A Legacy Rooted in Tradition: History and Establishment
The story of Glocal College of Unani Medical Sciences and Research Center is intertwined with the broader narrative of Glocal University, a private, non-profit institution chartered under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2011 (U.P. Act No. 2 of 2012). Established in 2012, Glocal University was envisioned by its founders as a bridge between Eastern wisdom and Western science, promoting "global vision with local mission." Located along the Delhi-Yamunotri Marg (State Highway 57) in Mirzapur Pole, Saharanpur—approximately 170 km from the national capital—the university spans over 350 acres of lush greenery, offering an idyllic setting for academic pursuits.
The Unani College itself emerged as a specialized arm of this vision around 2016, responding to the growing demand for qualified Unani practitioners in India. Unani medicine, derived from the Greek word "Ionian" and enriched by Arab scholars like Ibn Sina (Avicenna), emphasizes the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) and environmental harmony for health. In India, it flourished under Mughal patronage and was formalized post-independence through the National Commission for the Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and affiliated with Glocal University, ensuring rigorous standards aligned with national guidelines.
Under the leadership of Principal Prof. Abdul Malik, a seasoned Unani expert with decades of experience, the college has grown into a hub for education, clinical practice, and research. Malik's tenure has emphasized integrating Unani with contemporary diagnostics, such as AI-driven herbal formulation analysis, reflecting the college's commitment to innovation. By 2025, Glocal Unani had graduated over 500 students, many of whom are now leading clinics across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. This evolution mirrors Unani's journey in India—from royal courts to modern research labs—positioning the college as a guardian of heritage while pioneering its global relevance.
The establishment wasn't without challenges. Early years focused on building infrastructure amid regulatory hurdles, but strategic partnerships with institutions like the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM) in Chennai accelerated progress. Today, as Saharanpur—a city famed for its botanical gardens and wood carvings—celebrates its 2025 Unani Awareness Week, Glocal College stands as a proud emblem of cultural preservation and medical advancement.
Academic Excellence: Courses Offered and Curriculum
At the heart of Glocal College is its flagship program: the Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS), a comprehensive 5.5-year undergraduate degree (4.5 years of academics plus a 1-year compulsory rotating internship). Designed to produce proficient Unani physicians, the curriculum adheres to NCISM guidelines, blending theoretical foundations with hands-on training. Students delve into core subjects like Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology), Moalajat (Internal Medicine), and Amraz-e-Niswan-wa-Atfal (Gynecology and Pediatrics), alongside modern allies such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology.
The BUMS program is structured across 10 semesters, starting with basic sciences in the first year and progressing to specialized Unani disciplines by the third. Unique to Glocal is its emphasis on research-oriented modules, where students undertake projects on herbal drug standardization using tools like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). For 2025 intakes, the program accommodates 60 seats, fostering small-class learning for personalized mentorship.
Beyond BUMS, the college offers a Diploma in Unani Pharmacy (DUMS), a 2-year course for aspiring pharmacists specializing in Tibb (Unani therapeutics). Emerging postgraduate options, like MD/MS in Unani streams (e.g., Ilaj-bit-Tadbir—Regimental Therapy), are in the pipeline for 2026, pending approvals. Glocal's interdisciplinary approach allows BUMS students to cross-enroll in Ayurveda or Allied Health courses from sister institutions on campus, enriching their holistic perspective.
What sets the curriculum apart is its practical tilt: 70% of learning occurs in clinical settings, ensuring graduates are "clinic-ready." Guest lectures from global Unani experts, such as those from Hamdard University in Pakistan, add an international flavor. As one alumnus shared in a 2024 testimonial, Glocal didn't just teach me Unani; it taught me to heal with evidence.
In an era where integrative medicine is booming—projected to grow at 22% CAGR globally—Glocal's courses prepare students not just for clinics but also for research labs, pharmaceuticals, and public health roles.
State-of-the-Art Sanctuaries: Facilities and Infrastructure
Glocal College's infrastructure is a testament to its "global vision, local mission" ethos, sprawling across 300 acres of eco-friendly terrain with Shivalik vistas. The academic block features air-conditioned classrooms with AV aids, smart boards, and amphitheaters seating 200—ideal for interactive seminars on Unani diagnostics. Labs are equipped for pharmacology (with distillation units for herbal extractions) and pathology (microscopes and centrifuges), adhering to NCISM standards.
Central to the experience is the 300-bed Glocal Unani Hospital, a multi-specialty facility offering OPD services in 25 departments, from dermatology to psychiatry. It handles 100+ OPD cases daily, providing interns real-world exposure to treatments like cupping (Hijama) and leech therapy (Tadbiro Fasd). The hospital integrates Unani with allopathy, featuring ICUs and diagnostic suites with MRI/CT scans.
Hostels are segregated (boys/girls) with single/double occupancy, Wi-Fi, gyms, and recreational zones—fostering a home-like vibe. The central library stocks 50,000+ volumes on Unani classics (e.g., Canon of Medicine) and digital journals via e-resources. Sports facilities include cricket grounds, basketball courts, and yoga halls, promoting the Unani principle of "Six Essentials of Life" (Hawa, Ma, Ghiza, etc.).
Sustainability shines through solar panels and herbal gardens cultivating 200+ medicinal plants. For 2025, a new research wing with bioinformatics labs was inaugurated, enhancing infrastructure for AI-Unani integrations. As students navigate this green oasis, they embody Unani's harmony with nature.
