Event Name:  World Obesity Day 2026
Mode: Offline
Organized By: Department of Pediatrics
Venue : Hospital Courtyard
Date: 04-03-2026
Time : 10:00 A.M – 1:00 P.M

Participants

• Attendees: Postgraduates, Interns, Working mothers, General public
• Faculties: 75

Organizing Team

• Secretary: Arulkumaran
• Topics Covered: Causes of Obesity, complications of obesity, foods to be avoided and its preventive measures.

Event Summary

The Department of Paediatrics SMVMCH along with IAP Puducherry on the occasion of “World Obesity Day (4th March 2026)”, the Department of Paediatrics successfully organized a series of academic and community-based activities under the theme

“Transforming Systems, Healthier Lives.”

The program focused on raising awareness about childhood obesity and its prevention among students and the community.

Event 1 : Postgraduate Debate Competition (02.03.2026)

Topic: “Childhood Obesity – Parental Cause or Environmental Influence?”

The debate witnessed an enthusiastic audience of around ‘250 undergraduate students’.

Both teams presented evidence-based arguments highlighting parental feeding practices, screen time habits, lifestyle patterns, as well as environmental factors like junk food marketing, urban lifestyle, and lack of play spaces.

The session was intellectually stimulating with fun elements interposed and encouraged critical thinking among students regarding multifactorial causes of obesity.

Event 2 : Interactive Obesity Quiz for Final Year UG Students (02.03.2026)

An engaging ‘Connexions-based interactive quiz’ was conducted by Dr.Aishwarya. T, Senior Resident of Paediatrics and Dr.Ilanthirayan. S, Senior Resident of Paediatrics with an audience of nearly ‘150 undergraduate students’. Initial written prelims was conducted in which top 5 teams were selected for final quiz.

The quiz included case-based questions, image identification, rapid-fire rounds, obesity related pharmacology segments, insulin resistance, complications, and prevention strategies.

The session was highly interactive and reinforced important clinical concepts in a fun learning format.

Event 3 : Inaugural Function (04.03.2026)

The program began with the traditional ‘Kuthuvilakku Lighting Ceremony’, followed by a warm welcome address.

A “Talk on Obesity – Causes, Complications & Prevention” was delivered, by Dr.Arulkumaran, Professor of Paediatrics along with Postgraduates emphasizing:

* Early identification

* Lifestyle modification

* Role of parents and schools

* Importance of physical activity

* Long-term metabolic risks

Event 4 :

‘Community Engagement Activities’ was conducted by Dr.Aishwarya. T, Senior Resident Department of Paediatrics amidst audience of 75 people

✅ “Sweet Detective – Find the Hidden Sugar Challenge”

10 Participants were asked to guess the number of teaspoons of sugar hidden in common snacks and beverages. Then answers were revealed to them and those who got the maximum answers right were rewarded. This activity created strong awareness about hidden sugars in packaged foods.

✅ “Move More, Win More – Fitness Challenge”

Around **6 community participants** actively took part in a skipping challenge.

The enthusiasm was remarkable, and winners were rewarded. The activity highlighted that simple exercises can be enjoyable and effective.

✅ “From Junk to Joy – Healthy Recipe Challenge”

This event saw wonderful participation from adults, including even **grandmothers**, who shared their nutritious traditional recipes. As a token of appreciation, mothers were recognised and were called as Super mom by their children and given a medal.

Millets, sprouts, and wholesome homemade alternatives were showcased, reinforcing the value of our traditional healthy diets.

Event 5: “Flash Mob – Move for Health”

A vibrant flash mob was performed promoting physical activity and healthy living by undergraduates MBBS students more than 70 people attended. It attracted significant attention and energized the gathering.

Event 6: Prize Distribution & Valedictory Function

Winners of all competitions were honored during the valedictory ceremony.

The event concluded with a note of gratitude, appreciating the active participation of students, faculty, and the community.

Event 7:School Awareness Activities (07.03.2026) was conducted in SMV School students from VI to IX Std around 250 students participated.

