The Social Crusader – National Initiative for Safe Sound (NISS)
This is a critical brand differentiator. Dr. Panicker is not just a doctor; he is an activist. This section details his national impact.
The Silent Epidemic
“Silence is Golden” is not just a proverb for Dr. Panicker; it is a medical imperative. He recognized early on that noise pollution is a systemic health hazard in India, contributing not just to hearing loss but to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and neuropsychological stress. As he famously stated, “The vital organs suffer huge damage with each burst of noise”.
Leadership of NISS
Dr. Panicker spearheaded the National Initiative for Safe Sound (NISS), a collaborative platform of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI). Serving as the National Chairman, he transformed a medical concern into a public movement.
Strategic Campaigns and Achievements
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“No Honking” Day (April 26): Under his leadership, the IMA and the Kerala State Government institutionalized April 26 as “No Honking Day,” coinciding with International Noise Awareness Day. Dr. Panicker organized statewide roadshows, “Silent Wheel” rallies, and awareness drives involving the Student Police Cadets to curb the menace of unnecessary honking.
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The Safe Sound Parliament: In 2019, he organized the “First Global Safe Sound Parliament,” a unique forum inaugurated by state ministers and attended by royalty, policymakers, and activists. This “parliament” debated and drafted guidelines for noise control, bridging the gap between medical science and legislation.
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Legal and Religious Advocacy: Dr. Panicker has fearlessly challenged the use of high-decibel fireworks and loudspeakers in religious festivals. He has argued against the “tradition” defense, noting that dynamite (the basis of fireworks) is a modern invention, not an ancient tradition. His advocacy includes moving the court to ban dangerous fireworks displays that have caused mass casualties and permanent hearing damage.
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Educational Literature: He served as the Coordinator for the “Safe Sound” guidebook, a definitive resource distributed to schools and community centers. This booklet educates the public on safe decibel levels (keeping below 75 dB) and the importance of “Silent Sound” (50 dB) for recovery.
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Global Conferences: Demonstrating his ability to lead on the world stage, he was the Organizing Chairman for the “2nd Global Conference on Noise & Health” (2020), bringing together international experts from the UK, Serbia, and Switzerland to discuss the epidemiology of noise.