Vijayawada: Research Day celebrations were held with great enthusiasm at Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences (Dr. NTRUHS), Vijayawada, on Monday, January 12, 2026. The event coincided with the birth anniversary of legendary scientist Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow, whose discoveries reshaped modern medicine.
As part of the programme, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav unveiled the statue of Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow on the university campus. The ceremony paid rich tribute to the scientist’s lasting contributions to global healthcare. Moreover, principals and vice-principals from 36 medical and dental colleges attended the event, reflecting the university’s strong academic network.
Honouring a Global Scientific Pioneer
Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow played a crucial role in advancing medical science. Notably, he discovered Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) as the energy source of cells. In addition, his work contributed to the development of Methotrexate, a vital drug used in cancer and autoimmune treatments. Furthermore, his research inspired the discovery of the first broad-spectrum antibiotic, which transformed infection management worldwide.
Because of these achievements, Dr. Subbarow remains a symbol of scientific excellence and humanitarian service.
Research Awards Encourage Young Innovators
Following the tribute, the university presented Research Awards to faculty members, postgraduate students, interns, and MBBS students. These awards aimed to promote innovation, scientific curiosity, and research excellence among future medical professionals.
Meanwhile, the prestigious Dr. Yellapragada Subbarow Award was presented to Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja, Senior Consultant and Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Star Hospitals, Hyderabad. During his keynote address, he spoke on the past, present, and future of medical research, inspiring participants to pursue patient-focused and translational studies.
Dignitaries Reaffirm Commitment to Research
Several prominent dignitaries attended the event, including Sri Saurabh Gaur, IAS, Dr. K. Madhu Murthy, Dr. G. Raghunandan, and Justice U.D. Durga Prasad Rao (Retd.). Additionally, the celebrations were organised under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Chandrasekhar, along with senior university officials.
Overall, the Research Day celebrations reaffirmed Dr. NTRUHS’s commitment to quality medical research, while also honouring a scientist whose work continues to save millions of lives worldwide.
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