The pre-conference inauguration of the International Conference & Alumni Summit 2025 was held on 21st August 2025 at AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences. The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr) M S Ravi, Vice Principal, ABSMIDS.

Prof. (Dr) M S Moodithaya, Vice Chancellor, Nitte University inaugurated the pre-conference sessions and highlighted the importance of the theme - Pioneering the Path, Connecting Generations, encapsulating the spirit of the institution's journey in advancing academic knowledge and clinical practice.

Prof. (Dr) Mithra N Hegde, Principal, delivered the presidential address, setting the tone for the pre-conference workshops and scientific deliberations that followed. The Convener briefed the audience on the academic celebrations which comprised of 19 sessions spanning all specialties of dentistry, meticulously curated to bring together knowledge, skills and innovation, with over 900 registrations filling the available slots - a true testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of the students, alumni and faculty. The highlight was that every session was led by distinguished alumni, who returned not only as speakers but also as mentors and role models. The pre-conference highlighted the future of dentistry with path-breaking innovations, cutting-edge technologies and active collaborations with the dental industry. Alumni Dr. Omkar K Shetty, Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences, SGT Dental College, Hospital & Research Institute, Gurugram, Haryana and Dr. Sonali Kapoor, Dean, Manubhai Patel Dental College, Vadodara expressed their heartfelt delight at being back and participating in the conference, acknowledging the institute's continuing spirit of excellence and community.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. (Dr) Amitha Ramesh, HoD, Periodontics. The grand inauguration of the International Conference & Alumni Meet was held on 22nd August at the college. The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by an invocation rendered by Prof. (Dr) Sudipto Dutta, Former Principal, Triveni Institute of Dental Sciences, Hospital & Research Centre, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Prof. (Dr) Mithra N Hegde, Organizing Chairperson, welcomed the audience and emphasized how the conference theme reflects the journey of AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences in its pursuit of excellence in education, research and clinical practice. Releasing the Conference Souvenir, Prof. (Dr) Shantharam Shetty, Pro-Chancellor, Nitte DU spoke with pride about the legacy of the college, its remarkable journey over the decades and the strong values instilled by its founders that continue to guide generations of students and alumni. This was followed by the release of the College Magazine by the Vice Chancellor, Nitte DU.

A special segment of the program was devoted to the recognition of senior alumni, whose professional achievements and enduring association with the institution serve as inspiration for younger generations. Prof. (Dr) M S Ravi, Treasurer of the Conference, introduced the Chief Guest, Dr. Jayakara Shetty, Vice Chancellor, Bangalore University, who in his address commended the vision of the institution and its commitment to advancing dental education and research.

Delivering the presidential address, Sri N Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor, Nitte University reflected on the values and mission of the university, reiterating its dedication to excellence, service and global leadership in health sciences. The formal inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr) Shishir Shetty, Organizing Secretary.

The inaugural session was followed by "Voices of Impact" - an inspiring series of talks by distinguished alumni who shared their personal & professional journeys. In the recognition ceremony, alumni were honoured with customized sashes and mementos. The gesture was a true celebration of the enduring bond between the institution and its alumni.

The academic celebrations continued with four symposiums, each highlighting innovation & excellence in dentistry: The Prof. (Dr) Sureshchandra Shetty Memorial Colloquium on NextGen Endodontics & Restorative Strategies | The Prof. (Dr.) U S Krishna Nayak Memorial Colloquium on Precision in the Beginning: A NAM-Centered Symposium | The Prof. (Dr.) U S Krishna Nayak Memorial Colloquium on Digital Dentistry - Its Clinical Perspective | From Symptom to Solution: Shaping the Future of Oral Diagnostics and Management.

The concluding day of the International Conference & Alumni Meet 2025 was a celebration of legacy, academic excellence and alumni pride. The day was marked by the Alumni Summit and the prestigious 11th N Sridhar Shetty Endowment Lecture.

The inaugural function was followed by an invocation by Prof. (Dr) Sudipto Dutta, a proud alumnus of the batch of 1985. Prof. (Dr) Mithra Hegde welcomed the gathering. This was followed by the release of the Community Outreach Brochure by Mr. Vishal Hegde, Pro-Chancellor (Admin), Nitte DU. In his address, Mr. Vishal Hegde reiterated the university's commitment to extending dental education and oral healthcare to the community at large. The academic proceedings continued with the introduction of the N. Sridhar Shetty Endowment Lecture by Prof. (Dr) Rahul Bhandary, President of the Endowment Lecture Committee. Prof. (Dr) Chethan Hegde, HoD, Prosthodontics and Scientific Chairperson, then introduced the Chief Guest, Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Hon`ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, and distinguished alumnus from the batch of 1992. Dr. Sudhakar fondly reminisced about his time as a student at the institution while proudly acknowledging its remarkable growth and development over the years.

Delivering the presidential address, Prof. (Dr) Shantharam Shetty, Pro-Chancellor, Nitte DU, reflected on the vision, values and legacy of the institution. Prof. (Dr) Preethesh Shetty, Joint Organizing Secretary delivered the vote of thanks. The much-awaited "Voices of Impact" segment followed, where illustrious alumni took the stage to share their remarkable journeys, weaving together stories of perseverance, achievement and inspiration. Their narratives resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a reminder of the heights that AB Shetty alumni have scaled across the globe. This was followed by a recognition ceremony, where alumni from the batches of 2006 onwards were honoured in recognition of their enduring association and contributions. Complementing these celebrations were two insightful academic sessions - Dental Implants: A Periodontist's Perspective and Advances in Pediatric Restorative Dentistry. The day concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony, marking the formal close of the International Conference & Alumni Meet. The session began with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr) Manoj Shetty, HoD, Implantology, followed by the presentation of scientific awards in recognition of outstanding contributions and presentations during the conference. The Chief Guest of the Valedictory function, Dr. Sharath Shetty lauded the progress of the institution and congratulated the Organizing Committee for the resounding success of the conference. The celebrations concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vidya Ajila, HoD, Oral Medicine & Radiology & Reception Chairperson, who acknowledged the tireless efforts of the organizing team, the contributions of alumni and the enthusiastic participation of delegates that made the event a truly memorable milestone. The last day of the conference truly reflected the essence of its theme, as it honoured the legacy of the past, celebrated the achievements of the present and paved the way for the future of dental education and practice.