Varanasi: Prof S N Sankhwar on Wednesday assumed charge as the director of the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. He is the 27th director of the institute.He was handed over the charge by the officiating director Prof SK Singh in the presence of senior functionaries of the institute, Sir Sunderlal Hospital and Trauma Centre.Prof Sankhwar said that getting the opportunity to work with IMS, a prestigious institution of India, is a great honour for him. I will do my best to further add to the glory of the institute and I am confident that with the support, guidance and cooperation of my colleagues in IMS, I will be able to do so, said Prof Sankhwar, adding that efforts will be made to further improve the patient care services.Medical Superintendent Sir Sunderlal Hospital Prof KK Gupta, professor in charge, Trauma Centre, Prof Saurabh Singh, dean research Prof Ashok Chaudhary, deputy medical superintendent, SSL Dr Ankur Singh, joint registrar IMS Dr Neeraj Tripathi, heads of departments, senior professors, doctors and staff were present during the joining of Prof Sankhwar.Earlier, in the day Prof Sankhwar visited Malaviya Bhawan and offered floral tributes to the revered founder of BHU, Mahamana Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya. He also offered prayers in Shri Vishwanath Temple at BHU campus. He was accompanied by his family members and senior functionaries of the IMS. He also met rector Prof VK Shukla at the Central Office.A renowned urologist and head of the department of Urology, Kings George Medical University, Lucknow, Prof Sankhwar was appointed the new director of the IMS on September 9. He was also functioning as the chief medical superintendent of KGMU. He has a vast administrative experience and is known for his medical and academic accomplishments. His areas of expertise include general urology, male infertility, endourology and female urology. At KGMU, he has been contributing in various academic and administrative capacities.Prof Sankhwar will have a tenure of five years. IMS, is an AIIMS like institution and is in the process of upgrading its infrastructure, medical and research facilities and patient care.We also published the following articles recentlyFellowship for Lucknow profProf Farzana Mahdi, the pro-vice chancellor of Era University, has been elected as a Fellow of the prestigious National Academy of Medical Sciences in Delhi. This recognition is due to her outstanding contribution in the field of medical education. She was previously chosen as a Fellow of the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research in the US.At PRSU, retd prof to assist PhD students in researchPandit Ravishankar Shukla University (PRSU) in Raipur has launched the Distinguished Professor initiative, where retired professors will assist PhD students in their research. Around 15% of retiring professors will be appointed as student guides, selected based on their experience, published research, and supervision of previous PhD students. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by students after the retirement of professors. The University has issued guidelines for the appointments, and a screening committee will manage the recruitment process. The selected instructors will also be involved in teaching activities.Near-retiree senior prof at GMC helm raises a dustThe Higher Education Minister of Odisha, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, addressed college principals and discussed issues such as infrastructure, quality of education, scholarships, and utilization of funds. He emphasized the need for uniformity among colleges and universities and proper implementation of scholarship schemes. Wi-Fi facilities in higher education institutions were also mentioned. The workshop included discussions on the road map for the next five years, ongoing projects, and problems faced by students and staff.

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