President’s Address

From the Desk of Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar: President FOGSI 2025

A Moment Long Awaited, A Journey Just Begun…

There are moments in life that we dream of, work toward, and wait for, with unwavering dedication. And then, when they finally arrive, they leave us speechless.

As I pen down my first editorial as the President of FOGSI, my heart swells with gratitude, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility.

This is that moment for me—a moment I have envisioned for years, one that has been shaped by relentless passion, tireless efforts, and the unconditional support of so many who walked this path with me.

Today, as I stand at this threshold, entrusted with leading this dynamic organization of 47,000 brilliant Obstetricians & Gynecologists across India, I find myself overwhelmed with emotions. Words seem inadequate to express the depth of my feelings, yet my mind races with an endless stream of ideas, aspirations, and dreams. It feels as if I hold a Pandora’s box—one filled with boundless opportunities, transformative initiatives, and the promise of a brighter future for women’s health in India.

This is not just my journey; it is ours.

Together, we will carve a path of knowledge, inclusivity, and progress, ensuring that FOGSI continues to thrive as the beacon of excellence in women’s healthcare.

BIG THANK YOU & GRATITUDE

As I step into this esteemed role, my heart is brimming with profound appreciation, heartfelt indebtedness, and deep reverence for every soul who has been part of this journey. To my family, my steadfast anchor; to my friends, my unwavering support; to my mentors and past presidents of FOGSI, whose wisdom has guided my path; to my students, whose curiosity has kept my spirit ignited; and to every colleague, collaborator, and well-wisher who has walked alongside me—thank you. This milestone is not mine alone; it is a tapestry woven with the dedication, belief, and encouragement of countless individuals.

Yet, beyond all human efforts, I humbly bow to that divine force, that unseen yet ever-present energy, which has orchestrated this moment with celestial precision—My spiritual Guru—Gagan Giri Maharaj. I have always believed that destiny unfolds not by chance but by divine design, and today, I find myself at this juncture, not just by my own resolve, but by the grace of the universe that has aligned every thread to make this possible. This presidency is not just a position—it is a calling, and I embrace it with humility, devotion, and an unshakable faith in the journey ahead.

THEME…

I do not just work for FOGSI; I live it, I breathe it, I embody it. And hence, when it came to the theme of my presidency, I could not simply delegate the creation of a logo. Instead, I poured my heart into it, crafting a vision that reflects my deepest emotions, my steadfast commitment to this country and its women.

Every element in this design has a purpose, a meaning, and a story that resonates with my passion for women's health and well-being.

Under the theme of “Ek Rashtra Ek Mission, Swastha Nari Samruddha Vatan,”

I extend an open invitation to each one of you to join hands as we drive forward our vision of a healthy and empowered nation, built on the foundation of women’s health and well-being.

Together, we shall realize the strength and unity embodied in our slogan:

“Har Ghar FOGSIAN”

Every FOGSIAN standing as a pillar of strength and care across India.

At its core, this logo is my soul on canvas, my tribute to India, and my promise to every woman in this nation. It is more than just an emblem—it is the voice of my mission, the spirit of my leadership, and the heartbeat of FOGSI’s journey this year.

SOCIAL PROJECTS…

• Aarogya Yog Yatra

• Know your numbers

• Sampoorna

• Do Teeke Zindagi ke

• FOGSI Anubandha

• Aarogya Sakhi App

• Existing All FOGSI Projects

AAROGYA YOG YATRA

FOGSI’s Journey to Integrate Spirituality in Medicine

“Medicine cures, but spirituality heals.”

Among the various academic and social programs which I will lead, one stands out as closest to my heart—Aarogya Yoga Yatra.

India is a land of spirituality, home to sacred places brimming with energy that transcends the physical. With this Yatra, we will journey to 13 of India’s most spiritually significant locations, such as Tirupati, Rishikesh, Rameswaram, Puri, Varanasi, Dwarka, Ayodhya, Ajmer, Shrinathji, Amritsar, and others.

Purpose of the Yatra: This project is not merely a journey but a mission—to integrate spirituality into medicine. At each location, we will hold two impactful events:

1.Public Forums: These will demonstrate how doctors, by embracing spirituality, can go beyond curing illnesses to truly healing patients from within. As we believe, “Medicine cures, but spirituality heals.”

