Page 8 - Veritas - 02.03.22
P. 8
TWO-PART WORKSHOP ON FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY
Date: 9th and 23rd October, 2021
RESOURCE PERSONS:
• Dr. Muhammad Nasir Ahmed, Anthropologist & Assistant Professor in Yenopoya Med-
ical College.
• Dr. Akhil Shetty, Oral Pathologist and Forensic Odontologist, Yenepoya University.
• Dr. Shrivya Saloni Mahaveeran, Pedodontist, Yenepoya University.
On 9th & 23rd October 2021, The Unit of Forensic Science, Kristu Jayanti College, orga-
nized a two-part workshop on Forensic Odontology. With more than 250 participants,
the workshop was to enlighten participants about the structure of teeth, to estimate
the age of a given set of teeth, and also to write a report on the same along with rugae
analysis and lip print analysis.
Prof. Don Caeiro, Co-ordinator, Unit of Forensic Science, gave a prelude to the work-
shop where he explained what the workshop entailed, and that the workshop would
have 6 sessions with a wide variety of topics.
INAUGURAL SESSION:
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Nasir Ahmed, a renowned foren-
sic anthropologist with more than 10 years of experience in the practical aspect of
anthropology. The presidential address during the inauguration was delivered by Fr.
Augustine George, Principal, Kristu Jayanti College. The Chief Guest, Dr. Muhammad
Nasir Ahmed, proceeded to explain by using a presentation, how the fields of Forensic
Anthropology and Forensic Odontology were allied and why we need more experts in
the same. He introduced to the participants the concept of using Forensic Science in
humanitarian action using the knowledge and skills obtained from anthropology and
odontology. He also enlightened the participants about why we need Forensic Anthro-
pology and its importance in the court of law. He stated that “Forensic anthropologists
focus on the origin, in terms of evolution and the origin of the specimen given to them.”
He emphasized what forensic anthropologists do and the questions they try to answer
when they find evidence. He further described the scope of Forensic Anthropology in
India, and for students who were planning on making a career out of it, he explained
ways in which to plan their career.
