Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday said that forensic odontology, a key pillar of forensic science, significantly contributes to investigations and justice delivery.

Dr Saha said this while addressing the 2nd International Conference on Odontology at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Dr. Saha said that today’s theme, advancing forensic odontology from theory to reality, is very relevant.

“We write, we speak, we discuss so many things, but it should be translated into reality. This is very important, and I think it justifies the theme of today’s conference. The topics are reflecting upon forensic odontology. It is not only significantly fascinating, but also socially as well as legally indispensable,” said Dr Saha.

He said that the National Forensic Sciences University, with the status of an institution of national importance, is the world’s first.

“I was a bit confused whether it is the first one in the world or not, but then I was told that yes, it is the world’s first and only university dedicated to forensic behavioral science, cyber security, digital forensics, and allied sciences. As we just said here, previously this university was Gujarat Forensic Science University, under the leadership of our then Chief Minister and presently our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. In our Tripura also, NFSU has started its curriculum. I am very thankful to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and also very much indebted to Home Minister Amit Shah, because of whose blessings NFSU has started in Tripura,” he said.

During the event, Dr. Saha also encouraged the Vice-Chancellor of NFSU, Gandhinagar, to launch a 2-year M.Sc course in Forensic Odontology at NFSU, Tripura, to boost expertise and opportunities in the North-East region.

“So, as I belong to Tripura and as Chief Minister, from a dentistry background—oral and maxillofacial surgeon to Chief Minister of Tripura—I should say something for Tripura. I will urge you all to visit Tripura, and you will be very happy after going there. Now in Tripura, we have 3 medical colleges and about 400 seats, and it will increase in a very short period. Tripura is a peaceful state in the country, and it is because of our Prime Minister and Home Minister. So many efforts have been made for the people of the Northeastern region, who were earlier left out of the mainstream,” he added.