SRINAGAR, APRIL 13(KMW): A four day International Conference on ‘Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Processes’, organized by University of Kashmir, Department of Bio-Technology, commenced at the Gandhi Bhavan here today.
Former President of Republic of India, Bharat Ratna award winner Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, inaugurated the Conference while as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr N.N. Vohra made the Presidential Address.
Dr Yog Hecker, President of the German Science Academy; Dr Katoch; Director General ICMR; Dr Vijay Raghwan, Secretary Bio Technology; Prof Talwar former D.G. of N.I. Immunology; Prof Hasnain of IIT Delhi; and a large number of eminent scientists from India and abroad, scholars, academicians, invitees and students attended the inaugural function.
Addressing the Conference, Dr Kalam recalled the period when he worked as Missile and Rocket Scientist at Hyderabad and spent many years in the arena of Nuclear Energy development.
Referring to the topic of the conference, Dr Kalam spoke at length on the theory of Unity of Nature and explained how Life Science Engineering had come close to Rocket Science. Speaking about the need for technology integration and the need to achieve excellence he said that DNA, Virus, Bacteria are interconnected.
Dr Kalam appreciated the University of Kashmir’s initiative of organizing this International Conference and hoped that the outcome of the discussions among the scientists will contribute towards controlling the spread of dreaded diseases.
Chancellor of University of Kashmir and Governor J&K State, Mr N.N. Vohra, in his Presidential Address, spoke about the inter connectivities between Life Science and other Sciences and urged the participating scientists to focus on the origin of various disease problems, particularly those which are being faced by the people of J&K State. He said that Medical Scientists are aware of incidence and disease pattern in J&K, particularly the toll taken by influenza, allergic problems, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases and Cancer. In this context, he urged the scientists to focus on practical approaches towards early detection, prompt diagnosis and the best preventive measures which need to be taken for saving precious lives.
The Governor stressed the need for urgently setting up Pathological Laboratories in each district so that patients are not compelled to travel long distances for diagnosis and medical treatments.
The Governor hoped that the Conference would consider evolving a practical model for early detection and effective management of the diseases from which the people of J&K suffer. He urged the Vice Chancellor to explore sustainable research project linkages with the private sector so that joint public-private sector initiatives, involving the University, could contribute to improved health care facilities in J&K.
Prof Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir presented a Documentary titled “K. Innovators†to Dr Kalam and other dignitaries.
