Photo: Dilip Nair
Tharang Dhwani
IMA Prayer May everybody be happy May everybody be healthy May everybody be free from pain May everybody be free from sorrow May we be the healing cure Beyond every greed & lure Flag Salutation We, the members of Indian Medical Association Stand here to salute our National Flag. Its honour and glory shall be our light and strength And its course shall be our course. We pledge our allegiance to it and realizing our responsibilities As the accredited members of this National organization, We swear we will dedicate everything in our power To See it fly high in the comity of Nations. Jai Hind! Jai IMA! 4 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
All India Medical Conference 98th National Conference Indian Medical Association Theme: Mind yourself TharangDhwani Hosted by IMA Thiruvananthapuram Photo: Vinayak SOUVENIR
TEAM IMA (2022-23) Dr. Munish Prabhakar Dr. Prakash Lalchandani Dr. M. Venkatachalapathy Dr. Pradeep Kumar Nemani Dr. Anand Prakash Hony. Finance Secretary Dr. Shitij Bali Dr. Jayesh M. Lele Dr. Sachchidanand Kumar Dr. Shailash H. Shah Dr. Daggumati Shree Harirao National President Dr. Sharad Kr. Agarwal Imm. Past National President Dr. Sahajanand P d. Singh Hony. Secretary General Dr. Anilkumar J. Nayak National President Elect Dr. R. V. Asokan Dr. Thakur Padmanabhan Dr. Paramjit Singh Maan Dr. M. N. Thareja Dr. Sarbari Dutta National Vice Presidents Honorary Joint Secretaries Honorary Assistant Secretaries Honorary Jt. Finance Secretaries 6 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Dr. M. Thiraviam Mohan Dr. D. Senthil Kumar Dr. Yeshwant V. Rao Gade Dr. Pavan Kumar N Patil Dr. Satish Joshi IMA COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS Honorary Joint Secretaries, IMA - CGP Dean, IMA-CGP Dr. Rayapu Ramesh Babu Vice Dean, IMA -CGP Dr. Poonam Singh Honorary Secretary Dr. R Anburajan Dr. Sunil B. Chenwala IMA ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SPECIALITIES Chairman Dr. Pankaj Mutneja Vice Chairman Dr. Nibedita Pani Honorary Secretary Dr. Srirang Abkari Dr. D. Shekhar Reddy Dr. Hiren S. Kothari Dr. Shilpa Basu Roy Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Prasad Honorary Joint Secretaries Editor Annals Exe. Editor Annals 7 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Director Dr. G. N. Prabhakara Honorary Exe. Secretary Dr. Sanjiv Ranjan Kr. Singh Honorary Jt. Secretary Dr. Deepak Kr. Singh Honorary Jt. Secretary Dr. Parul Vadgama IMA AKN SINHA INSTITUTE OF CONTINUING MEDICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION & RESEARCH Honorary Editor Dr. Nandani Chatterjee Honorary Secretary Dr. Sibabrata Banerjee Honorary Associate Editor Dr. Ranjan Bhattacharyya Honorary Associate Editor Dr. Prasanta Kr. Bhattacharyya JOURNAL OF IMA Honorary Editor Dr. Kakoli Sen Mandal Honorary Secretary Dr. Samrendra Kr. Basu Honorary Associate Editor Dr. Shankar Sen Gupta Honorary Associate Editor Dr. Bibaratan Saha YOUR HEALTH OF IMA Honorary Editor Dr. Sudhir Singh Honorary Secretary Dr. Ritu Garg Honorary Associate Editor Dr. Arun Kr. Tripathi Honorary Associate Editor Dr. Shailendra Kr. Singh APKA SWASTHYA Chairman Dr. A. K. Ravikumar Honorary Secretary Dr. Dinesh B. Thakare Treasurer Dr. Rajeev B. Agarwal IMA HOSPITAL BOARD OF INDIA Honorary Jt. Secretary Dr. Minakshi Gangopadhyay 8 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Messages
Tharang Dhwani 2023 10 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Shri Arif Mohammed Khan Hon'ble Governor Kerala I am happy to know that Indian Medical Association proposes to publish a Souvenir THARANG DHWANI in connection with the 98th All Indian Medical Conference to be held on 27th and 28th December, 2023 at Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram. It is commendable that the event held on the theme “Scientific Vision, Healthy Nation”, would include academic programs, trade exhibition, medical exhibition and cultural festival etc. I convey my hearty greetings to the people behind this venture and wish the Conference as well as the publication all success. IMA - All India Medical Conference
11 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Tharang Dhwani 2023 I am happy to note that the Indian Medical Association, is planning to publish a souvenir as part of the 98th All India Medical Conference, 'Tharang' on the theme “Scientific Vision, Healthy Nation”, I extend my good wishes to the conference and to the souvenir which is being published to commemorate the occasion. Shri Pinarayi Vijayan Hon'ble Chief Minister Kerala IMA - All India Medical Conference
Tharang Dhwani 2023 12 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Dr. Ketan Dhirajlal Desai Past President World Medical Association Indian Medical Association Greetings to you on the occasion of the 98th All India Medical Conference. Our doctor community stands tall in it's commitment to the nation. The profession rose to the call of the nation during the COVID pandemic. Around 2000 doctors sacrificed their lives in the war against COVID. It is only natural that we deliberate on pandemic preparedness and the Health status of the nation to face new challenges. The policies and practices which would evolve at this highest meeting of the world's largest scientific body, Indian Medical Association would usher in significant progress in the field of medicine enabling us in building a healthy nation. The venue for the conference is equally befitting. Thiruvananthapuram IMA branch with ninety years of history and legacy is hosting the conference. Kerala State Branch with vibrant activities and leadership is beckoning the doctor community of India. Let me extend my greetings to all the delegates and wish the conference the very best. I am confident that 'Tharang', the National Conference of Indian Medical Association will create waves of positive changes germane to the Health of our people. Best wishes Yours sincerely IMA - All India Medical Conference
13 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Tharang Dhwani 2023 Dr. Sharad Kumar Agarwal National President Indian Medical Association Dear Friends and Esteemed Colleagues, Amidst the breathtaking vistas of Kovalam, Kerala, it is my privilege to extend heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to the entire IMA Kerala team for orchestrating the splendid Annual National Conference of the Indian Medical Association. Kovalam, with its pristine beaches, swaying coconut palms, and the serene embrace of the Arabian Sea, serves as an idyllic setting for this gathering of medical minds. The rich cultural tapestry and warm hospitality of Kerala add an enchanting allure to our deliberations. This conference stands as a testament to the dedication and relentless efforts put forth by the organizing committee, led by Dr. R V Asokan, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping this grand event. I am honored to witness the convergence of medical professionals, delegates from various states, and international participants against the backdrop of this paradise, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange for the betterment of healthcare globally. The launch of 'THARANG DHWANI 2023' adds an extra dimension to this event, encapsulating our collective commitment to advancing medical science and service. As we convene to celebrate this occasion, let us not only immerse ourselves in the richness of knowledge but also take moments to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us in Kovalam. May this conference be a catalyst for new ideas, collaborations, and a reaffirmation of our pledge to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and innovation. Warm regards IMA - All India Medical Conference
