Dr S Raja Sabapathy, a pioneering figure in plastic, hand, and microsurgery, and the Chairman of Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore, has been appointed as the new President of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH). The leadership transition occurred on March 28, during the closing ceremony of the Federation’s triennial congress in Washington, DC, USA.

Founded in 1966, IFSSH comprises 62 member nations and stands as the world’s largest network of hand surgeons. The federation is known for its efforts to standardize hand surgery practices globally and holds a major international congress every three years to discuss innovations and clinical developments. This appointment marks a historic milestone, as Dr Sabapathy is the first Indian to lead the organization in its 59-year history.

In his inaugural address, Dr Sabapathy expressed deep gratitude and outlined his core mission: to extend quality hand surgery care to millions of underserved patients worldwide. He will be supported by an executive committee with representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Belgium, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Dr Sabapathy previously held the presidency of the Asian Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand and has led several major Indian associations in the fields of plastic, hand, and microsurgery.

Ganga Hospital’s Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, which was established in 1991, has emerged as a global training hub, having welcomed over 3,300 surgeons from 83 countries—a remarkable feat unmatched by any other surgical unit in India.

Dr Sabapathy’s global contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including Honorary Fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in Glasgow and England, as well as the American College of Surgeons—an honor bestowed on just around 15 plastic surgeons globally in the institution’s 135-year existence. He also holds honorary memberships in the British and South African Societies for Surgery of the Hand and the Serbian Microsurgery Society, highlighting his widespread impact in the field.

Tumpek Uduh is a fundamental part of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. This ceremony, occurring every 210 days on a Saturday Kliwon, saw devotees offering bubuh (rice flour porridge), canang sari (intricately woven palm leaf baskets filled with flowers, betel leaves, and fruit), and other symbolic gifts at the base of trees. As part of the ritual, worshippers gently tapped the tree trunks with a knife while chanting prayers, seeking blessings for abundant growth and prosperity.

Ketut explained that after the ceremony, many participants planted tree seedlings as an act of environmental respect, continuing a longstanding tradition of sustainability. He noted that in Bali, cutting down a tree is never done without a preceding ritual and the commitment to replanting.

The convergence of Nyepi and Tumpek Uduh in 2025 created a profound spiritual moment for the Balinese people. While Nyepi brought absolute silence and introspection, Tumpek Uduh reinforced the island’s deep-rooted respect for nature. The unique alignment of these traditions underscored the essence of balance, gratitude, and devotion in Balinese Hindu culture.

Subramanyam’s campaign reported a noteworthy achievement, raising over $270,000 in the fourth fundraising quarter within six weeks of entering the race. With more than $240,000 in cash on hand for the new year, Subramanyam acknowledged the substantial grassroots support and vowed to leverage his record of advocating for Northern Virginian families in addressing key issues.

Having announced his candidacy in November, Subramanyam pledged to tackle challenges such as prescription drug costs, gun violence, and price-gouging, aiming to break through Washington’s gridlock. In December, he faced opposition from MAGA extremists for defending reproductive rights, demonstrating resilience in upholding his pro-choice stance despite calls to ban him from houses of worship in Northern Virginia.

Virginia’s 10th District, characterized by its diversity, houses over 125,000 AAPI Virginians and is a significant battleground House district. Subramanyam, the first Indian-American, South Asian, and Hindu elected to the Virginia General Assembly, has actively represented AAPI and South Asian communities. He co-founded the Virginia AAPI Caucus, contributed to the establishment of Hindu Heritage Month in Virginia, and serves on the Virginia Minority Business Commission.

With a unique swearing-in ceremony on the Bhagavad Gita, Subramanyam brings a wealth of experience, including roles as a Capitol Hill aide, advisor to the Obama White House, elected official in Richmond, and volunteer EMT. The FEC fundraising reports for the fourth quarter are expected to be publicly released by January 31, 2024.

Endorsement by Indian American Impact Fund for Suhas Subramanyam

Successful Q4 fundraising, over $270,000 raised in six weeks

Focus on key issues in Northern Virginia

Pioneering representation as the first Indian-American in Virginia’s General Assembly

Commitment to breaking through Washington’s gridlock on critical challenges

Before the official launch, Prime Minister Modi symbolically contributed soil to the Amrit Kalash and marked his forehead with a ’tilak’ using the sacred earth. The Amrit Mahotsav Smarak and Amrit Vatika are planned to be situated near the iconic India Gate.

During his address, Modi expressed that future generations would be reminded of this historic occasion through the memorial and garden. ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (MY Bharat) operates as an autonomous entity with the mission of directing the government’s attention towards youth-driven development and making young individuals the “active drivers” of progress, as outlined by the Union culture ministry.

The prime minister underscored that this platform will play a significant role in the nation’s development throughout the 21st century.

PM Modi launches ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (MY Bharat) platform

Emphasizing youth’s role in nation-building

Unveils Amrit Mahotsav Smarak and Amrit Vatika

Symbolic contributions to Amrit Kalash

‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign culmination