Dear ASI members,

I have assumed charge as the President on 6 March 2013, proving that the general Body and Governing Council are the supreme bodies of our esteemed association.

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Setting aside all the legal obstacles posed by certain members, I shall sincerely attempt to make positive strides in all administrative and academic issues of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI). The election to the President of ASI in 2014, Governing Council 2014–2016, and the Indian Journal of Surgery (I.J.S.) shall be held in a transparent way, leaving no scope for electoral malpractices. I take this occasion to invite academic-oriented ASI leaders across the country, those who have kept away from ASI all these years, to come back into the esteemed association formed by our great predecessors to promote social interaction and advance the art of surgery by conducting regular continuing surgical education programs. Please participate in this election and contribute to a healthier society by involving in improving the discipline and professional conduct of surgeons.

As the President, I assure the members that the Governing Council will be given all the powers and their decisions will be implemented, and I shall be only a guardian of democratic functioning of ASI.

I compliment the efforts of Dr. Satish Shukla in getting the I.J.S. indexed, improving the quality of the journal and getting it on time to our members.

I invite suggestions from our esteemed members and senior colleagues to strengthen ASI and unite all surgical disciplines so as our voice is better heard in planning and implementation of government policies and schemes regarding health.

You can mail your thoughts to presidentasi2013@gmail.com. I will try my best to incorporate your views as regards the scientific program of ASICON 2013 to make it better, and I invite your valuable suggestions in this regard.

I sincerely thank those who have supported me all these days and promise to work hard in order to gain support from those who have not so far.

Long live ASI!