The Annual Dr B P Rajan External Oration of IGIDS was conducted on 28th February 2017 in the afternoon session from 2.00 PM to 4.30 PM at Ground floor, College Block, MGMCRI. The program commenced with the invocation of prayer song. The introduction of Dr. B P Rajan External Oration was rendered by the Prof Carounanidy Usha, Dean Faculty of Dentistry, IGIDS. The immense contributions of Dr B P Rajan to the field of dentistry were listed. The Professor Emeritus in Operative dentistry has held various important positions such as President, DCI and IDA, India, Vice Chancellor, Dr MGR Medical University, Chairman of Council of Dental Health, Special representative for the Govt. of Tamilnadu in New Delhi, Founder of Ragas Dental College and Rajan Dental Hospital in Chennai. He was a Consultant and Advisory Board member for various renowned National and International bodies such as ICMR, NBE, Dental Education Committee, Thesis Advisory Committee for Tufts University etc. He had teaching experience of over 50 years and had numerous articles and books published to his credit. The Dean, IGIDS, also shared her memorable and knowledgeable experience under Dr B P Rajan.
This was followed by the lighting of the Kuthuvilakku by the honorable dignitaries, Prof K R Sethuraman, Vice Chancellor, SBV, Prof Carounanidy Usha, Prof A Parameswaran, Former Dean, TNGDC, Chennai and Mrs Parameswaran. The felicitation address was given by Prof Sethuraman, Vice Chancellor. The introduction for the guest speaker for the oration, Prof A Parameswaran, was given by Dr P S Manoharan, Prof & Head, Department of Prosthodontics, IGIDS. The achievements of Dr A Parameswaran in the field of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics and his contributions to dental education were briefed to the audience. Dr A Parameswaran was the Editor in–Chief of the professional body: ‘Federation of Operative Dentist of India’, Membership in New York Academy of Sciences, Editorial board member of Asian Journal of Esthetic Dentistry (Malaysia), Asian Pacific Endodontic Federation (Australia), Former President of Federation of Operative Dentistry India and active member in Indian Endodontic Society. His scholarship includes more than 40 publications in national and international journals and orations in more than 30 professional congregations. Following this introduction, the Orator medallion was bestowed upon Dr A Parameswaran by the Dean, IGIDS.
The Dr B P Rajan oration was then delivered by Dr A Parameswaran on “Future of General Dentistry”. His speech showed the transformation of dentistry in India from its primitive stage to the current scenario. His speech showcased the future prospects in dentistry and also the opportunities and guidance needed for the current generation of dental students. After the oration, the citation for Dr A Parameswaran was recited to the audience by Dr Vineela Reddy, Member Secretary, SAF and the citation was presented to Dr A Parameswaran by the Vice Chancellor, SBV and the Dean, IGIDS. The oration program was followed by Prize distribution ceremony for the winners of Poster and Table clinic competition conducted as part of National Science 2K17 Day celebration. The judges for this competition, Dr Thillainayagam, Principal, APDC, Melmaruvathur and Dr Senthil Nathan, Principal, SVDC, Pondicherry, were honored by the Vice Chancellor, SBV and Dr A Parameswaran. The prizes were distributed to the winners by Prof K R Sethuraman, Dr A Parameswaran, Prof Carounanidy Usha and the judges. The Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Pratheba B, Member, DEU. The oration program ended with the college anthem and high tea.
