Empathy-2024; Institute of Health Sciences Bhubaneswar celebrates 25 Years of Inspiring Hope in the Fight Against Disability

Bhubaneswar: The journey of the Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) is an endearing odyssey of
vision, aspiration, struggle, and accomplishment. Disability often invokes the crippling emotion of helplessness, shifting the focus from treatment to social isolation and custodial care, resulting in the aggravation of the impairment. IHS remains the pioneer in providing professional medical care to thousands of people,
rehabilitating them successfully by providing functional independence and necessary skills.

On April 17, IHS commemorated its 26th foundation day as Empathy Day. Empathy remains one of the foundational values of IHS, defining its vision and guiding its action throughout the years. The event was formally inaugurated by the honorable chief guest Lalith Das, DGP Human Rights, and the Guest of Honour, Abha Mishra (Head, UNDP), through the traditional lamp lighting ceremony.

Professor Satya Mahapatra, the Founder Director of IHS, in his welcome address, highlighted IHS’s contribution in transforming helplessness to hope by bringing back thousands of individuals with disabilities to the social mainstream in the last 25 years. He elaborated on the Institute’s continuous stride in research and development, focusing on providing technological solutions towards rehabilitation.

Dr. Santosh Mohanty, member of the advisory council, IHS, in his address, emphasized the crucial role of Empathy, collaboration, and the need to replicate the IHS rehabilitation ecosystem through the synergistic efforts of healthcare
professionals, researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic organizations.

Dr. Subhasmita Sahoo, HOD, department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, spoke about the role of IHS in building skilled healthcare professionals and their global presence.

The honorable Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour, in their respective addresses, stressed the importance of institutions like IHS and the role they play in building a healthy and robust society.

Dr. Bhabani Shankar Padhy, Principal, IHS, spoke about the growing need for integrating inclusive policies with professional medical care to identify and address the special needs of individuals with disabilities.

The evening was replete with a fabulous cultural extravaganza consisting of melodious songs and vibrant dances prepared and presented by the students of IHS. The presentations were diverse, from the classical Odissi to refreshing folk dance and a medley of old and new songs.

Another highlight of Empathy Day was the participation of parents, alumni, and interns who are an integral part of the IHS family. Representatives of parents, alumni, and interns spoke about their experiences and how IHS has been providing value education, contributing to manpower development in the healthcare domain.

The final presentation in the evening was an innovative Fashion Show organized by the students themed around the apparel and designs of medieval India. The esteemed guests also distributed prizes and awards for stellar academic
performances and achievements in sports.

Dr. Vivek Kumar, Faculty, Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, anchored the formal presentations. Dr. Rituparna Mohanty, Faculty of the Department of Physiotherapy, gave a vote of thanks to the esteemed guests.

Empathy -2024 became a cherished event carefully planned and meticulously implemented by the staff, faculty members, and students of IHS.