From science to spirituality.

“Bon Appétit – Hair India 2014” was the auspicious title of a commentary of Sundaram Murugusundram on the upcoming 3rd International Congress of Trichology, August 29-31, 2014, Chennai, in the recent issue of the International Journal of Trichology.

The same way French philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) answered Frederick Great's (1712-1786) invitation to philosophical rounds at his Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Germany, *I responded to Doctor Murugusundram “J'ai grand appétit!” (I” have a great appetite!”).

My appetite for academic, cultural and gastronomic indulgence was satisfied overall expectations. Talk about a nation that prides itself having the earliest civilizations, rich and varied cultural heritage, a glorious past, and a modern age of sophistication in education, science, and technology and you can expect the perpetuation of a great legacy [Figure 2]. India accounts for 10% of all expenditure on research and development in Asia, and the number of scientific publications grew by 45% over the past 5 years. Notably, the Hair Research Society of India reached milestones in the journey of academic pursuit with the launch of the International Journal of Trichology in 2009, which is now indexed with PubMed and gaining on impact factor, and with the establishment of the Hair India conference in 2010 with the aims of abolishing quackery in dermatology, and emphasis on the importance of the Dermato-Trichologist.

Figure 2

Picture message by Frederick the Great

Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet, 1694-1778)

I would like to convey my congratulations to Professor Patrick Yesudian, IHRS President and Chairman of Hair India, Doctor Sundaram Murugusundram, IHRS Founder Secretary and Organizing Secretary of Hair India, the National Advisory Board, and the Organizing Committee for an excellent meeting in terms of organization, science, social, cultural, and culinary events, and last but not least, the distinguished venue at the Leela Palace in Chennai.

It has been my second participation at Hair India: In 2012 at Mahabalipuram I originally proposed the IHRS to aspire for one of the upcoming World Congresses for Hair Research due to the excellent organization, attendance, science, and location. In my opinion, Hair India has not only exalted its own benchmark, but also set the benchmark for international Dermato-Trichology, thanks to both a choice of fine national and international invited speakers, and the brilliant contributions of astute young Indian scientists and clinicians with a genuine interest in the problem of hair loss on the technical level, and a genuine interest in the hair loss patient on the emotional level. Here is where Science and Spirituality meet. That's Incredible India.

*When Voltaire was the guest of Frederick the Great at Sanssouci Palace, they allegedly exchanged puzzle notes. Frederick sent a page with two picture blocks on it: Two hands below the letter P, and then the number 100 below the depiction of a handsaw, all followed by a question mark.

Voltaire replied with: Ga! Both messages were rebuses in French language: Deux mains sous Pé (two hands under P), cent sous scie (hundred under handsaw) = “demain souper, Sanssouci?” (“supper tomorrow, Sanssouci?”); reply: Gé grand A petit (big G, small a!) = “j'ai grand appétit!” (“I have a great appetite!”).