ICMR Grants Rs 90 Lakh to Assam's Royal Global University for Advanced Medical Research
In a significant boost to scientific inquiry in Northeast India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in New Delhi has awarded four research project grants worth a total of Rs 90 lakh to faculty members of The Assam Royal Global University (RGU). This funding initiative is set to substantially strengthen advanced medical and translational research capabilities at the institution, fostering innovation in healthcare solutions.
Recipients and Their Pioneering Projects
The grant recipients include distinguished academics from RGU: Sudarshana Borah, an associate professor in the department of pharmacy; Dharmeswar Barhoi, an assistant professor in the department of zoology; Anirban Banik, also an assistant professor in the department of zoology; and Priyanka Bhattacharyya from the Royal School of Biosciences. Each researcher will lead a unique project aimed at addressing critical health challenges.
- Sudarshana Borah's Project: Titled "Tradition to Therapeutics: Kali Haldi-Based Antibacterial Ointment from Northeast India," this research focuses on scientifically validating the traditional medicinal and cosmeceutical uses of Kali Haldi, a plant native to the region. The project aims to develop an antibacterial ointment, bridging ancient wisdom with modern science.
- Dharmeswar Barhoi's Project: Leading the study "Exploring the Potential of Moringa oleifera Extract in Restoration of Smokeless Tobacco-Induced Epigenetic Alterations in Swiss Albino Mice," Barhoi investigates how Moringa extract might reverse harmful epigenetic changes caused by smokeless tobacco, offering potential therapeutic insights.
- Anirban Banik's Project: This research will examine the cardioprotective effects of DMPO, a potent free radical scavenger, aiming to uncover new avenues for heart disease prevention and treatment through antioxidant mechanisms.
- Priyanka Bhattacharyya's Project: An innovative study on extracting dietary fibre from the banana pseudostem of Assam's native Bhim Kol variety to explore its anti-diabetic potential in clinical models. This project could lead to novel dietary interventions for diabetes management.
Impact on Regional and National Health Research
The awarding of these grants by ICMR underscores a growing emphasis on supporting localized research that addresses specific health issues prevalent in India, particularly in the Northeast. By funding projects that leverage traditional knowledge and local resources, such as Kali Haldi and Bhim Kol bananas, ICMR is promoting sustainable and culturally relevant healthcare innovations.
This initiative not only enhances RGU's research infrastructure but also contributes to the broader national agenda of advancing translational medicine, where laboratory findings are directly applied to improve patient care and public health outcomes.
