Dear Colleagues,

It is both a privilege and a great responsibility to serve as the 67th President of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG). I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence our esteemed members have placed in me, and I look forward to working with them to further strengthen our Society.

Over the past 66 years, ISG has evolved as the premier academic organization representing gastroenterology and allied sciences in India. The vision and mission of ISG are to promote excellence in education, disseminate knowledge, train professionals, foster research collaborations, build capacity, and liaise with the government to solicit support for its objectives. Thanks to vision and the tireless efforts of the stalwarts who established the Society and guided it over the past seven decades, our Society has become a robust, trustworthy, and respected scientific body, recognized worldwide for its academic, educational, and research activities. Today, with over 4,600 gastroenterologists and allied professionals as members, ISG is the leading voice of GI healthcare in India.

As we look ahead, 2026 marks a truly historic milestone for the Indian GI fraternity. For the first time, ISG, along with our sister societies INSAL, IPC, CCFI, and INMA will host the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG 2026) in partnership with the World Gastroenterology Organisation WGO, from 30 September to 3 October 2026 in New Delhi.

WCOG 2026 promises to be a landmark scientific event, bringing together leading experts, researchers, clinicians, and young minds from across the globe. It will provide an unparalleled platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing innovation, fostering collaboration, and highlighting India's growing contributions to gastroenterology and hepatology. Let us come together and make this congress a great success and a matter of pride for Indian Gastroenterology.

As the President of ISG, I will strive to further ISG's strategic goals by raising the bar for quality education in Gastroenterology, networking with key GI societies globally, helping build capacity in resource-limited countries, and offering our members significant opportunities to pursue their academic dreams. I am confident that with our collective efforts and dedication, ISG will continue its upward trajectory and become one of the most respected GI societies in the world.

Wishing you all the very best,

Dr. Pramod Garg
‍President
Indian Society of Gastroenterology