Netradeep has been designed to provide accessible and quality eye-care services, including consultations, diagnostics, treatment, surgeries, and other services. The center will focus particularly on individuals and families for whom access to timely and affordable eye care may otherwise remain difficult.

The initiative stems from Acer India’s belief that healthy eyes are fundamental to an individual’s ability to learn, work, remain independent and lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Yet, for many people, eye care can remain out of reach because of treatment costs, limited access to specialized healthcare, or lack of awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.

Through Netradeep, Acer India, together with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar and the support of Shri N. A. Haris, aims to help bridge this gap by making professional eye care more accessible and encouraging earlier diagnosis and intervention. Many eye conditions can be better managed when identified at an early stage, making timely screening and access to professional medical care particularly important.

Eye-health concerns today cut across age groups. Ageing, diabetes, lifestyle changes and increasing exposure to digital screens are among the factors contributing to a growing need for greater awareness around eye health and preventive care. Through Netradeep, the initiative seeks to encourage people, particularly those from underserved sections of society, to prioritise regular eye examinations and seek treatment before conditions become more serious.

Mr. Harish Kohli, President & Managing Director, Acer India Group, said, “At Acer India, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond technology and business to creating a positive and lasting impact on the communities around us. Project Humanity represents that commitment, and Netradeep is an important addition to this journey. Good vision can transform a person’s ability to study, earn a livelihood, remain independent, and experience a better quality of life. Through Netradeep, our endeavour is to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent people from accessing quality eye care. We are grateful for the support of Shri N. A. Haris and our association with Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar in helping bring this initiative to life. Together, we hope to make timely diagnosis and treatment accessible to many more people who need it.”

Shri N. A. Haris, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, said, “Accessible healthcare initiatives can make a direct and lasting difference to people and communities. Vision is closely connected to education, livelihood, independence and overall quality of life, yet eye health is often neglected until a condition becomes serious. I am pleased to support the Netradeep initiative, which brings together Acer India and Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar with the shared objective of making quality eye care accessible to those who need it most. Initiatives such as these demonstrate how organizations can come together to address important healthcare needs at the community level. I have given up my office in the building to give way for setting up of Netradeep. I wish Netradeep every success in creating a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar President & Chairman, Bangalore Indiranagar Rotary Trust (BIRT) Gopinath Narayanan said, “Netradeep will not just be a screening centre, but also a treatment centre. Several eye ailments will be treated here free of cost for BPL segments of society. For those other than the BPL category, the nominal CGH rates will apply. Patients requiring surgery will be taken to Globe Eye Foundation at Hoskote for surgeries and brought back after the surgery, including cataract eye surgeries. Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar supports cataract eye surgeries in a big way for the rural population. Regular eye camps are conducted in Kolar, Tumkur, Bangalore and Bangalore Rural areas already. The Netradeep centre at Domlur will conduct laser procedures apart from treating refractive errors, etc.

The Eye Clinic in Domlur will specialize in Cornea, Retina, and Glaucoma care. It aims to reduce blindness through early detection, affordable treatment, and community outreach. The Domlur area lacks specialized retina and glaucoma care, crucial for treating diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, which often lead to irreversible blindness. The new clinic will offer affordable, advanced services for underserved populations, breaking financial barriers and ensuring accessible, equitable eye care for economically disadvantaged communities through subsidized treatments and outreach programs”, he added.

Netradeep is part of Acer India’s broader Project Humanity CSR platform, through which the company supports initiatives across healthcare, education, inclusion and social well-being. The programme reflects Acer India’s approach of supporting interventions that address tangible societal needs and have the potential to create meaningful, long-term impact.

With Netradeep, Acer India, supported by its partners and stakeholders, is extending its CSR commitment into accessible eye care, with the objective of helping more people protect one of their most vital assets—their vision.

The event was graced by Shri U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, India.

The programme was organised in response to a widening gap between the need for organs and their availability in India. The country’s deceased organ donation rate remains below 1 donor per million population, compared to over 48 per million in Spain. While India recorded a landmark 20,138 transplants in 2025, nearly 82% relied on living donors, and more than 89,000 patients remain on transplant waiting lists as of March 2026, a number that far outpaces the availability of organs.

