Experts from various countries join IIRSI 2025 ophthalmology convention in Chennai
The convention was launched by Anil Kumar Bachoo, Minister of Health & Wellness, Government of Mauritius, Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology and digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Arthi Ganesh, Pro-Chancellor, Vels University.
Led by Satanshu Mathur, President, IIRSI, alongside Amar Agarwal, Secretary General, IIRSI, and Mahipal S. Sachdev, Chairman Scientific Committee-IIRSI, the convention attracted over 1,000 ophthalmologists, surgeons, researchers, and experts from around the world. The event featured foreign faculty lectures, live surgery, hands-on wet lab focussing on cataract, refractive and intraocular implantation.
At the inauguration, Mr. Bachoo highlighted Mauritius' commitment to free and universal eye care, its public health system, international collaborations, and ongoing efforts to build local ophthalmic capacity. He expressed gratitude to Indian medical institutions, especially those in Chennai, for their important role in treating complex cases and supporting Mauritius through training and specialised care.
Stephen McLeod, CEO of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, received a gold medal in recognition of his contributions to the field of ophthalmology. Several other individuals were also honored with awards. Ophthalmic experts Gaurav Luthra, Mohan Rajan, Rohit Om Prakash, Ragini Parekh were present.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi seeks Siddaramaiah's apology after experts ruled out Covid jab caused heart attacks
Union Consumer Affairs & Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday urged chief minister Siddaramaiah to apologise to scientists and researchers for 'insulting' them with his comments that Covid-19 vaccines may have caused heart attack deaths in Hassan district. Pralhad's demand came after an expert panel constituted by the state government into heart attack related deaths in Hassan district ruled out any link between the vaccination and heart attacks. When the pandemic broke out in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi acted swiftly and released grants. Siddaramaiah too took the shots of the vaccine in India, not overseas, Joshi told the media in Hubballi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Depuratore d'acqua di nuova generazione: ecco quanto costa Depuratori d'acqua Scopri di più Undo The PM dealt with the pandemic far more effectively compared to other countries. But Siddaramaiah's statement was offensive to our scientists and questioned the efficacy of Indian vaccines where there was a huge demand for India-made pharma products in the oversea market, he said. Siddaramaiah's comments suggesting Covid-19 vaccination may have caused the recent heart-attack related deaths had triggered a wave of rebuttals from senior doctors, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and the BJP. Live Events The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences had dismissed any connection between the two. A study on the people who succumbed to sudden cardiac arrests did not reveal any link to the Covid vaccination, AIIMS experts said.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
BJP demands apology from Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah over remarks linking vaccines to heart attacks
The BJP on Sunday mounted a sharp attack on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding an unconditional apology over his recent comments linking a rise in cardiac arrests, particularly in Hassan district, to COVID-19 vaccination. The demand comes after an expert committee, appointed by the state government itself, found no scientific evidence to support such a link. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Also Read - Ganesh idol desecrated in Karnataka's Shivamogga: BJP alleges rising anti-Hindu acts under Congress rule Union Minister Pralhad Joshi led the charge, calling Siddaramaiah's remarks 'irresponsible and politically motivated.' Addressing the media in Hubballi, Joshi said, 'Premier institutions like ICMR, NCDC, and AIIMS-Delhi have already clarified that COVID-19 vaccines do not cause heart attacks. Now, the Karnataka government's own expert panel, led by Dr Ravindranath of the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology, has confirmed the same. Will the Chief Minister apologise now?' Joshi alleged that Siddaramaiah's statements were part of a broader attempt to discredit vaccines developed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. 'They thought the pandemic would work against the Prime Minister, but he managed the crisis with care and compassion. The vaccine rollout saved millions, and now the opposition is resorting to misinformation,' he said. Why did the controversy begin? The controversy stems from Siddaramaiah's recent remarks suggesting a connection between the sudden spike in heart attacks in Hassan and the COVID-19 vaccination drive. He had also questioned the speed at which the vaccines were approved, comments that drew criticism from scientists, political opponents, and industry leaders, including Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. Also Read - Indie dog goes missing in Bengaluru, army doctor who rescued him flies home for search: Report To investigate the matter, the Karnataka government had constituted a panel led by Dr Ravindranath. In its findings, the committee stated that there was no causal link between COVID-19 vaccination and sudden cardiac deaths. Instead, it described the issue as multifactorial, pointing to behavioural, genetic, and environmental risk factors. The Jayadeva Institute's report echoed findings from global studies, reaffirming that vaccination offers long-term protection against cardiac events, rather than causing them. BJP spokesperson and former minister Dr CN Ashwath Narayan also slammed Siddaramaiah, accusing him of spreading unverified claims that could erode public trust in vaccines. 'The Chief Minister made a reckless statement without citing any scientific evidence. His comments undermine the credibility of Indian-made vaccines. He owes an apology to the people of Karnataka,' Narayan said.
