The US-based non-profit Vattikuti Foundation has invited Indian robotic surgeons to participate in the Krishnaswamy Subramaniam (KS) National Robotic Surgery Awards 2019 for the "Best Robotic Surgery" video.

The contest is open to robotic surgeons at all levels, including Vattikuti Foundation fellows and residents, the foundation said in a statement on August 11. The winner would receive Rs 100,000 while the second and third runners-up would get Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively. The last date to submit videos is October 1.

The Detroit-based foundation started the awards in memory of the late Subramaniam who, as the head of Vattikuti Technologies, played a key role in the establishment of robotic surgery in India. According to Vattikuti Foundation CEO Mahendra Bhandari, Subramaniam was a driving force in the development of robotic surgery in India.

"He was a friend to all surgeons, and tireless in his efforts to bring its many benefits to surgeons and their patients. The Vattikuti Foundation is honoured to keep his memory alive with these awards," said Bhandari. The Vattikuti Foundation has trained over 300 robotic surgeons in India by bringing in 150 mentors from outside the country over the last 10 years. Many Indian surgeons have created robotic surgery procedures that have been adopted worldwide.