Department of Dietetics , PGIMER Celebrates World Health Day at Gududwara Sarai for Patients and their Attendants *
On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, PGIMER Chandigarh , organized a meaningful health awareness session at the PGIMER Gurudwara Sarai within the campus. The initiative, led by the Department of Dietetics, aimed to bridge the gap between medical guidance and underserved patients and attendants residing in the Sarai while undergoing long-term treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, and more.
The event was held by the Dietetics team including Chief Dietician Dr. Nancy Sahni and Senior Dietician Mr. BN Behra . The event was graced by the Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent PGIMER as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Navneet Dhaliwal Faculty In charge Dept. of Dietetics was also present on the occasion. The programme was a heartfelt community outreach effort to reach those who often remain untouched by dietary counselling due to logistical or financial constraints.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Vivek Lal emphasized, “Good health begins with good habits. Right diet, timely routine, and spiritual grounding are essential to shaping the physical and mental well-being of individuals, especially the younger generation. This awareness is the foundation of a healthy and developed India.”
Highlighting the responsibility of the parents, Director PGIMER further elaborated, “When a child strays from the path of health, it is not just his burden—it is a reflection of the support system around him. Health awareness must begin at home, with parents and elders showing the way through both words and actions.”
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Vipin Koushal, stated, ““World Health Day reminds us that medicine alone is not enough—right food, timely tests, and patient education are equally vital in healing. Through this camp, our aim is to empower patients and caregivers with the knowledge to make healthier choices. Such initiatives reflect PGIMER’s commitment to holistic care and community outreach.”
Chief Dietician Dr. Nancy Sahni , while setting the context of the event said, “This event is our humble attempt to Reach the Unreachable, by bringing essential nutrition education directly to those who need it most. This way , the aim of celebrating such days gets fulfilled at a real ground which is not superficial”.
The awareness camp included several impactful activities including body composition analysis (BMI, fat mass, visceral fat), personalized therapeutic diet counselling, and interactive health talks. A special session was also held to explain the nutritional value of the Langar served at the Gurudwara, empowering patients and their caregivers to make informed dietary choices within their available resources.
The Sarai at PGIMER provides shelter to hundreds of outstation patients and their families, many of whom spend months in the city for treatment. Recognizing their nutritional vulnerabilities, the dietetics department took the initiative to organize this awareness event right at their doorstep.
The Gurudwara Management Committee extended its full and enthusiastic support, playing a pivotal role in the smooth and successful execution of the initiative.
