72nd President, Mumbai Obstetric & Gynecological Society (MOGS)
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
— Albert Schweitzer
Respected dignitaries, Past Presidents, Senior Mentors, My Esteemed Colleagues, Friends, and My Beloved MOGS Family,
With a heart overflowing with gratitude and eyes glistening with emotions, I stand before you—not merely as a gynecologist or endoscopic surgeon—but as a humble son of Kolhapur, whose journey has been one of hope, humility, hard work, and honour. I come from a non medical background, but my father gave me one belief “You may not come from a legacy, but you can create one.” This journey begins there.
MOGS – A 91 years of Legacy That Inspires Generations
How many of us remember that MOGS, now an academic giant, was born in 1934, in the humble living room of Dr. Doshibai. Then known as BOGS – Bombay Obstetric & Gynecological Society, it carried the dreams of visionary founders. Today, as MOGS celebrates 91 glorious years, I feel deeply honoured to be entrusted with its legacy as the 72nd President.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” — Greek Proverb
To our pioneers—Dr. Doshibai and her colleagues—your spirit lives on in every CME, every workshop, and every life we touch.
From Kolhapur to the World – A Dream Rewritten in Reality
I hail from Kolhapur, a town rich in culture, but with no medical lineage in my family. Yet, I was raised by a man whose vision was unmatched—my father. A quiet man who believed that “you may not come from a legacy, but you can create one.”
He did not live to witness this day, but his dream walks with me. I feel his invisible hand on my shoulder today.
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My mother, who silently stood like a pillar through every storm, is here today beaming, holding back tears. I am proud to stand before her today, and I offer her not just my gratitude—but my presidency.
And to my father-in-law, a former officer in Family Planning Department of Madhya Pradesh—thank you for being a pillar of support in both my personal and professional life and always believing in me
“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” — Confucius
My Lifeline – My Family
Behind every success story lies a family’s love and sacrifice. I have a wonderful family of wife and unique son. My wife, Dr. Devyani a busy Diabetologist, a prolific dancer, and extraordinary painter has been glue to our home. Her unwavering support, quite strength, and grace gave me the freedom to chase my calling. I am proud father of Ayush who is a wonderful son not complaining but good listener. He makes me proud every day. Intelligent, sincere and extraordinary athlete, he represents everything I could wish for.
“Behind every successful man is a woman. But behind a man who dares to dream big is a family who believes in him more than he believes in himself.”
To Devyani and Ayush—thank you for tolerating my absences, my travel schedules, and my obsessive passion for surgery and academics. I owe this moment to you.
Academic Roots That Grounded and Grew Me
My journey began at Grant Medical College and J.J. Hospital, institutions that gave me my identity. My skills blossomed further at Seth G.S. Medical College and Wadia Maternity Hospital, where I met lifelong friends—Kedar, Sidharth, Jaydeep, Geeta, Nikhil, Anita, Sarita, Pratima, and Rajesh. We weren’t just classmates—we were each other’s lifelines.
My roommate Kedar and I became the legendary “Kedar-Rajendra” duo at Wadia.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.”—— Issac Newton
Mentors Who Shaped My Soul and Scalpel: My guiding lights
Every great story has giants behind the scenes.
I was guided by:
Dr. Kumud Ingle – My first teacher, who taught me protocol based practice
Dr. Kaizad Damania – A maestro of communication
Dr. Dhurandhar Sir – Whose joy and charisma were contagious
Dr. Shirish Daftary, Dr. Sharad Shah, Dr. Saraogi, Dr. Pravin Mhatre – Masters of surgical grace
Dr. Narvekar, Dr. Nanavati – Polished, kind, calm souls
Dr. Adi Dastur, Dr. CB Purandare, Dr. Jassawalla, Dr. Nozer Sheriar, Dr. Duru Shah, Dr. Nayana Dastur, Dr. Ameet Patki, Dr. Ajay Mehta, Dr. Amar Bhide, Dr. Pratima Anjaria, Dr Monica Doshi, – my academic luminaries
And then, there was Dr. Jesse Levi, who introduced me to the world of endoscopy through “direct trocar entry.”
“Mentorship is the oxygen of Growth. I was blessed with the best”
Dr. Nayana Dastur – Motherly encouragement that echoed forever
Dr. Vandana Walvekar – She didn’t just teach me. She reshaped me. And turned zero into hero
Dr. Shyam Desai – My father in endoscopy, He nurtured my talent and connected me globally
Professor Louis Keith – Founder president of AAGL, was my academic father. he didn’t just mentor me; he adopted me into his world. I lived at his beautiful home in Chicago for a year and he stayed with us in India during his frequent visits to India for over 12 years. together, we authored **two books**.
