Ruby Jubilee Seminar 4 Awareness Programme on Tuberculosis at Loreto Convent Entally, Kolkata

On May 7, 2013, Seva Kendra Calcutta organized an awareness programme on Tuberculosis for Class VIII to XII students of the Loreto Convent Entally, Kolkata. Dr. Shiv Kumar Singh, District Tuberculosis Officer (DTO), Kolkata was invited as a resource person for this event.

Sr. Phyllis Morris, Principal of Loreto Convent Entally, Kolkata warmly welcomed Dr. Singh and the SKC team and thanked the SKC team for organizing the programme for the students. She also made the students aware of the great responsibility they have towards the well-being people.  

Dr. Singh began the session by giving an overview on Tuberculosis and the negative effects this dreadful disease can have on the society if it is left unchecked. He then informed the students about the many activities that are undertaken by the National Tuberculosis Control Society. He specifically highlighted that the goal of the 'Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme was 'Zero deaths from TB in my lifetime'. He also clarified the following:

• Why is TB prevention a priority?
• Spread of TB bacteria and infection
• Symptoms of TB
• Services available in Kolkata (Free check up,Medicine etc.)
• How to avail of these services.

Students were challenged to reflect on what they can do to help prevent TB.  Many students interacted enthusiastically with the resource person and clarified many doubts and questions that they had in mind. It was an enriching experience for all of them. They were requested to use the knowledge they have gained for the welfare of their society.

The theme, "You are the rainbow of our lives" ran through the Children's Day celebrations, 2009. It was twinkling toes as teachers donned fancy clothes and put on their dancing shoes to entertain the children.

Usha Uthup rocked the floor as she belted out favourite numbers, with a great performance on the sprawling grounds of our school.

The women of India have journeyed through time. A group of ten students, two teachers and our Principal Sister Monica started on the journey to Shillong on 16th of May 2009 to participate in the dance presentation ‘ A Journey through Time’. Shillong was celebrating its 100 years Jubilee and we had readily heeded to their invitation.

Our participants were from classes 6 to 9. The theme of our dance was “The Indian women’s journey through time”. We portrayed how today they walk shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand with the men. They have excelled in every field be it science, be it art, be it music. They are now the first citizens of the world.

But this journey was fraught with many obstacles. They have been the victims of a society that was bound in shackles of ignorance and superstitions. They had to pay a price through their lives in the form of sati, dowry death, and female infanticide. But the spirit of woman is indomitable. They struggled, they strove, they fought and finally they established their status and position. They have nurtured themselves to freedom. They have done much, they will do much.

Thus we celebrated womanhood and rejoiced in her triumph. We won for ourselves accolades and appreciation from one and all for a wonderful presentation. We hope to keep on bearing the torch and light our path to success as we celebrate the triumph of woman.