"Half a Century of Evolution of Neonatology: A Witness's Story" : Dr. K. C. Chaudhuri Lifetime Achievement Award Oration Delivered at AIIMS, New Delhi on 7th September 2014.

Lifetime achievement awards are awarded to recognize contributions during the career of an individual, rather than for a single or multiple contributions of a person in his/her field of specialty. I am highly honored being the recipient of the Dr. K. C. Chaudhuri Lifetime Achiement Award Oration. The award for me is significant for several reasons: First being associated with legendary figure such as Dr. Chaudhuri, secondly being recognized by my fellow Indian colleagues. Finally, it also marks half a century of my experience in development of subspecialty of neonatology in US. Some fifty and odd years ago, as an young novice from India I joined the mainstream of this evolution, thanks to my professors and mentors in US and thanks to America, the land of opportunity. During this odyssey, I met many great men and women of science and intellect, saw great scientific discoveries, many innovations, combined with social changes that led to significant reduction of neonatal mortality rates in the industrialized Western countries. I also saw the “Globalization” of “Modern Neonatology” in which I participated with vigor; thus, improving the newborn care in four corners of the world. I am proud that I had the opportunity to contribute a little to growth of neonatology in US and outside the US. This is the story of my professional life. The message of my life story for the younger generation is : Dream big, never give up your dreams. Hardwork, maintaining your integrity, and honesty are the three precepts that will define your character and you will be rewarded in the long run.