Dr. Sudha Datar – Who taught me safe, ethical, meticulous private practice
Dr Rajendra Saraogi — My lifelong Guide, I owe deep respect & endless gratitude
The Turning Point: When life tested Me
Life was not always glorious. During my internship, I lost my father. Our world collapsed. But I continued my studies. My brother held the family.
After my post graduation I worked during the day at Wadia Hospital, assisted my Collegues in the evening, and worked at night at Dr Datar’s hospital. Since I had no home in Mumbai, Sundays meant reclining in movie theaters for rest. But I never gave up.
“You don’t drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there.” — Paulo Coelho
“Beyond Borders: The World Opened – Chicago, Yale, and Beyond”
Invitation to Northwestern University Medical School Chicago, USA,
Received 1 Year FIGO Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
My surgical journey took a divine turn when Prof. Louis Keith, during a visit to Wadia, saw me operating and invited me to Northwestern University, Chicago. Then came the FIGO Fellowship, among more than 700 global applicants, I was chosen.
Beyond Borders: The World Opened
In Chicago, I trained under Dr. Jack Sciarra (FIGO President), Dr. Magdy Milad, Dr Edmond Confino, Dr Andrew Brill (President of AAGL) Dr. Rafael Valle (President AAGL),Dr Harith Hasson (President of AAGL), Dr. Charles Koh, and met legends like Dr Curt Semm, Dr Victor Gomel, Dr Lilo Mettler, Dr Rudy de Wilde, and Dr Hugo Verhoeven.
I was awarded the Top Gun prize at Yale university, New York, for Having best laparoscopic suturing skills and was appointed by Dr Sciarra to train Gynecology residents and conduct faculty workshops at Northwestern university Medical school, Chicago. Published five international articles—including one in Clinics of North America.
I am Grateful to Dr. Charles Koh, from. Wisconsin Medical college, Milwaukee, USA pioneer of ipsilateral suturing, who returned my fees and trained me for free, even picking me up from the Milwaukee train station himself. That’s how much belief he had in my passion
International Suturing Workshops
Thereafter we went on to conduct 6 international workshops for AAGL, ISGE, CAGE, FIGO, DHA, APAGE, and Brazilian Endoscopy Society. Further I traveled to Dubai Health Authority, Srilanka college of Obgyn, Cambodia, China for teaching laparoscopic suturing techniques and I trained over 600 gynaecologists in laparoscopic suturing worldwide.
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” — Maya Angelou
Coming Back to Give Back: MOGS didn’t open its arms initially. I was “too junior.”
Even when doors didn’t open, I built my own. Then gave others the keys.
I began from scratch. With savings from my fellowship, I bought endoscopy equipment and worked in 178 hospitals across Mumbai and India and also lots of friends. Conducted CMEs, live operative training sessions, certificate programs, trained more than 600 Gynecologist world wide and I finally contested MOGS elections and won with the **highest number of votes** for 4 consecutive times. I am grateful to all my Collegues for their whole hearted support.
“Innovation should be affordable and accessible. That is how we elevate care."
We developed Sankpal’s Modified Uterine Manipulator, an affordable innovation for safe Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, now widely used across India.
Our book, Simplified Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, was launched at FIGO 2015 Vancouver congress, & now hosted on FIGO’s official platform GLOWM for free of cost and is endorsed by Past President of FIGO Dr. Arulkumaran. We distributed books to our Colleagues and students.
“Students Who Keep Me Young”
Mentored many successful students Dr. Amit Waria, Bhagwan, Rohan, Nishad, Vikram, Amogh, Abhishek, Sanket, Anurag, Gautam, Pankaj and many more
—you keep me young you carry my legacy forward with passion.
Meanwhile I was also involved IAGE one the largest and oldest endoscopy organisation in the world and I got an opportunity to work with Pioneers in Endoscopy in India Dr Shyam Desai, Dr P K Shah, Dr Mangeshikar, late Dr Sinha, Dr Prakash Trivedi, Dr Hrishikesh, Dr Nandita, Dr Rishma.
IAGE embraced me. I rose to become its youngest President (2015–2017). Further collaborated with FOGSI, ISGE, ESGE, APAGE, and became a faculty speaker in India and 14 countries including: USA, Canada, Germany, France, China, Taiwan, Argentina, Brazil, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, Australia, and Vienna. Also made international connections and friendship all across the globe.& Met who’s who of endoscopy world. Friendship helped me upscaling my skills,
I was fortunate to work with 3 FIGO Presidents in my carrier. Dr John J Sciarra, Dr C N Purandare, Dr Shirish Sheth
In a truly unforgettable moment during the Congress, I had the rare honour of engaging in a brief conversation with the Honourable President of Taiwan. Amidst a ring of high-level security, she graciously allowed me to capture a selfie with her—a gesture that left the entire hall astonished and inspired.”
