On 22nd of October 2022, at St Regis, Mumbai Dr Hrishikesh Pai was installed as the 61 st President of FOGSI amongst much fanfare. FOGSI – the Federation of Obstetrics & Gynecological Societies of India is an organization that was established in 1936 and currently has 38000 gynecologists from 263 local societies spread all over India, as its members. The Installation ceremony was witnessed by gynecologists who had especially travelled from all over India and abroad to extend their support and encouragement to Dr Pai.
The glittering function commenced with a National Integration dance that depicted the rich cultural heritage of India. Many noted dignitaries and celebrities graced the occasion with their presence. Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste ji, Union Minister of Steel and Rural development was the Chief guest of the evening. He was very appreciative of the body of work done by Dr Pai and FOGSI and extended his best wishes. Dr Sadhana Tayade, Director of Health sciences, Maharashtra state and Dr Shivkumar Utture, President of Maharashtra Medical council also obliged one and all with their presence.
The evening’s opulence was further enhanced by the presence of beloved Bollywood starlets Ms. Karishma Kapoor, Ms. Lara Dutta, Ms. Poonam Dhillon and Ms. Padmini Kolhapure. It was a proud privilege to welcome Dr Anne Kihara, President Elect of FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) ; Dr. Ferdousi Begum, Past President of FIGO; Dame Lesley Regan, Secretary of FIGO; Dr Rohana Haththotuwa, President of SAFOG (South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology); and Dr Shantha kumari Sekaran, Immediate Past president of FOGSI as Guests of honour.
The installation ceremony was conducted by Bollywood celebrity and ex Mrs World Dr Aditi Govitrikar along with acclaimed emcee Mr Nikhil Khatri. In the start of the ceremony medals were exchanged to signify the onset of Dr Hrishikesh Pai’s term as FOGSI President. Following this, the immediate past President Dr Shanthakumari was felicitated with a silver medal. Dr Shantakumari’s entire team of Vice Presidents – Dr Kawita Bapat, Dr Archana Verma, Dr Basab Mukherjee, Dr Bipin Pandit, Dr Fessy Louis were also felicitated with momentos and bouquets. The new incoming team of Vice Presidents Dr Asha Baxi, Dr Geetendra Sharma, Dr S Sampathkumari, Dr Alka Pandey and Dr Yashodhara Pradeep (in absentia) received medals of installation from Dr Pai. Dr Suvarna Khadilkar, Deputy secretary of FOGSI and Dr Niranjan Chavan, Assistant Treasurer were also welcomed on the dais. Dr Manisha Takhtani was handed over her medal as Joint Secretary of FOGSI.
Dr Madhuri Patel, Secretary General of FOGSI delivered the pledge to all the office bearers and officially welcomed the new team. The Outgoing Committee chairs – Dr Girish Mane, Dr Meena Samant, Dr Shobha Gudi, Dr Mandakini Pradhan, Dr Varsha Baste, Dr Komal Chavan, Dr Abha Singh, Dr Kalyan Barmade, Dr Sneha Bhuyar received plaques of appreciation for their exemplary service towards FOGSI. Many Past presidents of FOGSI Dr RP Soonawala, Dr Sanjay Gupte, Dr C N Purandare, Dr Alokendu Chatterjee, Dr Hema Divakar, Dr Prakash Trivedi, Dr Shyam Desai, Dr Usha Saraiya, Dr Suchitra Pandit, Dr Sadhana Desai and Dr Kamini Rao graced the function by their kind presence. The present team of 28 FOGSI Committee chairpersons were also present at the function.
The whole evening function by two beloved Past Presidents of FOGSI and National FOGSI Coordinators Dr Rishma Pai and Dr Nandita Palshetkar. The compere Ms Aditi Govitrikar was supported by Ms Ojaswini Pai, CEO Bloom group, Dr Priyankur Roy and the Zonal Coordinators of FOGSI – Dr Ameya Puranadare, Dr Rohan Palshetkar, Dr Komal Chavan, Dr Shrutika Thakkar, Dr Arnav Pai, Dr Anu Chawla, Dr Vinita Singh, Dr Selvapriya, Dr Aruna Suman, Dr Aparna Sharma, Dr Indranil Dutta, and Dr Jeyarani Kamaraj.
Dr Pai spoke passionately about his vision and dreams for FOGSI and had an innovative way of sharing his aspirations for healthcare of the women of India through a presentation by noted sand artist who made a beautiful sand presentation during Dr Pai’s speech. Dr Hrishikesh Pai also revealed his slogan ‘Swasthya Nari, Sukhi Nari’ (Healthy Woman, Happy Woman) and his CSR activity Badlaav -a change during the speech. He further explained the concept of Badlaav and its 3 pillars: Ekikaran (Integration of thought and action), Samanata (Equality of treatment for all) and Takniki (technology to achieve these objectives). During the function, the integrated FOGSI Newsletter ‘Voice’ edited by Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar and two FOGSI books, one on Contraception edited by Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, Dr Ashish Kale and the other on ‘Evidence based practices in O & G’ edited by Dr Mala Arora were also released.
The official ceremony was followed by the Badlaav parade – a beautiful procession by women from all age groups carrying catchy health slogans elegantly led by Dr Rishma Pai , Dr Nandita Palshetkar and coordinated by Yuva team Fogsi members Dr Sheetal Sawankar, Dr Garima Sharma and Dr Ritu Hinduja. This was followed by unfurling of the Badlaav banner and an award ceremony during which Presidents- Luminary, International Luminary, Secretary Generals- Achiever, ICOG Achiever, JOGI Achiever and other FOGSI achievers were awarded and their contributions to FOGSI were celebrated. Dr Suvarna Khadilkar, Deputy General Secretary of FOGSI then delivered the vote of thanks conveying gratitude to all the dignitaries on the dais and in audience.
The last leg of the evening consisted of a medley of dances completely coordinated online and seniors as well as juniors of all ages, from all over India showcased their talents on stage. There were a total of 9 dances, that were choreographed by famous Bollywood choreographer Ms Disha Mehta and coordinated by Dr Shrutika Thakkar. Notably the show was started by a dance by the past presidents, the presidential task force along with Dr Pai and was followed by dances by the Vice Presidents with their chairpersons., team Mumbai OBGY society (MOGS), the Bloom group and the zonal coordinators. Overall, the night ended on a very positive note with the whole floor set on fire with the enthusiasm of all those present.
It was indeed a fabulous function that coincided with the auspicious day of Dhanteras and not only marked the start of Diwali but also the start of Dr Hrishikesh Pai’s remarkable journey as President of FOGSI.
