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Amrita Hospital, Kochi hosted the 15th Indian National Brain Bee, a prestigious neuroscience contest, on May 18th and 19th, 2024. This event, a culmination of the efforts of the Indian National Brain Bee, Amrita Hospital, Kochi and the Kerala Association of Neurologists (KAN), aimed to foster greater awareness among youth about the challenges and opportunities in neuroscience.

The Brain Bee competition, targeting students with exceptional credentials in biology and an interest in healthcare careers, is conducted at regional, national, and international levels. India, with a history of strong performances in the IBB, prepared to reclaim the championship title at the international level, scheduled to be held online in Washington DC, USA, in the first week of October 2024.

Thirteen regional finalists from different cities across the country participated in the national championship at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. The event was chaired by Dr. Vinayan K P, Professor and Head of Pediatric Neurology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. Dr. Haridas V.T, Consultant Neurologist at Elite Mission Hospital, Thrissur, served as the Quiz Master, with visiting neurologists from various parts of the country acting as judges.

The program was inaugurated by Dr. Prem Nair, Group Director of Amrita Hospitals. The prize distribution ceremony, held on May 19th, 2024, at Holiday Inn Cochin, featured CA. Venugopal C Govind, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kochi, as the invited chief guest. Sri Venugopal expressed his happiness in being part of the Brain Bee program, highlighting its unique role in attracting Indian youth to the field of neuroscience.

The first day of the event featured training sessions in various segments of neurosciences by esteemed specialists, including:

  • Keynote Lecture by Dr. Mathew Abraham, HOD, Dept. of Neurology, Aster Medicity, Kochi
  • Common Neurological Diseases by Dr. Vinayan K.P., HOD, Dept. of Pediatric Neurology, Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi
  • Advances in Neurosurgery by Dr. Ashok Pillai, Clinical Professor, Dept. of Neurosurgery, Amrita Hospital, Kochi
  • Common Psychiatric Diseases by Dr. Bindu Menon, HOD, Dept. of Psychiatry, Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi
  • Neurophysiology by Prof. Saraswathy L., HOD, Dept. of Physiology, Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi
  • Neuro-Anatomy by Prof. Minnie Pillay, HOD, Dept. of Anatomy, Amrita School of Medicine, Kochi
  • These sessions were followed by an anatomy lab visit and hands-on learning.

The competition day, May 19th, comprised four challenging stages: an oral quiz, a patient-doctor simulation, brain part identification, and a written test. The cumulative scores determined the winners.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 15th Indian National Brain Bee:

  • 1st Prize: Shreshtha Pottabathini, a plus two student of Kishanchand Chellaram College, Mumbai
  • 2nd Prize: Artreya Venkatachalam, National Public School, Bengaluru
  • 3rd Prize: Sunhrit Pyaria, Delhi Public School, Kolkata

Shreshtha Pottabathini, the champion, received a trophy, a laptop, a certificate, and the honor of representing India at the 26th International Brain Bee finals in October.

Amrita Hospital congratulates all participants and winners for their outstanding performance and dedication to neuroscience.