2016 – 2022

Fifth presidency

Sr. Dr. Beena UMI

← History overview

President’s reflection

It is said that life is a mysterious journey! Exactly this was my experience on 27 January 2016, when something unexpected happened in my life. It was a very humbling experience for me to be elected as the National President of SDFI. For a moment, I stood still not knowing how and where to begin. Then I heard a whisper from within: “Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established.” (Proverbs 16:3) Trusting in these words, I said “Yes” as I accepted this new responsibility.

Glancing back over those years, I can vividly see the guiding hand of the Divine Healer leading SDFI as it grows steadily and moves forward. It fills me with immense satisfaction and contentment to have been at the service of SDFI.

  • December 2016

    New project — cancer prevention in women

    The presidency began with a new focus: prevention of cancers in women through screening and early detection.

  • July 2017

    FCRA approval

    After five years of waiting, SDFI received FCRA approval — a moment of joy, relief, and gratitude. Sr. Dr. Lucian SCC (Past President) and Mr. Roger Cyril worked incessantly toward this outcome; their patience and trust in the Lord are gratefully acknowledged.

  • April 2017

    23rd National Conference & AGBM — Mumbai

    Held at St. Pius X Seminary, Goregaon, Mumbai — a memorable event that set a new benchmark with 225 delegates, 35 resource persons, and rich academic and cultural programmes. The Western Region Sister Doctors, as the organising committee, raised the standard. The theme “Reaching the Unreached” resonated with participants who returned with renewed energy. Generous benefactors, donors, and sponsors helped make the conference possible.

  • From August 2017

    Women’s cancer awareness & prevention camps

    Following the conference, Sister Doctors sustained momentum through the year’s largest outreach: cancer awareness and prevention camps across India, reaching approximately twenty-five thousand women.

  • November 2017

    Revival of the Eastern Region

    With geographical distance and limited connectivity in mind, the North-East needed revitalisation. Sr. Dr. Sherly Abraham agreed to lead in uniting Sister Doctors across Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, and Sikkim.

  • Silver Jubilee — 2018

    Directory, website, and 24th National Conference

    2nd edition of the SDFI Directory: Released on 27 January 2018 during the silver jubilee — gratitude to Board Members and especially Mr. Cyril Roger and Mrs. Freda Desouza for tireless support.

    Website update (www.sisterdoctorsindia.org): Launched as part of the jubilee programme — thanks to Sr. Dr. Ashreena Miranda MSA for driving it to completion before Jubilee Day.

    Silver Jubilee celebration, 24th National Conference & AGBM — January 2018: At St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, with the theme “Recent Advances in Diagnostics and Pharmacotherapeutics,” organised with SJMC Alumni Association — workshops, orations, and scientific sessions to update delegates on current trends.

    Sister Doctor Mary Glowrey Memorial Oration: In honour of Sr. Dr. Mary Glowrey — visionary, leader, and role model. Rev. Dr. Mathew CSsR, MD, Director General CHAI (associate member of SDFI), delivered the inaugural oration.

  • Jubilee year — plans

    Special programmes & future direction

    • Focussed workshops for skill development
    • Nationwide camp and awareness campaign on lifestyle-associated diseases
    • Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Holy City
    • Registration of SDFI as a society
    • Expansion of the SDFI office
  • Thanks — Sr. Dr. Beena UMI

    Board, Sisters, and conclusion

    None of this would have been possible without the SDFI Board Members — gratitude for excellent teamwork. A salute to every Sister Doctor reaching out with selfless healthcare to the needy and the remote corners of our nation.

    “In a person’s lifetime there may be not more than half a dozen occasions that he can look back to in the certain knowledge that right then, at that moment, there was room for nothing but happiness in his heart.” — Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

    It is indeed a great experience for me. Thank you.
    Sr. Dr. Beena UMI

See also President History for the leadership timeline and portraits.