Page 24 - Demo

SRMCOT hosts International Conference on Autism 2025STAFF WRITERTh e S R M C o l l e g e o f Occupational Therapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), successfully inaugurated the International Conference on Autism 2025 on April 25, 2025, under the theme %u201cRethinking Autism: A Holistic Approach to Participation, Education, and Employment%u201d. The event, held at the Dr. T.P. Ganesan Auditorium, witnessed the participation of over 1500 attendees, including students, faculty, researchers, clinicians, and international delegates. Eminent dignitaries graced the inauguration ceremony: %u2022Chief Guest: Dr. Teresa A. May-Benson, President, TMP Educational Enterprises, Norristown, USA %u2022Guest of Honour: Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Shukla, Director, National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual lighting of the Kuthuvilakku, followed by a warm welcome address by Dr. U. Ganapathy Sankar.Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, in his presidential address, emphasized SRMIST%u2019s strategic vision to promote inclusive education and healthcare services. Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Shukla highlighted the pivotal role of government initiatives in empowering individuals with disabilities during his Guest of Honour address. Dr. Teresa A. May-Benson, in her Chief Guest address, shared global perspectives on autism, advocating for holistic participation, education, and employment strategies. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the %u201cExcellence Award in Autism%u201d and the release of a special conference souvenir to mark the occasion. Mrs. Grace Lydia Sarojini D. delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the organising team, the enthusiasm of the participants, and the unwavering support from SRMIST leadership. The conference stands as a significant milestone towards strengthening global collaboration, research innovations, and a unified commitment to creating inclusive environments for individuals with autism.Disabilities (NIMHR), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India %u2022Presided by: Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro-Vice Chancellor (MHS), SRM Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, SRMIST The program commenced with the invocation of Tamil Thai Vazhthu and a traditional SRM College of Physiotherapy hosts the SRM International Hand Conclave 2025 Celebrating Innovation, Collaboration, and Excellence in Hand Therapy and SurgerySTAFF WRITERSRM College of Physiotherapy (SRMIST), in collaboration with the Department of Plastic Surgery, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (SRMMCH & RC), proudly i n a u g u r a t e d t h e S R M International Hand Conclave 2025, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at bridging expertise in hand therapy and surgery. The two-day conclave, held on April 29 and 30 at Hippocrates Hall, SRM Medical College, welcomed medical professionals, students, and experts from across India and abroad. The event was presided over by Dr. Nitin M. Nagarkar, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Medical), who delivered an inspiring presidential address. %u201cThe hand is not just an organ%u2014it is an expression of the heart and mind,%u201d he said, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in medical education. %u201cThis conclave perfectly reflects SRM%u2019s multidisciplinary strength and commitment to collaborative healthcare that truly transforms lives,%u201d he added. Dr. Veeragouthaman, Dean of SRM College of Physiotherapy, delivered the welcome address and emphasised the goal of promoting functional restoration. %u201cA functional hand is a complete hand, and a complete hand is a happy hand. A happy hand leads to a happy community and a happy nation,%u201d he shared passionately. The highlight of the event was the address by Dr. Rajasabapathy, President of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) and Chairman, Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, who served as the Guest of Honour. In his keynote speech, he stated, %u201cIndia needs a large number of dedicated hand therapists. Conferences like this are crucial in inspiring the next generation and taking hand therapy in our country to the global stage.%u201d He praised SRM for organising such a forward-thinking event and added, %u201cI think this conclave marks a great beginning for the field of hand therapy in India.%u201d Dr. G. Karthikeyan, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Esvee Hospital, Chennai, delivered a special address, stating, %u201cIt%u2019s the first time I%u2019ve seen a conclave solely on hand therapy%u2014I was thrilled by the brochure! It%u2019s a field I love, and I applaud SRM for spotlighting it. This aligns perfectly with SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships)..%u201d Other esteemed dignitaries who graced the event included Dr. C. Balasubramanian, Professor and Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Dr. R. Venkatraman, Medical Superintendent of SRMMCH & RC, and Dr.Santharam R, Professor of Plastic Surgery.The conclave featured a robust scientific program, including a pre-conference workshop, expert lectures, and vibrant student participation. The event also supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals%u2014promoting good health, quality education, and collaborative partnerships in medicine.REPORTING FOR SPECTRUM%u2022 Contributing reports should be confined to a maximum of 250 words and must be written by students only.%u2022 Request for coverage in Spectrum by its editorial team must be made well in advance with an accompanying note and the invitation to spectrum@srmist.edu.in%u2022Coverage of a certain event or receipt of an article does n o t g u a r a n t e e publication.%u2022 A c c o m p a n y i n g pictures must have captions. Pictures without caption will not be published -Editor24 2025 | Spectrum | Volume 18 Number 4