Imphal, August 25, 2026: Manipur University on Tuesday launched its awareness activities under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan by participating in the University Grants Commission’s online Chetna Series Lecture on “TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan—Creating Awareness for a TB-Free India.”
The UGC programme under Ministry of Education, Government of India, organised through Webex, aimed to strengthen awareness about tuberculosis prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment while encouraging the active participation of higher education institutions in achieving the national goal of a TB-free India.
Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), Manipur University; Prof. M Premjit Singh, Registrar; Manipur University; Prof. N. Basanta, Dean, Manipur Institute of Technology, MU; Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, Dean of Students’ Welfare, MU; Prof N. Rajen Singh, Department of Chemistry; University Engineer N Thoiba Singh; Prof L Santosh Singh, Programme Coordinator, NSS; Dr. Lamabam Pinky Devi, Medical Officer, Manipur University Health Centre; Dr Sakila Nongmeikapam, Public Relations Officer, Manipur University; along with other members of the university community, participated in the online programme.
During the live programme, Prof. Shyama Rath, Secretary, University Grants Commission, and Dr. Shobini Rajan, Deputy Director General, Central TB Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, addressed the participants of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). They highlighted the importance of sustained public awareness, early testing and diagnosis, timely treatment and community participation in eliminating tuberculosis. The speakers also underlined the significant role of higher education institutions, students and faculty members in countering misinformation and stigma associated with TB and in carrying the message of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to the wider community.
The initiative forms part of the Joint Action Plan for implementing the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in higher education institutions. The plan recognises the important role of universities and colleges in promoting public awareness, community participation and youth engagement in the fight against tuberculosis.
Under the campaign, higher education institutions have been encouraged to enrol as Ni-kshay Mitras, motivate faculty members, students, alumni and other stakeholders to support persons affected by tuberculosis, and integrate TB awareness into student-engagement and community-outreach programmes.
The University Grants Commission has also called upon institutions to disseminate verified information on TB prevention through institutional websites, digital platforms and social media. Students and staff are to be encouraged to participate in awareness activities such as rallies, street plays, poster campaigns and community sensitisation programmes to counter myths, misinformation and the stigma associated with tuberculosis.
As part of its institutional follow-up, the Manipur University Health Centre proposes to organise department-wise TB awareness sessions covering all 47 departments of the University in collaboration with the State TB Unit of the Health Department.
Under the proposed plan, two departments will be covered every week, with each awareness session lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The phased programme is expected to cover all the departments over approximately 24 weeks.
The awareness sessions will focus on basic information about tuberculosis, its signs and symptoms, modes of transmission, preventive measures, availability of testing and treatment, and the importance of completing prescribed treatment. They will also address myths and stigma associated with TB, promote healthy lifestyle practices, and provide information about Ni-kshay Mitras and available support for persons affected by tuberculosis.
Students, faculty members and staff of the respective departments will participate in the sessions. The University Health Centre will also coordinate the programme and maintain records for documentation and reporting.
Through the initiative, Manipur University seeks to strengthen health awareness within the campus community and contribute to the collective national effort towards a TB-free India.
