Former Kakatiya University VC Prof CK Kokate passes away

Former Kakatiya University Vice-Chancellor Prof CK Kokate, recognised as the Father of Indian Pharmacognosy, passed away in Pune at 79. He made significant contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal plant research and pharmacy education in India.

Hanamkonda: Kakatiya University former Vice-Chancellor Prof Chandrakant Kishnarao Kokate, popularly known as Prof CK Kokate, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra, on Monday night. He was 79.

He earned recognition as the ‘Father of Indian Pharmacognosy’ for his outstanding contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal plant research and the advancement of pharmacy education in India, especially at Kakatiya University.

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Born on August 15, 1947, at Bhainsa in Telangana, Prof Kokate dedicated his life to academic excellence and scientific research. He served as KU Vice-Chancellor from 2001 to 2004, contributing significantly to the university’s academic development.

He also served as Vice-Chancellor of KLE University, Belagavi, and Acharya Nagarjuna University. During his tenure as president of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), he strengthened pharmacy education, professional standards and regulatory frameworks in the country.

Prof Kokate was the principal author of the renowned textbook Pharmacognosy, co-authored with A P Purohit and S B Gokhale. The textbook has served as a foundational reference for generations of pharmacy students across India.

Expressing their condolences, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof K Pratap Reddy and Registrar Prof V Ramacharam stated that the demise of Prof Kokate, a distinguished pharmaceutical scientist, was an irreparable loss to the academic community, pharmaceutical fraternity and KU.