Celebrating the genius of Dr Ali Jan

The Kashmir Care Foundation (KCF), under its flagship initiative Kashmiri Global Connect, organized a transformative event titled "Clinical Sciences: Treatment Using Local Knowledge" to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Ali Jan, the revered Luqman-e-Kashmir. The session witnessed insights, and facilitated interactions of globally renowned Kashmiri academic clinical experts to inspire and create the next generations of academic clinicians.

A Tribute to Dr. Ali Jan: The event commenced with a deeply moving video tribute to Dr. Ali Jan, showcasing his extraordinary life and contributions. Rare archival photographs and footage, curated into a beautiful video by the KCF team, highlighted Dr. Ali Jan’s transformative journey. The video was a heartfelt reminiscence of Dr. Ali Jan’s academic achievements, becoming Kashmir’s earliest medical graduates and pioneering healthcare with medical education. The video celebrated his immense influence as a compassionate physician, a visionary leader, and a mentor who shaped generations of clinicians. Testimonials from his contemporaries, including Dr. Khalid Jahangir Qazi, Dr. Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband, and Dr. Farooq A. Khan, underscored his enduring impact on healthcare and his unwavering dedication to patient care.

Following the tributes, Dr. Ali Jan’s son, Dr. Ahmad Fazili, and grandson, Mr. Younis Fazili, addressed the audience. Dr. Fazili expressed deep gratitude to KCF for recognizing his father’s contributions 36 years after his passing, a gesture that he said had profoundly moved the family. Mr. Younis echoed this sentiment, thanking KCF for keeping Dr. Ali Jan’s legacy alive, and inspiring new generations of healthcare professionals.

Reflections from Kashmir’s Medical Luminaries: The session, moderated by Dr Altaf Lal, brought together an exceptional panel of experts who have made monumental contributions to healthcare in Kashmir and beyond. These included Dr. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo, a globally renowned pioneer in gastroenterology and Hepatitis E research; Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, a globally distinguished endocrinologist whose pioneering work eradicated iodine deficiency in Kashmir; Dr. Upendra Kaul, a celebrated and prominent cardiologist and a trailblazer in coronary angioplasty research; Dr. Parvaiz Koul, a global specialist in pulmonology and infectious diseases with pivotal contributions to influenza research; Dr. Javeed Iqbal, a paediatric pulmonologist focusing on respiratory and nutritional challenges in children; and Dr. Nargis Bali Kaur, a microbiologist advancing research on the microbiome and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Scientific Insights and Local Innovations: Dr. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo captivated the audience with the story of his groundbreaking discovery of Hepatitis E during an epidemic in Tangmarg. He described how, with the help of 500 volunteers, he conducted a house-to-house survey despite warnings of personal risk. His findings identified the disease as waterborne, leading to the discovery of Hepatitis E virus and revolutionizing global understanding of viral hepatitis. Additionally, Dr. Khuroo discussed unique local health issues, such as the prevalence of parasitic worms in pancreatic ducts, which caused severe abdominal pain. His team’s research and subsequent introduction of gastrointestinal ultrasound significantly improved diagnostic capabilities, benefiting thousands of patients.

Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar spoke about his pivotal role in addressing iodine deficiency, a condition he described as a "disease of the community." His interventions eradicated iodine deficiency in Kashmir, drastically improving cognitive health and overall well-being. About diabetes, Dr. Zargar shared alarming statistics, noting that India’s diabetic population had surged from one crore a few decades ago to 22 crores in November 2024. He attributed this escalation to environmental factors, emphasizing that genetics remain constant while lifestyle and dietary habits have worsened significantly. He also highlighted India’s troubling rise in obesity, ranking fifth globally for obese men and third for obese women, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures.

Dr. Upendra Kaul reflected on his pioneering work in coronary angioplasty and his team’s Tuxedo Study, which identified risks associated with paclitaxel-induced stent thrombosis. These findings have transformed the safety and effectiveness of cardiac procedures worldwide. Dr. Kaul also spoke about his efforts to establish specialized cardiac care centers in Srinagar and South Kashmir, ensuring accessibility to advanced treatments for underserved populations.

