The programme aimed to spread awareness among school children regarding the importance of the immune system.
International Day of Immunology 2026 Celebrated at PGIMER, Chandigarh
The Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research successfully celebrated the International Day of Immunology 2026 on 29th April 2026 at the NINE Auditorium, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The event was organized under the aegis of the Society for Laboratory Immunology and Immunopathology (SLI) with the theme:
“Your Body’s Defense Story: From Fighting Germs to Staying Healthy”
The programme aimed to spread awareness among school children regarding the importance of the immune system, healthy lifestyle practices, vaccination, autoimmunity, and cancer immunity. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and teachers across Chandigarh schools and served as an interactive educational platform promoting scientific awareness among young minds.
Dr. Ranjana W Minz (Former Head of the Department of Immunopathology) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and appreciated the initiative taken by the Department of Immunopathology in sensitizing children about immunity, disease prevention, and healthy living. She encouraged students to develop scientific curiosity and awareness regarding healthcare and preventive medicine.
The scientific sessions included informative talks delivered by faculty members of the Department of Immunopathology on topics such as:
- “Your Body’s Defense Team: Who Protects You Every Day”
- “Friendly Fire: When the Immune System Attacks Its Own”
- “Too Much or Too Little? The Art of Immune Balance”
- “Catching the Bad Guys: How Your Body Fights Cancer”
- “Your Daily Choices Shape Your Immunity”
The programme also featured an interactive quiz competition and poster-making competition based on immunity and healthy habits, which generated great enthusiasm among the participating students.
More than 100 students participated collectively in the celebrations from GMSSS Sector 15, GMSH Sector 12, GMSSS Sector 10, GMHS Sector 11, Chandigarh
The poster-making competition highlighted the creativity and understanding of students on themes related to immunity, vaccination, healthy lifestyle, infection prevention, and immune disorders. Winners of the quiz and poster competitions were felicitated during the prize distribution ceremony.
The organizing committee included Prof. Biman Saikia (Convener), Dr. Mahendra Kumar (Organizing Secretary), along with faculty members, residents, researchers and other clinical staff of the Department of Immunopathology, PGIMER.
The Department expressed gratitude to the Department of Education, UT Chandigarh, participating schools, teachers, students, and media representatives for their support and contribution towards making the programme a grand success.
The celebration reinforced PGIMER’s commitment towards promoting scientific education, public health awareness, and community engagement through interactive learning initiatives for school children.
