Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Jan, 04
Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) organized 1st Advisory committee meeting followed by one day symposium on the theme “Recent Advances in Human Genetics” in the University of Jammu on 3rd and 4th of Feb, 2020 respectively. Advisory committee meeting on 3rd Feb, 2020 was chaired by the Vice Chancellor and Chief Coordinator, IHG, University of Jammu Prof. Manoj K. Dhar. Experts Padam Shri Prof. R.N.K. Bamezai, Former Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, Katra, Prof. B.K. Thelma, Department of Genetics, University of Delhi, Prof. Sunanda Raina, Principal GMC Jammu, Prof. Naresh Padha, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Rupma Gandotra, Dean Life Sciences, Prof. Seema Langer, Coordinator Institute of Human Genetics, Dr. Parvinder Kumar and Dr. Nisha Kapoor, Deputy Coordinators and lecturers Dr. Roopali Fotra, Dr. Jyotdeep Kour Raina, Dr. Meenakashi Sharma and Miss Itty Sethi. Chief Coordinator Prof. Manoj K. Dhar deliberated on the issues pertaining to the functioning of the Institute. Experts gave their valuable recommendations and laid emphasis on the screening of the local population for diseases prevailing in the region of the country. Prof. R.N.K. Bamezai laid stress on identifying the areas that are of regional, national and international importance. Prof. B.K. Thelma emphasised on the introduction of prenatal diagnosis, newborn screening and introduction of other sensitive techniques for diagnosis.
Both the experts highlighted the need to introduce the courses that are of importance to medical and paramedical staff. Principal GMC, Prof. Sunanada Raina ensured her full support and cooperation in making the Institute a Centre of Excellence. A symposium on Recent Advances in Human Genetics is being organized on 4th of February, 2020 was organized by IHG in the seminar hall of TBS, University of Jammu. The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education, J&K Govt., Prof. Manoj K. Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. R.N.K. Bamezai, Prof. B.K. Thelma, Prof. Sunanada Raina and Prof. Seema Langer. The programme started with the formal address by Prof. Seema Langer. The Vice Chancellor and Chief Coordinator of the Institute in his opening remarks addressed the audience about the background of IHG. He apprised about the functioning and some of the limitations being faced by the Institute in extending the services of genetics to the society. Shri Atal Dulloo, emphasized on the need to extend the service of genetic testing to the people of Jammu and Kashmir region. He appreciated the University for starting this course which is of immense importance to the society. He suggested to prepare a target oriented road map in order to achieve the goals in a time bound manner. He assured all the possible support from his side in making the Institute more vibrant and useful to the society. This was followed by lecture on “Understanding the complex disorders” by Prof. B.K. Thelma. She emphasized on newborn screening program and identification of robust biomarkers and newer therapeutics on rare disorders. She also introduced a new concept of “AyurGenomics”. Prof. R.N.K Bamezai in his presentation spoke on Heterogeneity where he laid stress on the diversity in Indian human population. He also encouraged the young scholars to formulate the strategies for identifying the genetic markers in order to offer a more relevant diagnostic approach for complex and rare disorders. The program was concluded by a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. Parvinder Kumar. The event was hosted by Dr. Roopali Fotra and was attended by the Dean Life Sciences Prof. Rupma Gandotra, Heads of various departments Prof Namrata Sharma, Prof Sameer Gupta and faculty members Prof Vinay chauhan, Dr. B.K Bajaj, Dr Sanjana kaul and other faculty members, research scholars and students of the all the Life Sciences departments.
