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– written by: Dr. A. C. Kataki Director, Medical Administration PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital University Of Science & Technology Meghalaya “Aging is not about how many years have passed, but how much life you’ve embraced” – Sophia Loren As we grow older, we come to understand that life is not about what we look like or what we own. It is about the person we become. Actress Marie Dressler once said, “It’s not how old you are that matters; it’s how you are old.” The older we get, the more we realize that life is all about quality over quantity and the simple things in life is what means the most. There are older people who sparkle with vitality and joy of living. They admit cheerfully that they are no longer young, but that doesn’t bother them. They think of themselves as wise, experienced, emotionally mature, creative and intellectually alert. On the other hand there are people who seem to pull down the shades and retire from life. They think of themselves as worn out, unproductive, unattractive, and burdened with health problems. They feel sorry for themselves and expect others to feel sorry for them. In real life, older people are likely to be less self-centered than younger people. They have had time to learn more about loving and living. They are more philosophical about disappointment or setbacks. They are less impatient and know the value of waiting. They are more serene and reasonable. People live longer who have freed themselves from deadly negative influences like anger, hatred, suspicion, jealousy, guilt and anxiety that upset body rhythms and actually cause organic illness. Such people have more vitality, more resistance to disease, more curiosity, more eagerness and more energy.   The following are a few principles for healthy aging and living. These are in addition to a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle and regular health check-ups.   Some older people seem always to be reaching back into the past. It’s good to revisit pleasant memories occasionally, but it is advisable not to dwell on them. It’s much better to look forward, to focus on the future and all the exciting opportunities that it holds.   The world changes with time. Customs change. Ideas change. We need to retain enough flexibility to change with them. It does not necessarily mean that we have to abandon our basic principles. It just means that we need to let fresh ideas into our mind. We should listen to different points of view and expose ourselves to opinions with which we don’t necessarily agree. Reading books expands the boundaries of the mind.   Expect health, not helplessness. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “To be seventy years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years old.” It Is always better to refrain from saying and believing that I can’t try that because I am too old “It is too late to start now.” If we expect poor health, if we think of poor health, that is what we are going to get. On the contrary, if we see ourselves as vigorous and energetic regardless of our age, that is the way we are likely to be.   A lot of people think they are lonely as they grow older. Their friends die off or drift away and they make no attempt to replace them with new friends. They never volunteer for activities that would bring them into contact with people. They seem to grow more isolated and solitary as the years pass by. And more become unhappy as they do. Loneliness is primarily a state of mind, and the curious, eager, interested mind seldom has time for boredom or room for self- pity. One of the surest antidotes for loneliness is to look around for someone who has troubles and try to help them whatever way possible.   Let us not take leave of our senses. We are all aware of the five basic senses. It may be true that some senses like eyesight or hearing may diminish with the passing years but can be rectified. Let us not take leave of our senses just because we are older. Otherwise our senses may take leave of us at some point of time. Most of the time we don’t  remember how long it is since  we  brought a fresh- cut rose close to our nostrils and smelled that incredible fragrance ? Do we sometimes look at the stars in the sky at night?  Have we walked in the rain for a while without an umbrella? How long since we listened to the music and the sound of the winds on a beach or beside a river? How long since we walked through autumn leaves? Or smelled the scent of wood smoke during Bhogali Bihu ?  How long has it been since we played with colours during the Holi ? The list is endless. Let us enjoy the beauty of nature and it’s unique senses.   Living life without being defined by age is about focusing on energy, passion and purpose rather than a number. It means shedding societal timelines, pursuing new dreams and embracing an open, curious mind instead of letting age dictate what we can or cannot achieve. As we grow older and wiser, we begin to realize what we need to leave behind. Sometimes there are things in our lives that are not meant to stay. Sometimes the changes we don’t want are the changes we need to grow. And sometimes walking away is a step forward. Age is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and growth.   Older people should not retire from living. They should keep in touch with the amazing and astounding world. Keep trying new things. No one is too old to be creative. Goethe and Tolstoy did some of their best work in their later years. If we don’t give up on life, life won’t give… Continue reading Tiny Joys, Thoughts Unfiltered

Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya | 15th May, 2026: Pa Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC), constituent medical college of the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), had the privilege of hosting renowned nephrologist Dr Tonmoy Das, Chief Consultant Nephrologist of Apollo International Hospital, Guwahati, during the celebration of Celesta-26: 2nd College Week held at USTM. A distinguished physician and one of the pioneering first-generation doctors of Northeast India, Dr Tonmoy Das, belongs to a highly progressive and respected family of Assam. His father served as the former Chief Secretary of Assam, and Dr Das himself has made immense contributions to the field of nephrology and healthcare in the region over the decades. Addressing the MBBS students at PIMC, Dr Das shared valuable insights from his long and inspiring journey in medicine, emphasising dedication, discipline, ethics, and compassion in the medical profession. He encouraged students to pursue excellence while remaining deeply connected to the humanitarian responsibilities of a doctor. “A doctor must earn the confidence of patients through knowledge, compassion, communication, and commitment. If we can build trust and provide quality healthcare within the Northeast, we can significantly stop the migration of patients outside the region for treatment.” — Dr Tonmoy Das. During the interactive session, Dr Das engaged warmly with the students of the first and second batches of PIMC, answering their questions and motivating them to embrace challenges with confidence and commitment. His interaction created an atmosphere of inspiration and aspiration among the young medical students. The programme was attended by eminent dignitaries, including Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, USTM; Padma Shri Dr S. Sahariah, Pro Vice Chancellor, USTM; Prof. Hem Kanta Sarma, Principal, PIMC; Prof. (Dr.) Amal Chandra Kataki, Director of Medical Administration, PIMC, etc. During his visit to USTM, Dr Tonmoy Das also toured various state-of-the-art facilities, including the advanced research centre and academic facilities of the university, where he interacted with faculty members, researchers, and students. He appreciated the institution’s growing emphasis on innovation, scientific research, and interdisciplinary learning. Dr Das particularly lauded the remarkable entrepreneurial journey of USTM and its Founder Chancellor, stating that the university has emerged as a pioneering educational hub of the Northeast through visionary leadership, dedication, and a strong commitment to quality education and healthcare. He expressed admiration for the rapid expansion of academic and medical infrastructure at USTM and termed it a model of educational transformation for the region. The event marked another significant milestone in the academic and cultural journey of PIMC under the banner of the second college week of PIMC, Celesta-26, reflecting USTM’s commitment towards nurturing excellence in medical education and professional values.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi Monday, 2025: Dr. Pratim Talukdar, a leading prosthodontist and implantologist at PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC), becomes the first dental surgeon from Northeast India to achieve the prestigious Certificate of Mastership in Implant Dentistry by the Global College of Oral Implantologists (GCOI). (Membership ID: 25-MIC-A-0309), on October 4, 2025. PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC), the constituent college of the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), proudly congratulated Dr. Talukdar on this historic achievement. His success is a significant milestone, the first of its kind in the entire Northeast region, elevating its presence in the field of advanced dental care. This distinguished recognition is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated outstanding expertise, academic excellence, and clinical proficiency in implant dentistry. Dr. Talukdar fulfilled all the rigorous criteria established by the GCOI Board of Directors, including completion of advanced continuing education and verified clinical case presentations. Through this Mastership, the dental surgeon has proven his commitment to delivering the highest quality of care in implant dentistry and joins an elite group of dental professionals worldwide. Dr. Pratim Talukdar is a well-respected name in prosthodontics and implantology, known for providing advanced dental care with a personal and patient-centered approach. He holds degrees in BDS and MDS, and has earned international fellowships, including FICOI (USA) and FADI (USA). His expertise lies in restorative dental surgery, dental implants, and full-mouth rehabilitation. PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC), located at 9th Mile, Baridua, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, is a premier medical institution established under the aegis of the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM). Approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC), New Delhi, PIMC has a 150 MBBS seat intake.

