CHANDIGARH: Commemorating 25 years of pioneering research in infantile spasms, the Pediatric Neurology Unit of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, hosted a landmark Pediatric Epilepsy Research Symposium in collaboration with the Academy of Pediatric Neurology (AOPN), India.
A central highlight of the event was the official installation of the new AOPN board members. Prof. Jitendra Kumar Sahu of PGIMER’s Pediatric Neurology Unit was formally installed as the National Chairperson. In his inaugural address, Prof. Sahu outlined the association’s guiding vision, “Every Child’s Brain Matters, Everywhere,” reaffirming the mission to advance equitable neurological care for children both in India and globally.
The prestigious ceremony was graced by PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal as the Chief Guest, and International Child Neurology Association President Prof. Pratibha Singhi as the Guest of Honor. Other distinguished dignitaries in attendance included AOPN National Coordinator Dr. Anoop Verma, Secretary General Dr. Vinit Wankhede, Organizing Chair Prof. Naveen Sankhyan, and Organizing Secretary Dr. Priyanka Madaan.
The first-of-its-kind symposium brought together over 130 participants, serving as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and innovation. It featured diverse research presentations from students and faculty across multiple disciplines, including pediatric neurology, neuroradiology, pharmacy, pharmacology, engineering, nursing, and basic sciences, highlighting the critical role of collaborative, translational research in treating childhood epilepsy.
Furthermore, Prof. Biswaroop Chakrabarty (AIIMS, New Delhi) and Prof. Dipika Bansal (NIPER, SAS Nagar) were specially felicitated for their outstanding contributions to childhood epilepsy research. The successful initiative further cements PGIMER Chandigarh’s position as a premier national hub for pediatric epilepsy research, collaboration, and innovation.
