Dr P Satishchandra, director and vice chancellor, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) has been chosen for this year’s Karnataka Rajyotsava award for his efforts in the field of neurology.

On November 1, Karnataka observes the Rajyotsava Day to commemorate its statehood. On the occasion, the Karnataka government recognises the efforts of its citizens in the field of medicine, information technology, science, education,  literature, music, sports and theatre by giving away the Rajyotsava Prashasti or Award which is the second highest civilian honour of Karnataka after Karnataka Ratna. The awards are presented in Bengaluru by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Dr Satishchandra who took over as director in 2010, brought in India’s first dedicated helium re-condensation plant to operate its magneto encephalography (MEG) technology at the NIMHANS campus in Bengaluru. Helium’s main commercial application is in the MRI scanners. He is now working to set up a National Poly Trauma centre at its second campus in the city. He went to ensure the establishment of radiopharmaceutical or isotopes production facility in campus. Besides, he also put in place a strategy to pursue its research and therapy in neurodegenerative diseases, a psycho-neuro patient rehabilitation centre with the Union government’s XII Plan grant of Rs.950 crore for the period between 2012 and 2017.

He also ensured teaming up with teamed up with international universities like the University of Liverpool in the UK and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University in Netherlands to train and generate access to medical professionals specialising in neuro psychiatry.

The NIMHANS director’s fields of interest encompass Epilepsy, Electroencephalography and Evoked Potentials, Neuroepidemiology and Neuro Infections including Neuro-AIDS. He has conducted original research in various aspects of Epilepsy including ‘Hot Water Epilepsy’ and in the area of Neuro-AIDS, which has been recognised nationally and internationally.

He has been the Principal Investigator of research on ‘Longitudinal Neurological Progression of HIV 1& HIV 2’, a prestigious RO-1 grant from NIH, USA. Designing/development of ‘Comprehensive Epilepsy Surgery’ programme at NIMHANS forms another notable feat.