Manipal, 10th October 2025 — The Centre for cGMP at Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), a constituent Institution of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, hosted the inaugural Manipal cGMP Forum alongside the 3rd National cGMP Day celebration, marking a significant milestone in advancing pharmaceutical quality and manufacturing standards in India.

The event's centrepiece was the release of India's first Special Postal Cover dedicated to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)—a pioneering initiative conceived by Dr Girish Pai K, Coordinator, Centre for cGMP, MAHE, in collaboration with Sri. Bharat Shah, National President, IDMA, and Dr. George Patani, Senior Vice President, IDMA.

The Special Postal Cover was unveiled in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Sri. Bharat Shah (National President, IDMA), Sri. K Raja Bhanu (Director General, Pharmexcil), Mrs. Aditi Kare Panandikar (Hon. General Secretary, IDMA), Sri. Amit Raj Sinha (MD & CEO, Sigachi Industries Ltd), Sri. K Prakash (Chief Postmaster General), Dr. Sharath Rao (Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE), and Dr. Srinivas Mutalik (Principal, MCOPS).

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, emphasised the significance: "This marks a momentous milestone as we celebrate 2025 as the 'Year of Excellence in Industry-Academia Collaborations.' The Special Postal Cover is expected to generate nationwide awareness on the importance of cGMP and medicine quality."

Sri Bharat Shah, National President of IDMA, announced IDMA's proud sponsorship of this maiden initiative, remarking, "We believe this is a pioneering initiative to raise awareness not only among industry professionals, academia and regulators, but also among dispensing pharmacists, the patient community and the general public."

Dr. Girish Pai K presented the Centre's inspiring journey since its 2023 inception, highlighting pioneering initiatives including the cGMP Awareness Series, cGMP Lecture Series, cGMP CONNECT Newsletter, and the Train the Pharmacists program. He described the Special Postal Cover as "a symbol of national recognition and respect for cGMP," expressing gratitude to IDMA and Sri Bharat Shah for their generous sponsorship.

Dr. Pai also welcomed the inclusion of cGMP as an elective in the PCI-prescribed BPharm syllabus, calling it "a timely development, coinciding meaningfully with the third National cGMP Day celebrations."

The forum featured several notable achievements and presentations. The prestigious National cGMP Day Award 2025 was conferred upon Mr. Ananthakrishna Padiyar, Chief of Quality, Cipla Ltd, Mumbai, in recognition of his exemplary contributions to pharmaceutical quality. Phase II of the MANIPAL cGMP MUSEUM was unveiled as a digital tribute to Dr. TMA Pai, generously sponsored by Sri. Mehul Shah, MD, Encube Ethicals Pvt Ltd. The latest edition of the cGMP CONNECT Newsletter, Vol 2, Issue 2, was also released during the event. Expert sessions were delivered by Mr. Dinesh Kashikar, Senior Consultant, Zenshin Pharmatek LLP, who elaborated on Revised Schedule M Guidelines, and Mr. Allen Dass, GM, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, who addressed Quality Issues and Business Impact. Best Poster Awards were presented to deserving participants with certificates, cash prizes, and Special cGMP Gifts sponsored by Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Under the theme "cGMP for Sustainable Quality" (unveiled in April 2025), the conference featured plenary sessions, poster presentations, interactive industry-academia dialogues, and engaging student activities, including a Quality Jingle, Innovation Pitch, and Tree of Quality—fully sponsored by Akums.

Held at the Dr. TMA Pai Auditorium, Manipal, the forum successfully bridged the gap between revised Schedule M guidelines and academic understanding, bringing together industry leaders, academia, students, and regulatory experts.

The concept of National cGMP Day was initiated by Dr. Girish Pai K in 2023 and has been celebrated annually in collaboration with IDMA, PCI, FOPE, Pharmexcil, and other leading industry bodies.

The Centre for cGMP at MAHE expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, sponsors, and guests for making the Manipal cGMP Forum and National cGMP Day 2025.