The Higher Education Review

Dr. B. Ramesh, Principal

Having 28 years teaching experience at Degree, PG, and Diploma level and specialized in Pharma Chemistry, Dr. B. Ramesh is a passionate and caring administrator. Principal at SACCP, Dr. Ramesh is also a Registered Pharmacist and have published 20 research papers in peer-reviewed journals of International repute. He was instrumental in establishing Department of Clinical Pharmacy Services at Sri Adichunchanagiri Hospital and Research Center, B.G. Nagara.

A recipient of Padma Bhushan award, Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji was the 71st pontiff of the Adichunchangiri Dharma Peetha, who worked tirelessly during his lifetime to realize his vision of revolutionizing the society through Spiritual, Educational, Social, Cultural activities of the Math. In the year 1973, to give a shape to his goals of educational upliftment in the country, his Holiness Late Sri Sri Swamiji formed the Sri Adichunchanagiri Shikshana Trust. Today, supported by this trust, there exist over 450 institutions holding the responsibility to serve the humanity through rendering a quality education, which can meet the intellectual, spiritual and physical needs of students. Commenced in 1981, under the umbrella of this Trust, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy (SACCP), which earned an ISO 9001-2015 certificate for its quality management system, has evolved into a popular destination among pharmacy students.

Became one of the constituent colleges of Adichunchanagiri University in 2018, the institute offers an array of courses viz. D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm-D, Post Baccalaureate and Ph.D. courses.

The procedure of selection is quite transparent in the institute where for UG level 40 percent of the seats are to be filled by the Government through the KEA CET Cell and remaining seats are to be filled by management on merit basis. On the other hand, for PG level, a state-wide common entrance test (PGCET) is conducted by the KEA CET Cell where 40 percent of sanctioned seats are filled under the Government quota and the 60 percent of PG seats are filled by the Management based on merit.

"At SACCP, our motto is to improve the lives of students through innovative teaching, research and outreach activities. We emphasize on the overall growth of our students and make sure their journey at SACCP turns out fruitful and memorable," shares Dr. B. Ramesh, Principal, SACCP. In order to set a benchmark in promoting the highest professional and ethical standards of pharmacy, the institute encourages both teachers and students to involve in research activities by incorporating well-equipped research center in its campus. SACCP also has a Research Committee to monitor the issues related to research and publication. In addition, it is commendable that till date the faculty members of the institute received grants worth of Rs. 70 lakhs from RGUHS, AICTE and VGST and many are in pipeline.

"The sound training that the students endure with the assistance of SACCP helps them to stand out from the crowd of other pharmacy students and match the global and national demands

Boasting of a huge campus attached with 1000 bedded hospital, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) where students can practice, the institute has embracEd facilities such as ICT integrated classrooms, Wi-Fi, adequate infrastructure and so on, adding immense value to the quality of learning. "We follow a student-centric teaching pattern and lecture method followed by encouraging students to participate in seminars, symposium, special lectures, orientation program and group discussions," pinpoints Dr. Ramesh.

Cultivating Real Knowledge

As the institute is resolute to train the students with

real-life experiences, the faculty members encourage the students for undergoing optimum practical training. At SACCP, the D. Pharm students have to go through 500 Hrs of practical training in the approved Hospital to gain work experience in dispensing of drugs and management of drug store, on the other hand, B. Pharm students are meant to undergo 150 Hrs in-plants training in the Pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Ramesh shares, "Our Pharm. D students are subjected to complete 1-year internship in the Medical College Hospital where they get the opportunity to interact with the patients in treating their diseases along with other health care professionals".

The sound training that the students endure with the assistance of SACCP helps them to stand out from the crowd of other pharmacy students and match the global and national demands. "To stay ahead of the curve, the institute has signed MoUs with numerous Pharmaceutical Industries allowing students to acquire knowledge about the development of new formulations and analytical method development. It also aids in preparation and development of joint research projects; in which PG students can participate by carrying out research as part of their curriculum," proudly says Dr. Ramesh. The campus also hosts an active Career Guidance Cell that looks after introducing students to employment and new career avenues.

Right from personality development to enhance the soft and hard skills communication and conducting seminar on writing resumes to preparing placement brochure every year, the institute leaves no stone unturned to enable its students to climb the ladder of success. The registered Alumni Association also plays a vital role by engaging in the annual alumni meeting and guiding the juniors acutely in placements, research, and career advancements. Feeding the ever-increasing demand for skilful pharmacy professionals, SACCP has created a record of placing its students in various reputed MNCs and NCs. "Maintaining a rate of 90 percent and above placements since last five years, we feel content to mention that this year 50 candidates have already been selected in the campus placement drive," concludes Dr. Ramesh.