Through this initiative, the hospital sought to encourage more individuals and families to come forward and pledge organ donation, in order to help bridge this critical gap and give patients on the waitlist a genuine chance at life. If we can increase organ donations through brain-dead patients, the situation will definitely improve.

Living organ transplantation continues to be a well-established and life-saving treatment option in India, particularly for kidney and liver failure, where a healthy individual, often a close family member, voluntarily donates an organ or part of an organ to a patient in need. Advances in surgical technique, immunosuppression, and post-transplant care have made living donor transplants highly safe and successful, with excellent outcomes. However, experts note that living donation alone cannot bridge India’s growing organ shortage, underscoring the need for more citizens to pledge deceased organ donation, alongside greater awareness, timely identification of potential donors, and robust hospital-level coordination.

Shri U.T. Khader, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, said, “Organ donation is a gift that transcends boundaries of relation and community. The Government of Karnataka remains committed to strengthening deceased donation infrastructure across the state, and initiatives like this by Ramaiah Memorial Hospital play a vital role in encouraging more citizens to come forward and pledge their organs.”

Dr. M. R. Jayaram, Chairman, Gokula Education Foundation (Medical) & Chancellor – Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), said, “Organ donation is among the most profound expressions of human compassion. Today’s gathering reflects our collective responsibility to build public awareness and trust around deceased donation. Every family that comes forward brings us closer to closing India’s organ gap and giving more patients a genuine chance at life.”

Dr. Nagendra Swamy S. C., Chief Executive – Ramaiah Memorial Hospital & Healthcare Services, GEF (Medical), added, “Organ transplantation — whether through living or deceased donation — has evolved into one of the most reliable treatment options for end-stage organ failure. With over 89,000 patients awaiting transplants in India, the need far exceeds availability. Through today’s drive, we hope to have inspired more citizens to come forward, pledge their organs, and help us close this critical gap.”

The event reinforced the hospital’s long-standing commitment to ethical transplant practices and donor awareness in Karnataka. Ramaiah Memorial Hospital’s transplant programme spans multiple organ systems, supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to advancing safe, high-quality transplant care in the region.

ಶಾಖೆಯ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕರು ಸಭೆಯನ್ನು ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಿದರು ಮತ್ತು ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಇಟ್ಟಿರುವ ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಮತ್ತು ನಿರಂತರ ಸಹಕಾರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಪಿಂಚಣಿದಾರರು ಮತ್ತು ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳನ್ನು ಅರ್ಪಿಸಿದರು. ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವು ಪಿಂಚಣಿದಾರರು ಮತ್ತು ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಲಭ್ಯವಿರುವ ವಿವಿಧ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್ ಸೇವೆಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ಮಾಹಿತಿಯನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸಿತು. ಡಿಜಿಟಲ್ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯಗಳು, ಸುರಕ್ಷಿತ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್ ವಿಧಾನಗಳು, ಕುಂದುಕೊರತೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಮತ್ತು ಪಿಂಚಣಿ ಸಂಬಂಧಿತ ಸೇವೆಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ಇತ್ತೀಚಿನ ಮಾಹಿತಿಯನ್ನು ವಿವರಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸಹಕಾರವನ್ನು ಮುಂದುವರಿಸುವುದಾಗಿ ಶಾಖಾ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕರು ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡಿದರು.

ಪಿಂಚಣಿದಾರರು ತಮ್ಮ ಸಲಹೆಗಳು, ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹಂಚಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವು ಉತ್ತಮ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಶಾಖೆಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಅವರ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಕಳವಳಗಳಿಗೆ ಸಮರ್ಪಕವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯಿಸಿದರು ಮತ್ತು ತ್ವರಿತ ಮತ್ತು ಗ್ರಾಹಕ ಸ್ನೇಹಿ ಸೇವೆಗೆ ಎಸ್‌ಬಿಐನ ಬದ್ಧತೆಯನ್ನು ಪುನರುಚ್ಚರಿಸಿದರು.

