The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, observed World Snake
Day on 16th July 2022 under the banner of the 75th Year of India’s Independence -“Azadi Ka Amrit
Mahotsav” by conducting a One-day National Symposium on “Snake and Scorpion Envenomation and
Therapy: National and International Perspectives.” The seminar was attended by government officials,
distinguished toxinologists, clinicians, young scientists, and several faculty members, research scholars,
and post-docs of IASST. In his welcome speech Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director, IASST, emphasized
the importance of snake and scorpion venom research in India. He also highlighted the various laboratory
tests to assess the quality, safety, and efficacy of commercial antivenoms, and he stated these tests’
importance in improving overall antivenom quality.
Dr. Joy Kumar Chakma, Scientist E, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) delivered a talk on “A talk
on ICMR initiative on the research of snakebite.” His speech was followed by exciting lectures by several
national and international scientists actively engaged in snake and scorpion venom research, for example,
Prof. Choo Hock Tan from the University of Malaya, Malaysia, Prof. Shakti Vaiyapuri from the University of
Reading, UK, Prof. Jose M. Gutierrez from Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Costa Rica, Prof. Robin Doley,
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Dr. Surajit Giri from the Demow
Community Health Centre, Assam, Dr. Jaideep Menon from Amrita Hospital (Kochi), and Dr. M. V.
Khadilkar, the Technical Director of Premium Serums And Vaccines Pvt. Ltd. (Pune). In addition, several
young Scientists-Dr. Rupamoni Thakur from DKD College, Assam, Dr. Raktim Tamuli from GMCH, Assam,
Dr. Bhargab Kalita from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala, Dr. Debashree Saikia from Darrang College,
Assam, Dr. Taufikul Islam from Tezpur University, Assam, Dr. Abhishek Chanda from CSIR-NEIST, Assam,
and Dr. Aparup Patra from IASST also delivered fascinating lectures on different fields of snake and
scorpion venom research. The symposium also received several posters, and a session was dedicated to
the evaluation of these posters and interaction with the young researchers. Finally, the seminar ended with
the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Rajlaksmi Devi, Head, Life Science Division, IASST.