On the concluding day of International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies week, celebrated on 13th September 2025, the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health organized a vibrant event featuring collage-making, awareness sessions, lectures, and interactive discussions. The event centered around this year’s United Nations theme: Run for Clean Air, which highlights the urgency of collective and sustained action to combat air pollution for a healthier and more resilient future.
The event included keynote lectures by Prof. RavindraKhaiwal and Dr.Bijaya Kumar Padhi. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. RavindraKhaiwal highlighted that ‘Run for Clean Air’ represents the ongoing, collective responsibility to combat air pollution through sustained action. He emphasized practical, science-based solutions such as promoting clean and renewable energy, improving public transport, reducing vehicular emissions, adopting sustainable urban planning, and managing waste responsibly. Dr Khaiwal encouraged individuals to take simple but impactful steps like carpooling, using bicycles, planting trees, and reducing indoor pollutants. Prof. Khaiwal urged the audience, especially youth, to be active champions for clean air, stressing that the journey must be continuous, driven by innovation, policy support, and community engagement. Dr.Bijaya Kumar Padhi emphasized the serious health risks of both indoor and outdoor air pollution, urging urgent, multisectoral action. Aligning with the theme, he called for community awareness, behavior change, and policy integration to protect public health and ensure cleaner air for future generations.
A session on breathing exercises was conducted to highlight the vital role of clean air in maintaining lung health and overall well-being. The practice emphasized how ancient Indian techniques support respiratory function while fostering air quality awareness, encouraging participants to reflect on the connection between breath and environment. Dr.HarmanjeetKaur, Senior Demonstrator, and Dr.Vibha Sharma, Junior Demonstrator, of Environmental Health jointly coordinated the program. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of over35 students and staff, including Bachelor’s and Master of Public Health, MD students, PhD scholars, and staff.
In addition, the department’s field practice areas also organized public awareness sessions on the health effects of air pollution, motivating community members to contribute toward controlling and minimizing emissions in their daily lives.The event concluded with the message that individual and community-level efforts are essential to achieve cleaner skies and a healthier future.
