News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (November 1, 2025 - November 7, 2025) November 7, 2025 16 Community Tributes To Dr. Navin Nanda, A Pioneer In Echocardiography, Pour In Devotees Observe Chhath Mahaparv In New Jersey D r. Navin Nanda, former AAPI President and Incorporator, is renowned for his pioneering contributions in adult echocardiography but what is less well known he is also a pioneer in pediatric and fetal echocardiography. Recently, the Dr. Navin Nanda Echocardiographic and Vascular Training Academy established in the Phil- ippines. took in its inaugural class of students. The Academy was established by Dr. Arnold Pasia from Philippines who worked as a trainee under Dr. Navin Nanda. Dr. Pasia also named his son who was born in Birmingham, Alabama during his training, as Navin Pasia out of respect for Dr. Navin Nanda. The son, Navin Pasia recently graduated in medicine in the Philippines. Considered as ‘Father of Echocardiography/Modern Echocardiography” by over 70 prestigious institutions around the world Dr. Nanda was recently featured in the American Society of Echocardiography Magazine in an article titled “Fifty Years of Progress in Pediatric and Congenital Echocardiography: FromThoseWho Started It All.” He was recognized for his pioneering contributions in not only pediatric but also fetal echocardiography. The article cited, “Dr. Navin Nanda has been involved in many of the biggest advances in the field of echocar- diography over the last 50 years,” a press release from Dr. Nanda quoted. The discovery and identification of the pulmonary valve by his group in 1972 heralded a new era in pedi- atric echocardiography. The first outcome was the diag- nosis of a deadly congenital heart condition in newborn babies in which the main arteries originating from the heart are located in an abnormal position. Correct and rapid diagnosis by echocardiography resulted in saving lives of these ‘’blue babies’’ since corrective treatment could be instituted in a timely manner. Another watershed was the identification of congeni- tal bicuspid aortic valve by his group. The first introduc- tion of color Doppler echocardiography in the United States in 1984 in his Laboratory at the University of Alabama in Birmingham represented another revolu- tion in echocardiography. This technique, which shows blood flows in the heart resulted in the detection and severity of leaks from heart valves and shunt lesions in both adults and children. In 1982, Deb Maulik and Dr. Nanda, for the first time, used pulse Doppler and color Doppler flow imaging as well as three-dimensional echocardiography to identify heart disease in the fetus. Dr. Nanda’s group also invented treadmill exercise echocardiography, which is extensively used in the as- sessment of coronary artery disease in adults. Dr. Nanda is also credited with pioneering the use of echocardiography in cardiac pacing and electrophysiol- ogy as well as introducing pulse Doppler echocardiog- raphy in mainland China and many newer applications of echocardiography in India. Dr. Nanda and his group, for the first time, clinically introduced and showed the usefulness of three-dimensional transesophageal echo- cardiography. In this technique, the ultrasound probe is inserted in the food pipe of a patient and this modality is most used and actually essential during many heart surgeries as well as corrective procedures used in the cardiac catheterization laboratory avoiding open heart surgery.. Dr. Nanda has published over 1,000 publications and 13 books on echocardiography and cardiology including the largest book on echocardiography. T he Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) hosted the celebration of Chhath Ma- haparv at Papaianni Park, Edison, New Jersey, where the Indian-American community came together to honor the Sun God (Surya Dev) and Chhathi Maiya. Around 40 Vratis (devotees) observed the fast which is considered sacred, and performed Sandhya Arghya (evening offering), while over 700 members of the community gathered to witness and take part in the rituals. The park was filled with devotion as families sang traditional songs, lit diyas, and of- fered Thekua and fruits while standing in the holy water. Among the devotees, nine Vratis walked in together, carrying baskets of offer- ings on their heads — a symbolic gesture reflecting the deep-rooted traditions of Bihar and Jharkhand. BJANA President Sanjeev Singh thanked all volunteers, saying, “The en- ergy among the community this year was truly inspiring. I thank every volunteer for their tireless efforts in organising such a meaningful event that brought everyone together like one family.” BJANAVice President Priti Kashyap shared her sentiments, adding, “This festival takesus back to our roots in Bihar and Jharkhand. It revives our childhood memories and connects us deeply to nature. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated volunteers and the continued support fromMayor Sam Joshi and the Township of Edison.” Alok Kumar, Chairman of Bihar Foundation USA East Coast Chapter, also shared his heartfelt reflection, stating, “When Sharda Sinha’s songs play during Chhath, it feels exactly like being back on the ghats of Bihar and Jharkhand. The feeling is beyond words — it’s like reliving those sacred moments with our families and our soil.” The event was marked by enthusiastic participation from children and youth, who helped with rituals, sang traditional hymns, and learned about the festival’s connection with nature and gratitude. -ANI By a StaffWriter By Reena Bhardwaj PHOTO:navinnandamd.com PHOTO:CourtesyDr.Nanda PHOTOS:ANI Renowned cardiologist Dr. Navin Nanda receiving AAPI Lifetime Achievement Award. . Devotees perform rituals during Chhath puja in New Jersey. Inauguration of the Dr. Navin Nanda Echocardiographic and Vascular Training Academy. Seen on left is Dr. Arnold Pasia. Gathering of devotees for the Chhat Mahaparv hosted by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America.