Received Honorary Member award of ESGE, in October 2017 in the hands of Dr Rudy De wild President o ESGE, first of its kind award to Indian Gynecologist. Also Received recognition from state, nation and international level bodies.
After having the rich experience in endoscopy for 15 years we created an impressive Gynecological Endoscopy Hospital named SAGE Hospital in Mumbai, a state of art facility for Gynecological laparoscopic surgeries & Diabetes care where patient’s safety is our motto.
Each & Every part of the hospital is meticulously designed considering the international standards and safety of the patient.
The smooth and efficient functioning of the hospital is a testament to the unwavering dedication of my wife, Dr. Devyani, along with our capable and committed staff. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Pankaj Lodha, Dr. Rajesh Rao, Dr. Salyankar, Dr. Jyoti Nerurkar, Dr. Dharmesh Panchal, Dr. Manohar Motwani, Dr. Rajesh Murudkar, Dr. Kartik Bhagat, and Dr. Avinash Malgaonkar for their generous support and invaluable contributions.
I worked with nearly 20 presidents of MOGS. “My Presidents are My Guides” Every MOGS President added a color to my spectrum:
Wisdom & Kindness of of Dr. Adi Dastur & Madam Nayana Dastur, Vision & Warmth of Dr. Vandana Walvekar & Dr. C.N. Purandare, Academics Dr Virkud & Dr Anahita, Inclusiveness of Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Joy of Dr. Jaydeep Tank, Softness, Meticulousness of Dr Nozer & Dr Sarita, Sincerity, Energy of Dr Suchitra & Dr Bipin Pandit, Out of Box & Global connectivity of Dr Ameet Patki, & Dr Gautam, Greatness & Gracefulness of Dr Vinita & Dr Ashwini, Calmness & Confidence of Dr Vanita & Dr Arun, Generosity of Dr Nandita, Elegance of Dr Rishma, Administration of Dr Suvarna & Dr Niranjan
As I take on the mantle of the 72nd President of MOGS, I am deeply grateful for the exceptional team walking this journey with me. Dr. Kedar Ganla, Dr. Rajendra Nagarkatti, Dr. Shailesh Kore, Dr. Geetha Balsarkar, Dr. Parikshit, Dr. Amya Purandare, Dr. Sujata Dalvi, Dr. Atul Ganatra, Dr. Reena, Dr. Sudha Tandon, Dr. Preeti, Dr. Ganapat Sawant, Dr. Mansi, Dr. Madhuri, Dr. Punit, Dr. Pradnya, Dr Priya, and Dr Pratik—each of them brings wisdom, energy, and dedication. With the strength of our Managing Comittee& Youth council, we are ready to transform our vision for MOGS 2025 into a meaningful reality because
"This isn’t a solo act. It’s an orchestra of passion and purpose."
The Year Ahead – Our theme for the year ahead-
“Precision | Protection | Progress”
Our theme is a triangle of transformation. Excellence, ethics, and elevation. This is not just a theme. It’s a commitment:
1. Precision – Reflects surgical and academic excellence.
We have a robust calendar of national and international academic and service initiatives ahead. Let us build a MOGS that is more inclusive, visionary, and globally respected.
As we embark on this exciting presidential year, the calendar of academic activities and collaborative initiatives is both ambitious and inspiring:
International Endometriosis Conclave (June 14–15, 2025)
We have planned International Endometriosis Conclave (June 14–15, 2025)
This historic two-day international event marks the first-ever collaboration between MOGS and the European Society for Gynecological Endoscopy (ESGE). Planned at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre, it will bring together global legends in endoscopy including Dr. Rudy Leon De Wilde (Past President ESGE & German Obgyn. Society), Dr. Jorg Keckstein, Dr. Herald Krentel, Dr. Rajesh Devassy, Dr. Hemantha Senanayake (President, Asian Endometriosis Society), and Dr Sven Becker. The conference will feature: Live surgeries on Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE) involving bladder, bowel, and ureters Keynote orations on Adhesion Prevention and new technological advancements. A spectrum of scientific sessions, panel discussions, and debates. This conclave will be a scientific extravaganza and a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity for every gynecologist committed to mastering endometriosis care.
FOGSI-FIGO Conference (August 2–3, 2025)
Scientific extravaganza bringing the experts from all over the world. Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, this joint national-international conference will be a feast of knowledge. It will include contributions from FIGO stalwarts and national leaders, exploring cutting-edge practices and women’s health initiatives globally. MOGS will play a prominent role in this academic celebration.