9th Mile, Ri-Bhoi, Khanapara, March 4, 2025: The PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) today observed the 9th death anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker and former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Late Shri PA Sangma, with a solemn floral tribute and commemorative speeches in his honour. The event witnessed the presence of Prof. GD Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM; Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of USTM; Prof. Dr. Abhinandan Das, Principal of PIMC; Dr. RK Sharma, Advisor to USTM; and Dr. Jogesh Sharma, Director of Medical Education and Research at PIMC. Faculty members, doctors, students, and staff also joined the occasion to pay their respects. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. GD Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM, expressed profound gratitude to Late PA Sangma for his pivotal role in the enactment of the USTM Act in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 2008. Remembering him as a visionary leader, Prof. Sharma highlighted Sangma’s lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds through education. “Late PA Sangma had always been a guiding force and a strong well-wisher for USTM. We remain deeply indebted to him for his constant support and encouragement in our efforts to establish a premier higher educational institution in Meghalaya,” Prof. Sharma said. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to the present Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, and his team for their unwavering moral support and continuous encouragement towards the growth and development of the University.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, February 15, 2025: In a significant step towards strengthening cardiology services in the region, three distinguished cardiologists of international repute visited PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC) today. Their visit aimed to provide strategic insights and guidance for the development of a world-class cardiology center at the institution. The visiting experts included Dr. Subhash Chandra, Chairman of Interventional Cardiology & Structural Heart Disease at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi; Dr. M.U. Rabbani, Eminent Cardiologist and Former Dean, Faculty of Medicine & Chairman, Department of Cardiology, JN Medical College, AMU, Aligarh; and Dr. N.D. Azam Haseen, Professor & Chairman, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, JN Medical College, AMU. During their visit, the cardiologists toured the Super Speciality Block of PIMC, assessing the existing infrastructure and engaging in strategic discussions to enhance cardiology services. USTM Chancellor Shri Mahbubul Hoque highlighted the significance of their visit, stating that their expert recommendations would play a crucial role in shaping the future of cardiology at PIMC. A key highlight of the visit was an interactive session with the first batch of MBBS students, where the cardiologists shared their vast experience and insights. Addressing the students, Dr. Subhash Chandra emphasized the importance of personal well-being, resilience, and communication skills in the medical profession. “To become a successful doctor, the basic premise is to be a healthy person. This is a challenging field, and failures should never discourage you; instead, take them in stride and move forward. Effective communication is key—being a good listener can alleviate half of a patient’s suffering. Above all, strive to be a good human being, as patients often see doctors as next to God,” he advised. Dr. M.U. Rabbani underscored the commitment required for a medical career, highlighting the rapid advancements in medical technology over the past decade. Speaking on echocardiology, he stressed the importance of doctor-patient interaction. “Despite technological advancements, the core of medical practice remains the same—building trust with patients. Medicine is a science, but its practice is an art,” he remarked. In his address, Dr. N.D. Azam Haseen described medicine not just as a profession but as a way of life. He urged students to be sincere, passionate, and technologically adept in their practice. “Be dedicated to your work and embrace technology in healthcare,” he advised. Additionally, the visiting cardiologists shared their vision for the proposed cardiology setup at PIMC, offering valuable recommendations for its development. They also engaged in discussions with the faculty and doctors of PIMC, exchanging ideas and best practices to ensure the successful establishment of a state-of-the-art cardiac care centre.

