Young learners blend learning with service on World Physiotherapy Day 

Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, celebrated World Physiotherapy Day in a heartwarming and socially meaningful way by organising an outreach visit to Pingla Ghar. The initiative, driven by the Department of Physiotherapy, reflected the institute’s commitment to blending academic learning with community service and compassion.

True to the vision of its Founder Chairman, Dr. Stya Paul, and under the encouragement of Mrs Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairman, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, Chancellor Apeejay Stya University, and Chairman, Apeejay Education, ACFA continues to ensure that students are not only aware of the importance of global observances but also actively participate in initiatives that allow them to experience their essence first-hand.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from students who visited Pingla Ghar, a shelter home dedicated to the welfare of underprivileged individuals. The young physiotherapists-in-training spent quality time with the residents, engaging them in conversations and interactive activities that spread warmth and joy. To make the day even more special, they distributed essential items, sweets, and nutritious snacks among the residents, ensuring both comfort and cheer.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra emphasised the dual purpose of such initiatives. “Our aim is to provide students not only with academic knowledge in the classroom but also with the right exposure that instills confidence and prepares them to build successful careers in their field,” she said. Highlighting the deeper impact, she added, “Equally important is sensitising them towards society. By visiting Pingla Ghar, our students witness the realities of those who lack the basic necessities of life. Such experiences awaken compassion and inspire them to extend a helping hand, thus fulfilling their human responsibility. True education must nurture both professional excellence and a humane spirit.”

Dr. Dhingra also appreciated the commendable efforts of Dr. Neeraj Katyal, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, and Dr. Neetika Gupta, for thoughtfully organising the visit and guiding students through this socially constructive endeavour. She expressed hope that such initiatives would continue in the future, shaping students into well-rounded professionals who uphold the values of empathy, service, and humanity alongside academic excellence.

The celebration of World Physiotherapy Day at ACFA was not just a symbolic observance but a real-life lesson in compassion, responsibility, and the human side of healthcare. By reaching out to the residents of Pingla Ghar, the students exemplified how physiotherapy extends beyond classrooms and clinics—it is about healing, serving, and uplifting society as a whole.