CHANDIGARH, 23.02.25-The 15th India Probiotic Symposium on “Celebrating the Science of Gut Microbiota and Probiotics” an Initiative of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh and the Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Science Foundation (India) was inaugurated by distinguished stalwarts on 22nd February 2025. Prof. G.P. Talwar (Former Director, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi) Prof. S.K. Dash (Chairman, Kalinga Hospitals, Bhubaneswar), Prof R.K. Ratho (Dean, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER),Prof. Neelam Taneja ( Prof. and Head, Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh) and Dr. Neerja Hajela (General Secretary, Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Science Foundation (India) graced the occasion. Dr GP Talwar and Dr SK Dash received life time achievements awards for their contribution to probiotic science and research.

This two-day symposium has brought experts from India and overseas on a common platform to share the latest developments in gut microbiota and probiotic science. A large number of young researchers, students, seasoned scientists, clinicians participated in this event.
The first day of the symposium brought to light some fascinating new findings of the tremendous potential of the gut microbiota to influence a range of disorders which included gastrointestinal, Metabolic and immune disorders. Not only that new research has shown that the breast milk and the intrauterine cavity are not sterile and are bathed in microbes. The type and kind microbes in these so thought of sterile areas can influence pregnancy outcomes, complications and the health of the newborn. The first day of the symposium put spotlight on complex mechanisms by which these gut microbes act and influence different diseases like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmunity, cancer, mental health and even sleep disorders. Deeper insights were provided on the important role of the gut microbiota in triggering appropriate immune response, to enteric infections and vaccines, exploring the tri connection between gut microbiota, obesity and cancer vulnerability. The discussions included use of Faecal Microbiota Transplants, which is typically transplanting the gut microbes from a healthy person to a diseased recipient, which is a revolution for treatment of Clostridium difficile infection and is being explored as an effective tool in Multiple Sclerosis and Anti-Microbial Resistance. The presentations also explored the benefits of interventions like synbiotics, in preventing infectious complications, in critically ill patients, and delve into newer areas of the connection between gut microbiota, probiotics, maternal and newborn health

The talks highlighted that it was quite likely that the pathogenesis of some of the major unresolved public health issues, burdening our health care system, for years and affecting our future generations like anaemia, malnutrition, stunting and diarrhoea, could be linked to the gut microbiome.
The advancements in technology like 16S to whole-genome sequencing, has tremendously increased our understanding of the role these microbes play, in health and disease, much more effectively.

We are sure the deliberations and learnings will reach far and wide, to researchers, health care professionals, policy makers, and we are looking forward to a successful second day of the symposium where science and policy are developed, and scientific discourse happens.