Tharang Dhwani 2023 14 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR I am very happy to note that Kerala State Branch of IMA is organizing 98th All India Medical Conference and 84th Annual Meeting of Central Council on 27th – 28th December, 2023 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a city of picturesque beaches, lush green forests and misty hills. All India Medical Conference and Annual Meeting of Central Council is a platform where all important issues pertaining to the medical profession in the country are deliberated in detail and decisions are taken for the betterment of the medical profession and the society. This conference will not only help the participants in updating their knowledge about the latest advancements made in the field of medicine, but also equip them to give better treatment to their patients. Hosting such an important meetings not only challenge but prestigious too. I must say that the success of this Conference is solely on the dedication and efforts of innumerable people who started working on the preparations for almost a year in many ways to make this Conference become a reality. Eventually I express my special thanks and appreciation to all. I am confident that the participants would greatly benefit by interaction amongst each other as well as with the distinguished faculty. I extend my deepest gratitude to all contributors, members, and partners whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the success of this grand conference. As you all know that IMA Aao Gaon Chalen Project was relaunched on 25th June, 2023, all over the country by our Chief Patron Dr. Ketan Desai Sir. In this regard, I request all of you to adopt at least one village and conduct various activities on a regular basis under this project. You are further requested to conduct Organ Donation Awareness Camps to create awareness about Organ Donation and motivate the donors to donate their organs after their death to save more lives. Last but not the least, this is to inform you that since 2015, various resolutions were passed by various CWC and CC meetings to rebuild the Existing Building of IMA HQs.as the strength of the building is not up to the mark. Based on the discussions, it was decided to reconstruct the existing building of IMA HQs situated at New Delhi. This redevelopment is aimed at having the new multi-storey modernized IMA Building ready by 2028. This will enable us to celebrate the centenary year function in 2028 in the state-of-art facility. The Headquarters’ building belongs to all of us and to re-build the existing building, we will need financial support from leaders, individuals and all state and local branches. I request all of you to donate generously for our own cause. I wish the Organizers a grand success. Long Live IMA!! Dr Anilkumar J. Nayak Hony. Secretary General IMA IMA - All India Medical Conference
15 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Tharang Dhwani 2023 Dr R V ASOKAN National President Elect Indian Medical Association I t is a journey of thousand steps. The long winding process of organising the All India Medical Conference has been a lifetime experience. It is with immense satisfaction that we could look back how we have arrived at the conference point. Team Thiruvananthapuram is passion personified. I take this opportunity to thank the entire organising team. Indian Medical Association is marching towards its centenary. Baptised in the freedom struggle IMA is a nation builder. It is the guardian of the Health of our people and has been the voice of voiceless. It is one of the few organisations present in all the districts of the country with a sub district penetration. This strength of IMA is dedicated to the service and health security of our people. Dr Sreejith N Kumar the organising committee chairman has been the dreamer and the anchor. A man with a mission he has emerged as a force amplifier for IMA. Ably assisted by Dr Vijayakrishnan and Dr N Sulfi the trio are the nucleus around whom the team has spun its work.Dr John Panickar has been a pillar of strength. Dr Alex Franklin, Dr Prasanth, Dr RC Sreekumar, Dr SS Lal, Dr Varghese T Panickar, Dr Binoy, Dr Kavitha, Dr Veena, Mrs Greesha,Dr Sreejith , Dr Althaf,Dr Syamlal, Dr Arun, Dr Vivek, Dr Swapna and the blood and sweat of the entire organising committee has spread out the red carpet to our IMA family from across the country. A befitting monument of the conference is being documented by Dr Pradeep Kidangoor, Dr Arun Mohan and the team in the form of a souvenir. All under the benign guidance and oversight of our leader Dr A Marthanda Pillai sir. The matching strides of contribution is from IMA Kerala State Branch. State President Dr Joseph Benevan and State Secretary Dr Sasidharan have run along with the Thiruvananthapuram team to see that the conference is a success. I congratulate the Team Thiruvananthapuram for their hard work and sacrifice. I trust your goodwill and determination will continue into the year long leadership. with warm regards IMA - All India Medical Conference
Tharang Dhwani 2023 16 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Dr. A Marthanda Pillai Past National President Indian Medical Association I am proud to be a member of the Thiruvananthapuram branch of IMA, which is hosting the national medical conference of IMA after more than two decades.It is all the more significant that the internationally famous tourist destination Kovalam is the venue of the THARANG. Thiruvananthapuram the abode of Sree Padmanabha Swami is the apt place to deliberate the burning issues of the profession and to find a solution. I am sure that the conference will remain as an unforgettable event in the minds of the distinguished delegates. Wishing you all success With regards IMA - All India Medical Conference
17 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Tharang Dhwani 2023 Dr. Joseph Benaven State President, IMA IMA - All India Medical Conference I t gives me immense pleasure to note that the Organising Committee of “THARANG” is releasing a souvenir for the National Conference of the Indian Medical Association. Congratulations!! This is an exciting milestone that marks the culmination of hard work, dedication and collaborative effort of the members of the organizing committee. The souvenir serves as a cherished keepsake, capturing the essence of the conference and providing lasting memories. May the souvenir serve as the testament of the achievement and contribution of the IMA National Conference. It symbolizes the knowledge shared, the connections made and the advancements in the field of medicine that were showcased during this prestigious event. My deepest appreciation to the organizers, volunteers, speakers and participants for your commitment to excellence and your passion for furthering the cause of scientific medicine. The souvenir stands as a tribute to your collective efforts and the impact you have made through “THARANG”. May the release of this souvenir be a catalyst for continued growth, collaboration and innovation within the IMA fraternity. Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement and may the memories it holds inspire future endeavours and successes. Wishing you a memorable and successful IMA National Conference. Thanking you, Yours sincerely
