Sona Devi University Joins the UGC’s TB-Free India Campaign to Raise Awareness and Combat Tuberculosis

• The TB-Free India Campaign will be carried out by higher educational institutions across the country.
• The UGC has provided information to higher educational institutions across the country regarding the Chetna Series lecture on the theme “Creating Awareness for a TB-Free India.”
• Students of Sona Devi University will join the TB-Free India Campaign.
• Vice-Chancellor of Sona Devi University, Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua, along with all faculty members and students, participated in the lecture organized by the UGC.

Higher educational institutions across the country will undertake the TB-Free India Campaign. In this regard, the UGC today provided information to higher educational institutions across the country about the Chetna Series lecture on the theme “Creating Awareness for a TB-Free India.” At the Vivekananda Auditorium of Sona Devi University, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Braj Mohan Pat Pingua, Registrar Dr. Nit Nayana, Controller of Examinations Mr. Mithilesh Singh, Deans of various faculties, Heads of Departments, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students watched and listened to the lecture.

Under the TB-Free India Campaign, all higher educational institutions will involve their faculty members, students, and non-teaching staff in the campaign and promote it extensively in order to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from its roots. The UGC’s TB-Free India Campaign is a joint initiative to spread awareness about TB in higher educational institutions and work towards eliminating the disease.

The objective of this campaign is to increase awareness about TB among young people and society through colleges and universities and to promote screening for the disease.

During the lecture organized in this regard, Dr. Rajan explained TB infection and the disease. He also emphasized that testing is essential for identifying patients. He said that with proper care of infected persons, tuberculosis can be eradicated. He explained that TB is a bacterial infection that spreads through the air. Therefore, infected persons need to wear masks. TB patients are also advised to maintain a healthy immune system and consume a balanced, nutritious diet.

The UGC has instructed educational institutions and students to register as Nikshay Mitras and adopt TB patients to support them. Dr. Rajan stated that educational institutions should visit nearby areas and create awareness among people about the symptoms of TB, how it spreads, preventive measures, and the people who are more vulnerable to infection. He also explained the ten symptoms of TB. The objective of this campaign is to channel the energy of young people and engage educational institutions in the effort to eradicate TB from the country.

Dr. Rajan explained that interested students need to register as Nikshay Mitras. He also explained the assistance provided to infected patients, stating that nutritional support is provided under the Nikshay Poshan initiative along with financial assistance of ₹1,000. All relevant information is available on the TB Mukt Bharat App. Universities and colleges will involve students in the campaign by making them Nikshay Mitras and will also create awareness about TB prevention through social media. Youth ambassadors will be appointed as Nikshay Mitras, while NSS volunteers will also play an important role in creating awareness about the TB-Free India Campaign. People will also be encouraged through a pledge to join the fight against TB. Dr. Rajan said, “TB will lose, and the nation will win.”