The All India Occupational Therapists’ Association (AIOTA) successfully concluded its 62nd National Conference, OTICON 2025, held from February 21st to 23rd, 2025 at the Kala Academy in Panaji, Goa. The three-day conference, themed “Translating Research into Policy and Clinical Practices in Occupational Therapy,” drew over 1300 participants, including Occupational therapy students and Occasional therapy professionals from across the country.
The conference commenced with a pre-conference workshop led by international resource person Teresa A.May Benson, US setting the stage for insightful discussions and knowledge sharing. The inaugural function was graced by distinguished guests, including Shri. Sadanand Shet Tanawade, Member of Parliament-Rajya Sabha, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Yagna U. Shukla, Chairperson of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), GOI served as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Samantha Shann, the President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists was the Special Guest.
Two continuing Occupational therapy Education programs were also conducted by the eminent resource persons from the field of Onco-Rehabilitaton to update the knowledge of Occupational therapy delegates.They highlighted the Onco-rehabilitation process by Occupational therapy for Head, face and neck cancer survivors.
During the inaugural address and throughout the event the common theme was highlighting the need for valid, reliable and quality research to influence policy change. The conference also featured scientific presentations and programs tailored for students.
The valedictory function was graced by Hon’ble Advocate General Devidas Pangam as the Chief Guest. Prof. Dr. S.M. Bandekar, Dean of Goa Medical College & Hospital, Goa, was the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Samantha Shann as the Special Guest. Awards were given to the participants for their achievements in competitive events, scientific presentations, and cultural programs.
The AIOTA executive committee members actively participated in the event, contributing to its success. The key AIOTA officials, attended were Dr. Pankaj Bajpai, President of AIOTA and Organizing Chairperson of OTICON 2025; Dr. Joseph Sunny, Honorary Secretary of AIOTA; Dr. Jyothika Bijlani, Dean of ACOT, AIOTA and Conference Coordinator; Dr. Sandip Sardesai, Director (Academic) of Goa Medical College & Hospital, Goa; Dr. Ganapathy Sankar U., Executive Committee Member of AIOTA and Scientific Chairperson of OTICON 2025; and Dr. Vivek P. Vajaratkar, Organizing Secretary of OTICON 2025.
