Sankara Nethralaya News
High level recognition, participation and discussions mark the 2nd Annual Convention by the Sankara Nethralaya ONGC Genetics & Molecular Biology Department
The Sankara Nethralaya ONGC Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology a key research department in the Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the research arm of Sankara Nethralaya, engaged in the in-depth study of genes and their influence, for better diagnosis of ocular ailments by providing preventive/curative Medicare through gene mapping and candidate screen screening conducted its 2nd annual convention, as a symposium on ‘Sanger to Next Generation Sequencing- The Genomics Era”. The two day symposium enlightened students, research scholars, scientists, clinicians and counselors involved in healthcare on why ‘genome analysis’ as a process is vital in clinical decision making, prognosis and personalized medicine. The symposium offered an in-depth coverage of the areas of mapping and candidate gene screening, current trends of molecular diagnosis and the clinical significance of gene testing, through the gold standard ‘Sanger sequencing’ to the most robust Next Generation Sequencing platforms, through in-depth lectures by eminent scholars and experts in the field.
The significance of this high power event could be gauged by the fact that it was sponsored by the nation’s major research regulating bodies namely the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and was attended by legends from the scientific and research community like Professor T.Ramasami, Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Professor Samir. K.Brahmachari, Founder- Director, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology.
The two day symposium got off to an auspicious start with an invocation by Dr. Srividya. Extending a warm welcome to the dignitaries and participants Dr Sripriya of the SN ONGC Department observed that the field of genetics may be classified into three defined time frames namely ‘Classic Era’ ‘DNA Era’ and the ‘Transition to genomics era’. She hailed the advent of newer technologies in the form of Next Generation Sequencing platform and described that the two day symposium would be a feast on genomics impact. Giving an overview of the symposium Dr A.Jayamuruga Pandian, Reader & Head SN ONGC Dept. of Genetics and Molecular Biology started off by reading a felicitation and greeting message from Prof. Vishwa Mohan Khatoch, Secretary, Department of Health and Director General of ICMR who was unable to attend the function owing to unavoidable and pressing commitments. Dr. Pandian highlighted the relevance and progress made by the SN ONGC department through its role in pre and post genetic rehabilitation, counseling/Diagnosis and migration to Sanger to Next generation sequencing the gold standard in genetic research. He listed the milestone publications from the dept, collaborations with leading educational universities and affiliations. Dr. Pandian ended his talk with the observation that the future plan of the department is to start a Post Graduate course in genetic counseling and Gene Therapy.
Dr. Ronnie George, Director Research, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology gave a most absorbing account of the in-depth research being carried out in each of the eight research departments in the premises including the enchanting basic and clinical research using MOOKP which enabled tissues from the tooth to be used to treat ocular surface disorders. Speaking on the occasion Dr. SS.Badrinath, Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Sankara Nethralaya expressed that he is a clinician and not a basic scientist, he welcomed and thanked Dr. S.Ramasami, Prof. Samir Brahmachari, Shri. Arul Ramanathan from ONGC, Shri. Muthu Karuppan from Singapore and all the distinguished participants gathered on the occasion, he gave a brief overview of the activities of the KNBIRVO and how the support from the government, NGO’s and philanthropic individuals and corporate bodies helped to carry out its research activities in a sustained and focused manner.
Guest of Honour Professor Ramasami, a long time friend and well wisher of Sankara Nethralaya started his address on a lighter vein that he had to cancel his scheduled engagement at the Leather Exhibition being organized in the city on the same day, to be present at the function with his comment ‘You cannot say no when Dr. SS.Badrinath invites you’ a fact which the hosts of the function, the organizers of the leather fair agreed too, he added. He observed that his presence along with Prof. Samir Brahmachari symbolized the title of the symposium ‘from Sanger to NGS’ as he belonged to the Sanger era and Prof Brahmachari belonged to the New Generation Sequencing era, he credited the latter with not only ushering the NGS era but better research and clinical care through it. Dr. Ramasami observed that India with a very diverse gene pool, population density and a high number of health ailments provided the ideal platform for genetic study; he closed his talk with best wishes for the success of the two day symposium, adding that every year the event should aim towards bringing people together, working together and finding solutions together.