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವು ಸನ್ಮಾನ ಮತ್ತು ಉಪಾಹಾರದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮುಕ್ತಾಯವಾಯಿತು. ಈ ಪಿಂಚಣಿದಾರರ ಸಮಾವೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯ ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿ ತಮ್ಮ ಮೆಚ್ಚುಗೆಯನ್ನು ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿದರು. ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವು ಎಸ್‌ಬಿಐ ಮತ್ತು ಅದರ ಗೌರವಾನ್ವಿತ ಪಿಂಚಣಿದಾರರ ನಡುವಿನ ಬಾಂಧವ್ಯವನ್ನು ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಬಲಪಡಿಸಿತು.

ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅತಿಥಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಆಗಮಿಸಿ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಕಿಟ್ ವಿತರಿಸಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಸ್ಟೇಟ್ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿನ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಲಯದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ಜೂಹಿ ಸ್ಮಿತಾ ಸಿನ್ಹಾ ಅವರು ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, ಮಕ್ಕಳು ಸಾಂಪ್ರದಾಯಿಕ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಪಡೆಯುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೇ ಕೌಶಲ್ಯಾಭಿವೃದ್ದಿಯನ್ನೂ ಈಗಿನಿಂದಲೇ ರೂಢಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು. ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ ಉದ್ಯಮಿಗಳಾಗಲು ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಅವಕಾಶಗಳಿವೆ. ಅಲ್ಲದೆ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿಂಗ್ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಉದ್ಯೋಗಕ್ಕೆ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಇದೆ. ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿಗಳು ಇಂದಿನಿಂದಲೇ ದೂರದೃಷ್ಟಿ ಇಟ್ಟುಕೊಂಡು ಬೆಳೆಯಬೇಕು ಎಂದರಲ್ಲದೇ, ನಮ್ಮ ಸ್ಟೇಟ್ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿನ ಭಾಗವೇ ಆಗಿದ್ದ ಮೈಸೂರು ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿನವರು ಕಳೆದ ಏಳು ದಶಕಗಳಿಂದ ರಾಣಿ ಸರಳಾದೇವಿ ವಿದ್ಯಾ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಿ ಮನ್ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುವುದನ್ನು ಹಾಗೂ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ರೋಟರಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ವಿವಿಧ ಕೊಡುಗೆಗಳನ್ನು ಶ್ಲಾಘಿಸಿದರು.

ಖ್ಯಾತ ಉದ್ಯಮಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಾಕ್ಷರತಾ ಕಿಟ್ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಜಕರಾದ ರೊಟೋರಿಯನ್ ಅರವಿಂದ್ ಸಾಲಾಂಪುರಿಯಾ ಅವರು ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, ರಾಣಿ ಸರಳಾದೇವಿ ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಮತ್ತು ರೋಟರಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ನಡುವಣ ಅವಿನಾಭಾವ ಸಂಬಂಧಗಳನ್ನು ಸ್ಮರಿಸಿ, ಮುಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ರೋಟರಿ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡಲಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

ರೋಟರಿ ಪ್ರೈಂ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷೆ ರೊಟೋರಿಯನ್ ಇಂದಿರಾ ರಘು ಅವರು ಪ್ರಾಸ್ತಾವಿಕ ನುಡಿಗಳನ್ನಾಡಿದರು. ಸಮಾರಂಭದ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷತೆ ವಹಿಸಿದ್ದ ವಿದ್ಯಾ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಬಿ.ಕೋದಂಡರಾಂ ಅವರು ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, 1955ರಷ್ಟು ಹಿಂದೆಯೇ ಮೈಸೂರು ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿನವರೇ ಆರಂಭಿಸಿ ಮುನ್ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ತಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗೆ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಸ್ಟೇಟ್ ಬ್ಯಾಂಕಿನ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕರು ಆಗಮಿಸಿರುವುದು ನಮ್ಮ ಸುಯೋಗ ಎಂದು, ಈ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ರೋಟರಿ ಪ್ರೈಂ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಸಹಯೋಗವನ್ನು ಸ್ಮರಿಸಿದರು.

ಆರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರೌಢಶಾಲಾ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿನಿ ಕು.ಯಶಸ್ವಿನಿಯಿಂದ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆಯ ನಂತರ ವಿದ್ಯಾ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಕೆ. ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಶ ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಿದರು. ಕೊನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಪಿಯು ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಪ್ರಿನ್ಸಿಪಾಲ್ ಸುನೀಲ್ ಬಾಬು ವಂದಿಸಿದರು. ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ಗಣೇಶ್ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ನಿರೂಪಿಸಿದರು.

