“Rare Genetic Disorders” Awareness Program on Rare Disease Day and National Science Day organised at JU

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu jointly with Science Club, Utsaah,organised an awareness program on “Rare Genetic Disorders” on National Science Day and Rare Disease Day under Mission Program on Pediatrics Rare Genetic Diseases, DBT, GoI, New Delhi funded research project.

The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr). Sanjeev Kumar Digra, Department of Pediatrics, SMGS, Hospital, GMC Jammu spoke about diagnostic techniques, challenges, and the critical importance of early detection in rare genetic diseases. He emphasised on matching Genetic-Patri before marriages rather Janam-Patri. He shared success stories of cases who have undergone genetic counselling. 

The invited speaker in this event, Dr. Sudheendra Rao N R,Scientific Advisor, Organization of Rare Disease India, delivered lecture about Rare Diseases in India, covering their prevalence, types, causes, and impact on individuals and families. He shared various initiatives by ORDI. This talk was followed by an interaction session that generated awareness and knowledge among the participants,how one can help a rare disease patient and their caregivers or family members by informing them about government initiative to help these patients, genetic counsellor, diagnosis, treatment, and support for those affected.

The next speaker, Dr Rakesh Kumar Panjaliya, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology elaborated upon genetic diseases with simplified real-life examples which made audience well informed and he further detailed on Rare Genetic Disorder Case study. He explained the process of genetic counselling and diagnosis to be followed in such cases that offered valuable insights to the participants. 

Dr Parvinder Kumar, Dy Coordinator, Institute of Human Genetics (IHG) and Dr Chinmoyee Maharana, Coordinator, Science Club, jointly conducted the proceedings of the programme. Research scholars and students from IHG, Zoology, Psychology, Sociology and other departments of University of Jammu participated enthusiastically. Prizes were distributed for Model Making competition conducted by Science Club on “Know Your Genes”. The winners received certificates from Prof. Satnam Kour, Chairperson, Utsaah.

Dr Chinmoyee, gave a formal vote of thanks and expressed her sincere appreciation to the eminent speakers, IHG faculty members Dr Meenakshee, Dr Sonia, Dr Monika, and co-organizers Dr Mohd Younis, scholars Sheetal, Nidhi, Ankush, Janvi, Samiksha, Indu and all IHG staff.