Students combine patriotic celebrations with experiential learning and social inclusion
Solan, August 15: Bahra University, Waknaghat, Solan, marked Independence Day with patriotic fervour and a message of social inclusion by taking its celebrations beyond the campus to the Indian Association for Muscular Dystrophy (IAMD) centre at Kothon, Solan.
Under the guidance of Director, Students Welfare, Anurag Awasthi, a university team comprising students from the Department of Physiotherapy and members of the Students’ Council visited the IAMD centre and celebrated the occasion with patients, their families, doctors and staff.
The campus celebrations included a special flag-hoisting ceremony, while the visit to IAMD added a community-oriented dimension to the celebrations. Students interacted with patients and their families, shared the spirit of Independence Day and participated in moments of camaraderie and togetherness.
For the physiotherapy students, the visit also served as an experiential learning opportunity. Interacting with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals helped them gain a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with muscular dystrophy, while highlighting the importance of empathy, communication, patience and patient-centred care.
The experience also helped students understand that physiotherapy extends beyond clinical treatment to include emotional support, dignity, confidence and improving quality of life. The interaction further highlighted the role of family support, community-based care and a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare.
IAMD general secretary Vipul Goyal appreciated the university team’s participation and said that the presence of the students brought positivity and a sense of togetherness among patients and their families. He emphasised that the spirit of independence becomes meaningful when every individual gets an opportunity to live with dignity, respect and hope.
The engagement between Bahra University and IAMD also highlighted the importance of meaningful partnerships between educational institutions and the wider community. Such initiatives provide students with exposure to real-life situations while encouraging them to contribute positively to society.
The Independence Day programme at Kothon thus went beyond a formal celebration, bringing together patriotism, learning, empathy and inclusion. As the country moves forward, the event underlined the message that the true spirit of freedom lies in ensuring that every individual is valued and treated with dignity and respect.