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Don't have time to workout? It's time you picked the skipping rope
Before donning his black robe and stepping into the courtroom, Shravan Patel picks up something humbler than a gavel—a jump rope. A Hyderabad-based lawyer with little time and no gym membership, Patel swears by the few square feet in his living room and the rhythmic flick of a rope. 'It charges my body, burns fat, boosts heart rate, keeps my joints mobile," he says. 'And the best part? Ten minutes is enough." Once dismissed as playground paraphernalia, the jump rope is undergoing a serious image makeover. From spine surgeons to cardiologists, health professionals are now prescribing it as a near-perfect exercise—low on cost, high on return, and surprisingly gentle on the joints. In a post-pandemic world where wellness often competes with time, space, and budget, the jump rope may be fitness's most unassuming comeback kid. 'Jump rope workouts may look simple, but there's good reason they're making a comeback," says Dr Venkata Ramakrishna, head of spine surgery at Arete Hospitals, Hyderabad. 'As a spine and orthopaedic specialist, I often hear patients ask for exercises that are gentle on the joints but still help with fitness goals like fat loss, stamina, and mobility. Surprisingly, skipping fits that brief well—if done with care." WHAT MAKES JUMPING ROPE A COMPLETE WORKOUT Its appeal lies in the combination of minimal space and maximum impact. 'Not everyone has time for the gym or access to expensive machines," Ramakrishna adds. 'A skipping rope, used correctly, can get your heart rate up, engage major muscle groups, and help burn calories in just a few minutes. That's especially helpful for people who are short on time or prefer to work out at home." From a physiotherapy standpoint, skipping is far more than cardio. 'Jump rope is not only good for your heart, it's also great for your body," says Dr Sachin Sethi (PT), principal lead – Physiotherapy at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon. 'It helps with functional movement by improving coordination, balance, and motor control on both sides of the body. All of these things are important for staying safe and getting better." According to Sethi, jump rope also strengthens the knees and ankles without imposing excessive stress—provided form is correct. 'It's an affordable way to help people who are looking for low-impact exercises and don't want to go to the gym or who sit around a lot and want to improve their posture, endurance and neuromuscular control." Emerging research continues to highlight the multifaceted benefits of jump rope as a physical activity. A 2024 study conducted by Wu, Chang, and Liu, published in the Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, found that structured jump rope interventions improve both motor and cognitive functions in elementary-aged children. Similarly, a 12-week study by International Journal of Health and Clinical Research (2023) on Indian schoolchildren found that both traditional and freestyle skipping significantly improved muscular strength (by 11–13%), grip strength, and bone mineral density—especially in underactive adolescents. GOOD FOR THE HEART AND THE BRAIN From the cardiovascular perspective, skipping is no slouch. 'Jump rope is known to be an extremely effective cardiovascular exercise when compared to traditional aerobic activities like running or cycling in improving heart function and VO₂ max," says Dr Rahul Gupta, director of cardiology at Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai. 'Various studies have proven that jump rope can offer similar cardiovascular benefits as 30 minutes of jogging." In fact, skipping's intensity and rhythm make it especially suited for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), a format known to lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and improve insulin sensitivity. 'The intense bursts of activity followed by brief rest periods boost metabolic rate and insulin sensitivity," Gupta adds. 'This can help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, and manage blood sugar levels—cutting the risk of type 2 diabetes." What sets skipping apart from many cardio routines, according to Sethi, is its neuromuscular engagement. 'The rhythmic, repetitive movement makes your feet, eyes, and hands work together all the time, which helps your body know where it is in space," he explains. 'Each jump needs to be timed, accurate, and controlled, which helps with balance and reflexes." Moreover, it stimulates the nervous system in ways that enhance neuroplasticity. 