The collaboration will bring together robotic-assisted intraoperative imaging, advanced surgical navigation, and Mixed Reality visualization technologies into a unified ecosystem designed to enhance clinical precision, improve surgical workflows, and support advanced surgeon education in functional neurosurgery.

The initiative comes at a time when neurological conditions have become the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 3 billion people globally, over 40% of the world’s population are living with neurological disorders. Parkinson’s disease is among the fastest-growing neurological conditions, while epilepsy continues to affect around 50 million people worldwide, with India accounting for a significant share of the global burden. As demand for advanced interventions such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and epilepsy surgery continues to grow, the need for highly precise treatment approaches and greater access to specialist expertise has become increasingly urgent. Through this collaboration, Brainlab and KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, aim to create a regional centre of excellence that will advance clinical capabilities, strengthen knowledge exchange, and support the adoption of precision-guided functional neurosurgery across South Asia.

Mr. Vinicius Dessoy Maciel, President, Brainlab, Munich, Bavaria, Germany, said, “The establishment of South Asia’s first Brainlab Functional Neurosurgery Reference Centre & Training Hub marks an important milestone in expanding access to advanced neurosurgical technologies and education. By bringing together innovative imaging, digital surgical workflows, and structured clinical training within a single reference centre, this collaboration will help accelerate the adoption of precision-guided functional neurosurgery and support the development of future-ready surgical expertise across the region.”

Brainlab has more than 35 years of experience advancing precision medicine through software-driven technologies used in neurosurgery, digital surgery, medical imaging, and radiation oncology. The company’s solutions are deployed in thousands of healthcare institutions across more than 120 countries, helping clinicians improve surgical accuracy, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. R. Chinnadurai, Regional Medical Director and Chief of Adult Medical Intensive Care & Emergency Services at KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru, said, “Through our S.H.I.F.T. (Smart Healthcare Innovation for Functional Treatment) initiative, KIMS Hospitals is creating a new blueprint for functional neurosurgery in South Asia. we are creating a new model for functional neurosurgery that brings together Robotic-assisted intraoperative imaging with Loop-X®, advanced surgical navigation through Curve®, and Mixed Reality visualization technologies and clinical expertise within a single integrated ecosystem.  This initiative is a core part of our ongoing commitment to elevating specialized healthcare infrastructure. This is not simply an upgrade in technology, but a redefinition of how care is delivered. Functional neurosurgery demands extraordinary precision and consistency, and that cannot be achieved through isolated tools or fragmented systems. This center will enable surgeons to train and operate within a connected, technology-enabled environment, ultimately helping deliver safer, more predictable outcomes for patients across South Asia.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our incredible team of doctors: Dr. Ravi Mohan Rao B, Dr. Raghuram Gopalakrishnan, Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar, and Dr. Dinesh Nayak S. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this milestone or get to where we are today, added Dr. Chinnadurai.

Through this collaboration, Brainlab and KIMS Hospitals, Bengaluru aim to create a leading Center of Excellence for functional neurosurgery in South Asia, bringing together cutting-edge technology, world-class clinical expertise, and structured training programs to elevate standards of care, foster innovation, and meet the growing demand for advanced neurological treatments.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ವಿಧಾನ ಪರಿಷತ್‌ನ ಪ್ರತಿಪಕ್ಷದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಸಚೇತಕರು ಹಾಗೂ ಎಂಎಲ್‌ಸಿ ಎನ್. ರವಿ ಕುಮಾರ್, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ವಿನಯ್ ಬಿದ್ರೆ, ಕೆ. ದೇವದಾಸ್, ಚಂದ್ರಶೇಖರ್ ರಾಜು, ಕಾರ್ತಿಕ್ ದರ್ಶನ, ಮಂಜುನಾಥ್, ಅವಿನಾಶ್, ಮೋಹನ್, ರಾಜೇಂದ್ರ ರೆಡ್ಡಿ, ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ್ ಗೌಡ, ಪ್ರತಿಭಾ, ವಾಣಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರರು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.

