Mir Iqbal
SRINAGAR, Apr 13: Former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, a renowned nuclear scientist, today said that the spraying of toxic chemicals and pesticides in orchards of Kashmir has led to alarming causes of brain cancer here and stressed that it was opportune time for bringing the alternative resource of antibiotics in the medical treatment history to combat the fatal diseases.
The Bharat Ratna award winner inaugurated the first ever International Cellular and Molecular Mechanism of Disease Processes Conference in Kashmir at University of Kashmir (KU) and laid emphasis that there was a need for technology integration and the need to achieve excellence in this field. “DNA, Virus, Bacteria are interconnected and researchers must work hard in Bio-Technology like subjects to combat these fatal diseases,” he said.
Dr Kalam said that among many other various forms of cancer commonly found in Kashmiris include gastric and colon cancer which have been mainly caused due to bad dietary habits.
Dr Kalam recalled the period when he worked as Missile and Rocket Scientist at Hyderabad and spent many years in the arena of Nuclear Energy development.
Dr Kalam spoke at length on the theory of Unity of Nature and explained how Life Science Engineering had come close to Rocket Science.
Dr Kalam appreciated the University of Kashmir’s initiative of organizing this International Conference and hoped that the outcome of the discussions among the scientists will contribute towards controlling the spread of dreaded diseases.
A four day International Conference on ‘Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Processes’, organized by University of Kashmir, Department of Bio-Technology, commenced at the Gandhi Bhavan today.
Earlier, in his presidential address, Chancellor of University of Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir Governor, N N Vohra, said that there was inter connectivity between Life Science and other Sciences and urged the participating scientists to focus on the origin of various disease problems, particularly those which are being faced by the people of this State.
“Medical Scientists are aware of incidence and disease pattern in J&K, particularly the toll taken by influenza, allergic problems, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases and cancer,” Governor said.
Vohra urged the scientists to focus on practical approaches towards early detection, prompt diagnosis and the best preventive measures which need to be taken for saving precious lives.
The Governor stressed the need for urgently setting up Pathological Laboratories in each district so that patients are not compelled to travel long distances for diagnosis and medical treatments.
“I hope the Conference would consider evolving a practical model for early detection and effective management of the diseases from which the people of J&K suffer,” he said.
He urged the Vice Chancellor to explore sustainable research project linkages with the private sector so that joint public-private sector initiatives, involving the University, could contribute to improved health care facilities in the State.
The other dignitaries’ present on the occasion were Dr Yog Hecker, President of the German Science Academy; Dr Katoch, Director General ICMR; Dr Vijay Raghwan, Secretary Bio Technology; Prof Talwar former D.G. of N.I. Immunology; Prof Hasnain of IIT Delhi; and a large number of eminent scientists from India and abroad, scholars, academicians, invitees and students attended the inaugural function.
Prof Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir presented a Documentary titled “K. Innovators” to Dr Kalam and other dignitaries.
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