Competitions and events galore for schools and colleges witness participation by over 2700 students
New Delhi
The Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), a leading national non-profit organization committed to making India a healthier and disease-free nation, organized a plethora of activities for school and college students on the 2nd day of its annual flagship event, the 25th MTNL Perfect Health Mela. Among the events were the National Harmony and Eco-Festival, and the National Youth Fest. The Mela is being organized at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. Thousands of school and college students participated in the events.
Among the various activities organized during the day were choreography, skit, painting, collage making, instrumental fusion melodies, slogan and poster making, and model demonstration. An emergency training drill that included a live demo of a disaster scenario was also a part of the day’s events. The highlight of the day was a conclave on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and a spiritual inter-faith conference.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “The HCFI has constantly endeavored to develop engaging and consumer-driven modules to educate the masses about the importance of preventive healthcare and the PHM is one of the most successful examples of this. Educating children right at the outset about basic disease prevention is important for the nation’s future. They must be taught about the dangers of smoking, obesity,unhealthy eating, and lack of physical activity. The competitions and other activities being organized for schools and colleges as part of this Mela are not only intended as a means of entertainment but to create health awareness through these media. I am happy to see participation by children in such large numbers.”
A Math Mela was also organized by SD Public School, Pitampura, as part of the Everyday Mela. Ms Nita Mehta, celebrity chef and nutritionist also spoke on the importance of healthy eating and cooking in a workshop. The Punjab Academy gave a scintillating performance in the evening enthralling one and all present at the event.
The conclave on AMR was part of the HCFI’s campaign against misuse of antibiotics. This is a growing concern in India and the panelists present deliberated upon how such misuse can be tackled awareness raised among the masses on the issue. Giving his views, Dr Sujit K Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Dr Sunil Gupta, Additional Director, HAG & HOD, NCDC, said, “AMR is rapidly increasing worldwide and has now become a global public health issue. What were once no less than wonder drugs are no longer as effective because many bacteria have developed resistance to these.It is time that we explore some non-antibiotic antibacterial alternatives, many of which are available in nature.”
Adding further, Dr Anuj Sharma, Technical Officer, AMR, Health Laboratories, WHO, said, “Children and homemakers are an important segment of the population that can be educated on the dangers of misusing antibiotics. Over-prescription and self-prescription, both, need to be checked. People should not buy these drugs over the counter without consultation with a doctor. Following these steps and carefulness on the part of the doctors can help combat this situation.”
The one-of-its-kind spiritual inter-faith conference on Air, Sanitation, and AMR comprised eminent dharma gurus as speakers. The panelists included Fr. Felix Jones (Catholic Priest), Delhi Archdiocese and Vivat International Masih Church; Rabbi E I Malekar, Secretary and Head priest, Judah Hyam Synagogue; Acharya Vivek Muni Dharmananda Jain, Acharya Sushil Ashram; Swami Shantatmananda, General Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission; Sardar Paramjit Chandhok, Executive Member, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee; Mohd. Iqbal Mulla, Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind; Sant Krishan Shah Vidyarthi, Head Priest, Valmiki Mandir and Ashram; Ven. Sumithananda Thero, Secretary, Mahabodhi Society Centre; Pirzada Siraj Madani Nizami; Dr Amrit Kaur Basra, Lecturer at College and Sikh scholar; and Mr Vijay Sharma, Scholar in Shirdi Sai Baba’s Life & Teachings.
Dr A K Merchant, Ex-Secretary General & National Trustee, Lotus Temple & Baha’ I Community of India; General Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation moderated the discussion. Panelists shared their valuable insights and enlightened the audience with their rich experience and knowledge.
The various activities and competitions for schools and colleges will span the next two days also, and the Mela promises more variety and increased knowledge and awareness for everyone attending. The theme of the Silver Jubilee edition of the Mela this year is ‘Affordable Healthcare’ and Dr Tusker, the friendly elephant, is the mascot for the event. Among the new additions to the Mela this year are the HCFI CSR Awards and the Everyday Mela. Free medical check-ups will be provided to all visitors.
In its 25thedition, the event is being organized in association with MTNL, NDMC, and other central and Delhi state government departments. Started in 1993, the Perfect Health Mela caters to people from all age groups and all walks of life. It showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars, check-ups, entertainment programmes, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. The Mela is attended by over 200 organizations each year including those from the state and central government, PSUs, and leading corporates. Entry to the Mela is free for all.