2ND ANNIVERSARY aiir
Reported by Sanchita chatterjee kolkata 11 th May: The Asian Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology (AIIR) is set to celebrate its 2nd Annual Day on 11th May 2026 with a distinctive full-day programme bringing together medicine, public awareness, art, cinema, and culture under one at Kolkata.
2ND ANNIVERSARY aiir
The celebration, themed around "Celebrating Life," reflects AllR's continuing commitment toward advancing rheumatology and clinical Immunology while simultaneously strengthening patient awareness and community engagement.
The Inaugural session will feature Valdik Chant and ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by the "Journey of AlIR" presentation and an address by both the Directors, Dr. Parthajit Das and Dr. Arghya Chattopadhyay, highlighting the mission and future vision of AlIR. The programme will be graced by Swami Dhyeyananda Maharaj, Principal of Ramakrishna Mission Shilpapitha, Belgharia, as Chief Guest. Eminent rheumatologists including Dr. Sukumar Mukherjee, Dr. Alakendu Ghosh, Dr. Pradyot Sinhamahapatra, Dr. Samar Ranjan Pal, Dr. Sarbani Rudra Sengupta, and Dr. Bhaskar Ghosh will also participate in the academic proceedings.
A major highlight of the event will be the Inauguration of AlIR-Mukundapur and the launch of the Adult Vaccination Center, underscoring AIIR's expanding commitment to comprehensive patient care.
The scientific session titled "Know Your Disease" will focus on important aspects of autoimmune diseases, Including lupus, lung involvement, eye manifestations, pregnancy and motherhood, gastrointestinal and kidney complications, and vaccination in autoimmune disorders. Experts from multiple specialties will engage in patient-centric discussions aimed at simplifying complex medical issues for the general public.One of the most unique attractions of the programme will be a special panel discussion Entlad "বাংলা সিনেমায় বিহ্বল অসুখ" ("Rare Diseases in Bengall Cinema), featuring acclaimed filmmaker Mr. Atanu Ghosh, actors Pts. Dolly Basu and Miss Debolina Dutta, along with leading rheumatologists and Immunologists. Moderated by Ms. Sharmila Maiti, the discussion aims to explore the striking absence of autoimmune and rare diseases in mainstream cinematic narratives and the role of cinema as a powerful tool for social awareness and empathy.
The second half of the programme will begin with a symbolic ramp walk representing mobility, resilience, and the journey back to life for patients Biving with autoimmune diseases. In a deeply emotional gesture, staff members of All will accompany patients who were once wheelchair-bound at different points in their lives, celebrating not merely recovery, but the courage to reclaim independence and dignity.
AliR will also recognise and felicitate mothers who successfully embraced motherhood despite battling autoimmune diseases and overcoming multiple medical and emotional challenges. The initiative is intended as a tribute to their strength, perseverance, and extraordinary courage.
The cultural segment of the programme will uniquely intertwine art with lived experiences of autoimmune diseases. Through music, dance, recitation, theatre, and storytelling, the audience will witness Inspiring narratives of struggle, survival, arid transformation stories of Individuals who faced immense physical, emotional, and social challenges, yet emerged successful in their respective fields.
One of the proudest moments for AllR remains the Journey of patients who, after receiving treatment and support, eventually became an Integral part of the All family itself, in fact, one such former patient today serves as one of the most valued staff members of the Institute-a living testimony to hope, trust, and rebuilding life beyond illness.
The programme will conclude with the dance drama "Chandalika", thoughtfully chosen for its timeless social message. Significantly, the lead role will be performed by one of AllR's own patients, whose personal journey itself has been profoundly cinematic and inspirational.
Through "Chandalika," AIIR aims to convey a powerful social message that people living with autoimmune diseases are not responsible for their illness. Genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, hormonal and environmental factors play crucial roles in these conditions. Society, therefore, must move beyond stigma, sympathy, or discrimination, and instead embrace empathy, dignity, and inclusion. Individuals living with autoimmune diseases deserve the same opportunities, respect, and fullness of life as every other human being.
Speaking about the event, the organisers emphasized that autoimmune diseases such as lupus affect not only the body, but also the mind, family, and society at large. Through this celebration, AlIR hopes to bridge science and society, creating a more aware, compassionate, and informed community.
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