The Government Dental College, Nagpur, successfully organized ‘AVINYA 2024,’ a state-of-the-art scientific intercollegiate tabletop competition dedicated to fostering innovation in dental science, through its Institute Innovation Council, in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). This event, held on August 8 and 9, showcased projects that reflected students’ creativity and novel ideas.
The event commenced on August 8 with a grand opening ceremony, graced by Padma Shri Dr. Vikas Mahatme, a renowned ophthalmologist, social entrepreneur, visionary, and former Rajya Sabha member, who is also the President of AIIMS Nagpur, and Dr. Prashant Joshi, the Executive Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). In his keynote speech, Dr. Vikas Mahatme emphasized the power of innovative transformations in healthcare and urged young researchers to push the boundaries of traditional dental practices. Dr. Joshi highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
On the second day of the exhibition, the presentations were meticulously evaluated by Mr. Shashikant Chaudhary, Co-founder of Babyverse App and Lambent Technologies; Mr. Vikas Vaidya, Senior Editor of the daily Hitavada; Dr. Aparna Sharma, Associate Professor at IGGMC; and Ms. Mrunalini Buradkar, Professor at St. Vincent Pallotti College of Engineering. They assessed the entries based on key criteria such as innovation, scientific rigor, and potential impact on patient care.
In conjunction with ‘AVINYA 2024’, a range of eco-friendly innovations featuring smart and sustainable solutions were also showcased. Notably, one team presented AI-powered smart dustbins and wastewater disposal solutions for hospitals.
‘AVINYA 2024’ was a successful initiative in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in dental science. It provided a platform for aspiring researchers to showcase their talents and contribute to advancements in dentistry. The efforts of Dr. Abhay Datarakar, President of the Institute Innovation Council, Dr. Sachin Khatri, Officer-in-Charge, and members Dr. Ritesh Kalsakar, Dr. Vandana Gadve, Dr. Nupur Kokne, and Dr. Yogesh Rathod were invaluable. The institution is eager to continue this tradition and organize future editions of AVINYA with greater participation and impact.