

Welcome To
Coimbatore


Dear Senior members of the profession, colleagues, and postgraduates,
Pranams.
I deem it a great privilege to welcome you all to the combined meeting of Ganga Anaesthesia Refresher Course GARC and the Annual national meeting of Academy of Regional Anaesthesia of India AORA India scheduled to be held at the LeMeridian Convention Centre, Coimbatore India from the 16th to 19th July 2026. The first day of GARC is dedicated to patient safety and the sessions are under the aegis of Anaesthesia Patient Safety Forum of India APSF. We have over 70 International faculty representing all the continents, 200 plus Indian faculty sharing their expertise with the delegates
It has been the earnest desire to build the capacity and skill sets of anaesthesiologists through this conference and hence we have carefully crafted 60+ Masterclasses and 17 Workshops to be mentored by lead faculty from across the globe and India. The conference sessions have been designed with impactful and engaging sessions that would be of great clinical relevance bringing to the fore the current best practices from across the world. We would also experience Live Nerve block workshop, meet the expert session, clinician -industry dialogue, APSF oration and Dr V Ravindra Bhat Oration.
The conference has merged topics and sessions that are aimed at holistic evolution of the anaesthesiologists including Leadership Summit, Communication strategies, networking, insurance, finance management, health and wellbeing, photography, painting, promoting art and culture and yoga sessions.
We encourage all of you to present your research, audit and case reports through eposter presentations, it would be a great tool to learn from each other. We also have best paper awards, Dr J G Shanmugnathan best publication award, the very popular USG war, a vibrant quiz contest, Infographics contest, painting and photography contest.
The entire organising team is striving hard to give each one attending the conference a very enriching experience. Let us learn from each other.
We look forward to welcoming you all.
Warm regards,
Dr J Balavenkatasubramanian,
Conference Chair

Dear Faculty, Delegates, Colleagues & Friends,
Greetings from the Academy of Regional Anaesthesia of India.
On behalf of the Executive Committee of AORA and the Organising Committee of AORA 2026, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 16th National Conference of the Academy of Regional Anaesthesia of India. The conference is scheduled from July 16th to 19th, 2026, at Hotel Le Méridien, Coimbatore, under the spirited leadership of Dr. J. Balavenkatsubramanian and his team.
As AORA's mission states, we aim to teach, learn, research, and innovate regional anaesthesia across the country, empowering us to benefit our patients. Our objective is to seek affiliation with national and international associations to achieve this mission.
The conference allows us to come together to review current practices, share experiences, and engage in evidence-based discussions on how we can improve the way regional anaesthesia is delivered to enhance patient care.
Each session is intended to support clear understanding, encourage participation, and promote learning that can be applied in routine clinical work.
Thank you for being here and for contributing your time and experience.
Your involvement supports the larger goal of strengthening our field and improving the care we provide.
We look forward to a fruitful conference.
Warm regards,
Dr Javed Anwar Khan,
President, AORA India

I have had the unique honour of witnessing the steady growth of AORA INDIA with a ringside view. Over the years, fifteen annual conferences have been conducted since 2011 with a solitary focus on disseminating pertinent advances in regional anaesthesia to participating delegates by renowned national & international faculties.
The academic portfolio has been expanded to include chronic pain and POCUS applications as well. Come July 2026, the Sixteenth Annual Conference of Academy of Regional Anaesthesia of India & Ganga Anaesthesia Refresher Course (GARC) will be conducted over four days, from 16th to 19th, in the south Indian city of Combatore, with my dear friend, the much accomplished Balavenkat, as Organizing Chair.
His indomitable spirit, his tireless crusade to showcase anaesthesia education, research & practice to the world, and his meticulous attention to detail, makes this combo scientific and social spectacle not one to be missed. Several luminaries from abroad and respected faculties from India will impart knowledge to the discerning delegate in the well appointed Le Meridien Convention facility, conveniently situated close to the international airport.
As National Advisor to AORA INDIA, I am privileged to solicit your participation at the upcoming event. Please block these dates in your respective calendars !!
With warm regards,
Dr TVS Gopal,
National Advisor, AORA India

Coimbatore has established itself as a prominent hub for medical academics and conferences, attracting professionals and experts from across the country. The city's reputation for hosting successful events, such as AORA conferences, underscores its significance in the medical community.
Coimbatore, a renowned hub for medical excellence, has been a favoured destination for numerous conferences. One standout event is the Academy of Regional Anaesthesia (AORA) India, which made history in 2019 with over 1700 delegates attending its workshops, CMEs, and conferences across four days. Under the exceptional leadership of Dr. Balavenkatsubramanian and his team, AORA have consistently delivered memorable conferences.
As the current ISA President and General Secretary of WFSA, Dr. Balavenkatsubramanian is celebrated for his exceptional oration skills and dedication to academics. As Chairman of AORA, I am confident that AORA 2026 in Coimbatore will be another landmark national conference.
There are engaging sessions which will be led by esteemed keynote speakers, who will share their expertise and insights on the latest advancements in regional anaesthesia.
I cordially invite you to join us in large numbers for this networking congress. Let's come together to make it a grand success. Please save the dates and register for AORA 2026. I look forward to seeing you there!
Long live AORA!"
Sandeep Diwan
Consultant anaesthesiologist,
Sancheti Hospital Pune
Chairman AORA | Chairman CRAB |
Editor IJRA

