By Chandrashekahr Meshram, JMK Murthy, Nirmal Surya, U Meenakshisundaram and Gagandeep Singh
Examples of print media coverage from National Brain Week 2020 in India.
Taking inspiration from the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), the Indian Academy of Neurology has been organizing public education and awareness programs on brain health and brain diseases during National Brain Week for the last seven years with Chandrashekhar Meshram as the convener. The activity is held with the academy’s Foundation Day, which is Dec. 16.
National Brain Week was organized as a virtual event this year on the background of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Neurologists and experts across the country joined the week-long celebration. The sessions were conducted online daily from Dec. 18-24.
This year’s theme was “My Health My Responsibility.” The emphasis was on preventive aspects of the neurological diseases. Dr. Meshram planned the program for the week and released the press note.
Program for National Brain Week India held in December 2020.
Past President of the Academy and philanthropist Padmashree Dr. Ashok Panagariya inaugurated the event and addressed the audience on Dec. 18.
After the sessions’ concluding function was held, IAN President Dr. JMK Murthy, President-Elect Dr. Nirmal Surya, Secretary Dr. U. Meenakshisundaram, Past-Secretary Dr. Gagandeep Singh, Convener Dr. Chandrashekhar Meshram and Dr. Partha Ray expressed their views about the extremely successful event. Important information regarding the diseases and their prevention was conveyed in the best possible way. Difficult topics were made simple by speakers for understanding by the general public.
The faculty came from different regions and states of the country. After the talks, the audience got the opportunity to interact with the experts during question-and-answer sessions. During the week, the IAN 3000k Challenge was also organized; 58 neurologists ran for 3109 kms during the week and set the example for the society.
There was an overwhelming response to the event. Print media actively participated in the campaign. (5 Figures) The academy has decided to undertake public education and awareness activities more frequently throughout the year during 2021. •