2. CMEs on Spirituality in Medicine: Tailored for doctors, these sessions will emphasize the importance of incorporating spirituality into everyday practice. Strengthening the spiritual core of medical professionals will help them deliver not just treatment but care that transforms lives.

The Power of Spirituality

In my 34 years of experience as a doctor, I have learnt that success requires hard work, passion, dedication, and honesty. However, it is spirituality that has enabled me to deliver my best every single day. Spirituality connects us with the universe’s energy, guiding us to heal holistically. This Yatra is my way of sharing this realization with all FOGSI members and the larger community. 

I firmly believe that even those who may not feel spiritually connected today will, by the end of this year, understand and experience the transformative power of the universe.

Join Us on This Journey

I humbly invite all FOGSIANS to join me in this endeavor. The itinerary, including dates and locations, will be shared in the upcoming FOGSI Connect bulletin and on our website. I appeal to each of you to support, bless, and, most importantly, physically join this, Yatra. Together, let us create a movement that not only strengthens our practice but also elevates our collective consciousness. Let us embark on this journey with an open heart and a belief in the universe’s power to heal.

“Know Your Numbers” is an ambitious health initiative which seeks to gather vital health data—weight, blood pressure, and hemoglobin levels—from women across India. By focusing on these key health indicators, the project aims to foster a proactive health management culture among women. The data collected will be instrumental in identifying prevalent health issues early and promoting interventions that can significantly reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of regular health monitoring but also strives to empower women with the knowledge and tools needed to take charge of their health, ensuring they lead longer, healthier lives.

Mission Statement:

“To empower women across India to proactively manage their health by making vital health metrics accessible and actionable, thereby reducing the prevalence and impact of chronic diseases and promoting a healthier future.”

SAMPOORNA

Swastha Janm Abhiyan

Empowering Women Through Pre-conceptional Care

Our Vision: Sampoorna aims to establish pre-conceptional care as a national priority, optimizing pregnancy outcomes and ensuring the birth of healthy babies to healthy mothers.

Our Mission: The primary objective of Sampoorna is to raise awareness about the importance of pre-conceptional care. It seeks to bridge the existing knowledge gap by providing critical health information to women of all ages and sectors, emphasizing the need to optimize pregnancy outcomes.

Every woman in India should be aware of the importance of managing five critical health components—weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, blood sugar levels, and thyroid hormones—before embarking on the challenging yet rewarding journey of pregnancy. She also understands the importance of preconceptions intake of folic acid. The goal is to ensure that she can hold a healthy baby in her healthy hands after nine months.

DO TEEKE ZINDAGI KE

As part of my upcoming tenure as the President of FOGSI, I am pleased to submit a proposal for a comprehensive training program on HPV vaccination, targeting 50,000 members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).

This initiative aligns with our shared goal of enhancing public health through preventive care, and I am confident that, with your support, we can make a significant impact in addressing cervical cancer awareness and prevention across India.

FOGSI ANUBANDHA

Strengthening Our Bonds, Shaping Our Future

In your trust: I find my responsibility

In our dialogue.: I find our path forward

In our collaboration: I see our future

Leadership is not just about guiding from the top; it is about walking alongside, listening, understanding, and building trust.

With this belief at heart, I am launching FOGSI Anubandha, an initiative that goes beyond titles and hierarchies to create a direct, open, and inclusive dialog with every FOGSI society. I firmly believe that in trust lies our greatest responsibility, and in collaboration lies our strongest future.

With 277 societies spread across the country, my commitment as President is to reach out personally—to every president, every secretary, and every dedicated member who is shaping FOGSI at the grassroots level. This journey will require effort, time, and unwavering dedication, but no challenge is greater than the need to stay connected, heard, and empowered together. Through regular virtual meetings, we will engage in meaningful discussions, address challenges, and find solutions—together.

‘Because true leadership is not about standing above—it is about standing with.’

Through FOGSI Anubandha, I hope to bridge distances, strengthen our fraternity, and ensure that no society, no voice, and no concern goes unheard.

