Report on the 8th World Congress of the IHPBA, Mumbai, India
The delegates and the faculty were unanimous in their verdict
“IHPBA 2008 was a great success.”
The 8th World Congress of IHPBA had 1450 delegates from 68 different countries. By far, this was the largest IHPBA World Congress so far. Response from all over the World was excellent with more than 1000 abstracts being submitted.
The Congress was inaugurated by the past presidents with the lightening of the traditional lamp and was followed by a showcase of Indian Art and Culture.
The Scientific Program was very well appreciated with many new concepts; electronic posters, the breakfast sessions by the Lakeside - the Gurukuls [30 sessions]. The pre-conference CME which was attended by nearly 600 delegates set tone for an intense scientific program with talks by the Living Legends, 24 Keynote Lectures, 25 Symposia, 10 Master Video Symposia, and 13 debates which were keenly contested. The entire program went on with a clockwork precision with packed halls. The delegates had the opportunity to interact with more than 200 HPB leaders from all continents.
The social programs included the inaugural musical festival with scintillating sitar performance and the Dances of India thrilled the audience. The faculty enjoyed the Moghul theme night which was an unique experience for many. The ‘Mela’ which showcased the rural Indian dance forms was vibrant and had the delegates having a great time at the end of the long scientific sessions. The effort and warmth of the Local Organizing Committee were very evident in the success of the program.
Dr. P. Jagannath and his “Team India” had put in many hours of hard work and planning which was appreciated by one and all.
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