Transplantation – Beyond the Human Dimension
Xenotransplantation
Pronounced: zee-no-tran-splan-TAY-shin
The 10th edition of the Gyan Burman Oration lived up to its reputation.
Prof. David Cooper—the father of xenotransplantation, as described by Prof. Samiran Nundy—took the audience on a journey through the decades.
Prof. Samiran Nundy, the architect of Indian transplant law, introduced Prof. Cooper with his trademark dry wit. He described Prof. Cooper as someone who “outshone” him during their days at Guy’s Hospital in the post-World War II era.
Prof. Cooper enthralled the audience with Prof. Nundy’s remarkable achievements at Guy’s Hospital and later at Harvard.
What Is Xenotransplantation?
It is the transplantation of organs between species.
For example, a pig’s kidney is surgically inserted into a human body—and lo and behold—it functions just as well.
Photo: Lamassu – a mythical hybrid of a human, bird, and either a bull or a lion.
Photo: Lord Hayagriva in Indian mythology.
Is This Really Possible?
Is this for real in the modern world?
Researchers have been burning the midnight oil for decades to successfully transplant organs from animals such as chimpanzees and pigs into humans.
Some successful reports are now emerging more frequently, the latest being Mr. Slayman, who received a genetically modified pig kidney and survived.
A Future That May Not Be Far Away
Prof. Cooper, through his oration, led the audience to believe that this future is not distant.
In this future, humans can fulfil their organ needs through organs transplanted from animals.
An Evening of Inspiration
Photo: A view of the olden golden era.
The oration was interspersed with pearls of wisdom and wry British humour.
It emerged as a beacon of hope in every individual’s personal struggle.
Mr. Pradip Burman, the force behind the prestigious oration, led the proceedings.
The gathering at the annual event at the India International Centre was reminded through the words of Dr. Nundy and Dr. Cooper that age is but a number—only in the minds of the nimble human.
Book Release
The evening concluded with the release of the book:
A Record of the Teamwork and Academic Achievement of a Trust Hospital Department in India
The publication spans three volumes and is a compilation of academic publications since 1996.
Watch the Complete Proceedings
The entire proceedings of the evening can be watched here.
