The event this year focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic, safeguarding people’s health, building immunity, and living in the new normal

The Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), a leading national non-profit organization committed to making India a healthier and disease-free nation, flagged off the 27^th edition of the PERFECT HEALTH MELA (PHM) on 1^st November 2020. This one-of-its-kind event held annually is supported this year by patrons like LIC, and the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Jan Aushadhi Government of India, Drugs Controller Delhi Govt. besides corporate and educational institutions. The Mela has gone digital this year with the theme Safe-Guarding from Covid-19 and is being broadcast live on www.perfecthealthmela.com

The guests of honor for the inaugural session included Indian author and renowned poet Shri Ashok Chakradhar; kathak dancer, choreographer and teacher, Ms Uma Sharma; CEO, Jan Aushadhi, Government of India, Mr Sachin Singh; Regional Manager (Marketing ), LIC of India, North Zone, Mr Kapil Kumar; Scientist , Advisor and Head, NCSTC, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Dr A B P Mishra; among others.

Speaking at the event, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, President, HCFI and CMAAO, said, “We are in a new normal and it was only evident that the Mela would also follow suit this year. These are times when we need to build our immunity, resilience and knowledge and ensure that we follow the protocols that have been mandated to keep us safe from the pandemic. However, it is also important to not stop and ensure that we work towards improving the current scenario as well. This was one of the thoughts behind going digital with the Perfect Health Mela this year and everyone can look forward to various new elements we have added as well.”

Day one and two featured an insightful Health Darbar with Dr K K Aggarwal and went on to showcase science activity corners by Dept. of Science & Technology deputed scientists from various parts of the country on various subjects of general public interest like explaining science behind miracles, detection of food adulteration, fun with science, rocketry making, electronic etc. , among other things. The inaugural day also saw the launch of the HCFI Renu Bamalwa Charitable OPD in memory of late Renu Bamalwa. The free OPD will be held from Tuesday to Saturday every week from 3 pm to 5 pm and is aimed at helping people deal with various illnesses during the pandemic times.

Adding further, Shri Ashok Chakradhar, said, “I congratulate the HCFI for having gone online with the Perfect Health Mela this year. An event like this is the need of the hour when it comes to dispelling myths around COVID-19, sending out the right information to people, among other things. This is also the only event of its kind which uses infotainment, and the Arts to convey messages in a very simple yet impactful manner.”

Dr A B P Mishra Scientist NCSTC Division of Department of Science and Technology, GOI, said, “Science and Arts go hand in hand. On the one hand, there is logic and explanation to everything, on the other, there are also some things which require expression. Perfect Health Mela combines these two in the most interesting manner to educate people on health and the importance of a healthy mind and body. During this pandemic, I urge everyone to attend this event, which is a monumental effort from the HCFI since the last many years to spread awareness.”

Started in 1993, the Perfect Health Mela caters to people from all age groups and all walks of life. It showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars, check-ups, entertainment programmes, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. Over200 organizations attend the event each year including state and central government entities, PSUs, and leading corporate.