Namaste!
The Academy of Regional Anaesthesia of India (AORA) was born from a shared vision—a group of friends coming together with a simple yet profound mission: To learn, teach, research, and innovate in the field of regional anaesthesia for the benefit of our patients.
And what a journey it has been!
From small, spirited workshops to hosting national conferences… From enthusiastic beginnings to international collaborations with sister societies… From group-based teaching to a full-fledged one-year postdoctoral fellowship programme complete with a charted curriculum, competency-based milestones, and a central exit exam—our growth has been remarkable and, in many ways, exemplary.
AORA has continually evolved with dedication and dynamism. The recently launched hybrid fellowship in collaboration with Aesculap Academy is yet another thoughtful step forward—tailored for practicing consultants who are passionate about advancing their skills but cannot commit to extended time away.
Our journal, our regular online teaching sessions, and our ever-growing network of learners and mentors are all milestones to be proud of.
A lot has been accomplished—far more awaits.
With continued enthusiasm, collaboration, and a spirit of service, AORA will keep forging ahead—impacting lives, inspiring innovation, and nurturing excellence.
Warm regards,
Prof Vrushali Ponde
Trustee, AORA India

Come July 2026, Coimbatore will witness the exciting convergence of two of India’s most esteemed anaesthesia conferences: the Ganga Anaesthesia Refresher Course (GARC) and the Academy of Regional Anaesthesia (AORA).
GARC, skillfully led by Dr. Balavenkatasubramanian J, has been a trailblazer over the past decade, offering comprehensive enrichment to the science of anaesthesia and beyond. Renowned for its impeccable organization, distinguished faculty, and integration of pertinent topics, GARC consistently delivers an unmatched experience to anaesthesiologists.
AORA, founded by a group of visionary anaesthesiologists, is dedicated to advancing the knowledge of regional anaesthesia. It has grown into one of the world’s largest societies of its kind, with its annual conference attracting stellar faculty and fostering cutting-edge discussions.
Both conferences share a common thread: they are driven by immense passion and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality education in the field of anaesthesiology.
GARC & AORA 2026 promises to be an unparalleled event, both in content and scale. Attendees can expect a dynamic blend of hands-on workshops, masterclasses, insightful lectures, and networking opportunities with global experts in every possible aspect of anaesthesiology. This collaboration will not only elevate your clinical practice but also inspire innovation and camaraderie among anaesthesia professionals, making it a landmark event for your medical conference calendar.
I sincerely welcome all of you to Coimbatore in 2026!
Dr Amjad Maniar
Immediate Past President, AORA

Dear Colleagues & Friends,
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the Academy of Regional Anaesthesia (AORA) India Conference 2026, to be held in the vibrant city of Coimbatore in July 2026.
I assure you a meticulously curated scientific program that promises to be rich in content, innovative in approach, and relevant to all levels of regional anaesthesia practice. From foundational techniques to cutting-edge advances in ultrasound and peripheral nerve stimulator-guided blocks, the conference will be a confluence of knowledge, skill-building, and interactive learning.
We aim to bring together leading national and international experts, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking panel discussions and master classes! Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a budding enthusiast, there will be something of value for everyone.
Beyond the academics, AORA is always about connection — learning from each other, sharing experiences, and growing together as a community. And what better place to do that than in Coimbatore — a city known for its warmth, culture, and hospitality!
Join us in Coimbatore for an academically invigorating and professionally enriching experience.
Looking forward to meeting you in AORA 2026!
Warm regards,
Dr Hetalkumar Vadera,
Academic Director, AORA India

Dear colleagues,
Greetings from the office of AORA. As we are leaving 2025 behind and approaching 2026, we at AORA are already planning and preparing yet another academic feast to greet the buds in your brain and heart and nurture your passion for regional anaesthesia. On behalf of AORA India, I invite you all to AORA 2026 at a place which is no less than any religious place on this planet .. Yes, you guessed it right .. We at AORA welcome you all to the Temple city of Regional Anaesthesia, Coimbatore."
Join us in mass numbers and enrich yourselves with an abundance of knowledge about Regional Anaesthesia, hear what the national and international doyens have to say and discuss your concerns...
Looking forward to meeting you at AORA 2026 at Coimbatore from 16th July 2026 to 19th July 2026... Don't miss it ...Save the dates ...
Regards
Dr Ujjwal Dudhedia Raj
General Secretary
AORA India