Tharang Dhwani 2023 18 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Dr. K Sasidharan State Secretary, IMA Tharang.....the National conference of IMA has already created waves of enthusiasm and exultation.The host branch Thiruvananthapuram has once again proved their mettle.Modern Medical fraternity from different states of India and from the world around are eagerly waiting for the mega event .Ably lead by a bunch of seasoned leaders it's for sure that the conference will be a grand success.The heritage city of Sree Padmanabha will surely be witnessing a grand gala festival.I am all the more delighted to know that the team Tharang is bringing out a souvenir as part of the conference..Let me extend my warm greetings for the successful conduct of the conference and wish the team all the best . Jai IMA ,Jai Hind IMA - All India Medical Conference
19 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Tharang Dhwani 2023 Dr Sreejith N Kumar Organising Chairman Whispering Waves The waves were whispering. It's usual of Kovalam in December when the mighty sea calms down, beckoning everyone to it's shore, and embracing with ecstasy. This comes after the turbulence in summer and being ferocious during rains. Unfolding of Tharang was no different. After the peaceful whisper last December, when the conference was awarded to Thiruvananthapuram so much has happened. A great beginning with the getting together of a dedicated team, an ambitious build up and meticulous work is now culminating in another whisper of happiness and ecstasy. While this great event unfolds we are thankful to many, the visionaries of the profession for the great directions, national leadership for the constant support, our committed team for their selfless crusade, our patrons and sponsors for the huge help and to the Medical fraternity and society for the encouragement and ownership which is making Tharang, monumental and memorable. We thank all the leaders who have assembled here on the silver sands of the serene Kovalam, the beauty spot of God's own capital Thiruvananthapuram, for some meaningful deliberations towards empowering Scientific vision and building a healthy Nation. We are sure that Tharang, will usher in waves of positivity and vibrancy. We've done everything possible to make this event memorable. We hope that while you leave the meet, we will find a little space etched in your hearts. A gentle whisper of love and care is what we offer and all we cherish. Lovingly your's, IMA - All India Medical Conference
Tharang Dhwani 2023 20 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Dr Sulphi Noohu Organising Committee Secretary & Immediate Past President IMA, kerala. Dear Esteemed Delegates and Participants, It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each one of you at the All India National Conference of the Indian Medical Association 2023. As the Organising Committee Secretary, I am delighted to witness the convergence of medical minds from across the nation. This conference serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and addressing the pressing healthcare challenges that lie ahead. To commemorate this momentous occasion, we are proud to present the Souvenir for the year 2023. The Souvenir encapsulates the spirit of our collective efforts, showcasing the dedication and expertise of our esteemed contributors. It is a testament to the strides we have made in advancing medical science and healthcare delivery. As you peruse its pages, may you find inspiration and insights that resonate with the commitment we share to elevate healthcare standards in our country. I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the Souvenir, be it through articles, research papers, or messages of encouragement. Your participation enriches the collective wisdom of our medical community. May this Souvenir stand as a lasting reminder of our shared goals and the progress we aspire to achieve. I encourage you to explore its contents and engage in the exchange of ideas that will undoubtedly shape the future of healthcare in India. Wishing you a fruitful and enriching experience at the conference. Best regards IMA - All India Medical Conference
21 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Tharang Dhwani 2023 I t's an honor to celebrate the 98th All India Medical Conference, the National Conference of IMA, hosted by the distinguished Thiruvananthapuram branch, as we commemorate the 90th anniversary of our esteemed branch. This momentous occasion not only signifies a legacy of excellence in IMA activities but also embodies our commitment to advancing medical science, fostering collaboration, and enhancing patient care. As the President of IMA Thiruvananthapuram, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all IMA leaders, participants, sponsors, and organizers for their invaluable contributions in making this event a grand success. Together, let us continue to strive for innovation, education, and compassion in medicine, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for all. Thank you for being a part of this remarkable milestone in our collective pursuit of excellence. Warm regards Dr. G. S. Vijayakrishnan Co-Chairman Organising Committee President IMA Thiruvananthapuram Branch IMA - All India Medical Conference
Tharang Dhwani 2023 22 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR Dr Althaf Joint Secretary Organising Committee Hon. Secretary IMA Thiruvananthapuram Branch The nation's foremost challenge lies in the triple burden of diseases, encompassing persistently high maternal and infant mortality rates, infectious diseases, the escalating load of non-communicable diseases, and the resurgence of infections like TB and emerging pandemics, compounded by the health impacts of climate change. This is exacerbated by substantial out-of-pocket expenditures, driving many citizens below the poverty line. To overcome these hurdles and attain a state of health, the nation requires a scientific vision. The 98th All India Medical Conference underscores this imperative by emphasizing the critical role of a scientific vision in advancing health. The central message, "Scientific Vision, Healthy Nation," highlights the significance of scientific advancements in medical knowledge and practices for the collective well-being of the nation. Let us unite in building a healthy nation through a scientific vision. Jai Hind. IMA - All India Medical Conference
