17th Odisha IRACON, Successfully Conducted at KIMS
The 17th Odisha IRACON, the annual conference of the Odisha State Chapter of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRA Odisha), was successfully conducted at KIMS. As the flagship academic event of the state chapter held each year, the conference witnessed an impressive 437 registrations, reflecting the growing academic strength and expanding rheumatology community in Odisha.
The meeting commenced with a dignified inauguration ceremony graced by the Vice Chancellor, OUHS, Prof. (Dr.) Manash Ranjan Sahoo as the Chief Guest while the Principal & Dean of KIMS Prof. R.C. Das, AVM as the Guest of Honour, along with the President and Secretary of IRA Odisha, highlighting the strong institutional and professional support for the specialty.
A major highlight of the conference was the conferring of the prestigious R. N. Rath Oration upon Prof. (Dr.) A. N. Malaviya, in recognition of his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the field of rheumatology in India. His talk was inspiring, insightful, and deeply appreciated by the delegates. The scientific program was further enriched by lectures delivered by eminent national faculty including Dr. P. D. Rath, Dr. Venkatesh Pai, Dr. Siddharth Jain, and Dr. Parthajit Das, whose talks covered contemporary and clinically relevant themes across inflammatory arthritis, connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, and advances in therapeutics. Their participation significantly elevated the academic depth and national stature of the meeting.
A distinctive feature of this year’s IRACON was the enthusiastic involvement of young trainees. On 21st February, 28 oral case presentations were delivered by undergraduate students, demonstrating impressive clinical insight and early academic engagement with rheumatology. On 22nd February, five oral presentations by PG and DM trainees showcased advanced clinical reasoning and research orientation, leading to stimulating discussions and valuable faculty feedback. The conference served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, and collaboration, reinforcing IRA Odisha’s commitment to nurturing future rheumatologists while maintaining high scientific standards.
The Organizing Committee expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Patron and Founder of KIIT, for his unwavering encouragement and institutional support, as well as to the Indian Rheumatology Association for its continual guidance. With excellent participation, high-quality scientific deliberations, and seamless organization, the 17th Odisha IRACON 2026 emerged as a resounding academic success as well as a milestone for the rheumatology fraternity of Odisha.