Girls’ Hostels JU celebrate three-day national Seva Parv on “Swasth Naari, Sashakt Parivaar Abhiyaan”

Jammu, September 30 : The Girls’ Hostels of the University of Jammu came alive with enthusiasm during a three-day celebration of Seva Parv under the theme “Swasth Naari, Sashakt Parivaar Abhiyaan.” The programme combined health awareness with cultural expression, reflecting the message that women’s well-being is central to building stronger families and communities.

The event opened with a focus on women’s health and hygiene. On the second day, awareness activities were dedicated to Tuberculosis prevention and care, while the concluding day added a cultural flavour as hostel boarders showcased local cuisine from across Jammu Province.

Prof. Pankaj Srivastav, Director CDOE and Convenor, VBYCP, University of Jammu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Applauding the efforts of the Girls’ Hostels team led by Provost Prof. Shashi Manhas, he said such initiatives not only empower students but also make them ambassadors of government and university programmes in their home regions. Prof. Manhas welcomed the dignitaries and explained that the initiative combined medical check-ups, awareness sessions, and local food promotion to address both health and cultural identity. She highlighted how preparing traditional dishes, followed by a quiz, helped students connect with their roots while also prioritizing health awareness.

The medical camp on the first day was supported by Dr. Neelu Sharma, Senior Consultant Gynecologist & Obstetrician, Government Hospital Gandhinagar, and Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Chief Medical Officer, University of Jammu. Dr. Sharma’s session on menstrual health and hygiene dispelled myths, stressed good practices, and invited open interaction with the boarders and hostel staff.

On the second day, experts from the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme engaged the students. Dr. Jyoti Jolly, State Tuberculosis Officer, spoke about TB prevalence, symptoms, and prevention. Dr. Ranjit Babu, State Consultant for the PM’s Tuberculosis Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, underlined the importance of completing medication to avoid drug-resistant TB and explained the role of the Nikshay Mitra scheme. Dr. Neha Pathania, Assistant Programme Officer, outlined government health schemes supporting the campaign.

The third day celebrated local culture through a vibrant food festival, where students prepared and displayed regional dishes that highlighted the folklore, nutritional value, and cultural significance of Jammu’s diverse cuisine.

The programme concluded with participants pledging to prioritize their own health and to share this awareness with their families and communities, in keeping with the spirit of Seva Parv.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Chinmoyee Maharana, Dr. Skarma Nomzom, and Dr. Meenakshi, Wardens of the three Girls’ Hostels, with support from resident wardens Dr. Bhagwati, Dr. Radhika, Dr. Shushma, and Dr. Vijaylakshmi, who also organized a lively quiz. Hostel staff along with the boarders, ensured the programme’s success.