Prof. Rana, please explain the need for the Science of Toxicology in India?

According to the Human Development Index, India stands at 133 in the world. The reason being population boom, poverty, poor sanitation, poor health and hygiene, contaminated food and water and overall poor environmental conditions. Furthermore, lack of education and awareness has led to unparalleled exposure of the human population to many undesired substances/chemicals/pollutants etc. Therefore, the masses need to be educated, protected, and rehabilitated by people none other than toxicologists. Furthermore, industrial safety and occupational health are to be looked after only by toxicologists. In my opinion the science of toxicology is badly needed in India.

How is the academic progress of toxicology in India?

I remember, there was a time when toxicology was given no place in the study curriculum of degrees in science, vet science or medicine. However, the situation has changed now. Many Indian universities prescribe toxicology in their curricula. However, full programmes leading to graduation are offered by only two Universities. I introduced a Master's programme in Toxicology at Ch Charan Singh University, Meerut in 2004. About 120 toxicologists have so far been produced. I hope many more friends will start such programmes in Indian Universities.

Do you think that the Curriculum of Toxicology has changed?

Yes, as with other disciplines, the scope of Toxicology has changed very quickly. At one point, we were teaching only General Toxicology. Today we are teaching 16 courses at the Master's level. Even now, we keep on changing and modifying courses every two years. New courses such as nanotoxicology, regulatory toxcicology, biosafety and GLP need to be introduced.

Your advice to younger generations?

Toxicology promises a good future for research oriented students. Further, it has many job avenues in environmetnal toxicology, wild life toxicology, food toxicology, drug designing and safety, cosmetic industry and above all in pharmaceutical industries.