Shillong, February 6, 2025: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today launched the Health Shuttle initiative by P.A. Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMC) to enhance healthcare accessibility across the state. The program aims to provide pre-hospital transportation for patients and their attendants, ensuring better access to medical facilities, particularly in rural and urban areas. Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This is a unique and much-needed effort by PIMC. Despite the challenges of setting up a medical college, the institution has taken proactive steps to improve healthcare accessibility. The Health Shuttle service will not only benefit rural communities but also strengthen the healthcare network in Shillong and beyond.” Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, who was also present at the launch, highlighted the role of such initiatives in bridging gaps in healthcare infrastructure. “Transport remains a critical barrier in accessing timely medical care. The introduction of these shuttle services will provide a structured approach to patient mobility, especially for those from underserved regions,” she said. Addressing the launching event, USTM Chancellor M Hoque stated that the Health Shuttle service will begin with ten vehicles, five dedicated to rural areas and five serving urban regions, including Shillong. Initially, the urban shuttles will operate within Shillong, with provisions for expansion based on demand. To further streamline operations, PIMC plans to introduce a mobile application, enabling patients to book transport as needed. The launch event, held at the Chief Minister’s residence, was attended by key stakeholders, including USTM Vice-Chancellor Prof GD Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor Padma Shri Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah, PIMC Principal Prof Dr Abhinandan Das, Director of Medical Education, and healthcare professionals from both PIMC and the Government of Meghalaya. With this initiative, PIMC aims to strengthen its role as a community-focused medical institution, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and inclusive for all.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya, Sep 10, 2024: In an effort to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of blood cancer and the crucial role of stem cell transplant as a treatment option, DKMS BMST Foundation India, a leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer, has conducted a donor registration drive at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya. The drive aims to encourage young people to come forward and register as potential stem cell donors.   A press conference was organised in this regard today by the Bangalore-based DKMS BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and USTM to spread awareness regarding stem cell donation to give new life to blood cancer patients. The press conference was addressed by Dr Minerva Mary, HOD, Donar Request Management at DKMS-BMST; Mr Syantan Dutta Gupta, HoD, Doner Recruitment DKMS BMST; Prof GD Sharma, Vice Chancellor USTM, Prof Dr Biraj Kumar Das, Principal PIMC, and Mr Nakul Chandra Deori, Youth Officer, National Service Scheme. Stem cell donor Gautam Kumar from Jharkhand also addressed the media and shared his experience throughout the process of donation, his happiness in being able to give a new life to someone. He said that due to lack of awareness mainly in the rural areas of India, people do not come forward to donate stem cells. He inspired the youngsters to participate in the drive. Addressing the media, Dr Minerva Mary emphasised the critical need for more young people to join the donor registry. “Every 5 minutes, someone in India is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder like Thalassemia or Aplastic Anemia. Many such patients are children and young people whose only chance of recovery is a stem cell transplant.” Mr Syantan Dutta stated that DKMS-BMST has registered more than 6000 potential stem cell donors in the North East region and out of this around 1500 are from Assam and 170 are from Meghalaya. “However, these numbers are not enough as many patients are waiting to find a suitable stem cell donor. To help these patients and many more we urge the young people to come forward and be a part of this drive. We urge them to consider this act of kindness and become part of the global community of stem cell donors”, he added. Prof G. D. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “We are glad that DKMS-BMST is making efforts to raise awareness about blood cancer and the importance of stem cell donation. Our university is committed to promoting the health and well-being of our students and the community. Together, we aim to create awareness among the community through students and hope that many youngsters would register as potential blood stem cell donors.” To register as a potential stem cell donor, one must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55 years of age. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register Blood cancer, a group of diseases affecting the blood and bone marrow, has been on the rise in recent years. Stem cell transplantation is often considered a life-saving treatment option for patients suffering from these conditions. In this life-saving medical procedure, a patient’s diseased or damaged bone marrow cells are replaced with healthy stem cells from a matching donor.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, August 21, 2024: Dr. Vijay K Mittal, Associate Director of Medical Education, USA has delivered an insightful talk on “Simulation for Health Care Workers including AI” at a workshop organized today by IQAC, USTM at the NKC Auditorium of the University. The session began with a warm welcome by Padma Shri Dr. Sarbeswar Sahariah, Pro Vice Chancellor of USTM, in the presence of Dr. R.K. Sharma, Advisor USTM, and Dr. B.K. Das, Pro Vice Chancellor USTM, among others. The workshop was attended by over 250 students from USTM, along with staff from PIMC USTM. Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Dr Sarbeswar Sahariah said that introduction of simulation is a great achievement in medical science. “A simulation trained medical professional is very important nowadays. Diagnosis is the most difficult part of medical science, after which appropriate treatment can follow. AI will play a very important role in the coming days in diagnosing patients”, he added. Addressing the students, Dr. Vijay K Mittal, Associate Director of Medical Education, USA said that simulation is a technique, not a technology, to replace or amplify real experiences with guided experiences that evoke or replicate substantial aspects of the real world in a fully interactive manner. In non- medical community, simulation training is well established in military, aviation, nuclear power, NASA, gaming industry etc. According to him, healthcare simulations can be said to have four main purposes: education, assessment, research and health system integration in facilitating patient safety. “Simulation technology can be used to improve individual and team performance through interdisciplinary team training. For medical students, simulation makes a paradigm shift in teaching. It is largely used for educational purposes across medical knowledge, patient care, psychomotor tasks, critical thinking and decision making. The workshop ended with an enthusiastic interactive session between the resource person and the students.

