Unnat Bharat
Abhiyan is not just a Government Scheme, but a revolutionary mechanism with the
aim of transforming rural India. One of UBA's prime focus area is 'Rural
Health'. And that's what SRM Institute of Science & Technology also aimed
at on 20th February 2019, by organizing "Medical Camp and Swachhata
Rally" at one of the UBA adopted villages, Thenmelpakkam. This is also in line with the series of events planned across SRMIST to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The medical camp
was conducted following requests from community during the recent gram sabha
meeting held on 26 January 2019 and results of the baseline household survey
that revealed that the community suffer from old-age related ailments, diabetes
etc.
The morning of 20
February commenced with a rally of enthusiastic students and faculties from
NSS, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and stop using plastics. This
is in keeping with the recent notification from TN Government mandating
"ban on one-time use and throw-away plastics" effective 1st January
2019.
The rally was
flagged off by Dr.A.Sundaram, Dean (Medical), SRMIST and stressed on the
importance of keeping our surroundings clean.
The rally was
well-received by the villagers and passers-by. Armed with Captivating Posters and Thought-Provoking
Banners, they voiced their cause, gathering support along the way. The rally
ended at the Govt Middle School, which was the venue for the Medical camp.
The Medical Camp
was graced by
Dr. A. Sundaram, Dean (Medical), SRMIST
Mr.M.S.M.
Vallavan, Deputy Supt. of Police (Vandalur Division)
Mr.S.Christopher,Block
Educational Officer ,Kattankulathur
Dr.V.Thirumurugan,
Associate Director (CL),M.E, PhD-SRMIST/UBA Nodal Officer
Dr.M.Logaraj, Professor, Community Medicine
Dr.T.Rajasekaran,Professor Mech Engg,
NSS coordinator
Mr.T.Elumalai,
Ex-President of Thenmelpakkam and
Mr.S.Chitra,Assistant
Head Master ,Govt.Middle School
Tmt.Nirosha,
President, Management committee of Thenmel Pakkam School
Ms. Irene Sambath, UBA Project Associate hosted the event.
The function began by observing a two-minute silence
tribute for the sad demise of our beloved CRPF jawans who lost their lives in
Pulwama terror attack.
Welcome address
was delivered by Dr.V.Thirumurugan, Associate Director (CL). He
mentioned about the UBA activities conducted so far at Thenmelpakkam and other
adopted villages. He thanked the dignitaries for gracing the function
amidst their busy schedule.
Dr.A.Sundaram, Dean (Medical), SRMIST delivered the inaugural address. He stressed the
importance of inculcating simple personal hygiene practices in our day-to-day
lives, and extend the same cleanliness activities to our society. Thereby, the
entire community stays healthy.
The audience eagerly awaited to listen to chief guest of
the day Mr. M.S.M. Vallavan, Deputy Supt
of Police (Vandalur Dicision). He spoke about the martyrs of Pulwama
attack and immense contribution of such personnel who safeguard our motherland
from foreign attacks.
He also invited one of the school students to stage
to speak about this incident. The student was appreciated with a shawl for
being up-to-date with current events happening in the country and encouraged
teachers to inculcate such reading habits in children.
He expressed his happiness when
the students sang Tamil Thai Vazthu with full vigor. He threw open a
challenge to SRM students among audience to sing Tamil Thai Vazhthu without
mistake. One of the students, a Dentist volunteered to sing. His effort won him
Rs.5000 from Mr.Vallan.
The student donated Rs.4000 to the Assisted Head
Mistress of Govt Middle School. The AHM on behalf of the school thanked the
student for his generosity and willingness.
The key message delivered by
Mr.Vallavan to the audience was to wear helmets while driving. He specially
mentioned about "Kavalan App", which not only girls but anybody could
download it and use on their phones for their safety. He mentioned about its
usage and functions. He ended his speech with a promise that he will do his
best to render his service to service-minded institutions and to all people.
Mr.S.Christopher, Block Education Officer, Kattankulathur in his speech highlighted his own contribution as
panchayat leader in village development. He too expressed his condolence for
the demise of the jawans and inspired the students with he stories of hardships
these jawans face while protecting our country. He welcomed SRM University
gesture of engaging with rural community and doing what they can for village
upliftment.
Mr. T.
Elumalai, Ex-President thanked SRM
for their commitment and relentless effort to serving his village. He was proud
of his people who stand united as one
community for any matter that concerns their village. As a token of gesture and
gratitude, he presented the all dignitaries on stage with a shawl. The UBA team
also presented all chief guests with a shawl.
Mrs.Chitra Assistant Head Master proposed the vote of thanks. She presented few requests
for SRM Managament, one of which was to establish a 'digital classroom',
which will be facilitated as per the Village Development Plan of Thenmelpakkam.
The programme ended with distribution of writing pads for students free
donated by NSS team, which had key message about 'Hand Wash' inscribed on
it, a gentle reminder to students about keeping their hands clean at all times.
The function concluded with National Anthem. Refreshment
was served to app present and medical camp commenced.
The student volunteers helped the
villagers to visit the each of the check up stands: dental, eye, general
checkup, blood sugar testing and medicine dispensing. It was an coordinated
effort by all general physicians, dentists, nurses and lab technicians.