Kolkata, March 28, 2026: In a significant step toward addressing one of the world’s most pressing public health threats, the Centre for Health Science and Technology (CHeST), an initiative of JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research (JISIASR), in collaboration with the ICMR–National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (ICMR–NIRBI), organised a conference on Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship at its Santragachi campus.
The event, titled ARAKSHA (Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship), brought together leading scientists, medical experts, academicians, and students to deliberate on the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use.
Community-Centric Approach to a Global Crisis
A key highlight of the initiative was its unique community-driven model. Around 1,300 undergraduate and postgraduate non-medical students from Kolkata and Howrah participated in a structured survey aimed at understanding awareness levels and practices related to antibiotic use.
The findings from this large-scale survey are expected to contribute to a model white paper, offering a situational analysis of antimicrobial stewardship in and around Kolkata.
Distinguished Participation
The conference was graced by Dr. Kamini Walia, Scientist G and Head of the Descriptive Research Antimicrobial Resistance Division at ICMR, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest.
Other prominent dignitaries included:
- Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray, Director, JISIASR
- Prof. Rukhsana Chowdhury, JISIASR
- Dr. Asish Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Scientist G, ICMR–NIRBI
- Dr. Arunansu Talukdar, Medical College, Kolkata
- Dr. Kumkum Bhattacharya, IPGME&R & Quadra Medical Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Dr. Dipankar Sarkar, Manipal Hospitals
- Dr. Pramit Ghosh and Dr. Debjit Chakraborty, ICMR–NIRBI
- Dr. Manjushree Ray, Principal, JIS School of Medical Science & Research
- Dr. Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay and Dr. Sandip Paul
Three-Phase Initiative Engages Students
The programme was conducted in three phases:
- Orientation sessions
- Community-level surveys using an ICMR-approved questionnaire
- Final symposium and presentations
Students from institutions such as Lady Brabourne College, Scottish Church College, Vijaygarh College, Adamas University, and JISIASR actively participated. They presented survey findings, created awareness reels, and competed in an AMR quiz.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
A panel discussion on “Progress toward community-level antibiotic stewardship in India: Actions to be taken” served as a focal point of the conference, highlighting actionable strategies to strengthen responsible antibiotic practices across communities.
Institutional Support
The programme received support from the Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) initiative under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, along with JIS Group Educational Initiatives.
Leadership Perspective
Addressing the gathering, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in tackling AMR.
“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time. Through ARAKSHA, we aim to empower young minds with knowledge and practical exposure so they can become advocates for responsible antibiotic use,” he said.
