Vidya empowers youth for a TB-free India at “Innovate to Eliminate TB 2026”

April 9, 2026 Surabhi MS VAST

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed annually on 24 March, is a global initiative to raise awareness about tuberculosis, a preventable and curable disease that continues to pose a major public health challenge.In alignment with this, Vidya Academy of Science & Technology, in association with the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC), Department of Community Medicine, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, organized an awareness initiative ‘Innovate to Eliminate TB 2026′ on 25 March 2026 to engage students in TB education and prevention. The program aimed to sensitize youth about the importance of early detection, treatment adherence, and India’s ongoing efforts toward TB elimination under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).

Ms.Surabhi M S (Co-Ordinator, Innovate to Eliminate TB 2026, Asst Librarian) warmly welcomed the resource persons and participants and appreciated their efforts in organizing the AI-Mediated Caricature Competition. She highlighted the extensive planning and processes that had been carried out over the past week to ensure the smooth conduct of the competition.In the principal’s address, Dr. Sunitha C (Principal) spoke about the responsibility of the younger generation to actively contribute to meaningful social causes. She emphasized the importance of youth participation in public health initiatives, particularly in the mission to eliminate tuberculosis and encouraged students to take proactive roles in creating awareness and bringing positive change in society

TB sensitization session

The awareness session commenced with a TB sensitization session for students led by Dr. Sruthi C M (Assistant Professor and TB Nodal Officer, Department of Community Medicine, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences). The session focused on educating students about tuberculosis prevention, the early identification of symptoms, and the necessary precautions to prevent transmission. Special emphasis was placed on recognizing the signs of TB, understanding the importance of timely diagnosis, ensuring adherence to treatment, and promoting safe practices to protect both oneself and the wider community. Dr. Neethu E S (TB Nodal Officer, DTC Thrissur) and Dr highlighted the critical aspects of tuberculosis awareness. The session emphasized identifying the early signs of TB, understanding the importance of prompt diagnosis, maintaining strict adherence to prescribed treatment, and following preventive measures . Participants were also encouraged to spread awareness about TB and contribute to the larger goal of its elimination.

Winner of AI-Mediated Caricature Competition

The event concluded with the announcement of winner of the AI-Mediated Caricature Competition, recognizing the creativity and engagement of the students in promoting TB awareness. Syamjith V (S2, CSE Dept) was awarded the winner of the AI-Mediated Caricature Competition. The prize was presented by Dr. Sunitha C (Principal) in recognition of his innovative ideas to eliminate TB, which were effectively conveyed through an AI-generated caricature His work was highly appreciated by the judges, led by Dr. Sruthi C M, for seamlessly combining creativity with public health messaging.

The feedback shared by also reflected enthusiasm for innovative approaches in health education and the importance of engaging youth in spreading awareness. Constructive suggestions were noted to further enhance future initiatives under the “Innovate to Eliminate TB” theme. The formal segment was concluded with a expression of gratitude by .

Ms. Surabhi M S, with the active support of the student team, including Ananya P R (S2, MCA) as Student Coordinator and B (S2, MCA) as Co-coordinator, played a key role in organizing and managing the event efficiently. Their collective efforts ensured the seamless conduct of the programme. The creative aspects were handled by Sreenanda C S (S2, AIML Dept), who worked on the overall design, while Pavithra Pradeep (S2, AIML Dept) developed the caricature brochure and related materials, adding a distinctive and engaging visual element to the initiative.

The Editorial Team of News & Events joins the entire Vidya fraternity in extending hearty appreciation to everyone involved on this commendable initiative that inspires innovative approaches to spreading TB awareness in the community and reinforces the Vidya’s commitment to supporting India’s mission to eliminate TB under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).