An annual tribute to the visionary radiologist, academician, and former Director of Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Padma Shri Dr Kakarla Subba Rao— the Endowment Lecture 2026 was held on 9 February 2026 at the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Kallam Anji Reddy campus in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. This prestigious oration series was instituted to honour Dr Subba Rao’s remarkable legacy towards Indian medical excellence. His life’s work continues to motivate generations of clinicians and researchers, and the annual lecture stands as a reflection of his commitment to advancing medical knowledge for societal good.
This year’s lecture was delivered by Dr Prem Subramanian, a globally respected neuro-ophthalmologist and the Clifford R and Janice N Merrill Chair in Ophthalmology at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, University of Colorado. Dr Subramanian holds professorships in Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery and serves as Vice Chair for Academic Affairs at the institution. Dr Subramanian spoke on “Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)”, a condition increasingly observed in astronauts during long-duration space missions.
He shed light on:
- The visual and neurological changes experienced in microgravity
- Emerging research linking SANS to alterations in intracranial pressure
- Challenges in diagnosing and monitoring ocular changes in space
- Implications for future human space exploration, including missions to Mars
- And, the potential applications of SANS research in understanding terrestrial neuro-ophthalmic conditions
The presentation captured the audience with its blend of cutting-edge science, aerospace medicine, and clinical relevance (showcasing how neuro-ophthalmology is expanding beyond Earth to address the needs of spacefaring humans)
The lecture attracted clinicians, researchers, academicians, and students from across disciplines. A virtual participation option enabled wider engagement, allowing attendees to join from various institutions. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, followed by high tea and networking.
The event also reflected on the extraordinary life of Dr Kakarla Subba Rao (1925–2021), whose career spanned more than five decades across India and the United States. From excelling in radiology training in New York and Baltimore to rebuilding NIMS into a premier medical institute, his contributions were transformative. As the founder‑president of the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and a prolific author, editor, and educator, he left an indelible mark on medicine and community leadership. His guiding philosophy— 'I pass through this life only once; let me do the maximum good to the largest number of people.' continues to inspire the annual lecture series.