Organising Committee Dr. Sreejith N Kumar Organising Chairman Dr. Alex Franklin National Co Ordinator Dr. R C Sreekumar Scientific Co Ordinator Dr. Sulphi N Organising Secretary Dr. Prasanth C V State Co Ordinator Dr. T Suresh Kumar Art&Culture Convenor Dr. Joseph Benaven General Convenor Dr. A Althaf Joint Organising Secretary Dr. R Sreejith Finance Secretary Dr. G S Vijayakrishnan Organising Co Chairman Dr. C John Panicker Administrative Convenor Dr. R Unnikrishnan Joint Secretary 23 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Registration Committee Reception Committee Scientific Committee Dr. Srikanth D Chairman Dr. Alex Franklin Chairman Dr. R C Sreekumar Chairman Dr. Sidharthan CO. Chairman Dr. Mohanan Nair CO. Chairman Dr. Varghese T Panicker CO. Chairman Dr. Satheesan M Joint Convenor Dr. Balachandran Nair C K Joint Convenor Dr. Anand Pillai Joint Convenor Dr. Sreejith R Convenor Dr. Anupama R Convenor Dr. Anwar Rasheed Convenor Dr. Shibu R Joint Convenor Dr. Archana Pillai Joint Convenor Dr. Libu GK Joint Convenor 24 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Finance Committee Accomodation Committee Venue Committee Dr. John Panicker Chairman Dr. C V Prasanth Chairman Dr. Ananda Rajan C R Chairman Dr. Jyothidev Kesavadev CO. Chairman Dr. Satheesh Kumar S CO. Chairman Dr. G. Sudarsanan CO. Chairman Dr. Paul Samuel Joint Convenor Mrs. Greesha Satheesh Joint Convenor Dr. Shiju Stanley Joint Convenor Dr. Kavitha Ravi Convenor Dr. Veena Sreejith Convenor Dr. Shanavas P Convenor Dr. Sam Prasad Joint Convenor Dr. Saju Sahadevan Joint Convenor Dr. Niju ML Joint Convenor 25 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Exhibition & Stalls Committee IT Committee Audio Visual Committee Dr. Syam Lal Chairman Dr. Suchit Roy B R Chairman Dr. Pradeep Kidangoor Chairman Dr. Boban Thomas CO. Chairman Dr. Mohan Roy T CO. Chairman Dr. Sreekantan CO. Chairman Dr. Manju Thampi Joint Convenor Dr. Ajith Chakravarthy Joint Convenor Dr. Anil Bindhu Joint Convenor Dr. Swapna S Kumar Convenor Dr. Manoj KS Convenor Dr. Arun A John Member Dr. Mithun Anand P Joint Convenor Dr. Arun Mohan M Joint Convenor 26 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Media & Publicity Committee Social Media Committee Food Committee Dr. Arun S V Chairman Dr. Praveen KS Chairman Dr. Dinesh K Chairman Dr. Abhilash Balsalam CO. Chairman Dr. Devin Prabhakar CO. Chairman Dr. Chacko M Ramacha CO. Chairman Dr. Sunitha Joint Convenor Dr. Siby Kurian Philip Joint Convenor Dr. Prabhu R K Joint Convenor Dr. Padma Prasad PS Convenor Dr. Mohan Shenoy Convenor Dr. Shameem N Convenor Dr Anjitha Lakshmi R Joint Convenor Dr. Mohammed Shiji Joint Convenor 27 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Souvenir Committee Global Affairs Committee Cultural Committee Dr. Pradeep Kidangoor Chairman Dr. S S Lal Chairman Dr. Ajaiyakumar S K CO. Chairman Dr. Nigil Haroon CO. Chairman Dr. Rajmohan LN Joint Convenor Dr. Moni K Vinod Joint Convenor Dr. Arun Mohan M Convenor Dr. Nigil Kuriakose Convenor Dr. Yamini Thankachy Joint Convenor Dr. Abdul Gafoor Joint Convenor Dr. Unnikrishnan R Chairman Dr. KV Viswanathan CO. Chairman Dr. Santhosh Babu Joint Convenor Dr. Kalpana Convenor Dr. Anu J Joint Convenor Dr Deepthilal P L Joint Convenor 28 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Awards & Memento Committee Kits & Compliments Committee Women Committee Dr. Haris A Chairman Dr. Mohammed Ashraf CO. Chairman Dr. Mohanakumar R Joint Convenor Dr. Lekshmi G Convenor Dr. Manoj TM Joint Convenor Dr. Indiramma Chairman Dr. Shylaja K CO. Chairman Dr. Bindu Dharan Joint Convenor Dr. Simi Haris Convenor Dr. Aggy Valentine Joint Convenor Dr. Vineetha Nair Joint Convenor Dr. Vinaya Ranjan H Chairman Dr. Thankam D CO. Chairman Dr. Rosenara Beegam Joint Convenor Dr. Sathyabhama MC Convenor 29 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Youth Affairs Committee Travel Committee Tour Committee Dr Binoy S Chairman Dr Sushanth S S Joint Convenor (JDN) Mr Vaishnav Premarajan Joint Convenor (MSN ) Mr Vishnu Sreejayan Joint Convenor (MSN ) Dr Riyaz Chairman Dr. Hema Francis CO. Chairman Dr. Jayasekhar MS CO. Chairman Dr. Vivek KB Convenor (JDN) Dr. Lakshmi R Joint Convenor Dr. Radhika CR Convenor Dr. Anitha Prabhakaran Joint Convenor Dr. Jayaram Das Chairman Dr. Ramakrishna Babu CO. Chairman Dr. Benzilal Joint Convenor Dr. Siva Prasanth P Convenor Dr. Sabarinath R Convenor (MSN) 30 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Medical Aid Committee Public Health Programme Committee Dr. Pradeep Kumar A S Chairman Dr. Biju Soman CO. Chairman Dr. N Sreedhar Joint Convenor Dr. Indu P S Convenor Dr. Rajeevan V Joint Convenor Dr. Ajith Kumar S Chairman Dr. Bennet Xylam Chairman Dr. Arifa CO. Chairman Dr. Arifa Sainudeen CO. Chairman Dr. Rahul Chandran Joint Convenor Dr. Sanal Kumar L T Joint Convenor Dr. Prameela Joji Convenor Dr. Chandra Mohan Convenor 31 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Research Committee Memorial Service Committee Audit & Accounts Committee Dr. MKC Nair Chairman Dr. Ananda Rajan C R Chairman Dr. Regi Jose CO. Chairman Dr. Syam D Gopal CO. Chairman Dr. Thankappan C CO. Chairman Dr. Ramiz Raja Joint Convenor Dr. Hariprasad Joint Convenor Dr. Anil Bindu S Convenor Dr. Anil Radhakrishnan Convenor Dr. TA Vasu Convenor Dr. Tony Lawrence Joint Convenor Dr. Kadir Meeran Joint Convenor Health Manifesto Committee Dr. SS Lal Chairman Dr. Mohanan Nair CO. Chairman Dr. A Althaf Convenor 32 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
National Affairs Committee Management Conclave Committee Dr. T N Babu Ravindran Chairman Dr. K. Jayaram CO. Chairman Dr. M Bhaskaran Joint Convenor Dr. V U Seethi Convenor Dr. G Vijayakumar Joint Convenor Dr. Benny P V Chairman Dr. Anoop Lal CO. Chairman Dr. Archana Pillai Joint Convenor Dr. Alan Chris Convenor Pen & Paint Committee Dr. T Suresh Kumar Chairman Dr. Shabeer Joint Convenor Dr. Arun B Nair Convenor Dr. Prasanth C V CO. Chairman 33 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Medical Education Committee National Conclave Committee Health Care CEO Committee Health Policy Committee Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal Chairman Dr. Vinay Agarwal Chairman Dr. A Marthanda Pillai Chairman Dr. Harikumaran Nair GS CO. Chairman Dr. Sahadulla MI CO. Chairman Dr. Remesh RA CO. Chairman Dr. Sharmad MS Joint Convenor Dr. Manojan KK Joint Convenor Dr. Gopikumar P Joint Convenor Dr. A V Jayakrishnan Convenor Dr. Srikumar Vasudevan Convenor Dr. V G Pradeep Kumar Convenor 34 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
THARANG 2023 Organising Committee Meeting at Kovalam Tharang 2023 Organising Committee Meeting at IMA Headquarters Thiruvananthapuram 35 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Dr. Pradeep Kidangoor Chief Editor Dr. Arun Mohan M Managing Editor Dr. Anju K Kanmani Editorial Board Member Dr. Rajmohan Editorial Board Member Dr Yamini Thankachy Editorial Board Member Dr. Ajaiyakumar Chief Editor Editorial Board 36 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Serial No Contents Page No 1 An evening chat with the Legendary Leader Dr. R V Asokan 40 2 The Glory of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi 50 3 Medical Memories Gouri Parvathi Bayi 60 4 Global Vaccine Leader - An interview Mr Adar Poonawalla 63 5 A Doctor's 24 Hours 68 A Satheesh 6 Wellness Among Doctors: How to Heal the Healers Dr Arun B Nair 74 7 Time to look at the mirror Dr Tiny Nair 78 8 Get Your Jabs in Time Dr Sheeja Sugunan 80 9 Menopause... How Will You Deal It? Dr R Anupama 85 10 Physical well being for Doctors Dr.Unnikrishnan 88 11 It's time to have an annual lung check - up too! Dr. Binu Krishnan 91 12 Sleep and Doctors – A Strange Relationship Dr Ajoy Samuel Mammen 93 13 Food for thought for the health care practitioners Dr Leena Saju 95 Tharang Dhwani 2023 Table of Contents 37 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
