Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural issue of the IRA e-Newsletter under our dynamic new editorial team led by Dr Subramanian Ramaswamy as Editor-in-Chief. This marks the beginning of a vibrant academic journey—contemporary, inclusive, and forward-looking.

The table of contents reflects the intellectual diversity and clinical depth of Indian rheumatology. From the ever-challenging “The never ending saga of TB vs Sarcoidosis – Newer Insights” to “The IgG4 Trap – What’s not IgG4RD?”, and from “AVN – Think Phenotypes, Not Just the Stages” to the evolving science in “Approaching the dreaded MAS in 2026 – From recognition to targeted treatment,” this issue blends practical wisdom with cutting-edge thought.

Our new segments signal exciting directions. RheumaLexicon introduces trending terminology and therapeutic advances. AI – Current Applications and Future Roles of AI in Rheumatology reminds us that the future is already here. Rheuma BITES adds creativity through puzzles, poetry, and visual learning. RheumaIndia highlights impactful publications from our country, while RheumaConnect showcases the East Zone’s legacy and vision.

We are proud to feature institutional perspectives through RheumaRoots , reflections from stalwarts in RheumaLegends—with      Prof AN Malaviya inaugurating the section—and an important discourse on transition care in “Bridging the Gap – Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology” by Prof Surjit Singh.

This newsletter is more than a publication; it is a platform for connection, scholarship, and inspiration. I invite every member to contribute, critique, and collaborate as we strengthen the academic voice of Indian rheumatology together.

With warm regards,
Prof Aman Sharma
President, IRA