Dear Colleagues and Dear IAP Family,

As we step into this New Year, I do so with deep gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility as I assume the role of President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics. It is both an honour and a privilege to serve an organization that represents the collective strength, wisdom, and compassion of over 50,000 pediatricians, united by a single purpose the wellbeing of children.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics today stands tall as India’s foremost scientific body in child health and a respected voice globally. This stature has been built through decades of sincere effort, academic rigor, ethical practice, and teamwork. I express my heartfelt thanks to the outgoing leadership and to all those who have contributed tirelessly to shaping the IAP into the strong institution it is today.

As we begin this new chapter together, my focus will be on strengthening the core of pediatrics science, service, skills, and solidarity. The coming year will see structured initiatives aimed at empowering pediatricians through focused academic modules, strengthening public health engagement, advancing research and postgraduate training, and expanding our outreach beyond clinics into schools, communities, and policy platforms.

Special emphasis will be placed on nutrition, adolescent health, infectious diseases, antibiotic stewardship, and preventive pediatrics, alongside initiatives for research capacity building, guideline development, continuous medical education, and support to state branches and subspecialty chapters. For the first time, we will also roll out nationwide training programs for nurses, initiatives for women empowerment and resilience, and structured programs addressing medico-legal awareness, ethics, and compassionate care all vital for contemporary pediatric practice.

Equally important, we reaffirm our responsibility towards parents and caregivers, strengthening parent education through guidelines and digital platforms that promote informed, collaborative, and preventive child care.

I look forward to walking together with my entire team,the President Elect Dr. M. Singaravelu; the Immediate Past President Dr. Vasant M. Khalatkar; the Vice Presidents of all zones Dr. Sukanta Chatterjee, Dr. Devendra Sareen, Dr. Arakala Bhaskar, Dr. Sandip K. Trivedi, and Dr. Jose Ouseph; the Secretary General Dr. Ruchira Maheshwari; Treasurer Dr. Alok Bhandari; Joint Secretary (Admin) Dr. Mahesh A. Mohite; Joint Secretary (Liaison) Dr. Anurag Agarwal; and all our Executive Board members and most importantly with EACH ONE OF YOU. I want every member, from the most senior stalwart to the youngest postgraduate, to feel connected, valued, heard, and proud to be part of the IAP family.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics is more than an association, it is a national movement for children. With your support, enthusiasm, and active participation, I am confident that 2026 will be a year of renewed energy, meaningful collaborations, and impactful progress for child health in India and beyond.

Let us begin this year with optimism, unity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Together, let us strengthen pediatrics.

Together, let us serve children better.

Together, let us make 2026 a memorable year for IAP.

With warm regards and best wishes,

Dr. Neelam Mohan

President, Indian Academy of Pediatrics-2026