14 Spectacles for the Presbyopic Doctor Dr Devin Prabhakar 99 15 Our Kid’s Diet- Are we on the Right Track? My Reflections Dr Elizabeth K E 102 16 Prevention is Better than Cure – The Key to Sustainable Health Dr Ganga K R 106 17 More to Life Than Medicine! Dr. M.S. Jayasekhar 108 18 Spend One hour per day to walk till our end : Tips to keep our legs healthy Dr.R.C.Sreekumar 110 19 Have you been screened for cancers? Dr. Aswathy G Nath 116 20 How good are we in looking after our health Dr George Paul 118 21 Evidence-based colorectal cancer prevention for doctors: it’s time to change some old paradigms Dr Rajeev Jayadevan 120 22 Mindfulness for Doctors – A pathway less travelled; A pathway worth travelling Dr. S. Krishnan 126 23 Who will care for our ‘Care Providers’? Col Rajeev Mannali 128 24 Preventive Radiology Dr Arun Mohan M 130 25 Maintaining your Dentition Dr Anirudhmaadhav P A 134 26 Kudos to our Artists 138 27 Scientific Programme chart 140 28 From the desk of Editorial Board 149 38 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
General Section Photo: Vinayak
We were excited and thrilled about travelling all the way to Punalur to meet and chat with the most able leader the IMA has ever produced - Dr RV Asokan. Punalur is a beautiful village known as the ‘Pepper village of Kerala’. It also houses a major paper mill which was established in the 1950s. The Kallada river flows right through the heart of the city with the renowned ‘suspension bridge’ hanging over it. We first went to visit the Deen Hospital in Punalur, which was founded by Dr RV Asokan and Dr Laila Asokan in 1983. Then we visited Dr RV Asokan‘s residence, a classic blend of traditional elegance and modernity. We were warmly welcomed by Sir and his wife, Dr Laila Asokan, and were served delicious tea with snacks and fruits. The crispy and mouthwatering homemade ‘Uzhunnu Vada’ along with chutney deserves a special mention. Sir’s love for animals is unparalleled. His house is also home to many crows, doves and dogs, both domestic and stray, all of which are fed and looked after with a lot of care and affection. Through the entirety of our conversation with Dr RV Asokan Sir and madam, the barking of dogs was audible in the background. Commenting on it, Asokan sir said“ An interview with Dr RV Asokan will be incomplete without the barks and noise of dogs”. QCould you please tell about your education and family? Dr RV Asokan : I passed out in 1979 from An evening chat with the Legendary Leader 40 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
nagar, Tamil Nadu you know and I came to Kerala in search of a job in 1982. Punalur is just across the border and is the nearest station to my hometown. At that point of time there was influx of doctors in Tamil Nadu, large number of doctors was unemployed and many of my friends were already here in Kerala. QWhere was your first job in Punalur? Dr RV Asokan: Jayabharatham Nursing home was my first place of work in Punalur for one year from 1982 to 1983. My wife had gone for her post graduation - DGO from Madras Medical College and MD Gynaecology from Stanley Medical College. After she returned back to Punalur, we decided to start our own practice . Our practice started as a clinic which was expanded later into a 19 bedded hospital , then the present new building was constructed which was funded by the Kerala Finance Corporation (KFC). There was so much of enthusiasm from the side of KFC and Punalur Municipality who supported our clinic without any resistance or hassles. I think Madurai Medical College. Then I did my senior house surgeon-ship in medicine for one year and completed MD in General medicine from Madurai Medical College. My wife Dr Laila was my MBBS classmate and belongs to my same town and community and we got married. My father is late Shri R Vivekanandan, He was the Professor & HOD, Department of Politics, VHNSN College, Virudhunagar, Tamilnadu and my mother Late Smt AP Jayalakshmi who was a Headmistress at Kshatriya Girls High School, Viruthunagar. My only daughter is Dr Vijaya Meenakshi Inthulan , Gynaecologist and Foetal Medicine Practitioner at Chennai and she is married to Dr Inthulan Thiraviaraj who is a Radiologist & Interventionist working at Athipathi Scan Center, Velachery, Chennai. I have two grand children Selvan Akshin and Selvi Akshara. QSir, please tell how did you come to Punalur? Dr RV Asokan : I am basically from Virudhu41 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
Punalur is lot different from other parts of the district, the people are soft and welcoming. Punalur always had a mixed and floating population including Tamil merchants. QWhen did you join IMA as a member? Dr RV Asokan : 1979. One of my close relative Dr Chandra Bose from Tuticorin who was national president made me IMA member of Tuticorin branch, though I had never been to there. Then the membership was shifted to Madurai when I was doing my post graduation and later it was transferred to Punalur. In 1989 I became a life member of IMA Kerala. QHearty congratulations sir. You are about to take up the most committed post of IMA -The National president ship. Could you please tell something about your journey from that point to present point in IMA? Dr RV Asokan: When I came to IMA Punalur, Dr Bhanu, Dr Subramanian Potty, Dr Rajan Babu, these were some of the senior doctors who are in charge of IMA . In 1985 I became the branch secretary and later the branch President. My initial work was mostly with QPMPA. I had been to QPMPA meetings and became their state joint secretary, then state Vice president. My actual entry to IMA was because of Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai and Dr A Marthanda Pillai. Many times they have come here to Punalur for membership drive. In 1990 the Kerala IMA membership was only around 1000. The combination of Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai, Dr A Marthanda Pillai, Dr V.V George along with Dr Paulose etc made the difference. The revolutionary things started with 'Sankaravaidya strike' under the leadership of these doctors which attracted us towards IMA. The concept of district coordinator came in 1993 when an all India strike was organized for the first time by Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai as National President on consumer protection act. Though I didn’t agree with the strike call , he advised me just to wait and observe the happenings. The district Committee was made and I was appointed as a district coordinator. I was the state secretary of CGP (College of General Practitioners) for three years and during that time we could bring FCGP examinations to Kerala and we conducted 3 FCGP examinations at Medical Trust