LAKSHYA 2026: Aldel Institute of Management Hosts Nearly 400 Graduating Students at its Annual Pharma Conference Palghar: The Aldel Institute of Management (AIM) successfully hosted LAKSHYA 2026, its annual flagship Pharma & Healthcare Conference, bringing together nearly 400 graduating pharmacy students from 17 colleges across Maharashtra, along with industry leaders, academicians, alumni, and healthcare professionals. Centered on the theme ‘PHARMA NEXT: Careers, Capabilities and Changing Healthcare Landscapes’, LAKSHYA 2026 was thoughtfully designed to broaden students’ horizons beyond conventional technical roles. The conference introduced participants to emerging opportunities in pharmaceutical management, business leadership, healthcare consulting, and allied domains, highlighting the growing need for multidisciplinary capabilities in the industry. The conference commenced with a formal inauguration and an inspiring address by Mr. Albert W. D’Souza, Chairman of the Aldel Education Trust. Reflecting on the Trust’s journey, he said, “Established in 2007 with the singular purpose of delivering high-quality technical and professional education, the Trust has grown over 19 years into a family of nine institutions, nurturing over 7,000 students. With autonomous, NAAC-accredited institutions and NBA-accredited programs, our focus remains firmly on excellence, integrity, and future readiness.” He further emphasized AIM’s strategic location within the St. John Technical and Educational Campus in Palghar—part of a rapidly emerging growth corridor of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and the pharma-rich Palghar–Boisar industrial belt. “This unique academic-industry ecosystem inspired the launch of Aldel Institute of Management. Our AICTE-approved PGDM programs, including Pharmaceutical Management, are designed to blend academic rigour with leadership orientation and industry relevance,” he added. The Chief Guest, Dr. Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya, Executive Director, Takeda Pharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd., delivered a powerful and candid address. Drawing from his decades-long leadership journey, he shared valuable career insights, stating, “I began my career as a medical representative to understand the fundamentals of the business, despite having a management degree. Ground-level learning builds strong leaders in pharmaceutical management.” The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. Chinmaya Mohanty, Vice President & Head – Human Resources, Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., who highlighted the evolving expectations from pharma professionals. He emphasized the importance of communication skills, business acumen, cross-functional thinking, and professional attitude in building sustainable careers in the ‘Pharma Next’ era. A major highlight of LAKSHYA 2026 was the Panel Discussion on ‘Opportunities for Young Professionals beyond Technical Roles’. Moderated by Mr. Archis Joshi, Patron of the Conference, the panel featured industry experts, Mr. Akash Asati, Mr. Rinkesh Shah, Ms. Tina Bhatia, and Mr. Ashok Ambhore, representing pharma sales, marketing, international business, and medical devices. The discussion offered students practical insights into real-world career pathways and the relevance of a Pharma MBA in shaping business-oriented professionals. The conference also celebrated AIM alumni through a felicitation ceremony, honouring achievers Ms. Aishwarya Samel and Mr. Nihar Parab for their professional accomplishments in the pharmaceutical industry. Student competitions and poster presentations on contemporary healthcare themes further encouraged analytical thinking, creativity, and industry awareness. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ulhas Karkhanis, senior faculty member and key organizer, noted, “LAKSHYA was conceptualized to Enlighten, Empower, and Engage students—helping them transition from a purely science-based mindset to a business-driven understanding of healthcare careers. With the success of this mega event, I’m glad that this student-centric knowledge platform continues to strengthen AIM’s vision of preparing future-ready professionals for the evolving pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.” With LAKSHYA 2026, Aldel Institute of Management reaffirmed its commitment to bridging academia and industry while guiding young science graduates toward future-ready careers. The institute now looks forward to LAKSHYA 2027, promising an even more impactful platform for aspiring pharma professionals.