A Day of Awareness and Appreciation

Blessy Felsiya E, Maheshwari D,  III BA English

4 September: WCC witnessed a day of inspiration, knowledge, and gratitude as two events unfolded in quick succession at the Lucy Peabody Auditorium. The first session focused on health awareness in collaboration with Apollo Shine Foundation, while the afternoon was dedicated to honouring teachers through colourful celebrations to mark Teachers’ Day.

Dr. Govi Chezhiyan, Minister of Higher Education, with the Principal and guests from Apollo Shine

Dr. Govi Chezhiyan addressing students on the importance of preventive healthcare.

A full hall of students and faculty gathered to participate in the NCD awareness programme

The events began at 10.30 a.m. with an awareness programme on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) under the theme “Catch ’em Young.” The session opened with a lamp-lighting ceremony by the Principal Dr Lilian I Jasper, Higher Education Minister Dr. Govi Chezhiyan, Director of Apollo Shine, Dr. Kishore Manohar and other dignitaries. Dr Manohar introduced the initiative, calling it “The first event of such scale with a large student audience and distinguished dignitaries.”

A special five-minute visual message by Apollo Chairman Dr. Prathap C Reddy and Ms. Sucharitha Reddy highlighted the urgency of preventive health practices among youth. This was followed by a keynote presentation from Dr. Indra Jayakumar, Senior Consultant and Pediatric Intensivist, who addressed student health challenges like PCOD, obesity, and diabetes. She organised her talk around Assessment, Action, and Advocacy, sharing memorable phrases such as:

“Sitting is smoking.”

“Small steps, big changes.”

“Healthy students, healthy nation.”

An MoU was signed between Apollo Shine Foundation and the Rotaract Club across India, strengthening efforts to spread awareness. Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Preetha Reddy, stressed the importance of student participation, noting that “students play a vital role in carrying the message of health awareness to society.”

The highlight of the programme was the address by Chief Guest Dr. Govi Chezhiyan, Minister of Higher Education and Chancellor of Annamalai University, who reminded students that “Communal voice helps us support one another’s health.” His call urged the student community to become ambassadors of preventive healthcare.

The session also featured contributions from Dr. Ilankumaran Kalaimoorthy, CEO of Apollo Shine Foundation, who spoke on life expectancy and lifestyle, and Dr. Ezhilan Naganathan, MLA of Thousand Lights, who discussed diet, obesity, and hormonal balance. Dignitaries were felicitated, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks, the National Anthem, and the distribution of sprouts salad to all attendees.

Immediately after, at 12.45 p.m., the focus shifted to celebrating Teacher’s Day. The event began with a prayer song, setting a reverent tone, followed by a vibrant sequence of cultural performances by students in honour of their teachers. Solo songs, speeches in Tamil and English, and energetic dances melted hearts during this event.

The Western Dance Club, Class Representatives, and the Department of English presented spirited group dances, while the Chapel Committee’s choir brought harmony. The Senate concluded the celebration with a lively performance, earning spirited applause from an enthusiastic audience of students and faculty.

A lively dance performance by the Student Senate

The Teacher’s Day programme was not only entertaining but also an expression of respect and admiration for teachers. The thoughtful participation of students and the heartfelt response of the faculty made the afternoon memorable.

As the day drew to a close, WCC had celebrated both awareness and appreciation, two values that shape campus life.