'Skipping makes your fast-twitch muscle fibers work and forces you to change posture quickly and correctly. Over time, this constant communication between the brain and body helps the brain make new neural connections." WHY SKIPPING IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR REHAB Contrary to its high-intensity reputation, skipping can be modified for rehabilitation and older adults. 'Jump rope can be safely used for rehabilitation and by older people if you make some careful changes," says Sethi. 'When you're getting older or recovering from an injury, you should do low-impact activities like marching in place with a rope or phantom jumps." He suggests beginning on soft surfaces, keeping sessions short—30 to 60 seconds with breaks—and gradually building confidence and muscular endurance. 'Over time, these small changes can help with balance, proprioception, and bone density. These are all important for both recovery and healthy ageing." Beyond its physical merits, jumping rope may offer something rarer: psychological restoration. 'The jump rope is a simple but powerful tool that helps you connect your body and mind in today's tech-driven fitness world," says Sethi. 'It can be very calming to watch it move in a steady, rhythmic way—like a moving meditation. The steady rhythm of skipping helps you breathe better, lowers stress, and makes you more aware of your body." CAUTION IS CRUCIAL Despite its benefits, skipping isn't injury-proof—particularly when poor form or pre-existing conditions come into play. 'Jump rope is usually low impact if you do it right, but bad form can cause injuries," cautions Sethi. 'In clinical practice, it is often told not to hit their heels too hard, not to move their ankles too much or land hard without bending their knees." Those with flat feet, weak core muscles, or a history of lower back problems are at greater risk, he adds. 'They can't absorb shock or stay stable as easily. Not getting enough sleep, or skipping proper stretching or warm-ups, can make the problem worse." Ramakrishna echoes the warning: 'People with arthritis, recent surgeries, or balance concerns should check with their doctor first. Those with a high BMI should also pay caution, as the added joint load may require modified routines and medical guidance." Gupta underscores the point from a cardiac lens: 'While it can be modified for low-impact routines, standard jump rope is still a high-intensity activity—particularly for those with pre-existing cardiac concerns." In such cases, walking or cycling may be more appropriate initially, followed by slow, supervised reintroduction of skipping under medical guidance. 'Start with just 10 reps, then slowly increase. It is not at all a good idea to go overboard," Gupta cautions. JUMPING INTO THE FUTURE The jump rope market—projected to reach $2.62 billion by 2031—is expanding steadily, with Asia-Pacific leading in growth due to rising fitness demand in India and China. At the center of innovation are customizable, weighted, and modular systems like Crossrope's interchangeable sets and Renpho's corded/cordless hybrids, catering to increasingly diverse consumer needs. According to a 2024 trend analysis by John Jing on Alibaba Reads, a B2B platform, sustainability is shaping manufacturing too. Brands are pivoting to eco-conscious materials—like ropes spun from recycled plastic bags ('plarn"), biodegradable bamboo, and organic cotton—while embracing lean production and minimalist packaging. Tech is also skipping ahead: smart jump ropes like Tangram Factory's LED model and Everlast's Bluetooth-integrated gear offer real-time feedback, app sync, and virtual coaching—an appeal to the data-driven athlete. The Jump Rope Federation of India (JRFI), though battling inconsistent government recognition, continues to host national championships and send athletes to international stages like the upcoming IJRU World Championship in Japan. Influencers such as Chetan Tambe and record-setters like Yahan Palia (77,364 skips in 8 hours) have brought the sport to screens nationwide, while school-based studies show tangible gains in strength and bone health among young practitioners. As the jump rope evolves from fitness tool to lifestyle product, brands that blend performance, personalization, and planet-conscious design are setting the pace. Tanisha Saxena is a Delhi-based independent journalist. She writes stories that are on the intersection of art, culture and lifestyle.
