THIS ISSUE OF THE JOURNAL IS DEDICATED TO THE FOND MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED
LATE DR. LALIT GUGLANI
FOUNDER SECRETARY
OF THE INDIAN SOCIETY OF PERIODONTOLOGY
DR. LALIT GUGLANI
20/02/1934-24/03/2015
Dr. Lalit M Guglani, an ever smiling friend, legend, philosopher, and one of the pillars of ISP is no more with us. He not only played a major role in the firm establishment of ISP roots at its infant state as a national society, but also in the progress of a better ISP, a matured ISP and nurtured it till it grew bigger and stronger.
He was a dynamic personality, very humble in nature, always encouraging and appreciative. He was simple at heart, honest, and well disciplined. He was a man with abundant energy, spreading his enthusiasm and zest for life everywhere he went.
Dr. Lalit Mohan Guglani was born on 20th February 1934 at Lailpur, West Punjab, now in Pakistan. His father Dr. Y. P. Guglani, a medical officer in British Government and mother Dr. Sheila, was a practicing homeopathic doctor. They have treated several Royal families during that period. Following his birth, they migrated to Jaipur. His school and college education up to BSc in Jaipur, and his BDS in 1959 from Dr. R Ahmed Dental College, Kolkata. He later pursued MS in Periodontology from Washington University School of Dental Medicine, St Louis, USA in 1961. He was an Asst. Professor in Periodontology for 3 years at same Institution.
In 1965, he returned to India and faculty at GDC Mumbai Department of Periodontology for a short period of time.
His interest was more inclined to clinical practice. He started his practice in 1967 at Gamdevi and then shifted to Kemps Corner, near August Kranti Maidan, Mumbai in 1968. He started exclusive clinical practice in Periodontics and was first in India to initiate, to organize, and promote the importance of Periodontology in clinical practice.
He treated a number of eminent personalities from all fields of work like film industry, music industry, politicians to name a few. But though he was among the most preferred and talented periodontist in his time and treated high flying patients, he was a humble man who had not forgotten the poor and needy. He did a lot of charity work and services for them.
He helped and encouraged a number of young dentists in his practice, Dr. Sandesh Mayekar, a leading esthetic and cosmetic dental surgeon stands out among the many.
His love for the subject of Periodontics kept him rooted in academics. He was a BDS and MDS examiner for universities in Mumbai, Ahmadabad, Patna, and Lucknow. He was an honorary at CAMA Albes, one of J. J. group of hospitals, for about 20 years. He conducted several CDE programs throughout the country and lectured in dental and social organizations and has several publications in National and International journals.
Honors he received:
“OMICRON KPPA UPSILON” National honor by Dental Society USA as faculty member
Fellowship Guggenheim Dental Clinic, New York.
Fellow International College of Dentists, India section
TMSN Ginwala Oration in 24th ISP conference, at Kolkata, in 1999.
POSITIONS IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
Founder Secretary of Indian Society of Periodontology and continued it for 18 years from 1975 to 1993 and then president
Past president of:
Indian Society of Periodontology-1995
Indian Dental Association, Maharashtra State Branch, 1976–1977.
Indian Dental Association, Mumbai Branch
International College of Dentist-1991
International Academy of Periodontology, India section-2004
First Vice President, Indian Dental Association, HO
He was Chairman of India house.
He introduced several activities during his secretaryship of ISP:
Essay competition
ISP Bulletin cum Journal
ISP merit awards
Best paper awards in the name of eminent stalwarts of ISP.
CONTRIBUTION IN IDA AND ORAL HEALTH AWARENESS ACTIVITIES
He was Vice President HO-He said in that particular year, he presided over the Annual Conference of IDA of that year in the absence of President.
Dr. Guglani was one of the founder members Dental Dialogue, the journal of Indian Dental Association, Maharashtra State Branch. This publication started in1975 when Dr. G. B. Shankwalkar was Editor.
He introduced a very important contest called healthy teeth contest in the IDA Mumbai branch in 1972. This was a great opportunity to spread oral health awareness and on such a large scale through an attractive medium like a contest. Earlier associated with “CIBA GAIGY”, then contest was then sponsored by Colgate. He was convener for the same for 25 years. In 1996, when I was the president of IDA, Mumbai branch, he celebrated the silver jubilee of the contest with great enthusiasm and handed over the opportunity to me to carry forward what he started many years. Dr. Guglani involved me in many an activities and trained me, enlightening me to varying aspects of our field. F.