9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, July 22, 2024: The PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital (PIMC), a dream project under the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), is rapidly progressing with state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities. Today, another hi-tech CT scan machine has been installed at PIMC, enhancing the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities. In this context, Shri Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM stated, “PIMC will be ready soon to face any critical situations of healthcare emergency and treatment using the latest technology under the guidance of competent and expert teams of doctors.” Now the people of Meghalaya and other North Eastern states can avail of the facilities at PIMC at a very cheap rate. PIMC is working aggressively to collaborate with most of the outstanding hospitals of the country to attract expert doctors and to offer doorstep services to patients of NE”, he added. The hospital is already equipped with basic x-ray and imaging equipment to advanced medical devices including Endoscopy, FibroScan, CT scan, etc. Soon, two MRI machines, Spectral and higher-end CT for cardiovascular imaging, digital mammography, Cath and vascular lab for both diagnostic and intervention procedures, and other hi-tech equipment will also be incorporated into the Radiology and Imaging Sciences department of the institution. This will shape the department not only for disease diagnosis but also for minimally invasive image-guided treatment, follow-up, and response evaluation, he said. The Chancellor further stated, “500 super speciality beds will be added to the existing 605-bed modern teaching hospital. At present 20 numbers of modular OTs are under construction, in addition to the existing 5 OTs”. The super speciality section is equipped with advanced technological facilities for cutting-edge research. In addition, the blood bank is also operational now. Mobile Operation Theatre will also be launched very soon. All super speciality branches including heart, kidney, and liver transplant centers will be made functioning from the next year. Consistent with its mission, this hospital is providing completely free medical care to all poor patients. The institution also aims to attract patients and students from ASEAN countries.

Quantum Computing will Change the Face of the World in the next 4 to 5 Years: Prof Wase 9th Mile, Khanapara, Ri Bhoi, July 18, 2024: Prof. (Dr.) Abdul Wase, an eminent cardiologist from Ohio, USA, addressed a captivated audience in an enlightening session organised by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) at its NKC auditorium today. The interactive session saw Prof. Wase engage with doctors, paramedical staff of the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital (PIMCH), and students of USTM. Wase shared groundbreaking insights into the future of quantum computing and its potential impact on the world, particularly in the field of medicine. Prof. Wase began by emphasizing the transformative power of quantum computing, predicting that this emerging technology will revolutionize various sectors within the next four to five years. “A newer field which is coming in 4 to 5 years is quantum computing, which will change the face of the world,” he stated. Highlighting its capabilities, he explained how quantum computing could drastically alter our daily lives and improve predictive abilities for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and storms. Prof. Wase spoke passionately about the interconnectedness of science and medicine, touching on topics such as neural networks and artificial intelligence. “Neural network is the study of networking in the brain. The whole phenomenon of science and medicine is interconnected,” he said, emphasizing the importance of integrating these advanced technologies into healthcare. Prof. Wase also highlighted the advancements in surgical technology over the past decade, noting significant improvements not only in procedural aspects but also in diagnostic capabilities. He expressed optimism about the future, stating that quantum computing will further enhance these developments, leading to more precise and efficient medical practices. Reflecting on his visit, Prof. Wase expressed his excitement and admiration for USTM and PIMCH. “I am excited to be here at USTM today. This institution of learning will create a center which will be known all over the country and the world,” he remarked. He toured the state-of-the-art facilities at the upcoming PA Sangma International Medical College & Hospital, commending the institution’s dedication to excellence in healthcare education and research. The session was introduced by Prof. Dr. Biraj Kumar Das, Principal of PIMC, who set the stage for the insightful discussions that followed. Prof. Dr. Jogesh Sharma, Director of Healthcare Education and Research at PIMCH, delivered the concluding remarks, thanking Prof. Wase for his invaluable contributions and inspiring address.