Sona Devi University joins TB-free India campaign, holds awareness programme
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 25: Sona Devi University has joined the nationwide campaign to make India tuberculosis-free following a directive from the…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 25: Sona Devi University has joined the nationwide campaign to make India tuberculosis-free following a directive from the University Grants Commission (UGC) urging higher educational institutions to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and encourage community participation in its prevention and elimination.
As part of the UGC’s Chetna Shreni lecture series on “Creating Awareness for TB-Free India,” the university organised a special awareness programme at the Vivekananda Auditorium on Tuesday.
Vice-Chancellor Braj Mohan Pat Pingua, Registrar Nit Nayana, Controller of Examinations Mithilesh Singh, deans, heads of departments, faculty members, non-teaching staff and students attended the programme.
Awareness on TB Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
During the lecture, Dr Rajan explained the causes, transmission, symptoms and preventive measures associated with tuberculosis. He stressed that timely screening and identification of suspected cases are essential for controlling the disease and said that proper care and treatment can help eliminate TB.
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He explained that TB is a bacterial infection that can spread through the air and highlighted the importance of preventive measures, including mask use by infected persons, to reduce the risk of transmission.
Dr Rajan also emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy immune system and consuming a balanced and nutritious diet during treatment.
Students Encouraged to Become Nikshay Mitras
Under the UGC initiative, higher educational institutions have been encouraged to involve students, faculty members and non-teaching staff in the TB-Free India campaign and undertake awareness activities in surrounding communities.
Students are also being encouraged to register as Nikshay Mitras and support TB patients through nutritional and other forms of assistance.
Dr Rajan said Nikshay Mitras can help provide nutritional support to TB patients under the Nikshay Poshan initiative, while eligible beneficiaries may also receive financial assistance.
He urged students to participate actively in the campaign and spread awareness about TB symptoms, its mode of transmission, preventive measures and groups that are particularly vulnerable to infection.
Universities to Strengthen Community Outreach
Universities and colleges have also been asked to use social media to amplify TB-awareness messages and involve NSS volunteers and youth ambassadors in community outreach programmes.
Students will be encouraged to visit nearby communities and educate people about tuberculosis, while awareness pledges will also be administered as part of the campaign.
The initiative seeks to harness the energy of young people and the extensive outreach of educational institutions to strengthen India’s efforts to eliminate tuberculosis.
Dr Rajan concluded with the message: “TB will lose, the nation will win.”