Recognised as one of South India’s most dynamic hospitality business exhibitions, WOHXpo Bengaluru 2026 promises an exciting showcase of innovation, networking, learning, and industry collaboration under one roof.

This year’s edition will feature a wide range of exhibitors from segments including hospitality technology, kitchen equipment, bakery and confectionery, food and beverage, interiors, housekeeping solutions, tableware, refrigeration, wellness, furniture, and hotel supplies.

Adding to the excitement are several curated knowledge forums and live industry engagements designed to foster conversations around the future of hospitality.

Key Highlights of WOHXpo Bengaluru 2026:

• GM’s Conclave – Bringing together top hotel General Managers and hospitality leaders to discuss leadership, people development, sustainability, technology adoption, and future-ready hotel operations.
• Hospitech Conclave – Focused discussions on smart hospitality, digital transformation, AI integration, guest experience technology, and operational innovation.
  • Hospitality Consultants Forum (HCF) – Featuring renowned consultants and designers shaping the future of hospitality infrastructure, hotel kitchens, and commercial spaces.
• Clean Warrior Honours – A special platform recognising outstanding housekeeping professionals and celebrating the unsung heroes of hospitality operations.
• Power of Purchase – Dedicated networking and engagement opportunities for purchase managers and procurement professionals from leading hotels and hospitality brands.
• Hospitality Trailblazers – Honouring innovative restaurants, cafés, bars, and hospitality concepts redefining guest experiences in India.
• Incredible Chef Challenge – One of the most anticipated attractions of the expo, featuring professional chefs and hospitality students competing across exciting culinary categories, including live cooking, plated appetisers, artistic bakery showpieces, local cuisine challenges, and more.
• Incredible Housekeeping Team Challenge – Showcasing creativity, precision, and operational excellence through competitions such as towel art and bed-making challenges.

The expo will also host live product demonstrations, networking sessions, buyer-seller interactions, brand launches, and panel discussions featuring some of the biggest names in the hospitality ecosystem.

Speaking about the upcoming edition, the organisers shared that WOHXpo Bengaluru aims to create a collaborative platform where industry stakeholders can exchange ideas, discover innovations, build partnerships, and drive the next phase of hospitality growth in India.

With thousands of hospitality professionals expected to attend, WOHXpo Bengaluru 2026 is poised to become a landmark gathering for the HoReCa sector.
Ph : 98440 06736
www.worldofhospitality.in | sica.co.in

The event was flagged off by Shri Madhu Bangarappa, Ex-Hon’ble Minister for Education, Government of Karnataka, and witnessed the participation of nearly 800 people from all walks of life, including healthcare professionals, students, police personnel, social organizations, hospital staff, and members of the general public. The walkathon was conducted around the St. Martha’s Hospital campus with the objective of creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and encouraging individuals to embrace a tobacco-free lifestyle.

The programme was graced by several distinguished dignitaries of St. Martha’s Hospital, including:
• Rev. Fr. Thomas Pariyarath, Director
• Dr. Christi Dominic Savio, Medical Superintendent
• Dr. Arun Kumar, Additional Medical Superintendent
• Sr. Deepa, Sister Superior & Secretary
• Sr. Puspha, Nursing Superintendent
• Sr. Ancy, Principal, St. Martha’s College of Nursing
• Dr. Sivasankari R., Consultant Pulmonologist, Organising Secretary & executive committee member of KPA
• And team of our doctors –

• Dr.Sunil Gowda,Urologist
• Dr.Praveen – General Medicine
• Dr.Sunkappa – Spine Surgeon
• Dr.Sahana – General Surgery
• Dr.Nikhil – General Surgery
• Dr.Shilpashree – OBG
• Dr.Ameera – Pulmonary Medicine
• Mr.Ashwin – RT

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries highlighted the alarming rise in tobacco consumption and nicotine addiction, particularly among young people. They emphasized that tobacco continues to be one of the greatest public health threats of modern times, contributing to cancers, heart disease, chronic respiratory illnesses, stroke, and numerous other life-threatening conditions.

