Around 50 students participated in the awareness programme at Gyan Jyoti Public School. The programme was conducted by Dr. Abhilash Sahoo, Paediatrics, Dr. Siddharth Kumar Meher, Paediatrics and Dr. Twinkle Rani, O&G. The doctors interacted with the students and sensitised them about various aspects of adolescent health, with special emphasis on the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer.

A similar programme was organised at Ispat DAV Public School, Sector-16, with around 67 students participated. The sessions were conducted by Dr. Bikash Chandra Patra, Paediatrics, Dr. Soomi Bhakat, Paediatrics and Dr. Sanjoo Yadav, O&G. The students were encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle practices and were provided age-appropriate information on physical and reproductive health, personal hygiene, nutrition and preventive healthcare.

A key focus of both programmes was creating awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which plays an important role in protecting against HPV infections and reducing the risk of cervical cancer. The doctors addressed students’ queries in an interactive manner and highlighted the importance of timely vaccination and informed health choices during adolescence.

Notably, the HPV vaccine is also available free of cost at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) every Saturday from 5PM to 7PM, enabling eligible beneficiaries to access preventive vaccination services.

The awareness session was led by Dr. Meenakshi Rao, Senior Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (MBBS, MD, DGO), who brings nearly four decades of clinical experience. She shared expert insights into the causes, symptoms and risk factors of cervical cancer, emphasizing that timely screening, early detection and HPV vaccination are key to preventing the disease. Dr. Rao also dispelled common misconceptions surrounding cervical cancer and highlighted the importance of increasing awareness about HPV among both women and men, encouraging participants to adopt preventive healthcare practices and make informed health decisions.

Speaking on the awareness programme, Dr. Anita Kanwar, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce, said, “Education extends beyond academics to equipping students with the knowledge and awareness needed to lead healthier lives. Through initiatives such as this, we aim to encourage informed decision-making, promote preventive healthcare and inspire our students to become advocates for health awareness within their families and communities. We are grateful to the Inner Wheel Club of Chembur Tiara and Dr. Meenakshi Rao for partnering with us in this meaningful endeavour.”

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive session, where students actively discussed topics ranging from HPV vaccination and routine screening to preventive healthcare practices. By bringing together healthcare experts, community organisations and young learners, the initiative reaffirmed the college’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible citizens while advancing awareness on issues that have a lasting impact on public health.