Dr. Krishna Iyer is currently serving as the Principal at Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai. He is also Chairman of the Board of Studies and the Controller of Examinations at Bombay College of Pharmacy, and a member of the Ad Hoc Board of Studies of Pharmacy of Mumbai University. Completing postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Washington, Seattle and Parke Davis Research Centre, Ann Arbor, he has wide range of teaching interests including pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical biotechnology, basic and advanced biochemistry, basic and advanced drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics. 

Bombay College of Pharmacy

How far have you been successful in implementing college’s goals?

“Advancement through add-on course programs and online learning”

Over the last year and a half, one of our major efforts has been in providing consistent online platforms for online teaching and learning, and online evaluations. We have also been active in conducting and promoting (self or via collaborations) value-added certificate courses in topics like Intellectual Properties Rights, Data Analytics, Advanced Analytical Methodology, Advanced Formulation Technology and Advanced Medicinal Chemistry knowledge to both students and for faculty development.

What do you think should be the college’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“Wider learning, skilling and empowerment”

As the Principal, my first priority is to consolidate the plans that are presently on the anvil. Further, keeping the new National Education Policy in mind, the next ten years should be directed to preparing and aligning ourselves to seamlessly integrate with changing scenarios of information provision and holistic education. 

In the long term, I envisage BCP as a college offering a multitude of niche certificate courses or diplomas in subjects that will make learners more job ready. The areas that I foresee are in the realms of Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Affairs, Virtual Clinical Research, Analytical Techniques, Data Analytics, AI and Machine Learning, Phytoceutical Development, Green Chemistry, Biotherapeutics and their Development, PK PD modelling, DMPK-Tox, Entrepreneurship and others. We plan to collaborate with suitable corporate or niche expertise providers. We plan to promote this via our alumni network, our cordial relations with a multitude of pharmacy colleges and via solicitations to the corporate sector clients. This would leverage our autonomous status to the maximum benefit of our stakeholders

How is your college more welcoming to students of different economic backgrounds?

“Aided financial support through college and govt. schemes”

BCP does not have management seats and all our seats are filled as per the existing government's norms to the meritorious and economically weak students. We also have a student mutual aid fund and several in-house scholarships for students with financial difficulties. Students are also informed of other available financial support which they can apply through periods notices.

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What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the students are?

“Holistic development and its academic implementation”

With respect to the students, my responsibility is to give the best possible learning opportunities to the students for their academic and overall development. Improving infrastructure and designing of curriculum to inculcate the best possible educational attributes along with social and professional skills is also my responsibility.

What would you like people to know about your College they may not know?

“Potentially helpful learning environment for all”

I would like people to know that BCP is a stand-alone pharmacy college with one of the best teaching-learning facilities. Though it is a relatively small college, the environment and academic rigor are none less than any multifaceted big college. The support systems are very good and the chances for long-term friendships are very high with greater connections among students and staff. A democratic governance system and a family-like environment do fairly well to keep the college atmosphere healthy and productive. 

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Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“Live on your own terms”

There are no shortcuts to success. Hard work, discipline, honesty, morals and integrity will always give rewards in the long run. Be self-progressive and do not compete unnecessarily in rat-race, know your worth. 

Note: All opinions expressed are entirely mine and not of the Management or Bombay College of Pharmacy as such.