous drug discovery, translational research, and national health priorities. The inauguration was graced by a video message from Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, who appreciated CSIR-CDRI for organising its first-ever Alumni Meet and commended the institute’s enduring culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and societal impact. She emphasised the critical role of alumni in mentoring young scientists and strengthening collaborative and translational research.
Dr. Radha Rangarajan also presented an overview of ongoing scientific activities at CSIR-CDRI, followed by Dr. Aamir Nazir, Chairman of the Organising Committee, who outlined the vision and objectives of the Alumni Meet and Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The CDRI Alumni Association was formally introduced by Dr. Sanjay Batra, Emeritus Scientist, CBMR and former chief Scientist of CDRI, Addressing the gathering, Dr. Madhu Dikshit, ANRF National Science Chair, former Director of CSIR-CDRI, and President of the Alumni Association, reflected on the institute’s legacy of mentorship, leadership, and impactful science. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Ram A. Vishwakarma, Distinguished Scientist, CSIR-CDRI, highlighted the transformative contributions of CDRI alumni to drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, public health, and global biomedical research.
The Alumni Talk Series on Day One featured eminent alumni whose careers exemplify the global impact of CSIR-CDRI. Dr. Altaf Lal, an internationally recognised leader in global health and infectious diseases, shared his inspiring journey from Kashmir to CDRI and onward to leadership roles at NIH, CDC, FDA, and global health institutions, highlighting how training and mentorship at CDRI shaped his contributions to malaria elimination, vaccine development, and public health diplomacy.
Dr. Madhu Dikshit reflected on her journey from Junior Research Fellow to Director of CSIR-CDRI, underscoring her pioneering contributions to cardiovascular biology, inflammation, nitric oxide biology, metabolic regulation, and indigenous drug development, while emphasising resilience, humility, and service as core leadership values.
Dr. Om Prakash, Professor at Kansas State University, USA, highlighted the role of his doctoral training at CDRI in shaping his international research career and presented insights into immune evasion mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus, discussing structural and functional aspects of bacterial proteins that inhibit human neutrophil responses.
Prof. Rajendra Prasad, eminent molecular mycologist and distinguished alumnus, reflected on five decades of research on fungal drug resistance, highlighting key discoveries such as the ABC transporter CDR1 and emerging strategies to address antifungal resistance as a growing global health challenge.
Dr. A. K. Saxena, eminent medicinal chemist and pioneer of computer-aided drug design in India, shared reflections on his more than five-decade association with CSIR-CDRI, emphasising how curiosity-driven research, mentorship, and collaboration shaped his scientific journey and contributions to translational drug discovery.
Dr. Ravi Thakur, CSIR-CDRI alumnus and Assistant Professor at Christ University, Bengaluru, presented cutting-edge research on metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer, highlighting tumor microenvironment-driven therapy resistance and emerging immunotherapeutic strategies, tracing his translational research roots to CDRI’s anti-cancer drug discovery programme.
A special session on “Reminiscence of CDRI” by Dr. Niti Kumar evoked fond memories of the institute’s formative years, scientific culture, and camaraderie, offering alumni an opportunity to reconnect with CDRI’s enduring values and traditions. This was followed by a guided campus tour, allowing alumni to revisit laboratories, facilities, and spaces that shaped their scientific journeys.
Day One concluded with a vibrant Cultural Evening by Sangam Band, celebrating music and togetherness, providing alumni, scientists, students, and guests an informal platform to reconnect, exchange ideas, and strengthen bonds.
The successful conduct of Day One of the Alumni Meet was made possible through the dedicated efforts of CSIR-CDRI’s academic and scientific teams, organising committees, administrative and technical staff, student volunteers, and alumni supporters, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to celebrating its legacy and inspiring future generations of scientists.