The guest speakers delivered insightful and impactful talks on the devastating consequences of tobacco use and the importance of prevention and early intervention. Dr. Jayant Mahadevan, Consultant, Centre for Addiction Medicine, NIMHANS, spoke on “Tobacco Addiction – Ways to Counter It,” while Dr. Lohith G. Reddy, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Hospital, addressed the topic “Tobacco Use and Lung Cancer.” Dr. B. L. Shashi Bhushan, renowned Pulmonologist & Secretary of KPA, shared his expertise on “Tobacco and Lung Disease,” educating participants on the severe impact of tobacco on respiratory health.

As part of the awareness initiative, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) and medical consultations were also conducted free of cost, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to preventive healthcare and community well-being.

The event resonated strongly with the message “Don’t Let Tobacco Take Your Breath Away,” inspiring participants to become advocates for a tobacco-free future. Through awareness, education, and collective action, St. Martha’s Hospital reaffirmed its longstanding mission of serving humanity and promoting healthier communities.

The overwhelming participation and enthusiastic response from the public underscored the urgent need for continued awareness campaigns against tobacco use and demonstrated the community’s shared determination to combat this growing menace.

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ಜಯನಗರದ ಶಾಸಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಸಿ.ಕೆ. ರಾಮಮೂರ್ತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಅವರ ಧರ್ಮಪತ್ನಿ, ಮಾಜಿ ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ನಾಗರತ್ನಾ ರಾಮಮೂರ್ತಿ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅತಿಥಿಗಳಾಗಿ ಆಗಮಿಸಿದರು. ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಆಯೋಜಕರಾಗಿ ಮಾಜಿ ಬಿಬಿಎಂಪಿ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಚಂದ್ರಶೇಖರ್ ರಾಜು, ವಾರ್ಡ್ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ಆನಂದ್ ಬಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಹಿಳಾ ಸಂಘಟಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ನೇತ್ರಾವತಿ ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿವಿಧ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಧನೆಗೈದ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರನ್ನು ಸನ್ಮಾನಿಸಲಾಯಿತು. ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಡಾ. ದೀಪ ದೇವರಾಜ್ (MBBS, MD, FICC, FEM), ನೃತ್ಯ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಪತಿ ಪುರಸ್ಕೃತ ಮಂದಸ್ಮಿತಾ ಭಟ್, ಗಾಯನ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ಪುರಸ್ಕೃತ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆ ಗಾಯಕಿ ಚಂದ್ರಿಕಾ ಗುರುರಾಜ್, ಯೋಗ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೃಷ್ಣವೇಣಿ, ಸಂಗೀತ-ಗಮಕ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಮಲ ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಮಾಜ ಸೇವಾ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ನಾಗರತ್ನಾ ರಾಮಮೂರ್ತಿ ಅವರನ್ನು ಗೌರವಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವನ್ನು ಶ್ರೀಮತಿ ರಾಧಾ ಕೇಶವ ಹೆಬ್ಬಾರ್ ನಿರೂಪಿಸಿದರು. ಶ್ರೀ ತೀರ್ಥಹಳ್ಳಿ ರಮೇಶ್ ಮತ್ತು ತಂಡದಿಂದ ಗಾಯನ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮ, ಗ್ರಾಮದ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಿಂದ ಸಾಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಕ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಮಂದಸ್ಮಿತಾ ಭಟ್ ಅವರ ನೃತ್ಯ ತಂಡದಿಂದ ನೃತ್ಯ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ ನಡೆಯಿತು.

Positioned as a pioneering initiative, the Golden Hour Network is a structured, professional trauma care community that brings together surgeons trained within the HOSMAT ecosystem under a shared commitment to rapid, precise, and outcome-driven trauma care.

More than an alumni collective, GHN is designed as a co-governed clinical and academic network, with a defined programme of monthly clinical rounds, quarterly specialty-focused discussions, and an annual TraumaCon gathering as its apex platform.

Named after the critical “golden hour”, the first hour following injury where timely intervention determines survival, the network reflects a deeper philosophy: that trauma care is not defined by institutions, but by the urgency, precision, and shared responsibility of the clinicians delivering it. Over the next six months, the network will establish its governance structure, onboard senior alumni, and initiate its first clinical engagements.

The launch of GHN underscores HOSMAT’s evolution beyond a high-volume clinical institution into a research-led and academically driven centre of excellence in orthopaedics and trauma care.

