This event brought together esteemed doctors and scientists to explore cutting-edge healthcare technologies, supporting the “Make in India” initiative.

Inauguration

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, who emphasized the government’s dedication to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem through advanced, self-reliant innovations.

By bridging the gap between medical and engineering disciplines, IIT Guwahati and the Assam Government are pioneering a model that unites academia, government, and healthcare professionals, he said.

This initiative leverages Assam’s resources and vision to address healthcare challenges and lay a foundation for indigenous innovation, he said.

The growth of institutions like IIT Guwahati and AIIMS is transformative, signaling a powerful partnership with the state government that will drive regional development and healthcare resilience, he said.

This upcoming facility will feature a 400-bed super-specialty teaching hospital, advanced research labs, and residential facilities, positioning Assam as a leader in indigenous medical technology, say sources from IIT Guwahati.

Director of IIT Guwahati

Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, underscoring the significance of early-stage involvement from healthcare professionals in research.

During his welcome address, Prof. Jalihal said they are thrilled to embark on a groundbreaking journey with the Assam Advanced Healthcare Innovation Institute at IIT Guwahati.

By establishing a super-specialty hospital and advanced research facilities, we aim to reduce dependency on imports, lower diagnostic and treatment costs, and make quality healthcare more accessible, he said.

With the Government of Assam’s strong support, this project aligns with our vision for a self-reliant, ‘Make in India’ healthcare ecosystem that addresses the nation’s most pressing health challenges, he said.

Insights

The symposium also included insights from Prof. Ashok K. Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati, who pledged support for the AAHII initiative and endorsed the vision of “Design in India, Design for the World.”

U.S.-based cardiologist Dr. Naba Goswami also shared his perspective on rural healthcare challenges in India, advocating for stronger industry-academia partnerships.

AIIMS Guwahati

Prof. Ashok K. Puranik, Executive Director of AIIMS Guwahati, affirmed the Institute’s full commitment to the project.

He stated it is inspiring to be part of this journey towards indigenous healthcare innovation, in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Design in India, Design for the World.’

Reliance on imported technology can challenge our national resilience, and it is imperative that we address this now, he said.

Partnership

Founded in 2022, the Assam Government IIT Guwahati Healthcare Foundation (AGIHF)—a Section 8 company managed jointly by IIT Guwahati and the Government of Assam—facilitates partnerships with industry stakeholders interested in advancing healthcare technologies.

The upcoming AAHII campus will house six centers of excellence dedicated to stem cell research, digital health, therapeutics, precision medicine, robotics, and affordable diagnostics.

Prominent IIT Guwahati researchers, including Prof. Biman Mandal, Prof. Kangaraj S., Prof. S.S. Ghosh, Prof. Parameswar Iyer, and Prof. Uttam Manna, showcased their pioneering work, inspiring collaboration between scientists and clinicians in developing breakthrough healthcare solutions for India.

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Over 45 students from Odisha will be visiting Maharashtra as part of Yuva Sangam.

Responsibility

IIT Bhubaneswar is entrusted responsibility of the nodal institutes from Odisha to conduct the tour.

Focus

Yuva Sangam focuses on conducting educational cum cultural exposure tours of the youths comprising mainly of students studying in Higher Educational institutions and some off-campus youngsters from across the country to various States/Union Territories of India.

Experience

It will provide the selected youths with an immersive experience of eclectic facets of life, development landmarks, recent achievements and a youth connect in the host State or Union Territory, say sources from IIT Bhubaneswar.

During their visits, the youth will get multi-dimensional exposure under five broad areas – Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development) and Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), Prodyogik (Technology).

Previous phases

Under the previous four phases of Yuva Sangam, more than 5000 students have visited to different states and UTs, under the coordination of different educational institutes of the country, say sources from IIT Bhubaneswar.

The participants have gained invaluable insights and experiences that have exemplified the essence of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ say sources from IIT Bhubaneswar.

IIT Bhubaneswar will coordinate their travel to Maharashtra in the first week of December 2024, where IIM Mumbai will host the Odisha students for their visit, he said.

Similarly, a contingent of 45 Youths from Maharashtra will visit Odisha, which will be hosted by IIT Bhubaneswar, he said.

Registration and participation

The registration for the same is open till 21st October 2024. Native Students from Odisha could register themselves.

IIT Bhubaneswar expects wholehearted participation of colleges or universities from Odisha to encourage their students for participation in the initiative of Government of India i.e. Yuva Sangam Phase V.

This fact itself charges the Institute not only to be worthy of its inheritance but also to be distinctive and distinguished on its own by scripting a path towards novelties.

The vision of the institute is to be globally well recognized for creating outstanding graduates and new knowledge.

IIT Bhubaneswar aspires to strive for productive partnership between the industry and the Institute.

It also desires to infuse a sense of excitement in students in innovation & invention, design & creation and entrepreneurship.

The main campus of IIT Bhubaneswar is situated at the foot of Barunei Hill. This is famous for its rich history of sustained resistance during 1803 – 1804 against the British occupation of Khurda Garh.

Barunei Hill is also a beautiful tourist spot. With Barunei temple, the Swarna Ganga, many spots related to the stay of Pandavas on the Hills during their agnatabasa, and the all-round greenery, Barunei Hill presents a major site of tourist attraction.

The permanent campus of IITBBS is spread over 936 Acres of land. It is situated at the foot of Barunei Hill, which is famous for its rich history.

The campus provides a unique serene and pollution free academic environment. IIT Bhubaneswar has Academic area, Residential area and area for Training centers and Research Park.

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