The Department of Kaumarabhritya of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda, Hospital and Research
Centre, Udupi, organized an educational awareness programme on 12 November 2026 on the occasion of Children’s
Day. Students from the Government High School, Udyavara, were invited to the Ayurveda College.

During the inaugural ceremony, the Head of the Department, Dr. Prithviraj Puranik, welcomed everyone and
encouraged the students to gain knowledge about the information, medicines and other facilities available in Ayurvedic
medicine for children’s health from the hospital’s experienced paediatric specialists.

Dr. Srikanth P., Head of the Department of Dravyaguna and Dean PG & Ph.D. Studies motivated the students by stating
that Ayurveda is a science that reflects our way of life and that its foundation lies in the knowledge of plants. He
encouraged them to learn more about this extensive subject during the programme.

Dr. Nagaraj S., Vice-Principal (Academic ) of the institution, emphasized that the future of children depends not only on
physical textual knowledge but also on mental and emotional well-being. He urged the students to make the best use of
the educational program.

Taramathi, Senior Teacher of Government High School, Udyavara, was present on the dais. She expressed that, as
devotees of Lord Manjunatha of Dharmasthala, it was indeed a blessing to share the stage of Sri Dharmasthala Ayurveda
College with the doctors on this special occasion. She also stated that it was a privilege for the schoolchildren to have
been given an opportunity by the institution to gain knowledge from experienced doctors in such a natural and serene
environment.

Dr. Mamatha K. V., Principal of the college, delivered the presidential address. She explained the importance of learning
Ayurveda, the fundamental purpose of daily routines from morning until night, the changes in our health and lifespan
brought about by our lifestyle and the significance of following daily routines in accordance with nature.

Dr. Pooja, a second-year postgraduate student of the Department of Kaumarabhritya, compered the program. Junior
doctors Dr. Ganga and Dr. Nagashree rendered the prayer. Dr. Sahana Shankari, Associate Professor of the department
and programme coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Nagarathna J., Associate Professor and Assistant
Professors Dr. Kavya and Dr. Chitralekha were also present.

Following the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Prithviraj Puranik and Dr. Sahana Shankari conducted an informative session on
the physical and psychological changes during adolescence. The paediatric specialists of the department conducted free
health check-ups for the 56 students who attended the programme. Subsequently, an informative session on the
institution’s valuable medicinal plants was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Faizal and Dr. Poornima, faculty
members of the Department of Dravyaguna.

Dr. Krishnamurthy N., Head of the Department of Anatomy, and Dr. Anju Thomas, Associate Professor of the
department, explained various parts of the human body using the advanced technological facility, Anatomage. They also
provided a live demonstration of the structures of various human organs in the Anatomy Museum. The programme,
organized with the objective of promoting the all-round development of knowledge among growing children, was highly
appreciated by the participating students and teachers.