June 18, 2025

NITTTR Chandigarh Hosts Insightful Session on Global Contributions of Indians by Author Ravi Kumar Iyer Chandigarh, June 18:The National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh, hosted a thought-provoking session on “Indians and Overseas Indians’ Contributions to the World in the 20th and 21st Centuries” on Wednesday. The keynote address was delivered by renowned author and social worker Sh. Ravi Kumar Iyer, who presented an evidence-based overview of India’s remarkable influence on global progress. During the session, Iyer highlighted India’s wide-ranging contributions to fields such as science, defense, space exploration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, IT & ITES, digital payments (UPI), and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that many of these achievements remain under-recognized globally and called upon students and faculty to work towards bringing India the recognition it truly deserves. Read also: KVIC Disburses ₹300 Crore PMEGP Subsidy to Over 11,000 Beneficiaries Across India He outlined what he called the “Five I’s”—Innovations, Institutions, Infrastructure, Individuals, and Inspirations—as the pillars that will shape India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the modern era. Addressing the attendees, Prof. B. R. Gurjar, Director of NITTTR Chandigarh, expressed strong belief in the capabilities of Indians and their growing impact on shaping the world’s future. “Our nation’s strength lies in its people. With the right vision and determination, Indians can lead the world across sectors,” he stated. The session witnessed active participation from faculty members, officers, staff, and students, who were inspired by the compelling insights and call to action presented during the event.

PGIMER Surgeon Dr. Devprakash Choudhary Wins Global David Sutherland Award for Excellence in Pancreas Transplantation Chandigarh, June 18:In a moment of immense pride for India, Dr. Devprakash Choudhary, Assistant Professor in the Department of Renal Transplant Surgery at PGIMER Chandigarh, has been awarded the prestigious David Sutherland Distinguished Scholarship Award at the 20th World Congress of the International Pancreas and Islet Transplant Association (IPITA) held in Pisa, Italy on June 17, 2025. This global honour recognizes Dr. Choudhary’s pioneering contributions to pancreas transplantation at PGIMER, a program that has positioned the institute as a national leader in the field. The award, named after the late Dr. David Sutherland—widely known as the “Father of Pancreas Transplantation”—is one of the highest accolades presented at the biennial IPITA Congress. It is given to promising young transplant surgeons who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill and a robust research portfolio. Congratulating Dr. Choudhary, PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal remarked, “This recognition underscores PGIMER’s global leadership in transplant innovation. Dr. Choudhary’s work sets a new benchmark and exemplifies our commitment to patient care, academic excellence, and cutting-edge research.” An alumnus of AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER, Dr. Choudhary is India’s first surgeon to earn an M.Ch in Transplantation Surgery, awarded at PGIMER’s 36th convocation in 2023. Before joining the faculty earlier this year, he had already received 10 international accolades during his training. The current honour marks his 11th international recognition, and his first as a faculty member. Expressing gratitude, Dr. Choudhary said, “This award is a tribute to my mentor, Dr. Ashish Sharma, whose vision and guidance have shaped our department. I also owe this to my colleagues, nursing staff, coordinators, and most importantly, our patients, whose trust drives us to deliver truly world-class care.” Read also: KVIC Disburses ₹300 Crore PMEGP Subsidy to Over 11,000 Beneficiaries Across India The award comes with the opportunity to collaborate with three globally renowned pancreas transplant centers: the University of Minnesota, the University of Pennsylvania, and Indiana University, enabling Dr. Choudhary to further expand his research and clinical excellence on the global stage. Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head of the Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, celebrated the milestone, saying, “This is a proud moment not just for our department but for the entire nation. We are among the few global centers performing successful pancreas transplants using extra-small paediatric donors. This award reinforces our commitment to innovation and clinical excellence.” The IPITA Congress is the leading international forum for pancreas and islet transplantation, and the David Sutherland Award is one of its highest honours—recognizing transformative work in this specialized field of transplant medicine. PGIMER’s consistent global recognition reflects its rising stature as a hub of advanced medical care and innovation, and Dr. Choudhary’s achievement adds another feather to the institute’s cap.