The Centre for Health Science and Technology (CHeST) an initiative of JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research (JISIASR), in association with ICMR–National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (ICMR–NIRBI), successfully organised ARAKSHA (Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship) at JISIASR campus in Santragachi.
The conference addressed the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a unique, community-driven approach, involving a comprehensive survey of approximately 1,300 undergraduate and postgraduate non-medical students from Kolkata and Howrah. The initiative aimed to build awareness and promote responsible antimicrobial stewardship at the community level, with findings expected to contribute toward a model white paper on situational analysis of antimicrobial stewardship in and around Kolkata.
The conference featured Dr. Kamini Walia,Dr. Kamini Walia, Scientist G & Head of Descriptive Research Antimicrobial Resistance Division, ICMR, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished 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., Kolkata; Dr. Dipankar Sarkar, Manipal Hospitals; Dr. Pramit Ghosh, ICMR–NIRBI; Dr. Debjit Chakraborty, ICMR–NIRBI; Dr. Manjushree Ray, Principal, JIS School of Medical Science & Research (JISSMSR); Dr. Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay, JIS School of Medical Science & Research; and Dr. Sandip Paul, JISIASR.
The initiative was conducted in three phases, comprising orientation sessions, community-level surveys using an ICMR-approved questionnaire, and the final symposium. Students from Lady Brabourne College, Scottish Church College, Vijaygarh College, Adamas University, and JISIASR participated in the certificate program and presented their survey findings during the event. They also showcased AMR awareness reels and took part in an AMR quiz competition. A key highlight of the symposium was a panel discussion on “Progress toward community-level antibiotic stewardship in India: Actions to be taken,” which focused on identifying actionable pathways for strengthening stewardship initiatives.
The program was supported by Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) – Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India, along with JIS Group Educational Initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said, “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, and addressing it requires collective awareness and responsible action at the community level. Through ARAKSHA, we aim to empower young minds with knowledge, research exposure, and practical engagement so that they become advocates for responsible antibiotic use. Initiatives like this reflect our commitment to bringing forth impactful academic collaborations and contributing to national health priorities.”
 an initiative of JIS Institute of Advanced Studies and Research (JISIASR), in association with ICMR–National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (ICMR–NIRBI), successfully organised ARAKSHA (Antimicrobial Resistance and Stewardship) at JISIASR campus in Santragachi.){kind=link}