Prasanna School of Public Health Welcomes New Students with Inspiring Orientation Day 2024
Manipal, August 1, 2024: Prasanna School of Public Health (PSPH), a prestigious part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), held its Orientation Day 2024 at the TMA Pai Hall, KMC Administration Block, welcoming a fresh cohort of students eager to begin their public health education journey.
The day commenced with a heartfelt Welcome Address by Dr. Asha Kamath, Associate Director of PSPH, followed by the traditional Lighting of the Lamp, a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. Dr. Cherian Varghese, Professor and Director of PSPH, introduced the event with a speech that emphasized the need for an enabling environment and outlined essential skills for a thriving career in public health. He highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of public health, touching on fields such as social work, hospital administration, biostatistics, data science, digital epidemiology, and health technology assessment.
D A Prasanna, Chief Patron of PSPH, MAHE, delivered an inspiring address, urging students to approach their studies with dedication and commitment. He stressed the importance of mastering public health communication, counseling, and data analysis. Prasanna encouraged students to cultivate a confident attitude, embrace a wide range of subjects, accurately define problems, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and build meaningful relationships.
In his Presidential Address, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, underscored the significance of problem-solving, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He emphasized the key pillars of excellence in education, research, internationalization, sustainability, and alumni engagement. Highlighting the proactive approach needed in public health, he stated, “Excellence is achieved by consistently performing, and PSPH stands by this principle.” He also shared his unique perspective on education, noting, “25% of education is derived through teachers, 25% from one’s own willingness, 25% from peers, and the rest as a lifelong learner.”
The event also featured alumni sharing their professional journeys, offering valuable insights to the new students. Speakers included Dr. Rohit Raj, Kshama Bangera, Gowreesh Acharya, and Dr. Ramya, who provided guidance and inspiration based on their experiences in the field of public health.
Orientation Day 2024 was a resounding success, reflecting PSPH’s commitment to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. As the new students begin their academic journey, the Prasanna School of Public Health reaffirms its dedication to excellence in education, research, and societal contribution. The orientation program was managed by the students of PSPH, showcasing their leadership and organizational skills.
