Book discussion at Bluebells School

On 6 August 2024, 7 students of class IX, accompanied by Ms Sumi Dennis Simon, got an opportunity to be a part of an illuminating book discussion hosted by Bluebells International School. The event featured Dr K. Srinath Reddy, a distinguished public health expert and former head of Cardiology at AIIMS, who is also the author of the thought-provoking book ‘Pulse to Planet’. Dr Reddy offered profound insights into health practices, nutrition security, and the crucial need for environmental sustainability.

The session commenced with an engaging Q&A session moderated by a panel of students from the host school. The discussion covered a range of significant topics, including the rising prevalence of lifestyle disorders and effective strategies for their prevention. Dr Reddy evaluated the traditional Indian diet, highlighting its health benefits and its continued relevance in contemporary nutrition. He also proposed innovative approaches to making healthcare goods more accessible and affordable through the public distribution system and advocated for imposing heavy taxes on unhealthy foods to curb their consumption.

Additionally, Dr Reddy addressed the issue of malnutrition, emphasising the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle in line with ancestral habits. His concluding remarks were particularly striking, as he raised urgent concerns about the threats posed by climate change to humanity. He called for a renewed focus on nature rejuvenation and stressed the necessity of aligning scientific knowledge with evolving social norms to tackle these pressing challenges effectively.

This one-hour session offered the students a deeper understanding of the significance of a healthy lifestyle and self-care, as well as the intricate connections between environmental health and public well-being.