BioAsia 2024 confers the Genome Valley Excellence Award

Hyderabad, 1  February, 2024: The 21st edition of BioAsia – the marquee healthcare and Life Sciences event, organized by the Government of Telangana, has announced that the coveted Genome Valley Excellence Award for the year 2024 will be conferred upon Noble Prize winning Paediatrician and Professor Gregg L. Semenza.

International Advisory Board of BioAsia consisting of personalities of national and international reputation including the likes of Dr. Ajit Shetty (Corporate Vice President Global Operations, Johnson & Johnson USA (retd.) and Chairman Emeritus, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Belgium); Dr. Makarand Jawadekar, (Former Director, Pfizer, US); Dr. Robert Naismith, (Former Chairman, JUJAMA, US), among others have made the final selection of the awardee, in light of his prominent ground-breaking discovery in unveiling the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1 protein), a pivotal discovery controlling gene expression in response to fluctuations in oxygen availability.

Professor L. Semenza is currently the C. Michael Armstrong Professor of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA. His pioneering work in the field is critical in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, anemia, blinding eye diseases, and cardiovascular disorders.

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Professor L.Semenza had discovered how cells can sense and adapt to changing oxygen availability. During the 1990s. he identified a molecular machinery that regulates the activity of genes in response to varying levels of oxygen. The discoveries may lead to new treatments of anemia, cancer, and many other diseases. He received the eminent noble prize in Physiology or Medicine in the year 2019 for the discovery on “how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability”.

Speaking on the announcement of the 2023 Genome Valley Excellence Award, Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Telangana said, “I am thrilled that the award committee has decided to confer the prestigious Genome Valley Excellence Award upon Professor Gregg L. Semenza during the 2024 BioAsia. His groundbreaking discovery in unravelling the scientific mysteries stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to scientific excellence and innovation. I commend Professor Semenza for his outstanding contributions to the field of molecular biology and extend my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors. His work serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and underscores the transformative power of knowledge in shaping a better tomorrow for humanity. I look forward to welcoming him in Hyderabad and I am sure his visit will energize our scientific community to further Hyderabad’s contribution to biomedical innovation.”

“The Genome Valley Excellence Award has achieved the stature of most eminent awards in the field of life sciences. Year on year distinguished personalities have been presented with this coveted honour. Professor Gregg L. Semenza’s pioneering research has not only deepened our understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing gene expression but also holds immense promise in advancing medical science and improving healthcare outcomes. BioAsia feels honored to host such a renowned personality.” said Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS Principal Secretary (I&C), Government of Telangana.

“The significance of the Genome Valley Excellence Award lies not only in honoring outstanding individuals like Professor Gregg L. Semenza but also in highlighting the collective efforts of the lifesciences community towards advancing scientific knowledge and improving human health. Over the years, the Genome Valley Excellence Award has garnered prominence as a coveted recognition within the lifesciences fraternity and has become synonymous with groundbreaking innovation, cutting-edge research, and transformative impact, inspiring individuals and organizations to strive for excellence in their pursuit of scientific advancement. As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of Professor Semenza and other luminaries honored with the Genome Valley Excellence Award, BioAsia reaffirm its commitment to recognize the efforts of incredible personalities addressing global health challenges and create a better future for humanity.,” said Mr. Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO, BioAsia and Director of Lifesciences and Pharma, Government of Telangana.

Some of the past Genome Valley Excellence Award winners include Nobel laureates such as Dr. Kurt Wuthrich, Ada Yonath, Harald zur Hausen, Barry Marshall, Martin J Evans, Food Laureates, Lasker Awardees, and eminent leaders like CEO of Novartis Mr. Vas Narasimhan, Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy pioneer, Dr. Carl June, CEO of GAVI Dr. Seth Berkley, among others. Last year, the Genome Valley Excellence award was presented to Dr. Drew Weissman, professor at the Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, for his breakthrough pioneering research and development of effective mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that has helped save billions of lives globally. In 2021, it was awarded to Padma Bhushan awardees Dr. Krishna Ella and Mrs. Suchitra Ella of Bharat Biotech International Ltd. for the development and commercialisation of vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin. In 2022, it was awarded to Prof. Robert S. Langer, in light of his pioneering research that has led to the development of the first commercial mRNA vaccines used for variety of infectious diseases.

