“Genetic testing on the entire population can significantly influence the design of healthcare policies”: Anu Acharya
National: “Today, prevention is the cure!” Anu Acharya, CEO, Mapmygenome remarked at ABP Network’s The Southern Rising Summit 2024.
In the session titled, “Knowing Yourself: Why it Matters”, Anu Acharya said, ‘I started my journey 24 years ago in the domain of gene and genome, though I come from IIT. If you want to know who you are, you have to study DNA. Knowing your DNA will help you understand why you might be predisposed to certain diseases and why we behave in certain ways. However, DNA is not your destiny. A large part of what happens to you is decided by your lifestyle and environment, not just by your DNA. However, inherited genes provide a blueprint of your potential traits, but it’s your epigenome that influences which genes are expressed, shaping your health and behaviour. Additionally, your microbiome plays a significant role in your metabolism, immunity, and overall well-being.”
Talking about gene testing, she added, “In India, awareness of genetic testing has surged from a decade ago. People now seek it for insights into their origins, dietary adjustments, and health predispositions, starting at just Rs 5,000. Our testing has enabled many to proactively adjust medications and diets, shifting from reactive to preventive healthcare.”
When asked about her entrepreneurial journey, Anu said, I enjoy doing new things, and this love for curiosity came from my father, a scientist. The joy of embarking on something new has always motivated me. I love taking on new challenges. Starting my entrepreneurial journey after IIT Kharagpur, I found myself pitching to investors.”
In the following session on “New Notes: Blending Tradition and Modernity” Bindu Subramaniam, Singer and Co-founder & CEO, SaPa, said, “I was raised in a very normal environment where the emphasis was more on hard work than on fame. In my initial years, I was exposed to a lot of musicians and musical influences. India is rich with opportunities to explore music, food, and dance. At SaPa, we engage with very young children and cultivate their love for Indian classical music through fun activities. Classical music is very much alive and well, but it demands innovative methodologies to teach it effectively.”
The Southern Rising Summit 2024, hosted by ABP Network, India’s premier multi-language news platform, was conceptualised as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. In its second edition, this transformative summit convened on the theme “Coming of Age: Identity, Inspiration, Impact”, with the leading voices from politics, culture, and industry converging to celebrate South India’s remarkable journey and its influential role in driving economic growth and cultural innovation across the nation.
