World Leprosy Day Celebration – 2026 at BGS Medical College & Hospital, Nagarur
In observance of World Leprosy Day – 2026, the Department of Dermatology, in association with the Department of Community Medicine, BGS VINS, and BGS VIPT, organized a series of academic and awareness activities aimed at dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and reinforcing the message that leprosy is a curable disease.
Poster Competition
As a prelude to the main event, a Poster Competition was conducted on 16 January 2026 at the Reading Room, New Building. A total of nine teams participated enthusiastically, presenting creative and informative posters based on the theme “Leprosy is curable, the real challenge is stigma.”
The competition was judged by Dr. Satheesh B C, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, and Dr. Prateek G S, Senior Resident, Department of Dermatology. The event was coordinated under the overall supervision of Dr. Mohamed Tanveer Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine. The activity provided a platform for students to express public health messages through visual communication.
Main World Leprosy Day Program
The main event was held on 28 January 2026 at the MEU Hall, BGS Medical College & Hospital, Nagarur. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Krishnamurthy V R, Chief of Hospital, BGS MCH.
The academic session focused on the theme “The Past, Present and Future of Leprosy.” The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Hamumanthayya K, Professor Eminence, SDUMC, Kolar, who provided valuable insights into the historical perspective, current challenges, and future directions in leprosy control. This was followed by an in-house lecture by Dr. Mohamed Tanveer Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, highlighting public health strategies and community-based interventions.
The program was attended by faculty members, nursing and physiotherapy staff, and students from various disciplines. Prize distribution for the poster competition was conducted by the Chief of Hospital, the guest speaker, and other dignitaries on the dais. The poster presentation competition winners were felicitated, with Sanjana and team securing the first prize, Kavya and team winning second prize, and Sreedev Ranjith and team achieving third prize. The event proceedings were efficiently coordinated by Dr. Pratap Pawar, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, who served as the Master of Ceremony.
Dignitaries Present
Dr. Krishnamurthy V R, Chief of Hospital, BGS MCH
Dr. Hamumanthayya K, Professor Eminence, SDUMC, Kolar
Dr. Raghavendra B N, Professor & Head, Department of Dermatology, BGS MCH
Dr. Raghuram V, Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, BGS MCH
Mrs. Cecily P J, Principal, BGS VINS, Nagarur
The celebration successfully reinforced awareness, encouraged academic discussion, and emphasized the importance of eliminating stigma associated with leprosy through education and community engagement.