MOGS Annual Conference (December 2025)
Our flagship event returns with a focus on innovation and simplifying women’s health through modern technology. This annual academic carnival will blend tradition with futuristic perspectives in gynecology.
AMOGS 2026 – Hosted by MOGS at Jio World
After a span of 30 years, MOGS is proudly hosting annual conference of AMOGS, uniting over 2000 Gynaecologists from across Maharashtra. This landmark conference promises academic brilliance, cultural celebration, and deep fellowship. And we are thrilled that our own Dr. Ameya Purandare will be installed as the next President of AMOGS at this mega event.
Esteemed members of the Mumbai Obstetric and Gynecological Society,
Three Thematic Conferences:
Gynaecological Oncology in collaboration with Nanavati Hospital and the legendary Dr. Tongaonkar
Infections in Gynecology, conducted with the Infectious Disease Society of India (IDSI) and led by renowned ID specialist & Secretary of IDSI Dr. Vasant Nagvekar
Medico-legal Challenges in OBGYN, a must-attend for every practicing gynecologist
One day Symposiums:
A comprehensive series covering Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Infertility, and a mixed bag of practical updates, conceptualised and led by Dr. Kedar Ganla, whose dedication to academic programming is unmatched.
Teaching Initiatives:
MOGS is committed to Teaching Initiatives: through MOGS Dr. Nandita Palshetkar PG Teaching Program & MOGS N.A. Purandare Postgraduate Teaching Program
Fellowship Masterclasses:
This year we will also start certified Fellowship Masterclasses:
Hysteroscopy with hands-on simulator-based training
Intensive Laparoscopic Suturing Course with practical modules and mentoring
MOGS Outreach CMEs:
We will organise half-day CME programs in all four zones of Mumbai, targeting practical, region-specific topics that cater to general gynaecologists and specialists alike.
CSR Activities:
Because service is the soul of any organisation, we are committed to:
Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Campaigns for adolescents in municipal schools
Bone Mineral Density Camps across underprivileged communities to address women’s wellness holistically
MOGS Valour Award:
My dear colleagues we practice at our respective places fearlessly because we know there is some one dedicated, skilled and passionate sitting ready waiting for your phone call, who will rescue you at the time of crisis. They are our unsung heroes**—those who help colleagues during emergencies with no expectation, only compassion.
Together, these events define a year of unprecedented outreach, inclusivity, academic vibrancy, and global collaboration. Let us make MOGS 2025–26 a beacon of excellence.
My gratitude to:
My heartfelt gratitude to all my seniors, colleagues, and dear friends who have played an integral role in my journey over the years. A special note of thanks to Dr. Sadhana Desai, whose calm presence and unwavering support during countless endoscopic surgeries have been a source of immense strength. I am deeply indebted to Dr. Rekha Daver, Dr. Asha Dalal, and Dr. Nitin Narvekar, Dr Susan Sodder, Dr Indira Hinduja—who nurtured in me not only surgical excellence but also academic discipline and organisational vision. Each one of you is instrumental in guiding me helping me to grow. I am grateful to all of you. I wish to express my gratitude to MOGS trustees Dr C N Purandare, Dr Duru Shah, Dr Vandana Walvekar, Dr P K Shah, Dr Ajit Virkud and Dr Hrishikesh Pai.
"This presidency is not mine alone—it belongs to each one of you who stood by me, guided me, and shaped the journey that brought me here. To my mentors, seniors, colleagues, and dear friends—thank you. Your unwavering support, wise counsel, and constant encouragement have been the pillars of my growth. Every step I have taken as a gynecological endoscopic surgeon has been nurtured by your trust and friendship. I am here today not just because of my efforts, but because of the hands that lifted me, the voices that believed in me, and the hearts that walked beside me. This presidency is a reflection of all of you—and I carry it forward with deep humility, profound gratitude, and a heart full of memories."
Than you Our MOGS staff: Divyaben, Manohar, Hemant, Naresh, Mandar—our unsung heroes.
I wish to thank Mrs Urvil and Medivision team for excellent organisation.
And finally, to all of you—thank you for believing in me.
My gratitude to my dear friends & Collegues, this presidency is a reflection of all of you—and I carry it forward with deep humility, profound gratitude, and a heart full of memories." Let us journey forward with heart, with hands, and with hope.
Let MOGS not just shine—but soar.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Let’s believe, Let’s build, Let’s begin. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for standing by me. Let us write this chapter—together.
This presidency is a reflection of all of you- and I carry it forward with deep humility, profound gratitude, and a heart full of memories.
IGBM Agenda and Minutes of the Meeting
