Dr. Sanjay Pakhmode was installed as the President of Maharashtra Indian Academy of Pediatrics (MAHA IAP) 2025, along with the team of Executive Board members. The installation ceremony was hosted by IAP Kolhapur on February 1, 2025, at the historic and scenic location of Panhala. The chief guest for the ceremony was Dr. Vasant Kalatkar, National President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. MAHA IAP President for 2024, Dr. Ramgopal Chejara, handed over the medallion to Dr. Sanjay Pakhmode, who was then honored with a pin of appreciation by Dr. Vasant Kalatkar.
Dr. Pakhmode accepted his responsibility with humility and shared his journey from being president of associations with 50 members, such as IMA Kamptee Kanhan, to 500 members in AOP Nagpur, and now to 5000 members in MAHA IAP. He expressed confidence in a successful tenure and unveiled the theme for MAHA IAP 2025: “Reaching the Unreached.” He dedicated his tenure to serving the unrepresented populations of society and working for a healthy childhood throughout Maharashtra.
Dr. Amol Pawar and Dr. Ravindra Sonwane were installed as Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer for MAHA IAP 2025. Dr. Pankaj Agarwal, Dr. Sanjay Deshmukh (Convener from Nagpur), Dr. Nivedita Patil (Jt. Secretary), and Dr. Minaj Sheikh (Scientific Advisor) were installed in their respective positions by the National President.
Dr. Jayashree Shivalkar was appointed Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, with Dr. Amogh Shahane as Co-Chairperson and Dr. Kashmiri Badbade as Convener. Dr. Rishi Lodaya and Dr. Pranoti Jadhao were appointed Editors. Dr. Amruta Shirodkar, Dr. Abhijeet Mapankar, Dr. Shirish Kankariya, Dr. Anna Saheb Lokhande, Dr. Sachin Wahadane, Dr. Manish Ahirrao, Dr. Suhas Rote, and Dr. Suchita Pophale were installed as Executive Members of MAHA IAP from various regions of Maharashtra.
National IAP Executive members Dr. Amol Pawar, Dr. Deepa Phirke, Dr. Nikhil Pathak, Dr. Praveen Gokhale, Dr. Rajesh Kulkarni, Dr. Sanjeev Joshi, and Dr. Vinayak Patki were felicitated and installed as operational members of Team MAHA IAP 2025.
National President Dr. Vasant Kalatkar urged all members of MAHA IAP to nurture enthusiasm within the team and appealed for maximum participation in the implementation of national events. The installation ceremony was followed by a MAHA IAP Executive meeting.
President Dr. Sanjay Pakhmode lauded Team IAP Kolhapur, including Dr. Narendra Naniwadekar, Dr. Deepa Phirke, Dr. Sunil Patil, Dr. Amol Girwalkar, and Dr. Vijay Mali, for their excellent hosting of the ceremony.