JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research and JSS Hospital, Mysuru, the Department of Medical Genetics and the Department of Biochemistry, successfully organized an Awareness Program on Neuro-Muscular Dystrophy along with the Inauguration of the Multidisciplinary Neuro-Muscular Dystrophy (NMD) Clinic at the Sri Rajendra Centenary Auditorium, JSS Hospital, Mysuru. The gathering was held under the divine blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji and witnessed the gracious presence of esteemed dignitaries, academicians, clinicians, researchers, students, parents, caregivers, and representatives of parent advocacy organizations. The program commenced with a serene invocation led by Ms. Medha (B.Sc. Integrated – Medical Genetics), invoking a spiritual and reflective beginning to the proceedings. Welcome and Inaugural Proceedings The formal proceedings began with a welcome address by Dr. Akila Prashant, Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, who highlighted the vision behind establishing a structured, multidisciplinary model of care for neuromuscular disorders and emphasized the importance of integrated clinical services, genetic counselling, research, and community awareness. The stage was occupied by dignitaries including Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa (Vice-Chancellor, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research), Dr. Prashant Vishwanath (Dean – Research, JSS AHER), Suma Madam (Dean – Academics-II, JSS AHER), Dr. Akila Prashant (Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College), Dr. Narayanappa D (Principal, JSS Medical College) and, Mr. Murali (Co-Founder, BharathMD Foundation) The ceremonial Lighting of the Lamp symbolized knowledge, hope, healing, and enlightenment, marking the formal inauguration of the program. The dignitaries who addressed the gathering included: • Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa, Vice-Chancellor, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru • Dr. C. P. Madhu, Director, JSS Hospital, Mysuru • Dr. Narayanappa D, Principal, JSS Medical College, Mysuru • Mr. Murali, Co-Founder, BharathMD Foundation (a parent advocacy organization for Muscular Dystrophy, India) Each speaker emphasized the need for coordinated care, ethical counselling, early diagnosis, and lifelong support systems for individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders. Inauguration of the Multidisciplinary NMD Clinic The dignitaries including Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa (Vice-Chancellor, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research), Dr. Prashant Vishwanath (Dean – Research, JSS AHER), Suma Madam (Dean – Academics-II, JSS AHER), Dr. Akila Prashant (Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College), Dr. Narayanappa D (Principal, JSS Medical College) and, Mr. Murali (Co-Founder, BharathMD Foundation), formally inaugurated the Multidisciplinary Neuro-Muscular Dystrophy (NMD) Clinic, marking a significant institutional milestone. The Multidisciplinary Neuro-Muscular Dystrophy (NMD) Clinic was formally inaugurated as a dedicated platform for: • Early diagnosis • Genetic evaluation • Ethical and psychosocial counselling • Multidisciplinary clinical management • Family-centred care • Lifelong follow-up • Community awareness • Research integration The clinic is envisioned as a comprehensive model bringing together genetics, neurology, pediatrics, cardiology, respiratory medicine, psychology, rehabilitation, and research under one coordinated system of care. Academic and Awareness Sessions Following the inauguration, the program transitioned into the awareness and academic sessions aimed at empowering families, clinicians, students, and caregivers with scientific knowledge and clinical clarity. Expert Lectures: 1. Dr. Ashwini (Genetic Clinician, Dept of Medical Genetics, JSS Medical College) Delivered an in-depth session on: Neuromuscular Disorders in Children: The Genetics Era Her talk focused on early diagnosis, genetic screening, carrier detection, family counselling, long-term care planning, and emerging therapeutic strategies. 2. Dr. Varun Raghavan (Associate Professor, Dept of Medical Genetics, JSS Medical College) Spoke on: MUSCULAR DYSTOPHIES His session emphasized pediatric neuromuscular disorders, ethical counselling, psychosocial support, and informed family planning in long-term disease management. 3. Dr. Prince Jacob (Assistant Professor, Dept of Medical Genetics, JSS Medical College) Delivered a scientific lecture on: When Energy Fails: Understanding Neuromuscular Diseases Through Mitochondria! His talk covered clinical understanding, diagnostics, management strategies, translational research, and future therapeutic directions. Certificates of appreciation were presented to all the speakers in recognition of their valuable academic contributions. Community Engagement, Panel Discussion & Q&A Session A dedicated interactive panel discussion and Q&A session enabled parents, caregivers, clinicians, students, and scholars to engage directly with the experts. The panel discussion was led by distinguished faculty and clinicians, including Dr. Deepa Bhat, Dr. Akila Prashant, Dr. Ashwini, Dr. Varun Raghavan, and Dr. Prince Jacob, who collectively addressed clinical, genetic, ethical, and psychosocial dimensions of neuromuscular. During this session, parents openly shared their personal perspectives, lived experiences, challenges, concerns, and hopes, making the discussion deeply meaningful, emotionally resonant, and community-centered. This interaction created a powerful platform for dialogue, mutual understanding, trust-building, and shared learning between families and healthcare professionals, reinforcing the clinic’s vision of family-centred, participatory, and compassionate care. Vote of Thanks The program concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Deepa Bhat, Genetic Counselor, Professor & Head, Department of Anatomy, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, who acknowledged the support of the institution, faculty, clinicians, students, BharathMD Foundation, volunteers, and all contributors who made the program successful. Conclusion The Awareness Program and the inauguration of the Multidisciplinary NMD Clinic mark a significant milestone in strengthening neuromuscular care services at JSS Hospital, Mysuru. The initiative reflects JSS institutions’ commitment to compassionate healthcare, scientific excellence, ethical practice, and lifelong support for individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders. The program stands as a strong foundation for future clinical services, research integration, community awareness, and collaborative partnerships in the field of rare and neuromuscular diseases.