Media Release

Udupi, Feb 27: In a heartwarming initiative, first-year Master of Public Health (MPH) students from Nitte (Deemed to be University) organized ‘One Fun Day’ at Spandana Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre for Intellectually Challenged Persons in Uppur, Karnataka that provides shelter, vocational training, and life skills to adults with intellectual disabilities. The event aimed to bring joy to the residents while promoting inclusivity and community support.

On February 20, the MPH team, along with faculty members, visited the center, bringing along essential groceries and a donation to support Spandana’s ongoing efforts. The managing director of Spandana, Janarthanan, said, “Don’t judge them for their disabilities but for what abilities they have and what they can do. Support from people in any way is a blessing to us”. The program had a series of interactive games and performances for the residents who enthusiastically participated in Musical Chairs and Ball and Basket, while dance performances by both the MPH students and the residents added to the celebratory spirit.

As part of their commitment to SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-being), the team distributed oranges, chikkis, essential groceries that last a month and also presented cash of Rs 5,000 reaffirming Nitte’s dedication to community outreach. The event concluded with heartfelt interactions between the students and residents, leaving behind lasting memories of joy and inclusivity.

The team included MPH students Dr Anulekha Nataraj, Dr Arjun Bahul, Dr Shreya Noronha, Dr Afiya A Azeez who led the event with their batchmates and faculty members MPH coordinator Dr Mackwin D'Mello and assistant professor Prajwal Jupiter Lobo.