The 6th Dr. B S Sajjan Endowment Oration, organized by the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore, was held on 10th February 2026 at the Medical Education Unit AV Hall, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore. Prof. (Dr.) Pankaj Bhardwaj, Director, ICMR–NIIRNCD, Jodhpur delivered the endowment oration. The event saw active participation from faculty members, postgraduate students, and healthcare professionals.
The program commenced at 9:30 AM with an invocation, setting a respectful tone for the event. This was followed by the welcome address delivered by Dr. B Unnikrishnan, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. He welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the significance of the endowment oration in advancing public health dialogue and research.
The dignitaries present on the dais included Dr. Dilip G Naik, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore Campus; Dr. B Unnikrishnan, Dean, KMC Mangalore; Prof. (Dr.) Pankaj Bhardwaj, Director, ICMR–NIIRNCD, Jodhpur; Dr. Prasanna Mithra P, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, KMC Mangalore (Organizing Chairperson); and Dr. Mithun, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, KMC Mangalore (Organizing Secretary).
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries symbolized the pursuit of knowledge and marked the formal inauguration of the event. An overview of the Department of Community Medicine was presented by Dr. Prasanna Mithra P. This was followed by the address by the chief guest, Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, who emphasized the importance of translating academic research into actionable public health strategies.
Prof. (Dr.) Pankaj Bhardwaj was felicitated and presented with the Dr. B S Sajjan Endowment Award in recognition of his contributions to public health. He then delivered the endowment oration on the theme: “Unheard Voices: Screening Elderly Population in India, Learnings from Thar.” His lecture focused on the challenges and opportunities in geriatric screening in underserved regions and shared insights from field-based research. The presentation highlighted practical approaches for strengthening elderly healthcare services and was well received by the audience. The session was chaired by Dr. Chakrapani M, Medical Superintendent, KMCH Attavar.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Mithun, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, KMC Mangalore, who acknowledged the contributions of the dignitaries, speakers, and participants. A high tea session followed, allowing time for informal interaction and networking.
The post-tea session featured a CME by Dr. Haroon H, Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, KMC Mangalore. He delivered a talk on the topic: “Harmonizing law and ethics in geriatric advance care: planning a dignified exit.” The lecture addressed ethical and legal considerations in geriatric care and concluded with an interactive discussion with participants.
The success of the event was attributed to the coordinated efforts of the organizing committee led by Dr. Prasanna Mithra P and Dr. Mithun, along with the faculty members, postgraduate students, and supporting staff of the Department of Community Medicine. The program proceedings were smoothly anchored by Dr. Uma N S and Dr. Pulastya Gangopadhyay, postgraduate students, Dept. of Community Medicine, who served as the masters of ceremony. Their collective contributions ensured seamless planning and execution of the event.
The 6th Dr. B S Sajjan Endowment Oration concluded successfully, reinforcing the importance of addressing geriatric health issues and advancing evidence-informed public health practice. The Department of Community Medicine, KMC Mangalore, continues its commitment to fostering academic excellence and public health leadership.
