Focused on advancing pharmaceutical education and research, Dr. Manan has significantly contributed to the fields of industrial pharmacy, research and development, and academic leadership. With a career spanning over a decade, he has developed innovative drug therapies, led groundbreaking research in male fertility, and published numerous articles.

Prof. (Dr.) Manan Raval serves as the Principal of Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy (RPCP), which is a constituent of the Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT) in Changa. This institute was established with generous donations from Zydus Cadila, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company recognized for its innovative healthcare solutions. Dr. Pankaj Patel, the Chairman of Zydus Cadila, is the patron of this institution, showcasing his commitment to advancing pharmaceutical education and research.

At RPCP, they offer various programs in pharmaceutical sciences, including B.Pharm, six M.Pharm programs, and Ph.D. programs. The B.Pharm program is a graduate-level course designed to prepare students for careers in industrial pharmacy, equipping them with the skills needed for jobs in manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The M.Pharm program focuses on developing professionals who can work in research and development within the field of pharmacy and its allied branches. The Ph.D. program is concentrated on research in advanced areas of pharmaceutical sciences.

Talking about his inspiration behind entering this field, Dr. Manan reveals that he had always been fascinated by the functioning of biological systems. During his 11th and 12th grades, he aspired to pursue a career in medicine. However, when this was not feasible, he chose pharmacy as the nearest alternative. His interest lies in the development of new drugs to help alleviate human pain, ailments, and diseases, which aligns with the daily work at Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Manan's journey into the educational field began after completing his M.Pharm. He initially worked in the pharmaceutical industry's research and development sector. However, he found that industrial research had its limitations, while academia offered greater research potential. This realization led him to pursue a Ph.D. and subsequently transition into academia. During his Ph.D., he discovered his talent for teaching and motivating students, which further solidified his decision to join the academic field.

Reflecting on his childhood, Dr. Manan shares that he was born and raised in Ahmedabad. Coming from a humble background, his father was an engineer in a government department, and he studied in a vernacular language institution up to class 12th. Dr. Manan recalls his mother teaching him up to class 12th and even helping him with mathematics. He was a bright student in his 10th and 12th grades but regrets not dedicating more time to extracurricular activities.

After completing class 12th, Dr. Manan pursued a B.Pharm and then appeared for the All India Examination, GATE, where he ranked among the top 100 students in India. This achievement earned him a scholarship, which he used to pursue M.Pharm. After working for a year in the R&D pharmaceutical industry, he secured a UGC Fellowship and gained admission to a Ph.D. program at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Since 2007, he has been part of Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, progressing through various positions from lecturer to principal.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Manan mentions that he did not have a single role model growing up, but his seniors often inspired him. However, he considers his father his true role model, admiring his work ethics and integrity. His mother’s approach to social relations has also deeply influenced him. In the field of pharmacy, he was inspired by two professors: Dr. RH Parekh, the first founding principal of RPCP, and his M.Pharm and Ph.D. research supervisor, SH Mishra, who motivated him in research, development, and institutional building.

The slogan that motivates Dr. Manan is "Just do it." When faced with dilemmas, he finds solace in a line from the Hanuman Chalisa: "Tum rakshak kahu ko darna."

Discussing the hardships he has faced, Dr. Manan says he considers himself fortunate not to have encountered many. He attributes this to his meticulous nature, setting clear timelines and objectives for his work. He explains that the main challenge in academics is motivating students to achieve targets, as they come from diverse backgrounds and have varying levels of understanding. Additionally, coordinating with faculty members and integrating policies without hurting sentiments is challenging. Despite these challenges, he does not feel he has struggled much.

Sharing his achievements, Dr. Manan mentions his work in the area of male fertility since 2009, which he believes is underappreciated in India but recognized worldwide. He and his team have researched many Indian medicinal plants, as there are very few allopathic drugs that can boost male fertility without side effects. Their work focuses on testosterone biosynthesis and sperm motility, and they have received recognition for their efforts. They have published over 50 articles on male fertility and filed a patent for a herbal formulation that could benefit diabetic patients with compromised fertility due to inflammatory pathways. They hope this formulation, which has been submitted for a provisional patent, will be successful. Since 2009, they have completed 8 to 9 Ph.D. theses and many M.Pharm theses on this topic. They have developed new animal models and worked on clinical aspects, believing they are the only ones in pharmacy focusing on male fertility.

Dr. Manan's message to aspiring pharmacists is that pharmacy is essentially chemistry. He advises students to understand that pharmacy is closely related to medicine but not medicine exactly and they will be studying a lot of chemistry. He also suggests that students explore various fields within pharmacy beyond manufacturing and R&D, as there are many opportunities in less competitive areas. He emphasizes the importance of continuous attention, interest, and enthusiasm in the course.

He also notes that many pharmacy students aspire to work abroad and settle there. He encourages them to work in India, even if they go abroad for studies, and contribute to the country's social and economic development.

Dr. Manan's message to the citizens of the country is to stick to their work ethics and do what is defined to them.