Dear Esteemed Colleagues, Respected Teachers, Friends and Young Bronchologists,
Greetings!

It is with immense humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept the privilege of serving as the President of the Indian Association for Bronchology.

I sincerely thank every member of our association for the trust and confidence bestowed upon me. This honour belongs not only to me but to every teacher, colleague and student who has walked with me throughout my journey in Interventional Pulmonology.

The Indian Association for Bronchology has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic scientific organizations, committed to excellence in education, research, innovation and patient care. Today, Interventional Pulmonology is no longer a niche specialty—it is at the forefront of modern respiratory medicine, transforming the diagnosis and treatment of complex thoracic diseases through minimally invasive procedures.

Having devoted my professional life to advancing bronchoscopy and interventional pulmonology, introducing and refining new techniques, and contributing to the development of national guidelines, I strongly believe that our greatest achievements still lie ahead. The future belongs to those who innovate, collaborate and continuously challenge existing boundaries.

As President, my vision is built upon five important pillars:

Education: Creating world-class educational opportunities through structured hands-on workshops, simulation-based learning, fellowships and digital education platforms.

Innovation: Encouraging indigenous research, development of newer bronchoscopic techniques, and adoption of emerging technologies including robotic bronchoscopy, advanced navigation systems, artificial intelligence and precision medicine.

Guidelines & Standardisation: Developing evidence-based national guidelines and consensus statements that will help standardize interventional pulmonary practice across the country while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety.

Research: Promoting multicentric clinical research, registries and collaborative scientific projects that will enable India to contribute significantly to global respiratory science.

Young Leadership: Mentoring the next generation of interventional pulmonologists by providing equal opportunities, leadership training and academic encouragement. Our young members are the future strength of IAB, and investing in them is investing in the future of our specialty.

India possesses extraordinary clinical experience, exceptional talent and enormous patient diversity. Together, these strengths can position our country as a global leader in Interventional Pulmonology. Let us not merely adopt innovations from around the world—let us create innovations that the world adopts from India.

I envision the Indian Association for Bronchology becoming an internationally respected academic organization, collaborating with leading respiratory societies across the globe while proudly showcasing Indian expertise and scientific excellence.

None of these aspirations can be achieved by an individual alone. Success will depend upon the collective wisdom, experience and enthusiasm of every member of our association. I invite each one of you to actively participate, contribute ideas, undertake research, mentor young colleagues and help shape the future of our specialty.

I express my sincere appreciation to all the past Presidents, Governing Council members and senior mentors whose dedication has laid the strong foundation upon which we continue to build. Their vision has transformed IAB into the respected organization it is today.

To our younger colleagues, I offer this message: remain curious, remain compassionate, never stop learning, and always remember that every technological advancement ultimately exists to improve the lives of our patients.

As we embark upon this new journey together, let us reaffirm our commitment to excellence, ethical practice, innovation and compassionate patient care.

Together, let us make the Indian Association for Bronchology not only the leading scientific society in India but one of the most respected bronchology organizations in the world.

Our bronchoscopes illuminate the airways, but our vision must illuminate the future of Interventional Pulmonology.
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Together, let us innovate, educate, inspire—and lead the world through Indian excellence in Bronchology.”

Thank you once again for your trust, your friendship and your support.

With warm regards,
Dr. Rakesh Chawla
President
Indian Association for Bronchology

Dearest IAB Family 💕

It is both a privilege and a pleasure to continue serving as the Honorary Secretary of the Indian Association for Bronchology for a second term. I am truly grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. As we embark on this new chapter together, I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have created and taking our Association to even greater heights.

The greatest strength of IAB has always been its people. It is immensely gratifying to witness our IAB family continue to grow, welcoming an ever-increasing number of pulmonologists who are united by a shared passion for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology. This vibrant and expanding community inspires us to continuously evolve and create newer opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development.

Academic excellence remains the cornerstone of IAB. Through initiatives such as the IAB IP Fellowships, structured Certification Courses, regular webinars, hands-on workshops, and interactive scientific discussions, we strive to provide meaningful educational experiences that strengthen procedural expertise while promoting evidence-based practice, innovation, and lifelong learning.

I am equally delighted to see our Journal, the Annals of Interventional Pulmonology (AIP) making remarkable progress. With three successful issues already published, the journal has had an excellent beginning and is steadily emerging as a respected platform for original research, clinical insights, and scientific exchange. It is encouraging to see more of our members contributing to the growing body of literature in our speciality.

Our Association is also becoming increasingly connected with the global interventional pulmonology community. The growing number of IAB–WABIP Dual Members reflects this enthusiasm for international collaboration and learning. Through Travel Grants to the WABIP World Congress, we are proud to support our members in presenting their research on an international stage, showcasing the remarkable work being carried out in India while fostering global academic partnerships.

In addition, IAB continues to endorse several prestigious national and international academic programmes each year. These collaborations not only enrich the scientific content available to our members but also strengthen the Association's role as a trusted partner in advancing education and excellence in Interventional Pulmonology.

As our speciality continues to advance, so must we. Our vision remains to create an Association where every member—whether a young trainee or a seasoned interventionist—finds opportunities to learn, teach, innovate, and inspire. By nurturing talent, encouraging research, embracing new technologies, and strengthening collaborations, I am confident that we will continue to shape the future of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology together.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member, mentor, and well-wisher for your unwavering support and enthusiasm. Every milestone achieved by IAB is a reflection of our collective efforts. I look forward to another exciting journey with all of you as we continue to grow, inspire, and uphold the highest standards of patient care, education, and scientific excellence.

Warm Regards,
Dr. Amita Nene
Hon Secretary IAB.