Dr. P K Bilwani, President

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

It is indeed a matter of great pride and pleasure to reach you as the first President of new millennium. I am grateful to all of you for having reposed your confidence in me and electing me to this highest post of Association of Plastic Surgeons of India for the year 2001. I convey my best wishes for happiness and health for you and your family members.

As you know 26th January 2001 was the black Friday for the Gujarat. The devasting earthquake has taken away thousands of lives and enormous property. We lost one fellow member Dr. Rajesh Padia along with his son. I am extremely thankful to hundreds of our fellow colleagues form all over the country and abroad who enquired about my well being and sent best wishes through telephones, E-mails, telegrams and letters. I am overwhelmed with their love and affection for me. Some of them have physically visited Gujarat and given services for the victims of earthquake. Many have conveyed their willingness to extend their Professional services. I convey my Sincere thanks to all of them.

It is said - Soul is Immortal. So is Gujarat. I am sure very soon Gujarat will bounce back with more vigour. Our scheduled APSICON - 2001 very much stands as announced earlier i.e. 27th - 30th Sept. 2001. Nature will not deter us from making this conference a memorable one. While working for rebuilding process of Gujarat, the organizing committee members are also busy in making all necessary arrangements to make this first conference of new millennium a real landmark. I invite you all.

In the meantime I request you to feel free in writing me your suggestions regarding the functioning of ;our association and APSICON - 2001. Just drop a post card, I promise prompt reply.

Sincerely Yours,

Prof. P.K. Bilwani.