Dr. Dilip G. Pol and Dr. Lalit M Guglani joint sharing for ISP
I met Dr. Lalit Guglani first time in 1979. I was a PG and my PG then and my PG teacher and HOD Dr. Kale sir, introduced me to him. I found him very motivating. He explained and introduced me to ISP and making me a student member. Little did I know then that this would continue to be a great and fulfilling mentor, father figure, and friendly relationship between us till the end of time.
I never realized that this interaction on clinical, academics, and research could change my perception of the profession as my career in such a dramatic fashion and that many opportunities would open up.
He always shared his experience and stories of ISP formation back then.
Dr. G B Shankwalkar and Dr. Guglani, would discuss till late night every day how ISP can form and would grow to be a beneficial society. And then, collaboration with Dr. TMSN Ginwala and contemporary periodontist from all over India birth of ISP took place. He became founder secretary and remain for 18 years which was the longest ever tenure. When he handed over the post to me in 1994.
I was use to go to him for his guidance and then used to sit hours late in the night in his clinic discussing growth, progress, and betterment of ISP.
During my secretaryship, he was always guiding and motivating force to me.
In the year 2000 organized as Chairman Silver Jubilee Conference of ISP at Mumbai.
In the year 2001 under his chairmanship, we did great project ISPs National Epidemiological Survey of periodontal health as per WHO criteria and report submitted.
In the year 2002, during the launching of oral hygiene day he graced and blessed the occasion as chief guest along with Dr. Bhalchandra Munagekar, VC of Mumbai University.
His commitment was not just limited to oral care but when Fluoride controversy erupted and he fought against anti-fluoride lobby.
In 2009, when we formed ISP Maharashtra study group, he was guest along with Dr. Mrs. Mrudula Phadke, VC, Maharashtra University of Health Science. It was his last ISP Function, with God's blessings that time he said.
“Bringing together all the periodontist from our state of Maharashtra under a common roof, was, a very heartwarming moment for me. Before ISP was born, there was the formation of Periodontology Study club that ultimately laid the seed for National society to form.”
He closed his clinic in February 2013 and donated all the clinical equipment to a charitable trust and the money he got in return was also donated for the welfare of the poor.
When I saw the front page of ISP bulletin cum Journal and in Dental Dialogue, his residential address was there. And in some IDA activities, I saw his residence as venue, that is, he was such a broad hearted man, he not only gave time of his family but also gave his premises to be utilized for such activities.
He received various mementos and trophies, oration plaque, and certificates for his contribution toward society and stupendous achievements and both in professional and public life. However, he never displayed like a museum. He made a museum in the hearts of Periodontal, Dental, and other fraternity.
His leadership qualities were highly recognized throughout the dental profession and not only that making of second generation to continue those activities. I got the opportunity to work under him and very lucky to have taken over most of his posts and activities that is, Secretary, ISP, Editor, Dental Dialogue Journal, Convener, Healthy Teeth Contest. For which I will be indebted to him.
As busy as he was in his work, he was also a sharp family person. He married Mrs. Pramella in 1967, a school teacher and then vice principal, was always encouraging and supportive as a wife. They had two daughters, Priya and Pooja and a son Ankit. Priya is teacher and Pooja happily settled. Ankit, MBA, very intelligent, humble, and proud of his father working in City Bank, UK, with his wife Shweta both are as an Asst. Manager.
Besides his keen interest and involvement in periodontics and ISP, he loved sports and music, especially cricket and Kishore Kumar and Pankaj Udhas were his favorite in music.
He was a Cosmopolitan with a broad outlook - Religious but believes in all religions.
He was simple at heart, transparent, frank, and well disciplined.
He was the most self-respected man, was always honored everywhere in person and in society.
He left a legacy in Perio and many in the field of dentistry rightly regard him as “versatile visionary” and continue to live in his ligacy.
The Guglani's lost a loving husband and a doting father.
I lost my mentor and father figure.
ISP lost a legend to be immortalized in our hearts forever.
On behalf of me and my family, ISP, Maharashtra Study Group, and IDA my heartfelt TRIBUTE to him.
Dr. Dilip G. Pol, Past Secretary And President, ISP
