Experts renew their collective pledge to ‘End Polio Now’

With a vision to educate the community on the importance of global eradication and public health efforts, Rotaract Club of Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram recently hosted a Purple Day polio awareness event. The event brought together school students, university leadership and Rotary representatives to reinforce one message: the mission to end polio is not yet complete.

The occasion was graced by the presence of (Dr.) Vijay Vir Singh, Vice-Chancellor of ASU, PDG. Rtn. Dr. Subramanyam as the Chief Guest, alongside distinguished guests Rtn. Kamal Bhambhani, Rtn. Arun Roongta, Rtn. Aneesha Dalmia, and Rtn. Mohit Bajoria. Registrar Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Mr N.N. Nayyar, Apeejay Education, DSW Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal, Dr. Sonam Raheja and others were also present in the programme. 

Following the opening proceedings, an engaging inter-school quiz competition on polio awareness was organised to foster learning and healthy competition among young minds. Participating in this insightful event were around 190 students from adopted villages of Apeejay Stya University namely Shri Ganesh School, Khuntpuri Village, B.S.M School, Hazipur Village and Govt Sr. Sec. School, Silani Village. The interactive quiz tested and expanded the students’ understanding of polio prevention, public health history, and global eradication efforts. Quiz was coordinated by Dr. Shilpa Chaudhary, Asst. Professor in School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and judged by Dr Saroj Kumar, Associate Professor in School of Biosciences. Student coordinator of the quiz was Rtr. Ruchika from School of Biosciences.   

Sergeant-at-Arms, Rtr. Akol Nyok, come and collar our President, Rtr. Philip J. Dolo, marking his leadership and dedication to the club then Rtn. Aneesha Dalmia comes forward to grace the stage and collar our Secretary, Rtr. Aryan Pandey, as to formally mark that special occasion and recognise his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him

Following this, the formal proceedings of the event officially commenced. Club President Rtr. Philip J dolo struck the Rotaract gavel against the bell, calling the meeting to order according to tradition. Rtr. Akol then took the stage to recite the Rotary Four-Way Test, reminding all attendees of the ethical principles guiding the organisation’s community service initiatives.

In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vijay Vir Singh mentioned about the community work being done by Rotaract Club under the leadership of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson, Apeejay Education, Co-Promoter & President, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and Co-Founder & Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University and Rtn. Dr. Neha Berlia,  Joint Secretary, Apeejay Education,  Pro-Chancellor, Apeejay Stya University, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Stya and Svrán Group. He spoke on the importance of immunization, echoing the campaign’s message “Do Boond Hai Zaruri” (two drops are essential and also mentioned the success of the pulse polio programme under the rotary international. He then motivated the school students to spread awareness for the Polio virus.

Reaffirming the commitment of Apeejay Education and Apeejay Stya University to polio eradication, rehabilitation, inclusion, and community service, Dr. Neha Berlia lauded Rotary International for its remarkable contribution to the global fight against polio and highlighted the legacy of service inspired by Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul. Emphasising the role of educational institutions in nurturing socially responsible youth, she called upon all stakeholders to strengthen immunisation, spread awareness, and mobilise communities to achieve a polio-free world. She urged everyone to renew their collective pledge to End Polio Now, ensuring that no child is left unprotected and every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity.  She said the mission against polio is not yet complete. She urged more students to join the fight, saying, “Every child is protected, every life is valued.” She also praised Rotaract club’s work and motivated the school students for upcoming Polio awareness. 

Rtr. Arun Rungta, member of the Disease committee, Rotary Club of Delhi Premier shared an inspiring account from Jharkhand. A woman in the Santhal tribe, a community at risk of dwindling, was encouraged to take part in the polio campaign and helped convince her community to get immunised.

his address, Chairperson of the End Polio event Rtr. Som Sarth took the stage to share a compelling speech on global and national polio rates. He outlined strategic measures to combat the disease, highlighted the critical role of hygiene, and motivated attendees to actively participate in the ongoing fight to eradicate polio entirely.  

Mr. Kamal Bhambhani District Polio Chair, RCDP praised the campus and said he was proud of the university’s initiative. He spoke of the commitment everyone shares toward eradicating polio through awareness and the necessary steps, and left the audience with the words “Koshish Karne Walon Ki Kabhi Haar Nahi Hoti” (those who keep trying never lose).

Joining him on stage, Rtn. Aneesha Dalmia, member of RCDP delivered powerful talks on the history and current landscape of polio eradication. She shared key figures on reduced transmission rates, outlined the importance of sustained immunisations, and motivated students and faculty to remain active advocates for global public health. The event then transitioned into its keynote address by Dr. Subramaniyam Past District Governor, RCDP who spoke about preventive steps to protect health from infection and contamination. He noted that only two countries in the world still report polio, and that the solution is the oral vaccine, the polio drops. India’s last polio case was 15 years ago, and he urged everyone to work toward a polio-free world. PDG Rtn. Dr. Subramanyam makes all the students and people pledge, to fight against Polio.

Govt Sr. Sec. Silani Village got first position, B.S.M School got second position, and Shri Ganesh School got third position. Winning team members: Urvashi, Monica, Tanisha and Happy

· 1st Place: Government Senior Secondary School, Silani

· 2nd Place: Bheem Singh Memorial Senior Secondary School, Hajipur

· 3rd Place: Shree Ganesh Senior Secondary School, Bhilakha

The guest dignitaries awarded official prize kits and certificates to the winning student teams and their teachers and principals from the participating schools were felicitated, acknowledging their outstanding performance in the quiz competition

The event concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Rtr. Aryan Pandey, Secretary of the Rotaract Club of Apeejay Stya University. He expressed deep gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries, hon’ble Chancellor Rtn. Sushma Paul Berlia ji and Pro Chancellor Rtn. Dr Neha Berlia ji for their continued mentoring to work towards man making and nation building, Vice Chancellor Prof. Vijay Vir Singh and Registrar Dr Pardeep Kumar and other university management, faculty coordinator Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal, Dr Vijay Kumar and Dr Adnan Irshad, school participants, and student volunteers for making the event a resounding success.

The participating school students gained valuable insights into health, immunisation, and hygiene, leaving the event energised and empowered as young ambassadors for polio awareness.

The event was organised under the leadership of Club President Rtr. Philip J. Dolo, Chairperson Rtr. Som Sarth and Co-Chairperson Rtr. Prince Gupta, whose collective efforts ensured a smooth and meaningful gathering focused on raising awareness for a polio-free future. Anchoring was done by Rtr. Ankita Kumari and Rtr. Astha Balhara.

The event ended with the slogan: Rise to Live. Live to serve.