Indo-Japan Symposium on Neurological Disorders commenced at Central University of Punjab

Bathinda, March 28, 2023: An inaugural ceremony for a three-day DST-JSPS-sponsored Indo-Japan Symposium on Neurological Disorders was held at the Central University of Punjab on Monday under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. The Chief Guest of this programme was Prof. (Dr.) Masako Kinoshita, a child neurologist from the National Hospital Organization Utano National Hospital, Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Vikas Lakhanpal, a neurologist from AIIMS, Bathinda, and Dr. Cheena Jain, an occupational therapist from the Child Development Centre, also graced the inaugural session as special guests. Parents of 50 special children with autism and various developmental disorders participated in this symposium with their children.

At the outset, Dr. Balachandar Vellingiri, Programme Convener and Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, CUPB, welcomed the participants. He informed that according to the Rare Diseases India Association, 7.2 crore people in India are affected by rare genetic disorders. Further, it is estimated that 1 to 1.5% of children in India between the ages of 2 and 9 are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He shared that the symposium is an attempt to commemorate World Autism Day and focus on creating awareness among the parents of special children.

Prof. (Dr.) Masako Kinoshita, National Hospital Organization Utano National Hospital, Kyoto (Japan), delivered an interesting lecture on "Influence of Environmental Factors on Neurodevelopmental Disorders". She explained the role of various influencing environmental factors on Neurodevelopmental Disorders which included Pollutions, Heavy metals, Pesticides and Environmental Toxicants. In her speech, she also mentioned the effects of chemical pesticides being used for agricultural purposes. Her speech collectively asserted the single fact that both genetics and environmental factors go hand in hand in causing neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dr. Vikas Lakhanpal, who is a neurologist at the AIIMS Bathinda, delivered his speech on the Indo-Japan Symposium. He discussed the diagnostic and clinical features of various neuro-related diseases, shared some of his experience with his patients, and motivated the young children not to get depressed about their special abilities.

During the inaugural ceremony, Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor, and the organizing team of this symposium released a book entitled "A Trilingual Textbook of Autism Spectrum Disorders - A complete guide" in which they have incorporated every aspect of Autism Spectrum Disorder, it symptoms, details about DSM-V, the diagnostic manual, the National Schemes from Government of India to support the ASD affected child and their family, and ASD associations that are present to help them.

Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, in his presidential address, stated that this seminar is an attempt to encourage parents of differently abled children to identify their children's special qualities and provide essential guidance on the latest developments in science that will enable their children to live a better life. He expressed his firm belief that the deliberations of this three-day symposium will be useful in developing innovative solutions for the welfare of society at large.

Along with the book, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor provided gifts to the special children, and the meeting ended with the parents receiving some counselling for the future wellbeing of their children.

During this three-day symposium (March 27-29, 2023), participants will get opportunity to interact with eminent scientists and doctors from India and abroad, such as Prof. N. Senthil Kumar (Mizoram University), Dr. Bhupesh G. (Nagaland University), Dr. Zave Ahmed Khan (Baba Farid Group, Bathinda), Dr. N. Arul (Bharathiar University), Dr. Abhilash (VIT, Vellore), Dr. Lakshmi Kirola (Amity University, Delhi), Dr. Balachandar Vellingiri (CUPB), and Dr. Manohar Bhandari (University of Latvia). Overall, it is a great platform for both the children and parents to gain awareness and knowledge for their future endurance.