Lucknow: The Centre of BioMedical Research (CBMR), Lucknow celebrated International Women’s Day on March 7, 2025, as part of the ongoing celebrations marking the 100th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. The event brought together a galaxy of eminent women leaders who have made significant contributions to the healthcare sector, earning both national and international recognition.
Professor Alok Dhawan, Director, CBMR, extended a warm welcome to an esteemed gathering of distinguished women pioneers in healthcare, recognised globally for their invaluable contributions to society. This event highlights CBMR’s commitment to empowering women in the healthcare sector and celebrating their achievements.
Dr. Sunayana Misra, Medical Consultant at CBMR, introduced the esteemed dais dignitaries, highlighting their remarkable achievements and their roles in advancing healthcare in the country.
Dr. Prerna Kapoor, Senior Physician at SGPGIMS, Lucknow, delivered a keynote lecture “Obesity: Hidden Dangers and Gender Disparity.” Her talk aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ emphasizing the urgent need for rapid advancements in gender equality and health awareness. Dr Kapoor revealed that India ranks third globally in obesity, following the US and China, with women being particularly susceptible to obesity-related diseases. She urged the audience to adopt home-cooked meals instead of junk food and aerated drinks and highlighted the crucial role mothers play in managing their children’s diets. Dr Kapoor advocated for adopting healthier lifestyles as an effective measure against obesity and its associated risks.
Dr. Archana Sinha, Senior Dietitian at SGPGIMS, offered practical dietary advice, suggesting that meals should be balanced with seasonal fruits, vegetables, proteins, and carbohydrates. She emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and recommended using smaller plates to control portion sizes, thereby reducing the risk of obesity.
Dr Shalini Agrawal, Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist at SGPGIMS in her remarks encouraged women to prioritize their health and foster healthy lifestyles within their families. She stressed the importance of choosing supportive companions who share similar health goals to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Dr Rama Tripathi, Senior Dietitian at SGPGIMS, praised Dr Prerna Kapoor’s address and emphasized that working women often overlook their own health while balancing professional and personal responsibilities. She highlighted the importance of a balanced diet and self-care for women, considering their significant role in nation-building.
The Guest of Honor, Dr Piyali Bhattacharya, Consultant Paediatrician at SGPGIMS, emphasized the power of a positive mind-set in leading a stress-free and healthy life. She urged mothers to provide home-cooked meals for their children with minimal sugar and salt to promote healthier lifestyles from an early age, thereby contributing to a healthier nation.
The Chief Guest, Dr Deepa Kapoor, Assistant Director, Department of Gynaecology at Tender Palm Hospital, applauded CBMR for organizing an event that featured experts from various fields of healthcare, including Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Medicine, and Nutrition. She highlighted the importance of proper nutrition for infants, advising against the use of salt and sugar to support healthy growth. Dr Kapoor described the event as a befitting tribute to the achievements of women in healthcare and their vital role in society.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Deepa Bakshi. She expressed her gratitude to the speakers and attendees for their valuable contributions, making the occasion a grand success.
This celebration not only honored the extraordinary achievements of women in healthcare but also reinforced the need for accelerated action towards gender equality and improved health awareness in society.
