Prayagraj: Hamidia Girls Degree College, a constituent minority college, Allahabad University, Prayagraj, organised the inaugural ceremony of a week-long Health Carnival under NSS-Mission Shakti 5.0 on the occasion of the Student Induction Programme “Aagaaz 2026” today on 21st September at 2 pm in the Begum Khwaja Khurshid Hall of the college. This Health Carnival is being organised from 21st to 28th September 2026 with focus on women’s health and health awareness. The program began with a recitation by alumnus Ms. Syeda Fatima. Guests were then welcomed with bouquets and mementos.
In the inaugural session of the Health Carnival, Chief Guest and Speaker Professor (Dr.) Tariq Mahmood, Head of the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest Medicine, MLN Medical College, Prayagraj, delivered a special lecture on the topic “Drug-Free Youth.” He first congratulated the Principal and the members of the Health Committee for organizing this event. In his lecture, he sensitized the students, stating that the most important task at this age is education and the development of a strong personality. Use your time wisely and maintain a positive attitude. Continue your progress toward success. Avoid the temptation to become anxious and depressed after failure, leading to addiction and other negative steps. He urged them to stay away from addictions like tobacco, cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco, and paan masala, and to encourage those who have already become addicted to them to quit. Through a PowerPoint presentation, he detailed and explained the causes of dangerous diseases like tuberculosis and how to prevent them. He also talked about staying away from mobile and social media addiction. He said that in the coming 10-15 years, mobile radiation is going to have a very bad effect on people’s brain and health, hence it is very important to be cautious from now on. While giving a message to the girl students, he said that your health is your wealth. He also made the girl students take a pledge to stay away from addiction.
Special guest Mr. Mohammad Farhanullah, Manager of Majidia Islamia Inter College and Assistant Manager of Hamidia Girls Degree College, addressed the students in his lecture, stating that the founders of the college had dreamed of building the college for the purpose of women’s education and empowerment, and that dream is steadily being fulfilled. He gave a message to the students entering the new session, saying, “You don’t just enter the college to earn a degree, but also to build your personality. Take advantage of all the vocational courses available at the college and develop your personality.”
Chief Guest Mrs. Shazia Farhan, a member of the college management committee and former president of Rotary Royals, congratulated the students on this wonderful event and noted that last year’s Health Festival at the school had achieved tremendous success. She noted that the Rotary Club works to promote women’s education and empowerment not only in the country but also in other countries. She encouraged the students to engage in education and entrepreneurship.
College Principal Prof. Naseha Usmani delivered the welcome address at the event, highlighting the objectives of the Health Carnival. She stated that the event aims to increase health awareness, especially among women, and to provide essential information regarding the prevention and treatment of gynecological problems, poor nutrition, and other health issues. She urged students to be vigilant about their health and adopt a conscious approach to health-related issues.
The Chief Guest awarded the prizes to the winners of the Talent Award Ceremony namely Ms. Ashra Warsi (B.Com. 1st Semester), Ms. Rajnandini (B.Voc. Software Technology 1st Semester), Samreen Jafri (M.A. English 1st Semester) and Syeda Fatima (B.A. 1st Semester).
The chief guest also awarded prizes to the winning students in the health quiz organized under the National Service Scheme, in which first place was secured by Umra Ishrat BA Semester 1, second place by Nisha BCom Semester 1 and third place by Nikhat Parveen BCom Semester 1.
The Health Carnival Organizing Committee includes Prof. Naseha Usmani, Principal and Chairperson; Mrs. Neerja Verma, Vice Principal and Health Committee Member; Prof. Sabiha Azmi, Health Committee Coordinator and NSS Liaison Officer; Dr. Shabana Aziz, NSS Program Officer and Health Committee Member; Prof. Iram Farid Usmani, Health Committee Member; Dr. Shabnam Ara, NSS Program Officer; Mrs. Sharmeen Fatima, Health Committee Member; Dr. Siddiqa Jabir, Health Committee Member; Mrs. Hina Farheen, Report Coordinator; Dr. Tabassum Nigar; Mrs. Tazeen Fatima; Mrs. Ofiya and Ms. Rukaiya are active members. Ms. Tasleem is assisting as a Computer Graphics Assistant.
The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Siddiqa Jabir of the Arabic Department, and the vote of thanks was presented by Prof. Sabiha Azmi, Coordinator, Health Committee. The program concluded with the national anthem. College faculty, research scholars, and students enthusiastically participated in the inaugural ceremony.
