Tuberculosis Research Centre celebrates its 55 th foundation day on I st August 2011. The Tuberculosis Chemotherapy was established in 1956 as a 5-year project under the joint auspices of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Government of Tamilnadu, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the British Medical Research Council (BMRC). The Centre has become a permanent Centre of ICMR and first National Director Dr. N.K. Menon took over charge in 1964. The Centre was renamed as Tuberculosis Research Centre in a colorful function on 5 May 1978 by the then DG, ICMR, Prof. C.Gopalan, keeping in view of the widened interest of the Centre beyond the confines of chemotherapy of tuberculosis. As part of ICMR centenary celebrations, it has been decided to rename Tuberculosis Research Centre as National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) keeping the contribution made by the Centre in the treatment of TB and HIV-TB. The welcome address will be given by Dr. Aleyamma Thomas , Director in charge of TRC. The unveiling of the new name board will be done by the Director General of ICMR, Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch soon after the inaugural address. A monograph will be released on the occasion by the Chief Guest, Dr. Mayil Vahanan Natarajan, Vice Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University. Dr. S.M Mehendale, Director, National Institute of Epidemiology will be giving the Centenary oration. Mr. Sanjiv Datta Financial advisor ICMR, Mr. Arun Baroka, IAS Sr. Dy. Director General ICMR, Dr. S.P. Tripathy, former DG, Dr. R. Prabhakar , former Director TRC, Dr. S. Radhakrishna, former Director IRMS and Dr. P.R. Narayanan former Director TRC will deliver felicitations during the event . All ex-TRC staff and the present staff are cordially invited to come and witness this landmark change in the history of TRC and be a part of it. It is a milestone achievement for TRC which has global foot print and is a premier institute with a vision to be the best TB/HIV research institute in the world. Henceforth it will be called as National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) thereby elevating it to a greater pedestal of responsibility. The contribution by scientists, researchers and staff of this institute has altered the TB treatment scenario of the nation through DOTS plus and RNTCP programs. The institute has been the backbone and pioneer in vaccine trials and innovative rapid diagnostic techniques. The credit for a novel drug for TB/HIV is in the pipeline from this prestigious ancient institute. Reiterating its mission of its dedication and commitment to the cause of the fight against TB, this day will go into history.