Hospital Kochi under the leadership of Dr Thomas Pulickan with the help of Dr Hari and we also successfully organized three annual and zonal conferences of CGP. After that we started attending national conferences. I remember one incident in 1997. One of the conferences was held at Daman which was between Gujarat and Maharashtra. Dr Ketan Desai first time came as MCI president attended that conference. We had to travel from Daman by train, but we arrived Mumbai late. There were about 45 people with me, including women and children. The railway station was Kurla . Couple of people who went out didn’t turn up on time and we got late. Instead of getting down at Kurla, we landed in a local station so that the train has left Kurla by the time we reached there and we got stuck there without accommodation at 9 PM night and I was in charge of those 45 people. But fortunately I had a very good friend of mine who helped us out , he hired a bus from Victoria terminal and we were taken care of. Those were the days the friendship was so tight, none of them complained. I learnt a lesson and I always follow that dictum ‘Never split your team’. During the three years of state Secretary Ship, we were able to add 5000 new members as a team and those were the years when we crossed total number of 10,000 members. As a state secretary, the Green book which is a standard manual now, was conceived by me in 1997 based on the idea by Dr Thomas Vaidyan and printed by Dr Sureshkumar, who was my state treasurer. There was a confusion of shifting IMA calendar year from October 1 to April 1 and that benefit of confusion offered me additional president ship of half an year. Under my president ship in 2001 first time we conducted a secretariat march in protest of violence against doctors. It was a successful march. Dr Sanjeev Malik was the Secretary General who inaugurated the March and around 3000 doctors participated. The struggle for hospital protection act was started in the year 2001 and we got the act in place in 2013 with Dr Sreekumar as presi42 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
dent and Dr Rajagopalan Nair as Secretary. My induction was attended by Mr AK Antony, the opposition leader who always had a soft heart with doctors. We had an agenda meeting with the Chief minister then and we proposed three demands. First one was to implement action against violence. Second was the request to exempt doctors from criminal prosecution and third was the requirement of a biomedical waste disposal program. My president ship project was IMAGE. It was a shot in the darkness. We had a friend Chazhikadan from Thodupuzha who had some land there and wanted to take up the project in his land as our agency. Muttam Panchayat agreed to us initially, but the local people resisted and they went court against us. Then we bought some land in Paripally, Kollam as our own, but again, but it was also dropped after opposition from the local people, finally Chazhikadan suggested Kanjikode in Palkkad district, a rocky area near forest to be taken up. So we purchased around 26 acres of land there and started over the project. I took over as first chairman of IMAGE and continued for six years with Dr Rajagopalan Nair as secretary and Dr Joseph Benaven as my treasurer. We are the three people who created IMAGE. Every brick which stands there was built by Dr Benaven who has been working very close with me since 2003. IMAGE is a political success of IMA. It is the acceptance of people of Kerala that IMA will do no harm. Initially we catered only one district – Palakkad, but later we expanded. We went hospital to hospital requesting them to join. But today IMAGE has gone beyond our expectations. Without IMAGE certificate today you cannot get a license. That is the journey and success of IMA IMAGE project. In 2002 IMA Kerala State conducted All India medical conference with Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai as the organizing chairman, I was the organizing secretary and Dr T Sureshkumar was the organizing secretary for Trivandrum local branch. After that Dr PV George took over as National President, I was his National Joint Secretary and that was my entry into the national IMA in 2003. Those two years I had worked on tuberculosis in Kerala and that was because of Dr S.S Lal. Then 43 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
the DOTS strategy was introduced and the first DOTS centre was my own hospital. Dr SS Lal was the WHO consultant , we worked together. Then he moved to Delhi and he introduced me to the central TB division. We did a project and demonstrated that private sector can contribute in tuberculosis management. During the initial few years the project worked with my own fund due to some reimbursement issues. The central people got a good impression about me and they appointed me as the national coordinator for TB care. (With a smile in his face) All these posts I held were rather created for me or began with me. Ultimately the government asked us to plan a global fund project which was a big challenge because we had never written something of that dimensions. Anyway finally the government itself helped us and selected five states for training and bringing microscopy centers and DOTS centers which included Kerala. Later the project was extended to 15 states because it was a great success. IMA actively took part in the RNTCP program. The government gave me an opportunity and nominated me from private sector as a member of technical advisory board to WHO Geneva along with Director General of Central TB division from government sector. I served in that international forum for two years. That exposure and experience was great having IMA as a platform which worked with American thoracic society on international standards of TB care. Actually the strength of IMA Kerala was that we were defining the modern medicine and we always stood for the concept and purity of modern medicine. So as we move forward in 2009, the medical Council of India introduced three year course of BRMS ( Bachelor of Rural Medical Science). It was Kerala State who opposed it , we all revolted in Hyderabad. Those were years when Kerala State was on one side under Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai and the entire country was on the other side. But it was his diplomacy which kept us in the central leadership. We took the issue to Delhi. Dr VC has then become MCI member and he was the only person who opposed BRMS on record while the entire council stood for it. Sri Gulam Nabi Azad was the minister of health and welfare. Delhi medical College and Delhi Medical Association supported us eventually. We also filed a case in Delhi High Court under my name and IMA Kerala State name. In 2013 , IMA central working committee demanded tuberculosis should be declared as a notifiable disease which enabled the government to announce it. We conducted thousands of CMEs & training programs. We trained 15,000 doctors and notified one lakh TB cases in 2014 . We could launch nearly 10,000 + DOT centers and 4000+ microscopy centers as a part of the program. Still today I continue that passion and continue the work against TB . I still serve in ‘Stop TB partnership’ which is a Geneva based sister organization of WHO for advocacy with government. There was a Private Hospital Board in Kerala which was recreated. Dr Benaven was my secretary in private hospital board.There was issues of municipal registration and licensing of private hospitals and clinics. We went to meet Mr K Karunakaran , he was such a great leader. He just looked into it and immediately released the order in favor of us. Many of my decisions may look shallow be44 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
