By Jerardin D'Souza
Mangaluru, Jan 3: The 40th Indian Social Science Congress was hosted jointly by Indian Academy of Social Sciences and University of Mysore as part of its centenary celebrations. The magnum opus was inaugurated by Dr Richard Smith, UK, a scientist of world repute on December 19 at The Senate Hall, University of Mysore, Mysuru. Padmabhushan Dr B M Hegde, president, Indian Social Science Congress delivered the keynote address. Dr Ranganath, vice chancellor, University of Mysore, introduced the guests and spoke about the centenary activities and welcomed the august gathering. Professor Assadi thanked the organizing faculty for the huge effort.
The conference was spread from December 19 to 23. Papers were presented by over hundred disciplines from various venues in the picturesque university campus.
Dr Prabha Adhikari, chairperson, scientific Committee, organized paper presentations of various professionals. Dr Jochen Becker, CEO, MediAcion, Germany conducted a session incorporating psycho drama enabling doctors to perceive the patients better, using role play. Dr Cordula Dietrich, psychiatrist and music therapist used Body Tambura to demonstrate its soothing effect on terminally ill patients.
Er Jerardin D'Souza, founder, MAA-Mangalore Alzheimer's Association presented a paper on Mangalore Alzheimer's Association- conception- growth and way forward. He narrated the story behind the formation and need for such an organization. The need for special facilities, building and training of caregivers. The need for funding from the government as done in Kerala. The interaction with professionals from various fields like Dr Soumya Hegde, Dr Radha Murthy from Nightingales, Bengaluru was productive.
Dr Jacob Roy, vice president, Alzheimer's Disease International presented a Kerala model and described the way the government is supporting the Alzheimer's cause there. He appealed to Dr Prabha and Jerardin D'Souza to start an ARDSI chapter of in Mangaluru.
Dr Gayathri Bhat, Dr Asha Shetty, Dr Soumya Hegde, Dr Radha Murthy, Dr Sydney D'Souza, Dr Nirgude, Dr Pracheth, Mohanraj, Sushmitha, Yanayeth, Ranjitha, Shaiya Binte, Charitha and many others presented various papers evaluated by Dr Prabha Adhikari with inputs provided.
The whole programme was a landmark in integrating the various disciplines and the focal theme, 'People's Health and quality of life in India' was well represented.
The five days interactive congress delivered a strong positive message.