The inauguration event of the Manipal Pharmaceutical Conference 2023 (MPCON 2023) with the theme “Re-visiting Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Insights into Production, Quality and Regulations” organized by Department of Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, and Department of Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs and Management took place on 29 September 2023, 09:30 am at LH 4A, 4^th floor, MMC Building, Manipal. The event was marked by a series of insightful speeches and gestures of appreciation.

The event began with the Master of Ceremony Dr Jyothsna Manikkath, Assistant Professor-Senior Scale, Department of Pharmaceutics, MCOPS, extending a warm greeting to all followed by invocation song by Ms Sai Lakshmi, Postgraduate Student, Department of Pharmaceutics, MCOPS. Dr C Mallikarjuna Rao, Principal, MCOPS officially commenced the session with a welcoming address to the esteemed gathering highlighting India's significant role in drug manufacturing and provided insights into the conference theme. Followed by the ceremony included the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries. Lt Gen Dr M D Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE released the book “Pharmaceutical Scientists of Manipal” as part of MCOPS Diamond Jubilee Celebration.

Chief Guest of the inaugural, Lt Gen Dr M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, MAHE, addressed and congratulated the three departments responsible for organizing the conference. He praised their efforts in bringing together speakers from both academia and industry, emphasizing the importance of industry-academia collaboration. He also recognized the rich history and achievements of MAHE, highlighting its global impact and commitment to academic excellence and research. He underlined the significance of the conference theme, which focused on the journey from ideation to production of pharmaceuticals in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. He emphasized India's pivotal role as the world's pharmacy and the importance of addressing challenges in the supply chain, especially in the wake of the pandemic. He urged for stronger industry-academia relationships in India to match those seen in the Western world as this collaboration has the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical field. Guest of Honor, Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor-Health Sciences, MAHE electronically released the conference abstract book and reiterated India's role as the pharmacy of the world, both now and in the future. He stressed the need for legal support in pharmaceutical research, considering the high rate of failure in drug development. He highlighted the changing landscape post COVID-19, mentioning topics such as cybersecurity, cyber espionage, and the shift away from animal testing. Dr Rao also touched upon the conduct of clinical trials, the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in the pharmaceutical industry. He also addressed the gathering and welcome the resource person, delegates, faculties and students for the conference. Dr H Shivakumar, President, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI) congratulated the organizers of MPCON 2023. He spoke about APTI's mission to promote education and research in pharmacy and address the grievances of pharmacy teachers in India. He expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the conference.

Principal and Vice-Principal, presented token of appreciation to Lt Gen Dr M D Venkatesh and Dr Sharath Rao for the support and gracing the occasion. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr Srinivas Mutalik, who expressed gratitude to various individuals and groups who contributed for the success of MPCON 2023.

In closing, the conference inauguration event was a resounding success, setting the stage for what promises to be a productive and enlightening conference. The gathering celebrated the achievements and potential of the Indian pharmaceutical industry and highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in advancing the field.