**World Food Day 2024 – 🎯 Theme: “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”
📅 Date: October 16, 2024
📍 Venue: Seminar Hall, Sree Abirami College of Pharmacy (SACOP)
🧑🎓 Participants: Around 100 students from Pharm D, B. Pharm, and D. Pharm
👨🏫 Organized by: Department of Pharmacognosy, SACOP
📝 Executive Summary
World Food Day 2024 was celebrated on October 16, 2024, at Sree Abirami College of Pharmacy with the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future.” The event was organized by the Department of Pharmacognosy to raise awareness about global food rights, nutritional well-being, and sustainable food systems.
More than 100 students from Pharm D, B. Pharm, and D. Pharm participated in the event, showcasing creativity, passion, and a shared commitment to building a food-secure future. Through poster presentations and expert talks, the event delivered impactful insights into the growing concerns around food security and the role of responsible consumption.
🌿 Event Objective
The core objectives of the celebration were to:
✅ Promote the universal right to adequate and nutritious food
✅ Inspire collaborative efforts toward sustainable food systems
✅ Educate participants on the importance of responsible food choices
✅ Encourage youth participation in addressing food-related issues in the community
🖼️ Poster Presentation Competition
The program commenced at 10:00 AM with a vibrant student poster presentation session. Students from all departments — Pharm D, B. Pharm, and D. Pharm — actively took part, creating posters that reflected various aspects of food rights, global hunger, sustainability, food waste, and nutritional awareness.
Faculty members from the Department of Pharmacognosy evaluated the posters and selected the top three winners based on creativity, message clarity, visual appeal, and relevance to the theme. The competition allowed students to express their understanding of food-related issues through compelling visuals and messages.
🙏 Inaugural Session
Following the poster display, the program officially began with a prayer song beautifully rendered by Fifth Semester Pharmacy students, setting a serene and respectful tone for the event.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. R. Thirumurugan, Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy, introduced the event’s theme and its relevance in today’s world. He emphasized the responsibility of pharmacy professionals in promoting not only medication but also holistic health, which begins with nutrition and access to food.
🎙️ Guest Lecture by Mrs. A. Nalini
The highlight of the day was the guest lecture delivered by Mrs A. Nalini, M.Sc. (Food Science & Nutrition), PG Diploma in Rural Development, and Assistant Professor at Sree Abirami College of Allied Health Sciences. She was formally honored by the Principal, Dr. S. Jeevanandham and introduced by Dr. R. Thirumurugan.
Her presentation titled “Disconnect to Reconnect: Digital Detox Strategies and Nutrition for Clarity, Energy, and Glow” was a unique blend of modern lifestyle guidance and nutritional science. Mrs. Nalini explained the impact of digital overload on physical and mental health and how balanced nutrition and mindful eating can contribute to energy, focus, and emotional well-being.
She also shared findings from her work with the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Her research on the dietary and nutritional status of India’s urban population added immense value and real-world relevance to the session.
🏁 Conclusion
The event concluded with a warm vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Indhumathi, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, organizing faculty, management, and student participants for making the program meaningful and successful.
The celebration came to an end at 12:30 PM with the National Anthem, leaving the participants enlightened and inspired to play their part in building a sustainable and food-secure future.
🌱 Outcome
The World Food Day 2024 celebration at SACOP achieved its goal of educating students on food rights and sustainability. It provided a platform for students to reflect on the importance of nutrition, equitable food access, and the role they can play in shaping a healthier world. The event reinforced the commitment of Sree Abirami College of Pharmacy to academic enrichment, community awareness, and social responsibility.
