The year 1978 remains etched in the collective memory of the Bombay Orthopaedic Society. It was the year when one of its own, Dr. K. T. Dholakia, ascended to the distinguished office of President of the Société Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie (SICOT). For every member of the Society, his achievement was not merely a personal milestone; it was a moment of national pride, a reflection of how far Indian orthopaedics had come, and a testament to the quiet determination of a generation that built with vision and conviction.

At the felicitation ceremony held in his honour, the hall resonated with admiration and affection. In that warm gathering of peers, colleagues, and students, a simple yet profound idea took root; to create a lasting tribute to Dr. Dholakia’s commitment to learning and science. Thus, was born the K. T. Dholakia Lecture, to be delivered every alternate year on a subject rooted in the basic sciences related to orthopaedic surgery.

It was more than an academic gesture; it was a symbol of respect, gratitude, and posterity. With this, WIROC evolved beyond being just a conference; it became a tradition; one that celebrated wisdom, mentorship, and the spirit of unity.

Through the years, the Dholakia Lecture has come to represent what WIROC truly stands for - a blend of science and soul, intellect and inspiration, where every session carries the echoes of those who dreamed big and paved the way for generations to follow.

September 1980 remains a landmark year in the history of the Bombay Orthopaedic Society. It was then that the Society hosted the Silver Jubilee Conference of the Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA); an event that would forever change the landscape of orthopaedic meetings in India.

In those days, the IOA annual meetings were modest gatherings, decided quietly at the AGM by a handful of senior members, with little fanfare or competition for hosting. Though as many as seven BOS members had served as IOA Presidents, none had brought the meeting to Mumbai. That changed when Dr. L. N. Vora, with his characteristic foresight and determination, extended an invitation to host the Silver Jubilee conference in the city. The responsibility was his and his alone and he embraced it with meticulous precision.

Dr. Vora was a master planner. Within days, every detail had taken shape - the venue, delegate accommodation, transport, academic programme, and even entertainment were perfectly mapped out. The chosen venue was none other than the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, standing proudly by the Gateway of India, a fitting symbol of elegance for such a historic occasion.

The scientific programme was of an unprecedented calibre, featuring legendary names such as Maurice Müller, Merle d’Aubigné, Michael Wroblewski, W. J. W. Sharrard, and C. S. Ranawat. For the first time, Indian orthopaedics witnessed an event that matched international standards, in both science and sophistication.

After days rich in academic exchange, evenings unfolded in the classic charm of Bombay. Delegates enjoyed a harbour cruise, serenaded by live music, with exquisite food and warm camaraderie. The Silver Jubilee dinner at the Taj was a regal sit-down affair, elegantly served by liveried waiters, attended by impeccably dressed guests, and graced by the presence and participation of the members’ wives, who played a vital role in orchestrating the social events.

Each delegate carried home not just memories, but also a silver coin specially struck to mark the occasion a token that came to symbolise a milestone moment in Indian orthopaedic history.

The 1980 Silver Jubilee Conference did more than celebrate a milestone; it transformed the very ethos of orthopaedic meetings in India. It set a new benchmark in organisation, academic excellence, and hospitality, one that continues to inspire every WIROC and IOA conference even today.