Dear Colleague,

Preparations for IRACON 2008 are in full swing. You may kindly recall our commitment to present a scientific program that will be driven by Indian data & Experience and "Cause of the Young Rheumatologist". This can only happen if we all work towards this common goal. Research submissions of any type are welcome. We re-affirm that all research submissions will have a poster & stage presentation. Depending upon time constraints there may be a peer review. We are also trying to strike a balance between clinical and other forms of research (eg. Laboratory driven, immunogenetics etc.). Even recognition/awards for outstanding presentations will reflect fairness in this regard. Several Travel Bursaries are being made available for young colleagues. Please begin preparing your submission abstract and look around to encourage your colleagues to do the same. If you have an idea/concept for future research that requires collaboration and networking, prepare a short proposal and if accepted by the Scientific Committee, will certainly get a time-slot for presentation. Interdisciplinary interactive sessions, CPCs and debates will be preferred. Invited lectures will preferably cover some kind of translational or clinical research of outstanding merit which eventually has an impact on patient management. Interesting 'Workshops' have been planned. A half day visit to village Bhigwan (Pune District) , the site of maiden WHO-ILAR COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control & Prevention of Rheumatic Diseases) is in the offing to discuss "Indian Research Perspectives". Several national & international experts have confirmed participation.

We also have the privilege of organizing the Bone & Joint Decade World Network Meet in Pune from 28 Nov to 01 Dec 08 in parallel to the IRACON. A two-day BJD India Convention during this period will be attended by Rheumatologists, Orthopedic Surgeons, and several other Physicians in this field. The convention is more or less a CME activity and IRACON delegates will be entitled to attend the same without any additional charges. Several Travel bursaries are also available to the younger colleagues.

Above all, we request you to be an active participant not only during the conference, but right at this stage of preparations.
To begin with, avail Early Bird Registrations.

With best wishes,

Dr Arvind Chopra Organizing Secretary (Center for Rheumatic Diseases, Pune)

Prof LS Bichile Chairperson, Scientific Committee

Dr K Mahendranath Chairman, IRACON 2008