APLAR Journal of Rheumatology 2003; 6: 107

©Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology

Blackwell Publishing Ltd.COMMEMORATIVE ARTICLE40th anniversary of APLAR

40th anniversary of APLAR: happy birthday!

In the year 1963 a few rheumatologists from Asia andAustralasia came together and formed an organizationcalled SEAPAL (South-east Asia and Pacific Area League).These founding fathers then held the first ever SEAPALCongress at the famous Taj Mahal Hotel in Bombayorganized by the late Dr M. M. Desai who was thenthe President of the Indian Rheumatism Association(IRA). He later became the President of SEAPAL in the year1972. I had the privilege to know him personally in myyouth. In fact, he lived right across from my house on thesame street and I had many interactions with him. In a way,all this helped me to become a rheumatologist. Today, as Ihave the honour to be the President of APLAR, I owe a debtof gratitude to him and to many senior leaders in APLARsuch as Dr Ray Robinson, Dr Ken Muirden, Dr Tito Torralba,Dr P. H. Feng, Dr John Darmawan, Dr Mongkol Vatanasukand others who I came to know very well.

It would have been ideal for APLAR to hold an inter-national symposium in our region some time this year.On careful evaluation this was considered unfeasible inview of the geographical distances which separate us andalso due to the high travel cost involved. So it was decided,instead, to bring out a special issue of the APLAR Journalof Rheumatology. Nothing would be more befitting thanto gather the reminiscences and views of the past-presidentsof APLAR. Most of the past-presidents responded, andthis is exactly how this issue has been presented to youunder the very able editorship of Professor P. H. Feng.

What makes APLAR different from other regional leagues?Its wide geographical size, its largest population, its diversityand heterogeneity – multilingual, multireligious, multi-cultural. So what brings us together in APLAR? Our com-mon cause to fight rheumatic diseases with all our might!

Yet, there are countries where rheumatology servicesdo not exist at all. So we must take bold initiatives and

organize CME programs in some of these countries,form new societies and bring them into the fold ofAPLAR and expand the size of APLAR. COPCORDprojects were earlier the most significant contributionAPLAR made to the world and this exercise will con-tinue in developing countries. Our special interestgroups are getting active and when invigorated still fur-ther, should generate significant information and data.APLAR congresses, in my humble view, are the mostdelightful and enjoyable in the world with a stimulat-ing scientific content and memorable social events.

Whereas APLAR will continue its cordial relationswith ILAR and sister regional leagues, the message ofthe General Assembly in Bangkok was very clear: ‘LETUS STRENGTHEN APLAR EVEN FURTHER’. At no timemust we compromise the dignity and honour of APLARin its international relations. The best way to enrich thetradition of APLAR is to work actively through our stand-ing committees and special interest groups, enliveninteraction within our member nations, contribute tothe APLAR Journal of Rheumatology and make it visibleon our desks and in our libraries, give prominence toAPLAR in national society conferences and participateactively in large numbers in APLAR congresses.

The September 2004 APLAR Congress on Jeju Island,south of South Korea, should be remarkable and Iwould urge one and all of you to try and come andmake APLAR even stronger.

In this 40th year of APLAR I wish one and all of youhappy rheumatology endeavours that will bring rewardsto you professionally and personally at all times.

HERE IS WISHING APLAR MANY HAPPY RETURNS!

Prakash K. PISPATI

President, APLAR