The FGDP(UK) and the AOG are holding a joint conference with the Indian Dental Association in Delhi on the 20th February 2011
The Dean, Dr Russ Ladwa said "The Faculty and the Royal College of Surgeons of England have had a long standing relationship with the Asian subcontinent. We have undertaken numerous educational courses, held joint conferences and conducted College examinations in several of these countries. Our past Dean, Raj RajaRayan OBE paved the way for the Faculty’s good relationships and I intend furthering our collaboration during my term of Office. We would like to invite colleagues to participate in the conference or put their names forward as speakers or facilitators. Those who contribute and their families will be guests at the conference and be invited to the fabulous banquet’.
Dr Ashok Dhoble, Secretary General of the Indian Dental Association made clear that India would welcome corporation and collaboration with Great Britain. ‘We have a long history together with many fond memories. As the world becomes smaller and India emerges as an economic power, we would like to share our future with old friends’.
Faculty Board Member and current President of the AOG stated ‘The FGDP and the AOG have always worked together. The solid gold chain and badge of Office of the Vice Dean, smeltered by Fattorini, was the AOG gift to the FGDP(UK), when an AOG’s past President became its Vice Dean. The AOG funds a project in Chitrakoot which will be visited as part of the trip. Several FGDP(UK) Board members, including Naresh Sharma, who Chairs the project, Crawford Grey, Ashok Sethi and Trevor Fergusson (current Vice Dean) have all been seminal in supporting contributions to the dental project that serves 500 poor villages. As British, we have never relinquished our concept of ‘the greater good’ which is the AOG motto’.
The main conference is during the mid term break. There will be a day of formal lectures along with workshops to include Dental tourism, both to and from India. The party then travels, off the beaten track, to exotic and erotic Khajuraho, to taste traditional Indian hospitality and participate in several cultural events. Whilst there, a new laboratory and another surgery will be financed in Chitrakoot. The cost of the seven night tour is £1099 for members of the FGDP(UK) and the AOG. Subscription of the AOG is only £10 and membership is obtainable via www.aoguk.org .
The ICC World Cup match when India plays England is on the day after the tour. Those who wish to extend their trip have a choice to do the ‘grand’ to the Golden Triangle, or undertake a pilgrims trip via the Ganges and Benares or merely chill out on the golden sands of the ancient Tamil Kingdom, Mahabalipuram.
Further information on the tour, which runs from 18th February to the 26th February can be found on http://www.aoguk.org/charities.html or by calling the travel agent, Rachna at Welcome Travels on ++44 (0) 20 7788 6452.
A promotional flyer can be downloaded here.