The 77th Annual Conference of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI), popularly known as AOICON 2026, is organized from January 8-11, 2026, at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata.

For otolaryngologists—super specialty physicians who treat and prevent disorders of the ear, nose, and throat—AOI is the biggest forum in India. One of the most important international summits, AOICON 2026, will draw about 4000 participants from nearly every state in India as well as from other countries, such as the UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, Gulf countries, and other European nations.

The inauguration event saw the presence of Arup Raha, ex-Air Chief Marshal, Sushmita Sen, ex-Miss Universe, Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee, National President of AOI, Dr. Shankar Medicari, past National President, Dr. Yogesh Debholkar, Dr. Utpal Jana, Organizing Chairman and President of AOI West Bengal, Dr. Snehashis Barman, Organizing Secretary of AOICON 2026, and Dr. Soumendra Nath Bandopadhyay, among others.

Four senior and legendary ENT specialists – Dr. Dulal Bose, Dr. Vijayendra, Dr. Devindra Raj, and Dr. Arunabha Sengupta – were felicitated with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the event.

The Indian Guideline for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis and the Medico-Legal Guide for the Treatment of ENT Diseases were also released on the dais, together with a souvenir.

Vertigo and cosmetic facial surgery are two other important conference themes. A pioneer in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Ullash Raghavan, has come from the UK to conduct a workshop on this topic.

During the four-day scientific lectures and workshops, there are also talks and training sessions on the most recent and cutting-edge therapies for various ENT illnesses.

Priyanka Dutta