AROGYA SAKHI APP

Arogya Sakhi is an innovative app under my FOGSI presidency, designed to provide evidence-based, authentic health information to women across all life stages. Addressing common concerns related to adolescence, reproduction, pregnancy and menopause, it offers guidance on issues from bone health to breast and uterine care. 

Unlike unreliable internet searches, this app ensures scientific accuracy and empowers women with the knowledge they need for better health decisions. Completely free of cost, Arogya Sakhi is our commitment to supporting women and mothers in their health journey.

This will be a trusted App for any needy patients. With a directory of 46,000 FOGSI members mapped by name and address, it will help patients to easily locate the nearest FOGSIAN for expert care. Connecting you to the right doctor, anytime, anywhere!

ACADEMIC PROJECTS

• Ethical Evidence-Based Recommendations

• Publications

• Eagle Project

• Gyan Pravaha

• Gyan Deepika

• Gyan Vistar

• Clinics of FOGSI

ETHICAL EVIDENCE-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS

Releasing 10 Ethical Evidence-Based Recommendations (EBBR) along with my installation as FOGSI President at AICOG 2025 was one of the most fulfilling moments of my journey. I am immensely thankful to Dr. Pooja Lodha, the Convenor of EBR, for her invaluable support. Her dedication, especially during the near 300 + Zoom meetings and the two-day physical meet at Panshet, played a crucial role in bringing this dream project to life.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the editors and experts who joined hands with me on this project. Words fall short to express how much your contribution means to me. Together, we made history by conceptualizing, drafting, and launching these EBBRs even before my installation as President. These recommendations are not chapters, they have draft recommendations, international recommendations and research gaps in each session.

This accomplishment stands as a testament to the power of teamwork, commitment to academics, and a shared vision for uplifting our fraternity. Academics is a strong pillar of FOGSI, and I firmly believe that every FOGSIAN should be at the forefront of evidence-based practice and knowledge. These volumes of EEBR are a significant step forward in ensuring that we remain leaders in obstetrics and gynecology, both nationally and globally.

Here’s to continuing this journey, strengthening our foundation, and creating a brighter future for women’s health together.

QR codes will be shared shortly so that every FOGSIAN can access these books.

PUBLICATIONS

“As I travelled across the country for the elections, I dis- covered that few FOGSIANS feel disconnected, as though FOGSI doesn’t belong to them. However, I also observed an incredible wealth of talent and eagerness among many to contribute to FOGSI. And that’s why we are launching the project so as to bridge the gap and foster a sense of belonging.”

Health Map of India Women & Adolescents

“Our mission is to meticulously map the prevalence of key health conditions among women across India, focus- ing on diverse socioeconomic and geographical seg- ments. By studying a minimum of 1 lakh to 50 Lakh women in each category, we aim to build a comprehen- sive database that will not only highlight regional health disparities if any but also position FOGSI as a global leader in understanding and addressing women’s health challenges.”

Study to Assess the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and thyroid disorders during pregnancy

AIMS & OBJECTIVES:

• To determine the prevalence of these three conditions in India:

• Hypertensive Disorders in pregnancy

• Hyperglycemia in pregnancy

• Thyroid Dysfunction in pregnancy

• To determine the gestational ages when these are first identified/diagnosed

• Analyze the prevalence difference between rural & urban, different socioeconomic groups, parity and age

Study of prevalence and severity of anemia among pregnant women in India

11 More EEBR designed for 2025 & will be released in Delhi AICOG in January 2026.

Unfolding under the stellar leadership & transformative vision of President FOGSI 2025—Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, 'EEBR 2.0' has been planned on the following topics:

• Birth,

• Anemia in pregnancy,

• Infections in pregnancy,

• Placenta,

• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss,

• Urinary incontinence,

• Benign adnexal masses,

• Adolescence,

• Menopause,

• Genital Malignancy

AIM & OBJECTIVES

• To assess the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women

• To determine the degree of anemia

• To determine the demographic distribution of anemia in our country

• To determine parity-wise anemia prevalence.

Study on prevalence of depression in perimenopausal women across India

AIMS & OBJECTIVES:

• To determine the prevalence of depression in perimenopausal women across India.

• To compute the mean age of menopause in India.

