admin
- “The lack of clean air and water is perhaps one the most challenging health issues in the country today.” : Younchul Park
- Performances by specially-abled children, and Qawwali night by Warsi brothers among the highlights of the day
New Delhi, October 26, 2018:
The Heart Care Foundation of India’s (HCFI) annual flagship event, the 25th MTNL Perfect Health Mela continued its successful run on Day 3. A plethora of events, workshops, and competitions were part of this day. Over 3000 students from various schools and colleges enthralled everyone once again with their performances in Harmony and Eco-fest and National Youth Fest. Displaying their talents, several specially-abled children participated in Anmol, and proved that they are no less than any other. The Mini Mela featured a special workshop for adolescent girls by Maharaja Agrasen Adarsh Public School, Pitampura.
The Perfect Health Mela is being held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. Among the other highlights of the day was a workshop on ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’ organized by the NGO Sacchi Saheli. It was held to educate young girls and women on the topic.An emergency training drill that included a live demo of a disaster scenario was also a part of the day’s events.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “This Mela is a medium to convey the message of preventive health and other aspects to thousands of people, particularly youngsters who are vulnerable to many factors such as peer pressure, junk food, work stress, and substance addiction. The events today were highly insightful and thought provoking to say the least. Good health is not just the absence of diseases but also ensuring the avoidable risk factors are addressed – one of these being pure air. Children should also be taught to keep the surroundings environment clean, keep a check on the collection of stagnant water in and outside our houses to prevent mosquito breeding and promote the consumption of safe water to prevent illness.”
Towards the evening, there was a conclave on fertility moderated by Dr Kaberi Banerjee, Senior obstetrician and Gynaecologist; and Clinical Director, Advanced Fertility and Gynaecology Centre. It was an insightful discussion which focused on the current rate of infertility in India, issues surrounding it, and the recent developments in assisted reproductive techniques. Dr Banerjee, said, “About 10% to 15% of married couples in India face infertility issues. It is neither an urban phenomenon nor is it confined only to women. With the development in science, couples without children can now hope to start a family too. This Mela provides just the right platform to address these topics and raise awareness.”
Another highlight of the evening was the demonstration of LG’s innovative range of ‘Puricare’ air and water purifiers. Speaking at the conclave, Mr. Younchul Park, Director Home Appliances, LG Electronics India, said: “The lack of clean air and water is perhaps one the most challenging health issues in the country today. It is therefore important that we raise awareness about the health risks arising from these factors. At LG Electronics, we are committed to resolving such challenges through innovative products, that is our Puricare range of air and water purifiers, which have been developed in keeping with our philosophy of customer centricity.”
Mr Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and a member of the 16th Lok Sabha, said, “The theme of the Perfect Health Mela complements the government’s efforts in this direction and I am happy to see many young minds here today. All the modules in the mela are highly informative and stress on various vital aspects of healthcare. I am happy to support this initiative and congratulate the HCFI.”
Mr Mukul Rohatgi, former Attorney General and Designated Senior Counsel, said, “I am extremely happy to be a part of the Perfect Health Mela. Health is a universal right and affordable healthcare more so. I commend the efforts of the HCFI towards achieving this objective.”
Also speaking at the event was Ms Pinky Anand, Additional Solicitor General of India, who lauded the Mela for creating mass awareness, and said, “Children are the future and it is imperative to inculcate in them the idea of prevention and keeping away from diseases at the outset. The Mela has something for everyone and I am happy to be a part of it.”
Cultural programmes and infotainment in the evening took the day’s proceedings to an altogether different level. The Hindi Academy presented an interesting and engaging Kavi Samellan while the Qawwali night by Warsi brothers transported everyone into a parasympathetic state of mind.
Some interesting programmes and conclaves are scheduled over the next two days which will be a combination of knowledge and entertainment. 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 25th edition, 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.