The two day symposium witnessed in-depth and well researched speeches on the various facets of genetics and what it holds for the future by experts in the field. A highlight of the session was a most touching and entertaining cultural program by ‘Comaganin Ragapriya’ an orchestra by the differently abled which helped participants to unwind and relax in the midst of the hectic proceedings.
Noted rationalist and social activist makes a clarion call for social democracy at Sankara Nethralaya’s R-Day celebration.
The Nation’s Republic day was celebrated with great fervor by Sankara Nethralaya, a huge gathering comprising Consultants, Researchers, Fellows and staff members their families, including jubilant kids selected for recognition for their good academic performance dressed in their best, had gathered in good number at the Sankara Nethralaya Main campus for the grand celebration. If the oratory and chaste Tamil evident in the presentation of the day’s proceedings by Ms. Gayathri Karthikeyan, Junior Research Fellow CSIR project and welcome address and introduction of the Chief Guest by Ms. Sivasankari, Senior Research Fellow, ICMR Project at the RS Mehta Jain Department of Bio- Chemistry&Cell Biology, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology had a wonderful chemistry with the Chief Guest’s well known mastery over the language, the soulful rendering of the National Poet’s immortal lines ‘Aaduvome Palli Paduvome’ by Shruthi Meenakshi, Aishwarya and Swathi students of the Elite School of Optometry underlined that talent at the ESO extended beyond optometry.
The esteemed Chief guest of the day, noted rationalist, social thinker and orator Shri Suba Veerapandian unfurled the national tricolor which was followed by the rendering of the national anthem by the entire gathering. The star speaker started his address on a humble note that he felt honoured to be the Chief guest of an institution of the high stature of Sankara Nethralaya, run by a highly revered personality like Dr SS.Badrinath, adding in lighter vein that he had always believed that one day he would enter the premises of the Sankara Nethralaya as a patient but never dreamt that he would grace the place as a Chief Guest on such an August occasion. Shri Subaveera Pandian is known as a historian, strong advocate for social causes and upliftment of the downtrodden and a rationalist and all these facets in him exemplified themselves as he held the audience spell-bound with rapt attention with his legendary oratory. Sharing interesting snippets on the national flag he had just unfurled he observed that it was the image of the ‘Spinning Wheel’ the Mahathma’s symbol of self reliance which was originally planned to be in the centre of the national flag but it was replaced by the ‘Ashoka Chakra’ the national emblem to differentiate it from the congress flag, adding that interestingly the place where India’s tricolor was first hoisted by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is currently outside India (Lahore, Pakistan). The eminent speaker observed that while the nation can be justifiably proud of achieving a high degree of political democracy, what the founding fathers of the constitution termed as ‘Social Democracy’ or equality still remained elusive after so many years of independence. He emphasized his point by highlighting that while every citizen is welcomed with great zest and vigour to the polling booth to exercise his democratic right/duty of casting his vote, places of worship still remain out of bounds to a large section of the citizenry comprising of downtrodden classes and no one welcomes them here. He emphasized the need for pluralism, tolerance and respect for each other’s views capturing the spirit of ‘Unity in diversity’ rather than an attempt to bring about uniformity of thoughts and ideologies as an initiative towards unity. Shri Pandian recalled the rich tradition of political stalwarts of yesteryears who were strongly opposed in ideology and beliefs, not letting the same to hinder the personal equation with each other and exhibiting great warmth, respect and courtesy to each other when they met in person, wondering if the country would witness such exemplary public conduct ever again. A sentiment expressed by Shri Gopal Krishna Gandhi at the recently held centenary celebration of Shri Kamalnayan Bajaj. He shared the concern and anxiety expressed by Rashtrapathi Shri Pranab Mukherje in the Republic Day speech made earlier in the day, at the nation’s capital on the issue of women safety and rising crime against women; in his characteristic style he remarked that even the mother’s womb was not a safe place for the female child in the country, referring to the inhuman practice of female foeticide.