Dr. Parvaiz Koul shared his journey in influenza research and how it was a conference in 2009 where he met the likes of Dr Renu Lal from Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, and discussed the forms of respiratory infections in Kashmir, which ultimately led to collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and CDC. His team demonstrated that Kashmir’s unique climate required Northern Hemisphere vaccines, advancing global understanding of the "influenza equator." Dr. Koul also highlighted the health impact of dietary practices, particularly the widespread use of polished rice, which contributes to thiamine deficiency in Kashmir.

Dr. Javeed Iqbal discussed his efforts to combat infant mortality caused by thiamine deficiency, explaining how dietary recommendations for pregnant women have significantly reduced such cases. His work has not only saved lives but also emphasized the importance of continued public awareness campaigns to address preventable conditions.

Dr. Nargis Bali Kaur provided a compelling explanation of the human microbiome’s role in health, highlighting how imbalances can lead to diseases ranging from metabolic disorders to mental health challenges. She also addressed the pressing issue of multi-drug resistance, calling for judicious antibiotic use and robust infection control practices to mitigate this growing global threat.

Engaging Discussions: Questions and Answers: The interactive Q&A segment provided attendees with an opportunity to engage deeply with the panelists. A reflection about a potential link of water contamination to fatty liver disease led Dr. Khuroo to elaborate on how waterborne infections contribute to liver and gastrointestinal disorders. He emphasized the critical importance of access to clean water in improving public health outcomes.

About diabetes, Dr. Zargar offered sobering insights into the environmental factors driving the epidemic, linking sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices to its early onset and severity. His discussion emphasized the need for widespread awareness and preventive strategies to combat this escalating crisis.

Dr. Kaul responded to questions about hypertension and increased incidence of cardiac illnesses and heart attacks during winter season. Queries about partnerships in academic medicine prompted him, Dr. Javeed and other panelists to encourage young researchers to pursue interdisciplinary collaborations and engage in global research initiatives. The panelists highlighted how such partnerships could provide valuable exposure and foster innovation.

Dr. Kaur addressed a pressing question on multi-drug resistance, stressing the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and advocating for advanced infection control protocols, particularly in resource-limited settings like Kashmir.  Based on the feedback received, follow-on sessions will be planned with the experts on specific thematic areas with a continued goal to engage more academic clinicians, and accelerate the discoveries that enable treatment using local knowledge.

A Platform for Inspiration: This session was not only a tribute to Dr. Ali Jan but also a celebration of the resilience, innovation, and commitment of Kashmir’s medical community. It provided an invaluable platform for young clinicians and researchers to learn from the experiences of stalwarts and envision a future where local knowledge informs global solutions.

Dr. Altaf Lal encapsulated the spirit of the event, stating, "This session is about honoring the past, shaping the present, and inspiring the future. The insights shared here reaffirm that science, when rooted in service to the community, can transform lives."

The Kashmir Care Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing healthcare through knowledge, collaboration, and education, upholding the timeless values embodied by Dr. Ali Jan. This session, rich in insights and inspiration, stands as a beacon of hope for a healthier and brighter future in Kashmir and beyond.

Looking Ahead: Bridging Bench to Bedside: The session concluded with an announcement of the upcoming Kashmiri Global Connect event: "Bench to Bedside Research: Translational and Basic Biomedical Sciences”, with panelists from Kashmir University, Sheri Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research/Central Drug Research Institute, Sanofi, University of California San Francisco, and Harvard University. This session promises to explore the critical link between fundamental research and clinical applications, continuing KCF’s mission to inspire innovation and collaboration in healthcare. To stay updated on their work, follow KCF on Facebook and Instagram at kashmircarefoundation.org.

Dr Altaf Lal, President of Kashmir Care Foundation, is based in Atlanta USA. Dr Aamir Nazir is a core team leader at Kashmir Care Foundation and works as a Scientist in Lucknow, India.