Celebrating Excellence and Innovation: Highlights from IDMA 64th Annual Day 2026

The 64th Annual Day Celebrations of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), held on 13th February 2026 at Hotel Taj Santacruz, Mumbai, marked an inspiring evening dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and the future of the pharmaceutical industry. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and professionals under one roof, creating a strong platform for dialogue and recognition. The well-structured program reflected a perfect balance of thought leadership, awards, and strategic discussions aligned with the evolving pharmaceutical landscape.

A Grand Opening with Visionary Leadership

The evening commenced with registrations, networking, and a ceremonial inauguration that included the National Anthem, IDMA Anthem, and the traditional lighting of the lamp — symbolizing progress and unity within the industry.

Mr. Daara B. Patel, Secretary General – IDMA, delivered a warm Welcome Address and Opening Remarks that set a positive and forward-looking tone for the celebrations. On stage, Dr. George Patani, Vice President – IDMA, was also present along with senior leadership, reflecting the strong collective vision guiding the association.

Apex Subscription’s Participation and Industry Support

Apex Subscription was privileged to be part of this prestigious gathering and to engage with leaders from across the pharmaceutical ecosystem. Being closely associated with IDMA’s publishing initiatives, Apex Subscription continues to actively promote the IDMA publication “Indian Drugs” to educational institutions, research centers, and pharmacy colleges across India. Through ongoing outreach to libraries and academic bodies, the organization aims to strengthen knowledge dissemination and enhance access to high-quality pharmaceutical research content within the academic community.

Setting the Stage: AI in Pharmaceuticals

A significant theme of this year’s celebration was the role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of pharma. Mr. Niraj Doshi, Chairman – Next Gen Committee, provided a concise yet impactful context-setting talk on AI in pharmaceuticals, encouraging industry professionals to adopt digital transformation responsibly. His insights were followed by a detailed presentation by PwC India, showcasing practical applications of AI and its transformative potential across research, manufacturing, and regulatory processes.

Recognitions and Presidential Vision

The event also celebrated excellence through several prestigious awards, including the IDMA Corporate Citizen Awards and the N. I. Gandhi Chief Mentor Award, recognizing contributions that strengthen the industry ecosystem.

In his Presidential Address, National President Mr. Bharat N Shah highlighted the evolving dynamics of the pharmaceutical sector and stressed the importance of innovation, ethical practices, and global competitiveness. His speech resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing IDMA’s commitment to supporting both established and emerging pharma enterprises.

Keynote Address: Industry Perspective and Growth

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the keynote address by Mr. Glenn Saldanha, Chairman & Managing Director, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd. His speech provided deep insights into global pharmaceutical trends, the importance of research-driven growth, and India’s position as a key player in the international market. He emphasized resilience, innovation, and sustainable expansion as the pillars of future success.

Policy Insights from the Chief Guest

The address by Chief Guest Mr. Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, stood out as a highlight of the evening. He spoke candidly about government initiatives and pricing regulations, offering a balanced perspective on policy frameworks. His remarks demonstrated a strong understanding of industry realities, signaling a collaborative approach between policymakers and pharmaceutical stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth while maintaining affordability.

Celebrating Innovation and Achievements

The program also included the release of the IDMA 64th Annual Publication 2026, the Margi Patel Choksi Memorial Best Patent Awards, and the ACG-SCITECH Research Paper Awards, reflecting the association’s focus on research excellence and innovation. These recognitions underscored the remarkable achievements of professionals contributing to pharmaceutical advancements.

Appreciating the IDMA Team Behind the Success

Behind the seamless execution of the event was the dedicated IDMA team whose planning and coordination ensured a memorable experience for all participants. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Melvin, Sapna, and other team members for their exceptional hard work, professionalism, and commitment. Their efforts played a vital role in making the 64th Annual Day celebrations both impactful and well-organized.

A Memorable Conclusion

The evening concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks by Ms. Aditi Kare Panandikar, Hon. General Secretary – IDMA, followed by networking over dinner, allowing participants to exchange ideas and strengthen professional relationships.

Final Thoughts

The IDMA 64th Annual Day was more than just a celebration — it was a powerful reflection of the pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to innovation, ethical growth, and collaborative progress. With thought-provoking speeches, meaningful recognitions, and discussions around AI and regulatory frameworks, the event successfully highlighted both current achievements and future opportunities for India’s pharma sector.

As the industry continues to evolve, such gatherings play a vital role in bringing together visionaries and decision-makers to shape a stronger and more innovative pharmaceutical ecosystem.