Science Club 'Utsaah' Hosts a Dialogue on National Science Day and Rare Disease Day. This year's theme is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT”. An elaborate interactive talk, “How Research and Innovation and Awareness can help reduce the burden of Rare Diseases in Jammu, India, and the World at large”. The guest speaker for the event, Dr Nisha Kapoor, a senior Assistant Professor at the School of Biotechnology, talked elaboratively about the initiatives the University of Jammu is taking towards Research and Awareness for Rare Diseases. She shared the ongoing research work in her lab about MODY, Maturity-onset diabetes of the young. A genetic form of diabetes that usually develops before age 25. She also shared the statistical data for rare diseases at the World, India, and Jammu levels.

This community radio show was conducted by Dr Chinmoyee Maharana, Coordinator, Science Club, Utsaah, JU. She introduced the audience to the importance of such days and why we need a dialogue and awareness for rare diseases. Reiterating the theme of National Science Day for India, innovation in research and strategies can pave the way for therapeutics for rare diseases. She also shared how recent news on in-utero successful treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and such examples is giving a ray of hope to rare disease patients.

This interactive show on the community radio will inform the audience about the national policy for rare disease patients. This awareness can help various communities in far-flung areas to know about various rare diseases like genetic disorders and metabolic disorders, e.g., Duchenne muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and Gaucher’s disease.  

The Chairperson, Utsaah, Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, appreciated such informative talk show and Convener, 91.2 FM Dhwani, Prof. Monika Chadha encouraged the coordinator of Science Club for organizing such awareness through community radio. The recording of the program was accomplished by RJ Alok at the studio of 91.2 FM Dhwani JU.