14 October 2014

The XIX International Congress of Ophthalmology, New Delhi 3.12.1962



The XIX International Congress of Ophthalmology may have meant much to many Ophthalmologists of the world but to Indian Ophthalmologists it meant something very special. It meant the recognition of Asian Ophthalmology, it meant an Indian President of the International, it eared the thrill of a concerted attempt by ali Indian Ophthalmologists to shoulder the task of a successful International. Above all it meant a fillip to research and some original work in Ophthalmology from all the corners of the country. It meant hope for India's four million economically blind, as accent was to be laid on some of the tropical diseases lead. ing to blindness. It meant hard work, adjustments of ideas and selfless cooperation. All this for a four days' meet from the 3rd to the 7th December 1962 in India's Capital New Delhi at its magnificent "Vigyan Bhavan" - The House of Knowledge-the meeting place of most International Conferences held in this country. The unique facilities provided in this building to accommodate the multiferous activities that go with such functions made this venue admirable for the purpose.


The excellent Souvenir contained articles describing some of the customs of India, sight-seeing in the country, Indian art, music and dancing, the commercial growth of India, a short history of Ophthalmology and medicine in India, distribution of eye diseases and their prevention measures and finally a list of Ophthalmic Institutions in India. 


The emblem on the badge and incidentally the emblem of the XIX International had the "Ajenta" eye and a lotus flower, both characteristic of India. And these are depicted on the 15nP stamp and the First Day Cover as well.

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