Lt. General Shri JS Sidana, Commandant of MCEME dedicates a state-of-the-art mortuary at Swarg Vatika

Hyderabad, 30th January 2024: Swarg Vatika which redefined final resting places with green initiatives a decade ago, dedicated a mortuary capable of storing up to 4 bodies, to address the growing needs of the community for extended body storage during unavoidable circumstances. The facility was formally inaugurated by Lt. General Shri JS Sidana, Commandant, MCEME; at Swarg Vatika today.

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Swarg Vatika, a pioneering collaboration between the Telangana Government and Swarg Vatika Trust, has transformed the concept of final resting places with its commitment to love, compassion, and reverence towards departed souls. The eco-friendly cremation ground, strategically located in RTC Colony, Trimulgherry, is designed to provide solace to bereaved families while embracing environmentally conscious practices.

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Founder Trustee & President Surender Pal Singh of Swarg Vatika reveals upcoming initiatives, including the construction of three more manual pyres, one of which will be larger, akin to the existing one at Maha-prasthanam. Additionally, plans are underway to launch an Any-Time Clinic (ATC) offering cost-effective health tests like ECG, blood tests, urine tests, CBC, HBA1C, and Chest X-rays, charging only 10-20% of the market price.

The total cost of setting up the mortuary, around 20 lakhs, has been covered by generous donations from Trustee Shri Ram Goyal for equipment and civil construction, Trustee Shri J C Jodhani for generator backup, and Trustee Jayant Jain for CCTV.

Conceived with the primary goal of Going Green and being Eco-Friendly, Swarg Vatika, the green haven incorporates eco-friendly procedures, practices, cleanliness, ample parking space and adherence to spiritual Vedic practices has solidified Swarg Vatika’s reputation as a steward of environmentally conscious final rites.

Swarg Vatika achieved an environmental milestone by adopting Gokashta (Lakadi made from Gomay—Gobar of desi breed cow/bull) for cremation. This eco-friendly method utilizes Gobar logs with superior burning capacity compared to traditional wood, offering a cost-effective solution that supports cattle feed and benefits up to 40 Gomash in a day.

Some the recent innovations at Swarg Vatika has introduced recent innovations, including modern LPG and gasified furnaces, and a cast iron steel structure for natural piers, resulting in a 25% reduction in wood usage and reinforcing its eco-friendly commitment. The facility has operationalized two new AC hearse vans and offers body freezer boxes, along with lockers for preserving ashes for up to 1 month. Notably, it has transitioned to 100% Green practices by embracing Gokashta for cremation.

Swarg Vatika collaborates with LV Prasad Eye Hospital for eye donation, offering free cremation for donors. The facility also provides free cremation for unclaimed bodies and extends a 50% discount to BPL families. Pooja halls are available for last rites ceremonies.

Shaya has a new address in the Southern Indian city of Hyderabad

January 2nd:  Silver bijouterie gets a makeover with Shaya by CaratLane’s stunning collections of 925 silver. Established to provide a plethora of authentic silver jewellery with a newfound appeal, Shaya effortlessly bridges the gap between bequest authenticity and zeal for fresh delineation.

Bringing this energy to the city of Hyderabad, the brand expands its retail presence to this Southern part of India. The new retail destination is located in Amrutha Mall and is now open to people of Hyderabad to shop their heart out.’

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This offline store by Shaya offers a warm and welcoming ambiance with cozy interiors and pretty aesthetics, instantly making you feel at home. From the stunning displays that are larger than life to the excellent retail plan that gives you a glimpse of everything Shaya has to offer, all at once, this store in Hyderabad is a must-visit!

As the bold and edgy counterpart of Carat Lane, Shaya caters to all personalities with its variety of collections and this offline store is no different. From statement pieces to understated, low-key designs for everyday wear, there is something uniquely handcrafted for every identity and wearer.

Taking from the learnings of all the previous stores in the country, this location enjoys an expansive range of Shaya’s stunning silver jewellery right at display, giving a glimpse of everything the store has to offer. Known for crafting 925 silver jewellery, all its latest collections like Chitrakalay Kolkata, Bloom Your Way, To the Wanderlust in You, The Legacy of Rani Lokmahadevi, and much more will be available at the store.

The new store offers a wide selection of jewellery where each piece adds an eccentric character to it. Couple this with robust customer support and in-house styling aid, and you’re bound to find something that embodies your persona! Head to Shaya’s newest address to explore the ranges further.

Address: Shaya by CaratLane, Ground Floor Bearing Separate Municipal Door No.6, Amrutha Mall, Unit No.9, 3-1110/G/7, Raj Bhavan Rd, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082

Store Timings: 10 am to 9:30 pm