Biorthics Symposium

Santosh Deemed to Be University Hosts Landmark Global Bioethics Symposium

Santosh Deemed to Be University marked a defining moment in its academic journey by hosting the prestigious “Global Perspectives of Bioethics” Symposium on December 5, 2023. The event stood as a powerful testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, global collaboration, and intellectual excellence in healthcare education.

The symposium brought together an illustrious panel of global and national experts in bioethics, transforming the university campus into a vibrant hub of scholarly dialogue. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Rui Nunes, Head of the International Chair in Bioethics (formerly UNESCO Chair), and Dr. Russell D’Souza, Head of the International Department of Education, International Chair in Bioethics, World Medical Association (WMA). Their presence underscored the international significance of the conference. The event was further graced by Dr. Ved Prakash Mishra, Pro Chancellor, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research, along with esteemed academicians Dr. Mary Mathew and Dr. Vivek Mady, whose participation enriched the deliberations.

The symposium commenced with an insightful inaugural address by Dr. P. Mahalingam, whose thoughtful reflections set a strong intellectual foundation for the day. This was followed by compelling keynote sessions delivered by Dr. Rui Nunes and Dr. Russell D’Souza, who offered profound perspectives on the evolving challenges and responsibilities of bioethics in a globalized healthcare ecosystem. Their addresses highlighted the importance of ethical decision-making, patient rights, and professional integrity in modern medical and dental practice.

One of the most defining moments of the event was the erudite presentation by Dr. Rajiv Ahluwalia, Head of the National Dental Bioethics Unit. His exposition shed light on the remarkable progress made by Santosh Deemed to Be University in institutionalizing bioethics within dental education and practice. His address not only celebrated the university’s achievements but also emphasized the critical role of bioethics in shaping compassionate, responsible healthcare professionals.

A major highlight of the symposium was the formal recognition and strengthening of the National Dental Bioethics Unit at Santosh Deemed to Be University, positioning it as a center of distinction and leadership in the field. This milestone represents a significant stride in advancing ethical discourse in dentistry at both national and international levels. The initiative reflects the university’s proactive approach to integrating ethics into academic curricula, research, and clinical practice.

The event unfolded seamlessly under the graceful and adept emceeing of Dr. Jyoti Batra, who ensured a smooth flow of sessions while maintaining an engaging atmosphere. The symposium reached its pinnacle with the launch of the landmark book “Bioethics in Dentistry.” This thoughtfully curated bilingual publication has been designed to transcend linguistic barriers, enabling wider accessibility and understanding across India’s diverse academic and professional communities. The book stands as a valuable resource for students, educators, and practitioners alike.

Adding a creative and cultural dimension to the academic proceedings, students of the university presented an impactful Nukad Natak (street play) that conveyed key bioethical themes in an engaging and relatable manner. This artistic expression reinforced the relevance of ethics beyond classrooms and conference halls, bringing it closer to real-life contexts.

The symposium concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Naresh Sharma, Registrar, who acknowledged the contributions of the distinguished guests, organizers, faculty members, and students for making the event a resounding success.

Through this landmark global symposium and the continued development of the National Dental Bioethics Unit, Santosh Deemed to Be University has firmly established itself as a beacon of excellence in bioethics education and discourse. The university continues to play a pivotal role in shaping an ethically grounded healthcare future, both in India and on the global stage.