A Youth Health Exhibition and Awareness Walk, jointly organized by the Tellippalai Medical Officer’s Office, students of the Jaffna Nursing Training College, and local mothers’ associations, was held today (21.07.2025) with the participation of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethanayahan.
Stage events were conducted at the Kavignar Ambi Kalaiyarangu of Tellippalai Union College under the leadership of the Tellippalai Medical Officer, Dr. Para Nandakumar.
The Governor, participating as the Chief Guest, stated in his address that people can be categorized into three groups: those who go beyond their duties to serve society, those who merely fulfill their responsibilities, and those who fail to perform even their basic duties. He emphasized that Dr. Para Nandakumar, Medical Officer of Health, Tellippalai, belongs to the first category. Dr. Nandakumar not only fulfills his responsibilities but also thinks and acts innovatively for the betterment of society. The Governor urged others to follow his example and actively engage in addressing the pressing issues facing the community today.
The exhibition is organized around five key themes: Maternal and Child Health, Food and Nutrition, School Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Spiritual and Mental Health. These topics are highly relevant today, as the future of schoolchildren is becoming increasingly challenging. Addressing these issues will help them face those challenges more effectively.
In the past, malnutrition was widespread due to poverty. Today, even those who are well-off are affected by malnutrition, primarily as a result of fast food infiltrating their dietary habits. Therefore, organizing awareness exhibitions like this for today’s students is essential, as it helps promote healthy eating habits that can benefit them throughout their lives.
For the development of today’s students, not only the health sector but all sectors must come together to guide the younger generation. Nowadays, schoolchildren rarely engage in outdoor play during the evenings and their time is often spent either in private tuition classes or on mobile phones. As a result, parents bear greater responsibility for the well-being of their children. In his speech, the Governor emphasized that awareness exhibitions offering guidance to parents should be expanded to support the holistic development of youth.
Shields were also given to the winning mothers’ associations in the competition held between mothers’ associations at this event.
An awareness walk highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and road accidents commenced from Tellippalai Union College and concluded at the Tellippalai Medical Officer’s Office. Following the walk, the Governor formally inaugurated the exhibition held at the venue.
The Director of Northern Provincial Health Services and the Director of Jaffna Regional Health Services also attended the event as special guests. Along with them, the Principal of Jaffna Nursing Training College, Divisional Secretary of Valikamam North, the Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, and the Principal of Union College also participated.
