The School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Katra in association with Indian Society for the Study of Reproduction and Fertility (ISSRF) organized the three day World Congress on “Reproductive Health with emphasis on Reproductive Cancers, Infertility and Assisted Reproduction” and 30th Annual meeting of the Indian Society for the Study of Reproduction and Fertility (ISSRF) from 14th -16th February’ 2020. The inaugural session was conducted on 14th of Feb in Matrika Auditorium SMVDU, Katra. Sh. Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Government of India was the chief guest for the occasion. He congratulated ISSRF for holding the 30th annual congress and appreciated their work on such important health issues. He also appreciated the disciplined atmosphere of the University and emphasized on the fact that health is an important asset of an individual and we must modify our lifestyle for its welfare and create awareness among common masses regarding various health issues. He elaborated on the various ventures initiated under the Ministry of Health at various districts of J&K viz. Jammu, Srinagar, Kathua and Reasi. Welcome address was presented by Dr. R.S. Sharma, Secretary, ISSRF who highlighted incidence of infertility among females and males due to modern lifestyle. Guest of honour on occasion Dr. V.P. Kamboj, Former Director CSIR- CDRI Lucknow and Prof. N K Lohia, President, ISSRF addressed the inaugural session and elaborated initiatives taken up by ISSRF and their contribution in medical science. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Padmashri Prof. R K Sinha congratulated the managing committee of world congress (ISSRF-2020) for organizing such an event. He dwelled on the increase in incidence of cancer cases due to changes in the environment. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Manoj Dhar and CEO, Shri Mata Vashono Devi Shrine Board, Sh. Ramesh Kumar, IAS, also graced the occasion. On behalf of ISSRF Dr. Sharda Potukuchi, Head of Department, School of Biotechnology presented THE notes on lifetime achievement awardees Dr. R. S. Sharma (ICMR, New Delhi), Dr. Jaideep Malhotra (Rainbow, IVF, Agra) and Prof. (Dr.) S.M.K Naqwi (CSWRI, Jaipur). Dr. Rakesh Thusoo, Coordinator ICMR-CAR, Assistant Professor, School of Biotechnology, SMVDU presented vote of thanks to all the dignitaries, delegates and specially to Dr. Indu Bhushan Sharma, Co- convener of the ISSRF 2020 for making the event successful. He specially thanked sponsors of the event, staff of ICMR, New Delhi and his volunteers for making event a success.
