CHANDIGARH, April 29, 2026 — The Department of Immunopathology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) successfully celebrated the International Day of Immunology 2026 today at the NINE Auditorium. Organized under the aegis of the Society for Laboratory Immunology and Immunopathology (SLI), the event centered around the theme: “Your Body’s Defense Story: From Fighting Germs to Staying Healthy.”
The interactive program was designed to spread awareness among school children about the critical role of the immune system, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, vaccination, autoimmunity, and cancer immunity. It served as an engaging educational platform to ignite scientific curiosity among young minds.
Event Highlights and Chief Guest Remarks
Dr. Ranjana W Minz, Former Head of the Department of Immunopathology, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. She praised the department’s initiative to sensitize children about disease prevention and healthy living, actively encouraging the students to develop a scientific interest in healthcare and preventive medicine.
Over 100 students from various city schools participated enthusiastically in the celebrations, including representatives from GMSSS Sector 15, GMSH Sector 12, GMSSS Sector 10, and GMHS Sector 11, Chandigarh.
Scientific Sessions and Student Competitions
The event featured a series of accessible, informative talks delivered by faculty members of the Department of Immunopathology. Topics included:
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“Your Body’s Defense Team: Who Protects You Every Day”
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“Friendly Fire: When the Immune System Attacks Its Own”
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“Too Much or Too Little? The Art of Immune Balance”
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“Catching the Bad Guys: How Your Body Fights Cancer”
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“Your Daily Choices Shape Your Immunity”
Beyond the lectures, the program hosted an interactive quiz and a poster-making competition. The posters highlighted the students’ creativity and understanding of themes related to infection prevention, vaccinations, and immune disorders. Winners were felicitated during a dedicated prize distribution ceremony.
Organizers and Institutional Commitment
The event was spearheaded by an organizing committee that included Prof. Biman Saikia (Convener) and Dr. Mahendra Kumar (Organizing Secretary), alongside faculty members, residents, and researchers from the department.
The Department of Immunopathology expressed its gratitude to the UT Chandigarh Department of Education, participating schools, teachers, and media representatives for their support. The successful celebration reinforced PGIMER’s ongoing commitment to promoting scientific education, public health awareness, and community engagement for the youth.
