Distinguished scholar Padmavibhushan Dr. M.S.Valiathan is one of leading figures in the arena of medicine. When Dr. M. S. Valiathan returned to India armed with degrees in surgery and biomedical science, he was entrusted the fledgling Sree Chitira Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences(SCIMS) which went on to become one of the premier healthcare institutions in the country. Similar has been his dedication in whatever work he undertook or whichever office he held. Dr. M. S. Valiathan has been former President, INSA; Ex director, SCIMS and presently is Honorary Adviser, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (Basic Medical Research) and is a Non Honorary Scientific Consultant to Principal Scientific Adviser to Govt. Of India. Padmavibhushan Dr.M.S.Valiathan, National Research Professor is the distinguished invitee to deliver the “Dr. P A Verghese Memorial Oration 2006".