THE CALEDONIAN CARNIVAL
JAAUK Annual Day 2026:
A Celebration of Excellence, Friendship and Community
20 June 2026 | The Caledonian Club, London
The JAAUK Annual Day 2026, held at the magnificent Caledonian Club in London, was a truly memorable occasion that brought together JIPMER alumni, friends, supporters, and distinguished guests for a day of learning, reflection, celebration, and fellowship. From stimulating academic discussions to a vibrant evening of nostalgia and entertainment, the event showcased the very best of the JAAUK spirit.
Morning Academic Session
The day began with an engaging academic programme featuring oral and poster presentations by enthusiastic JIPMER postgraduate trainees. Their high-quality work reflected the academic excellence and intellectual curiosity that continue to define JIPMER.
We are deeply grateful to our judges—Dr Vinidh Paleri, Dr Kalyani Narra, Dr Gowri Vaidyanathan, and Dr Deepak Ravindran—who generously dedicated their time and expertise to evaluate the presentations and encourage the next generation of clinicians and researchers.
The session was skilfully conducted by Mr Manu Mathews, whose calm professionalism ensured that the programme ran seamlessly and efficiently throughout the morning.
Special thanks are also due to Dr Sreerag K. S. and Dr Latha Chaturvedula from the JIPMER Alumni Association, whose efforts were instrumental in organising the Travel Fellowship programme and enabling postgraduate participation.
Afternoon Academic Session
The afternoon session commenced with a warm welcome from Dr Suman Biswas, Chair of Trustees of JAAUK, who reflected on the remarkable achievements of JIPMERites worldwide and highlighted the continuing growth of JAAUK. He outlined the organisation’s commitment to advancing medical education, supporting charitable initiatives, and strengthening alumni engagement.
Special thanks are due to the General Medical Council Outreach Team, valued partners who have supported JAAUK since 2022 in educating, engaging, and inspiring our members. Their continued collaboration is greatly appreciated, including the insightful and highly informative presentation by Ms Kim Tolley on ‘Fitness to Practise’. Her session provided valuable guidance and practical perspectives that resonated strongly with attendees.
Dr N. K. Majumdar Memorial Oration
One of the most anticipated events of the day was the Dr N. K. Majumdar Memorial Oration.
Following an introduction by Dr Amitava Dutta, the audience was treated to a captivating and thought-provoking lecture by Professor Anil Nanda entitled Mentorship Mastery: Memento Mori. The oration served not only as an exploration of leadership and mentorship but also as a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr N. K. Majumdar.
We are especially grateful to Dr Kingshuk Majumdar for generously sponsoring this year’s memorial oration.
Annual General Body Meeting
The Annual General Body Meeting followed, during which Dr Prabha Sivaraman, representing the JAAUK Executive, presented the annual accounts, which were subsequently approved by the General Body.
Dr Suman Biswas thanked the outgoing trustees for their dedicated service and invited members to become actively involved in the Executive Committee, reinforcing JAAUK’s commitment to broad participation and future growth.
Dr Saravana Karuppiah won the bid for the Dhanvantari idol which was auctioned. He donated the proceeds towards the JAAUK Travel Fellowship.
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An evening of nostalgia and celebration!
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As the formal proceedings concluded, members gathered for the traditional group photograph on the grand staircase of the Caledonian Club—a fitting setting to capture the spirit of friendship and reunion that defines JAAUK.
The evening drinks reception provided an opportunity for old friends to reconnect and new friendships to form before guests were welcomed into a magnificent banquet hall for the seated dinner.
In a delightful nod to our shared JIPMER heritage, dinner tables were named after beloved hostels and lecture theatres, evoking memories of student life and recreating the atmosphere of the grand hostel dinners many of us remember so fondly.
The cultural programme, thoughtfully coordinated by Dr Suresh Thapaliya, was a resounding success. We were privileged to enjoy beautiful vocal performances by Dr. Hema Giridhar’s talented daughters, whose singing captivated the audience. Equally memorable was Dr. Karthik’s mesmerising flute recital, which brought a unique elegance and charm to the evening.
During the dinner, a toast was raised by Dr Suman Biswas to the Chief Guest, Professor Anil Nanda, for his gracious acceptance to deliver the Dr NK Majumdar memorial oration and to Dr Prabha Sivaraman, whose dedication and diligence towards development of the JAAUK is unparalleled, and to wish her a successful sabbatical in Australia.
The celebrations gathered further momentum with Dr Gopika Sreejith’s lively dance workshop. Her infectious enthusiasm quickly drew participants onto the floor, creating an atmosphere of joy, laughter, and shared enjoyment.
Then came the grand finale, when Dr Malur Sudhanva’s legendary DJ set transformed the evening into a vibrant celebration. The music, energy, and atmosphere kept the dance floor full well into the night, creating memories that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere gratitude to our sponsors, including some JAAUK patrons, and to our valued partners and sponsors: the General Medical Council, Primus Medical Indemnity, Chase de Vere, and SuperMD for their financial support and encouragement.
We also thank the dedicated staff of the Caledonian Club, whose professionalism and hospitality ensured the smooth running of the event throughout the day.
Most importantly, we thank every patron, member, volunteer, speaker, judge, performer, sponsor, organiser, and attendee who contributed to making this event such a remarkable success.
The JAAUK Annual Day 2026 was far more than an annual meeting. It was a celebration of friendship, shared history, professional achievement, and community spirit. Its success belongs to every member of the JAAUK family.
As one chapter closes and another begins, we look forward to building on this momentum, strengthening our connections, and continuing to grow together in the years ahead.
Until we meet again—thank you for making JAAUK Annual Day 2026 truly unforgettable.
Au revoir!