The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, addressed the audience in Mumbai on April 4, 2024, on the occasion of the launch of India’s first homegrown gene therapy for cancer, organized by IIT Bombay. She expressed her pleasure to be present at the historic event and hailed it as a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer. The therapy, known as CAR-T cell therapy, was described as a form of immunotherapy and gene therapy, requiring complex genetic engineering to modify the patient’s immune cells to combat cancer. The President highlighted its affordability and accessibility, offering new hope for patients worldwide.
She commended the collaborative efforts between the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Tata Memorial Hospital, and industry partner ImmunoACT, emphasizing the significance of academia-industry partnership. She particularly lauded the efforts of ImmunoACT, a startup founded by Alka Dwivedi, Atharva Karulkar, and Professor Rahul Purwar of IIT Bombay.
The President reflected on the enduring challenge of cancer, acknowledging its toll on lives worldwide. Despite this, she expressed optimism, citing past successes in combating diseases and the ongoing efforts of scientists. She described the therapy’s launch as a significant milestone in India’s healthcare innovation journey, positioning the country on the global map of advanced medical care.
Moreover, she praised the practical application of academic research and noted the therapy’s potential to provide new hope to patients globally, aligning with the vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Acknowledging the esteemed reputation of IIT Bombay, she highlighted its role in technological innovation and its focus on research and development. She credited the institute’s investment in cutting-edge facilities and its contributions to key research areas.
In conclusion, the President congratulated those involved in the development of the therapy, recognizing their visionary efforts in saving lives. She expressed hope that their initiative would inspire others and contribute to the well-being of society. Finally, she ended with the traditional Indian salutations, “Jai Hind! Jai Bharat”.