cause I don’t waste much time for perfection. I always follow the style of Dr VC. When things are not very clear he don’t waste time , instead he use to take a decision and go forward without violating discipline and without blaming anybody. When Dr Vinay Agarwal became the President, while travelling with him from Pathanamthitta to Perinthalmanna he was mesmerized when I told him about blood banks in Kerala. 20 % of blood in blood banks come from IMA, but we didn’t document or publicize it . Four years I was the secretary of IMA Hospital Board of India and we established branches in every state. When Dr A Marthanda Pillai became the President I was the chairman of IMA Hospital Board of India and served for four years. We were worried about the quality of care in private sector and disappearance of doctor owned small hospitals. On discussion with Dr Vinay Agarwal, first day of Dr Marthanda Pillai Sir’s president ship we signed an MOU with NABH. Simultaneously, the clinical establishment act came into force during the Health secretary ship of Mr Rajeev Sadanandan. We requested an accreditation process of hospitals rather than a licensing process and as a result KASH (Kerala Accreditation standards for hospitals) was introduced. The concept of entry-level NABH accreditation was initiated for small hospitals with less number of parameters. Nearly 1500 hospitals across the country got certified by NABH. So to summarise, these are my three tracks or achievements. First one IMAGE , secondly fight against tuberculosis and third - introduction of NABH accreditation. In the meantime I became national Vice President. There was a national medical struggle against myxopathy, crossopathy etc . Meanwhile the MCI was dissolved and IMA declared a war. IMA appointed me as the action committee chairman. The brain behind the war was Dr Sreejith N Kumar. And thus in 2015 we gave shape to MSN and JDN. MSN is totally a contribution of Dr Sreejith N Kumar. It is his blood and strength. Two great events were held in Delhi during that struggle, one is ‘Delhi Chalo’ - the student Parliament and other one is the ‘Mahapanchayat’. So happened that I became the first Honorable Secretary General from outside Delhi for two years. Those two years violence took the front seat. There were two all India strikes organized, one against violence and other against NMC. First year I had been in the headquarters which happened to be the initial COVID time. IMA building which is situated in the earthquake belt was in a bad state and was requested by the Delhi development authority to move on, so we started working on it. After those two years of COVID, I was given time to prepare mentally to become the National President. Even though I gave nomination for president ship, the central leadership opted for 2 Vice President nominations from Kerala State and we got those posts. But this year even before the candidature, the entire state IMA leadership and the decision making mechanism proposed that Kerala will have only one candidate. We don’t have any other candidate for any other posts and ultimately I was nominated as the National President elect. What showcased me as National President is the cosmopolitan nature, the greatness of thinking and the unity among Kerala IMA leadership which doesn’t Dr Laila Asokan , Dr RV Asokan , Dr NS Chandra Bose, Past IMA National President, Circa 1999 45 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
exist in any other state. There may be difference of opinion among us. We may be literally fighting each other on any issue in the working committee but once the decision is taken, everyone will abide by it. QWho is your mentor? Dr RV Asokan : No doubt it is Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai. My association with VC begins in 1993 when I opposed his decision of IMA going for a strike. He was a very pleasant person. He reached even into the youngest member, he gave due respect to them and he never compromised on core professional issues. QWhat are the challenges you expect in your president ship ? Dr RV Asokan : First one is integrative medicine. Any act to change the DNA of MBBS needs to be discouraged. Secondly, unemployment of young doctors, there are around 700 medical colleges in our country from about 1,08,000 doctors pass out every year. Around 150000 doctors are unemployed in our country. We are thinking of creating a national employment portal and an overseas portal which will look after the carrier, academics and employment opportunities of the young doctors. We will entitle a professional agency under the IMA headquarters to look after the unemployment issue. We have decided to offer a membership for the budding doctors which will be named as Deemed membership for thousand rupees as an onetime payment which is valid for up to 10 years. Next one is regarding the new headquarters building. We are planning to build an 8 storied building there. QDo you think there is an exploitation of junior doctors by private hospitals? Dr RV Asokan: It happens in both ways. Our doctors are also not disciplined. They disappear all on a sudden without any notice; on the other hand definitely the hospitals are exploiting young doctors. QWhat is your opinion on fixing a minimum salary for young doctors? Dr RV Asokan: The call should be taken by the state leadership as the situation in each state differs. We can only provide some guidelines for the state to follow. QWhat is your opinion on cyber attack on doctors, can IMA play a role ? Dr RV Asokan: In my opinion, doctors should not respond to trolling or character assassination. People’s memory is short and social media is fleeting. When you respond you are actually perpetuating it, more people see it. So I think doctors should ignore such things and I don’t support the current trend of responding instantly. Cyber security is important for any citizen and is equally or more important to doctors. QNow the IT has changed things drastically in medicine. Do you think AI can replace doctors? Dr RV Asokan : Any technology is a friend. The biggest user of any technology is medicine. Most important is, we should know where to draw the line. All technologies do have limitations. For example : Robots, if you are not precise with them, it will actually end up in mess. So those things need to be regulated. For example, Telemedicine, e- pharmacy etc are already regulated. AI is a challenge for entire mankind and needs to be regulated. I think we will learn as we go. QWhat are your goals for the next year as IMA National President? Dr RV Asokan : The real challenge is penetrating into the profession. I think dealing with government is easier than dealing with doctors. Reach out to all members, their problems and to open up communication with them are great challenges. My challenge is to penetrate inside the profession and to make the members understand the existing issues. I believe IMA has to be a member friendly organization. 46 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
