ICMR-NIRT and Saveetha School of Physical Education Organise Awareness Programme on Tuberculosis and Substance Use
Sept. 24, 2026
The Department of Social and Behavioural Research (DSBR), ICMR National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (ICMR-NIRT), in collaboration with the Saveetha School of Physical Education, organised an awareness programme on tuberculosis (TB) and substance use on 24th September, 2026, at the Indoor Hall, Saveetha School of Physical Education, Chennai.
The programme began with a welcome address by Mr E. Jesudin Rajesh, Professor, followed by an inaugural address by Mr V. Valveema Raja, Dean of Sports, SIMATS.
Dr S. Senthil, Technical Officer (TO-C), ICMR-NIRT, delivered an awareness session on the harmful effects of substance use, particularly on lung function and immunity. Ms Goverthana Chandrasekar, Project Technical Officer–III, and Ms Synthia Krishnaraj, MSW Intern, Madras School of Social Work (MSSW), presented an interactive puppet show on TB awareness and healthy living. Dr Murugesan Periyasamy, Principal Technical Officer, ICMR-NIRT, used the traditional Villu Pattu folk-art form to convey key messages on TB transmission, treatment and prevention.
Around 50 students and staff members participated in the programme. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr N. Sundar Raj, Principal, followed by a collective pledge towards TB elimination, reaffirming the commitment of both institutions to promoting community health and TB prevention.
