Eastern and North-Eastern supplement of the IJA……….: Rising of a new dawn in Eastern and North-Eastern academics

Dear ISA Members,

This is indeed a proud moment for the Indian Journal of Anaesthesia (IJA) when the Eastern and North-Eastern states of our nation are coming together to publish their first ever zonal supplement. These include the states from the Eastern region of India which has always enthralled the world with scenic beauty, the Eastern coastal track of West Bengal and Odisha, the forest land of Jharkhand, and the land-locked state of Bihar.

The North- Eastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura , traditionally called as the ‘Seven sisters’ and Sikkim are blessed with incredibly beautiful valleys, hills, lakes and ample monsoon rains. The peaceful and serene monasteries and tasty ‘momos’(steamed dumplings)of Sikkim, the tea-gardens of Assam, and the rich culture including the festivals and tribal dances of these states need no introduction. They have always been popular amongst the global community.

Jharkhand is blessed with an immense biodiversity with its majestic hills, beautiful waterfalls , mineral resources, colourful culture and tribal population. Bihar, the birth-place of Jainism and Buddhism and the abode of Buddhist monks has provided the concept of ‘non-violence’ to the world. It has been the home of the world’s oldest university-the Nalanda University.

West Bengal and Odisha have always been culturally prosperous states. The traditional syrup based tasty dessert ’Rusgulla’ of West Bengal has cast its spell on many a people.

The people of these areas have time and again exhibited their unique potentials to the world, be it Sherpa Tenzing Norgay of Darjeeling, Aryabhatta of Bihar or Rabindranath Tagore, Mihir Sen and the freedom fighters of West Bengal, the Assam rifles, Gorkha regiments and the Sikkim Scouts just to name a few; Neverthelesss, the region has many areas yet to be explored, including the flora and fauna, the secrets of the scenic valleys, mysterious terrains and jungles and the frequent cyclones. Hospitals and healthcare facilities in these areas of our nation are now developing. It should be remembered that the research studies emanating from different regions of our nation can eventually contribute to the national research output and can help to improve our credibility and image in the academic world. Nonetheless, the research potential amongst the people of the North-Eastern region and anaesthesiologists in particular, appears to be immense, but needs to be explored and encouraged. This supplement will help to do just that. It will help showcase to the world their scientific progress and prosperity. The upcoming National conference of the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists that will be held in Shillong this year is an apt example of the growing scientific interest and progress of the anaesthesiologists of the North-East.

We are sure that the Eastern and North-Eastern states with their varying topography, varying ecological diversity, ethnic tribes with their varying language, dialects and traditions will produce varied and high quality research input which can be amalgamated into one form and exhibited to the world through this zonal supplement. As we have mentioned in our previous editorials, ‘Change is inevitable, is an ever-evolving process and is needed for improvement.’[1] The launch of this new supplement marks the beginning of a revolution and will strengthen the research and academic quests of the anaesthesiologists of the East and North East. It will make their academic dreams come true.

As has been stated and reiterated time and again that vision, mission and formulation of newer approaches and goals at the IJA are very important and the scientific journey of IJA will always continue.[2] Can there be a better testament to this than the Eastern and North-Eastern Zonal supplement of the IJA?

We are very thankful to Dr Naveen Malhotra, our dynamic Honourable Secretary ISA National for his extensive support and encouragement in the launching of this supplement. We wish all the very best to the success of this Eastern and North-Eastern supplement and extend our whole hearted support to the newly constituted zonal editorial team .

Long Live ISA and IJA!!!

Dr. Lalit Mehdiratta

Immediate past Editor-in-Chief, IJA

Sukhminder Jit Singh Bajwa

Associate Editor-in-Chief, IJA