Over the past 33+ years , HOSMAT has built one of the country’s most significant trauma ecosystems, performing 25 to 30 trauma surgeries daily , placing it among India’s highest-volume trauma centres. The institution has also contributed extensively to academic medicine, leading over 300 research initiatives, with more than 80 publications in internationally indexed journals , and playing a key role in shaping clinical practice in orthopaedics and trauma.

Its impact on medical education is equally significant. According to Orthopaedic Society of India estimates, nearly 10% of Bengaluru’s orthopaedic surgeons have trained at HOSMAT, reinforcing its role as a major training hub for the next generation of specialists. Over the decades, HOSMAT has also touched nearly one-third of Bengaluru’s population through trauma care , reflecting both its scale and community trust.

Held at the ITC Welcome Hotel, Richmond Road, Traumacon 2026 brought together 150+ leading orthopaedic surgeons, trauma specialists, and clinicians from across India, creating a platform for real-world learning, surgical innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. The event was held in memory of Late Dr Thomas Chandy, a globally respected orthopaedic surgeon and pioneer in trauma care, whose legacy continues to guide the institution’s clinical and academic philosophy.

India continues to face one of the highest trauma burdens globally, with over 4.8 lakh road accidents annually and nearly 1.7–1.8 lakh deaths each year , making trauma one of the leading causes of mortality among young adults. Against this backdrop, Traumacon 2026 was conceptualised to address a critical gap – the need for practice-led, experience-driven learning platforms that directly impact patient outcomes.

The conference featured a comprehensive, full-day scientific agenda with over 25+ expert-led sessions, covering upper limb trauma, complex lower limb injuries, paediatric trauma, non-union surgeries, complication management, medico-legal aspects, and orthopaedic practice efficiency. A defining feature of the conference was its case-based and discussion-led format, enabling clinicians to engage with real-world scenarios and refine decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Reflecting on the significance of the conference and the launch of GHN, Anisha Chandy Eckardt, Managing Director, HOSMAT Hospitals , said: “Trauma care in India does not suffer from a lack of clinical expertise – it suffers from gaps in time, training, and integration. At HOSMAT, this is a reality we have long recognised, guided by the enduring belief of Dr Thomas Chandy that every patient deserves timely, precise, and compassionate care without compromise. Through Traumacon 2026, we are bringing together some of the finest minds in the field to address these critical gaps – not just through discussion, but through driving real, practice-led change that can improve outcomes where it matters most, in the golden hour of care.

At the same time, we are very consciously investing in transforming HOSMAT into a high-end orthopaedic and trauma research institute. That is the direction we see for ourselves in the years to come – where clinical excellence is deeply integrated with academic leadership, research, and innovation.”

Dr Ravishankar M R, Head of Orthopaedic Trauma, HOSMAT Hospitals and Chairman of Traumacon 2026, added : “At HOSMAT, trauma care is built on a strong foundation of clinical volume, academic rigour, and continuous research. Managing 25 to 30 trauma surgeries every day gives us a unique depth of real-world experience, while our academic and training programmes ensure that this experience is translated into knowledge. Traumacon reflects this balance – where clinical practice, research, and collaboration come together to create more consistent, evidence-based trauma care systems.”

Adding perspective on the legacy behind the institution, Dr Subodh M Shetty, President, Orthopaedic Society of India, said : “Dr Thomas Chandy was not just a surgeon – he was a mentor who shaped generations of orthopaedic and trauma specialists in this country. Many of today’s leading surgeons carry forward his approach to precision, discipline, and patient-first care. What we see today in Traumacon is a reflection of that legacy – a commitment to learning, sharing, and continuously improving. The Golden Hour Network, in that sense, is a powerful extension of his vision. It has the potential to bring together expertise across the country and significantly strengthen trauma response systems where it matters most.”

With strong participation, high engagement, and a uniquely practical approach, HOSMAT Traumacon 2026, along with the launch of the Golden Hour Network, marks a significant step towards building a more integrated, collaborative, and research-driven trauma care ecosystem in India.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, Traumacon is expected to evolve into a national platform for trauma education, research, and clinical collaboration, bringing together clinicians, institutions, and innovators to shape the future of orthopaedic and trauma care in India.