Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle and Freedom from Substance Abuse: An Initiative by NCC at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women
On the 26th of February, the NCC (Army Wing) of Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women took a significant step towards fostering a healthier future for its cadets by organizing an awareness program titled ‘Healthy Lifestyle and Freedom from Substance Abuse’. This initiative, spearheaded by the 1 Chandigarh Girls Battalion NCC, aimed not only to promote physical fitness and mental well-being but also to instill discipline and self-awareness among the youth.
Focus on Preventive Healthcare
At the heart of the program was the insightful session delivered by Dr. Hemant Pareek, a Clinical Nutritionist and Heart Health Educator. His talk provided an in-depth understanding of preventive healthcare, meticulously exploring the connection between balanced nutrition and heart health. Dr. Pareek underscored the urgent need for sustainable lifestyle habits—practices that not only enhance physical health but also nurture mental stability.
Armed with compelling statistics and relatable anecdotes, he engaged the cadets, informing them about the long-term consequences of unhealthy habits, particularly substance abuse. He articulated a clear message: tobacco, alcohol, and drug use can significantly derail one’s physical well-being and negatively impact academic performance. His emphasis on empowering youth with knowledge and self-discipline resonated well, illustrating that awareness is the first step towards leading a healthy life.
Cultivating Nutritional Self-Reliance
Complementing Dr. Pareek’s session was Dr. Gurvinder Kaur, the Head of the Department of Public Administration and Coordinator of the Skill Development Committee at the college. Dr. Kaur led an interactive workshop titled ‘Grow Your Own Nutrition’. Her approach not only addressed the psychological and social causes of unhealthy living but also ignited a conversation about sustainable food practices.
During her session, Dr. Kaur encouraged cadets to explore the importance of growing their own food and understanding nutritional self-reliance. This hands-on experience proved invaluable as the cadets actively engaged in identifying various plants and even planting saplings. By choosing meaningful Hindi names for these plants, they connected the activity to their cultural roots, fostering a deeper sense of appreciation for nutrition and nature.
Encouraging Youth as Health Ambassadors
The program was further elevated by the presence of the officiating Principal, Ms. Neena Sharma. Her participation added a layer of support, reinforcing the importance of the messages conveyed throughout the day. Ms. Sharma commended the NCC Army Wing for their dedicated efforts and expressed gratitude to the resource persons for their valuable contributions.
In her address, she encouraged the cadets to internalize the key takeaways from the sessions and urged them to become ambassadors of health awareness in society. Her words served as a motivating force, emphasizing that each cadet has the potential to spark change and inspire others to lead healthier, substance-free lives.
Active Participation from Cadets
One of the most inspiring aspects of the program was the active participation from the cadets. Their enthusiasm in engaging with the topics at hand demonstrated a genuine interest in adopting healthier lifestyles. By interacting with experts and partaking in practical activities such as planting, the cadets not only learned about nutrition but also understood the practical steps they could take to improve their own well-being.
Their involvement facilitated a sense of community, fostering bonds among the cadets and providing them with a shared purpose—to strive for healthier lives and advocate for substance-free living.
Through such initiatives, the NCC at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women is making a notable contribution to the well-being of young individuals. By informing, engaging, and empowering the youth, the college plays a pivotal role in nurturing a healthier, more conscious generation.