Study of Prevalence and etiology of Post-Menopausal bleeding

AIM & OBJECTIVES:

• To determine the prevalence of Postmenopausal bleeding in women across the country.

• To identify common risk factors associated with PMB.

• To assess the health outcomes related to PMB in this population.

Study on Prevalence of Obesity in Adolescence

AIMS & OBJECTIVE:

• To determine the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in different geographic regions.

• To identify common risk factors associated with obesity in adolescence.

• To assess the health outcomes related to obesity in this population.

• To compare the prevalence and risk factors across different centers.

Study to evaluate the prevalence of complications in the postpartum period

AIM & OBJECTIVES:

Study on Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Dyspareunia, Tokophobic & Continence Disorders following Childbirth.

• To determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety disorders, dyspareunia, perineal pain, tokophobic & continence disorders following vaginal birth in new mothers.

• To compare the prevalence in rural versus urban settings.

• To compare the prevalence with mode of delivery.

• To compare the prevalence in booked versus unbooked status

Study on understanding the acceptance and usage patterns of various contraceptive methods among women in India.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES:

• To determine the prevalence of usage and type of contraceptives in various age groups across different demographic regions in India.

• To identify whether contraception is used or not.

• To identify most commonly used contraception in men and women across India.

PROJECT EAGLE 

Every Aspiring Gynecologist Learns Endoscopy

The EAGLE Project: Inspiring the Future of Gynecological Endoscopy.

The EAGLE Project (Every Aspiring Gynecologist Should Learn Endoscopy), initiated by FOGSI under the visionary leadership of Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar, is transforming the landscape of gynecological endoscopy in India. This initiative aims to inspire young gynecologists to embrace endoscopy, ensuring that India shines on the global map for years to come.

Through one-day workshops, we provide postgraduate students and early career gynecologists with hands-on exposure to laparoscopy, live demonstrations, and expert guidance. FOGSI supports these workshops with faculty, logistics, and advanced equipment, in collaboration with participating departments.

This project is close to my heart, and I am incredibly grateful to the 100 +  endoscopic surgeons who make it possible. Together, we’re shaping the future of minimally invasive surgery and empowering the next generation to excel in endoscopy.

Join us in this journey of innovation and excellence. Let’s inspire, elevate, and lead together!

GYAN PRAVAHA

A Stream of Knowledge, A Flow of Inspiration

As part of my vision to bring meaningful and enriching content to our FOGSI members, I am delighted to introduce Gyan Pravaha—a unique podcast series specially designed for our FOGSI chairpersons.

We have 30 chairpersons, and each has been given a dedicated date of the month.

On their assigned date, every month, the same chairperson will host a crisp and engaging 30-min interview with an inspiring figure: national or international, from diverse fields such as academics, social leadership, or even politics.

These interviews will focus on 4 to 5 thought-provoking questions, offering insights, ideas, and experiences that will captivate and inspire listeners. Whether the guest is from India or outside, the conversation will be meaningful, relevant, and enriching. What makes Gyan Pravaha truly special is its accessibility—designed to seamlessly fit into your daily lives.

Tune in every night at 8 PM—Let Gyan Pravaha become your go—to source of knowledge and inspiration. So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and be ready to connect, listen, and grow with Gyan Pravaha.

GYAN DEEPIKA

*Focused Books on particular topics.

*Will be released in VP conference at Udaipur on 11-13th July 2025.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR AT A GLANCE 2025

GYAN VISTAR

"The moment long awaited stands before me, yet its depth is still unfolding—a dream realised, yet a journey only just begun."

On the 9th of January 2025, at the magnificent AICOG, I ascended to the presidency of FOGSI in a ceremony that was nothing short of regal.

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the opulent JIO Convention Center, Mumbai, before a sea of distinguished attendees, I arrived—soaring through the skies in a helicopter, gliding in a Rolls Royce, stepping into a moment that was not just momentous, but truly transcendent."

As the medal was placed around my neck, its weight was not just of metal, but of trust, of purpose, of the countless aspirations it represents.

‘In that instant, the journey transformed—from vision to action, from promise to path. This is not merely a beginning; it is the unfolding of a shared legacy. And with that, the voyage begins.

’In pursuit of excellence together,

With passion, purpose & promise…

Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar

President, FOGSI 2025