QWhat is your success Mantra? Surprising both of us, the reply was a spontaneous, loud and innocent laughter. Dr RV Asokan : Oh that was a ‘googly ‘. In 1914, Mahatma Gandhi came to India from South Africa as an ambassador. Nobody knew him at that time, after that so many events occurred in India. By 1919 after the Jallianwala Bagh incident he was the first person to call for a hartal and whole India stood behind him. He became the leader and the pain of struggle in five years time in that challenging situation. Once an American journalist asked Mahatma Gandhi, how did you make this? His answer was “Keep your ego to zero in any situation, your intuition will lead you and you will be elevated “. This is not my answer, it was Mahatma Gandhi’s answer and I am a follower of Mahatma Gandhi. QCan you tell something about your trademark ‘Bhasmakkuri’ ? Dr RV Asokan : I follow Astrophysics and believe in that . It has helped me to open my inner light. I am a settled man in spirituality. Astrophysics is an area which will make you sink in its intensity and depth, make you understand how the universe has been designed. It has now grown into a state that there are many universes even. QDo you meditate? Dr RV Asokan : I like solitude and reflection QCan you please describe your typical day? Dr RV Asokan: I rise around 6 o’clock in the morning, read newspapers, feed the dogs, crows and doves, hundreds of them coming. I remain home till 11 , at 11AM I go hospital, I don’t take phone calls at hospital. Punalur is a very good place. The people love us. I take enough time for my patients. Every day I see around 30 patients. My lunch is delayed may be at 5 PM . Then again we both go to hospital by around 7-7.30 PM . I do a lot of reading, especially contemporary history, politics, freedom struggle, East India Company and of course Astrophysics. QSir , how do you manage the work life balance? Dr RV Asokan: By effective time management. There is no time zone in patient department for me, some patients may require 30 minutes and I spent that time with them . Everybody knows that when Dr Pradeep Kidangoor and Dr Arun Mohan with Dr RV Asokan and Dr Laila Asokan 47 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
I am in hospital, my first priority is always patients. QWhen do you find time for IMA activities? Dr RV Asokan : What is the purpose of IMA? At end of the day you will understand the problems only if you have your roots properly. You need to have a strong bond with your patients. Though I am a physician, even patients with broken bones come to me, so it’s important for me to give them proper directions. There are economic limitations for the money I make, being a physician. Fortunately, my better half has stood with me all these years and helped me two ends meet. And it was her sacrifice more than mine. QWhat is your message to all the doctors, youngsters in particular ? Dr RV Asokan: ( To all the doctors) We have a rich history and legacy. Medical profession has its own ethics and etiquette. What you do can even change the destiny of a man, is not a small thing. We have a responsibility related directly to human civilization and survival of humanity. Ethics may change as per time and place, but etiquette may not change. (For the young doctors ) The challenges they face are of different kinds because clinical medicine has shifted now to evidence based medicine and doctor based care has now changed to hospital based care. For them, academics has taken the front place than the human being sitting in front of them. This has led to a crisis named ‘hyposkillia’. Doctors are dependent so much on technology. This is a real challenge for youngsters. Though ultimately they will be employed and they will earn money, they will be poorer human beings and poorer doctors. The touch, the eye contact and hope you give to a patient can change their entire day. The young doctors have dreamt of becoming a doctor but never thought of becoming a provider. Not only your medical skills, but what value makes a doctor that shouldn’t be lost. QWhat is your experience during our National Conference preparations? Dr RV Asokan : It will be a great event. Every team member is contributing. Everyone is spending their valuable time for the conference. It’s a passionate conference I would say. Thanking Dr RV Asokan sir and his wife Dr Laila Asokan for their wonderful and kindhearted reception, we left the house. Dr Pradeep Kidangoor Dr Arun Mohan M 48 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
49 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR
I n all humility I offer my repeated prostrations at the lotus feet of Sree Padmanabha Swamy who has from unrecorded spans of time reigned supreme as the Heart and heart beat of Thrippappoor Swaroopam (or the Travancore Dynasty as it came to be known later on). This humble being craves indulgence to place before Your mighty presence, Oh Bhagavan this offering of letters which sing Your glory in zenith of joy. Every opportunity which reveals itself to speak or write on the mystic and devotional aspects, historical events, innumerable legends and other features of Sree Padmanabha Perumal and His splendid abode is a special act of grace from Above. The extent of success in presenting the multi dimensional radiance of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is left entirely to His divine will. Sree Parasurama retrieved from the ocean the land mass identified as Kerala. He then entrusted the religious duties to twelve Nampoothiri (Kerala Brahmin) families, divided the land and handed over the administration to selected royal lines. These various dynasties including the `Cheraman Perumals’ as the Travancore royal house has known, trace their descent to those far off times. By some decree of destiny the governance of Malayala nadu came to be vested in two major dynasties or `Swaroopams’ - `Thrippappoor’ and `Perumpadappu’ (Travancore and Kochi respectively) with `Nediyiruppu Swaroopam’ under the Zamorin of Calicut (Kozhikode) following close behind. Another `Swaroopam’ commanding weight was the `Kola Swaroopam’ centred in Kannoor in North Kerala. No attempt is being made here to go in for a comparative evaluation or to examine the inter connections of these dynasties. Suffice to state that their bold signatures remain undimmed on the vast historical expanse of these sands. Due to many reasons Venad, later to be famous as Travancore (`Thiruvithamcoor’ in local jargon) acquired a very significant position in the scheme of affairs. Sree Padmanabha Swamy, the receipt of worship of this dynasty for centuries as its dynastic, family and personal Deity, was revered by the successive monarchs as the sole cause for all prosperity and good fortune that came by their fair land. The Glory of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi 50 THARANG DHWANI 2023 - IMA ALL INDIA MEDICAL CONFERENCE SOUVENIR