* Awareness talk on childhood obesity with posters

* Healthy plate drawing competition

These activities aimed to instill healthy habits from an early age.

The overall program successfully combined academic discussion, student engagement, and community participation to spread awareness about preventing childhood obesity.

We thank all faculty members, students, and community participants for making the event a grand success.

Event Name: 18th East Coast PEDICON
Mode: Offline
Organized By: Department of Pediatrics
Venue : SMVMCH Auditorium
Date: 07-02-2026 & 08-02-2026
Time : 8:30 A.M – 5:00 P.M

Theme- Relearn and rejuvenate

The 18th East Coast PEDICON 2026 was a distinguished academic congregation of pediatric professionals, bringing together clinicians, academicians, and researchers to deliberate on evolving trends in child health. Organized jointly by IAP- Puducherry, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore Branches along with Department of Paediatrics. SMVMCH as a comprehensive two-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme, the conference reflects the dynamic transformation of pediatric practice—from evidence-based bedside care to technology-enabled precision medicine.

Academic Vision
The scientific programme was meticulously curated to address contemporary challenges in pediatric office practice, critical care, neonatology, infectious diseases, developmental pediatrics, and emerging digital health paradigms. The sessions are designed to bridge clinical expertise with practical decision-making applicable to real-world pediatric settings.

Day 1 Highlights – February 7, 2026
The inaugural day commenced with the grand inauguration by Dr.Singaravelu- IAP India President elect, our Dean Academic- Dr.Karthikeyan, Dr.Bharath Kumar (Professor and Head), Dr.Arulkumaran (Professor) along with IAP office bearers of Puducherry, Villupuram,  Cuddalore and Kallakurichi branches followed by sessions chaired by eminent pediatric leaders.

Key Scientific Sessions Included:
Dr. V. Namachivayam Memorial Lecture by Dr.Thangavelu was the highlight of the day which grabbed the attention of the audience. Interesting case scenarios were discussed and there was active participation from the delegates. Dr. Thangavelu sir was honoured by IAP members and by legends of paediatrics.

HIV/AIDS: A Changing Scenario – A Journey, A Quest
Evolution of pediatric HIV care and long-term management perspectives.
Late Preterm Babies Are Not Term Babies
Addressing subtle morbidities and practical challenges faced in routine practice.
Common Neonatal Problems in Office Practice
Bridging neonatology with community pediatric care.
Rabies Vaccination – Do’s and Don’ts
Practical, case-based discussions tailored for daily practice.
The first day successfully integrated critical care updates with practical outpatient pediatrics, ensuring applicability across diverse healthcare settings.

Day 2 Highlights – February 8, 2026
Theme: Integrating Innovation, Digital Health, and Preventive Pediatrics
The second day expanded the discourse into adolescent health, preventive strategies, artificial intelligence, and digital well-being.

Major Topics Covered:
Adolescent Pediatrics – Office Practice Panel
Addressing psychosocial, behavioral, and transitional care issues.
NSVMC Medal Oration by Dr.Balachander was the crowd puller session of the day. This session left everyone thinking that clinical acumen is the core despite advancements in technology. Dr.Balachander was honoured for his contributions.

Vaccine Panel Discussion
Addressing immunization controversies, updates, and best practices.
Respiratory Infections Panel Discussion
Evidence-based management of common respiratory illnesses.
Three Minute Thriller Session
Rapid, high-yield clinical insights delivered by postgraduates on their research topics

Poster presentation

Eighty delegates from various colleges participated enthusiastically to present their posters.
The day concluded with prize distribution for winners of the poster competition

Conclusion
The 18th East Coast PEDICON 2026 was a grand success which promotes evidence-based pediatric practice.
Bridges tertiary care expertise with community-level implementation.
Provides a platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking.
The conference reflects the evolving landscape of pediatrics—where clinical acumen, technological integration, preventive health, and ethical responsibility converge to ensure holistic child care.