Shri Subaveera Pandian closed his speech with the rich compliment that the real greatness of Sankara Nethralaya did not lie in the long years of its service or in the large number of patients that it had treated successfully during this period but in the fact that it had treated 1/3 of the total patients, belonging to the socially/economically backward sections totally cost free, to the thunderous applause of the audience. The day witnessed the honouring of staff members who had competed long years of service with the institution and distribution of merit certificates and scholarships to wards of staff members who had excelled in their academics.
TSNA conducts an informative session on effective medical governance
Sankara Nethralaya Academy’s Certificate program on Health care quality management, both offline and online that included a session on a critical topic “Medical Governance”, got off to a vibrant start at the Sankara Nethralaya main campus on 17th Jan 2015 by Dr. B. Krishnamurthy, Director, Quality Management Services, PES Institute of Medical Sciences Research, Kuppam, […]
Sankara Nethralaya rings true! Exults the Mahatma’s grandson at the centenary celebration of a Gandhian
The imposing edifice housing the Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology came alive to a steady flow of visitors right from the early evening of Friday the 23rd of January 2015. The Sankara Nethralaya family was paying its homage to the memory of the great man after whose name its research facility […]
Sankara Nethralaya opens new horizons in specialized ophthalmic care!
In a major rehabilitation initiative to the neuro-visually challenged patients, the departments of Binocular vision clinic and neuro ophthal services at Sankara nethralaya came together to combine and leverage their knowledge in their respective fields to find novel techniques that offer remedial solutions through the Neuro- Optometry Clinic. Delivering the welcome address, Dr. S.Ambika, Director, […]
Elite School of Optometry re-defines eye screening methodology for school children
School children undergo an eye examination at least once in 2 years under the aegis of the National Programme for control of Blindness. Sankara Nethralaya’s Elite school of optometry completed vision testing for a large number of school children studying in corporation schools on January 6th 2015. A total of 39 schools under Corporation Zone […]
21st Mahaperiyava Aradhana observed with great piety and devotion at Sankara Nethralaya
As an institution imbibing the word and spirit of its hallowed mentor Kanchi Mahaperiyava, in every action and deed, the Sankara Nethralaya family observed the 21st Aradhana of the Jagadguru with great piety, at the Sri.V.D.Swami Auditorium at its main campus on the 30th of December 2014, joined reverentially by a host of “Bhakthas” of […]
Keracon 2014- Cornea Society of India’s 2nd annual meet creates waves at historic temple bay
The Cornea Society of India was formed as a professional body to monitor the latest findings and developments, encourage research, joint study and a vibrant exchange of information and knowledge in the field of Cornea from the world over. Dr Geetha Iyer, Senior Consultant at the CJ Shah Cornea Services and Dr. G.Sitalakshmi Memorial Clinic […]
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy Conducted a Session on Total Quality Management in Healthcare on 13.12.2014
Dr T V Subramaniam delivering a lecture on Total Quality Management This penultimate session handled by Dr T V Subramaniam dealt with various principles, processes and performance measure that constitute Total Quality Management. Quality Guru & Sankara Ratna Dr TV Subramaniam( Dr TVS) is currently the Chairman Board of Studies at Bharathidasan Institute of Management, […]
Sankara Nethralaya and the Bharathi Medical & Research Foundation help to bring the light of vision to the home town of India’s visionary poet.
Sankara Nethralaya joined hands with the Bharathi Medical & Research Foundation,Mumbai to conduct an eye screening/surgical camp at Ettayapuram the birthplace of Mahakavi Bharathiar from the 6th to 17th of December 2014, in celebration of the 132nd birth anniversary of and homage to the national poet and revolutionary freedom fighter who strived all his life […]