On the concluding day of Bihar Pedicon 2026, Dr Ruchira Maheshwari Gupta, national secretary general of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), delivered the ‘Dr Gopal Sharan Oration’. She outlined a historical shift in parenting, emphasizing that while the language of parenting has changed across generations, familial love remains constant.
Evolution of Parenting Styles
Dr Gupta explained that before the 1960s, grandparents raising children relied on authoritarian parenting focused on discipline. Between the 1960s and 1980s, this model transitioned to competitive, achievement-oriented parenting within emerging nuclear families. Today, parents navigate an uncertain world with emotional parenting, she added.
Modern Challenges and Solutions
She highlighted that despite digital connectivity, modern children face loneliness. She urged parents to build resilience through active listening, eye contact, physical affection, and the willingness to apologize. The goal, she said, is raising children who are disciplined yet heard, and high-achieving yet kind. She also advised pediatricians on guiding contemporary parents through digital-age challenges.
Scientific Sessions and Clinical Themes
This focus on modern developmental challenges aligned with the clinical themes of the scientific sessions. Dr Alka Singh demonstrated that physical clinical examinations remain the irreplaceable bedrock of pediatric diagnosis. Addressing critical diagnostic distinctions, Dr Praveen Kumar from Delhi explained the necessity of differentiating fainting episodes from true epileptic seizures in children to prevent unnecessary lifelong medication.
Integration of AI and Updated Protocols
Dr Jayant Prakash from IGIMS discussed the integration of AI in hospital clinical rounds, while Dr Binod Kumar Singh and Dr Rajesh Kumar presented updated protocols for managing acute pediatric seizures. The academic session concluded with discussions on pediatric cardiology and neonatal respiratory distress.
Recognition of Emerging Research
The conference recognized emerging research by awarding oral paper presentation winners Dr Ayachi Priyadarshini, Dr Ravi Kumar, and Dr Surabhi Kumari, alongside poster winners Dr Rishabh Kumar, Dr Shreya Saumya, Dr Priti Kumari, Dr Sharmistha Choudhary, and Dr Mrinal Devpriya. The competitive sessions were evaluated by several senior doctors.
Organizational Coordination
The Bihar chapter of the IAP concluded the meet by acknowledging the organizational coordination of Dr Nigam P Narain, Dr A K Jaiswal, Dr Saroj Kumar, and Dr Amit Kumar.
