The Health and Education Promotion Trust (HEPT), in collaboration with Government Girls Inter College, Nehtaur, organised a function at the college premises to launch the Diabetes and Hypertension Mass Awareness Programme under the “Swasth Nehtaur” campaign, a Ghizal Mahdi‘s initiative.
Babita Rani extended a warm welcome and gratitude to the guests, briefly highlighting her school’s initiatives and activities, and acknowledging the implementation of various government schemes. She expressed appreciation for the CDO’s significant contributions to the school’s development. This was followed by a welcome note on behalf of HEPT’s ‘Diabetes and Blood Pressure Screening and Counseling Center’ by Ita-at Husain, who has been closely associated with the health campaign since its inception.
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Ghizal Mahdi, Secretary of HEPT and Co-convener of the ‘Swasth Nehtaur’ campaign, shed light on the alarming prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in India, terming them “silent epidemics”. Reiterating HEPT’s motto, “Prevention is better than cure,” he highlighted the Screening Centre’s relentless efforts since October 16, 2022, providing free testing and consultation services to the people of all backgrounds, irrespective of their religious faith, political association, cast or gender. Trained student volunteers extend these services not only at the center but also at medical camps across Nehtaur’s municipal wards.
Ghizal Mahdi outlined the new mass awareness programme’s focus on engaging students and youth through various activities, seeking cooperation from all concerned citizens, particularly those associated with educational institutions. He expressed optimism that the forthcoming “Jaanch Karao, Jaan Bachao” (Get Tested – Save Life) sticker would be an effective tool in spreading this vital message.
Dr. Vikas Tyagi shared personal and professional insights, stressing the importance of regular health check-ups, particularly for diabetes and hypertension, which often remain asymptomatic until advanced stages. He warned that if left uncontrolled, these conditions can lead to severe, even life-threatening, complications. Dr. Tyagi praised HEPT’s initiative of establishing a free screening and counseling center, emphasising the significance of awareness initiatives, particularly among students. He clarified the distinction between symptoms and diseases, highlighted the availability of the cervical cancer vaccine, and concluded that regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine check-ups are vital for maintaining good health.
Dr. Nishant Yadav stressed the significance of organizing awareness programs to encourage regular health check-ups among the public. He highlighted the distinction between mere knowledge and true understanding, noting that only the latter motivates individuals to take action towards their desired goals.
Chief Guest Purna Borah lauded the efforts behind HEPT’s ‘Swasth Nehtaur’ campaign, sharing that he accords high priority to health and resonates with Ghizal Mahdi’s vision for societal betterment. He emphasized that small positive actions, especially through NGOs, can have a significant impact and are valuable contributions to national development.
Borah urged everyone present to spread the message and proposed organizing similar programs elsewhere, for instance, involving large numbers of students in every government school and inter-college, and connecting with gram panchayat leaders through Zoom. He emphasized that health, education – which fosters rationality and critical thinking – and a sound value system are the most vital pillars of human development. He also highlighted the need for financial independence to ensure women’s empowerment through the education of the girl child.
The function drew attendance from Principals, management representatives, and teachers across various schools and colleges, alongside prominent Nehtaur citizens, including Surendr Kumar Sharma, Bilal Zaidi, Amit Chauhan, Sunil Tyagi, Dr. Mohammad Rashid, Akram Ansari, Ankur Jain, Senior Citizen Comrade Ghulam Sabir, Mohd. Nazim Ansari, Mehfooz Ali, Naved Iqbal, Udai Pratap Singh, and Rizwan Ansari. The event culminated with Mr. Purna Borah releasing an awareness sticker, followed by HEPT’s token of appreciation. As a gesture of heartfelt gratitude, Ghizal Mahdi, Charan Singh Sharma, Hafiz Itaat Hussain, and HEPT health volunteers presented a memento to Mr. Borah, in appreciation of his unwavering support for HEPT’s diabetes and hypertension awareness campaign. The event concluded with a vote of thanks.
The chief guest, Purna Borah (IAS), Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Bijnor, was accompanied by other dignitaries on the dais, including Mr. Ghizal Mahdi (Secretary, HEPT), Babita Rani (Principal, Government Girls Inter College, Nehtaur), Dr. Vikas Tyagi (Medical Practitioner and HEPT Activist), and Dr. Nishant Yadav (Principal, Government Inter College, Munawwar Said Nagina, Special Invitee). Major Charan Singh Sharma, former Principal of SNSM Inter College, Nehtaur, and Co-convener of the Swasth Nehtaur campaign, conducted the proceedings.
(Ghizal Mahdi, a senior alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia and former President of JMI Alumni Association, Riyadh Chapter, serves as Secretary of the Health and Education Promotion Trust (HEPT). HEPT was founded in Delhi in August 2019 by alumni, including Professor Zubair Meenai, Shyam Sunder Agarwal, Mahindra Singh Manral, and Hasan Abdullah, aiming to promote health and education in society.)
NOTE: ISSUED BY GHIZAL MAHDI
