Social Work Organizes Walkathon and Awareness Programme on Diabetes

Prof. Sheelu Shafique Siddiqui Dr. Mohammad Tahir, Dr Mohd Arif, Professor Naseem Ahmad Khan with students during the Walkathon for Diabetes Awareness

 AMU’s Department of Social Work Organizes Walkathon and Awareness Programme on Diabetes

ALIGARH, November 11: The Department of Social Work, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), in collaboration with The Diabesties Foundation and the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Diabetes & Endocrinology, AMU, successfully organized a “Walkathon for Diabetes Awareness” followed by a Diabetes Awareness Programme on November 10, 2025.

The walkathon witnessed enthusiastic participation of MSW students, faculty members, and volunteers who walked from Duck Point to Bab-e-Syed and then to the Arts Faculty Lounge. The participants carried placards and raised slogans promoting awareness about the prevention of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, emphasizing healthy lifestyles, regular physical activity, and self-discipline as key measures to prevent the disease.

Delivering a welcome address, Dr. Mohammad Tahir, Coordinator, Training and Placement, Department of Social Work, highlighted the alarming rise in diabetes cases, particularly Type 2 Diabetes, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis, lifestyle modification, and awareness to combat the growing epidemic.

Prof. Sheelu Shafique Siddiqui, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Diabetes & Endocrinology, and Prof. Hamid Ashraf discussed the growing prevalence of diabetes and the importance of early diagnosis, lifestyle discipline, and stress management. They highlighted factors such as sedentary habits, excessive screen time, and lack of physical activity, urging students to adopt healthy routines and actively promote community awareness about diabetes prevention.

Dr. Ahmad Alam underscored the importance of discipline, balance, and regularity in daily life as essential practices for both prevention and management of diabetes.

Dr. Suhalia Perween, Assistant TPO, spoke on the significance of regular physical activity in maintaining blood sugar control and overall well-being.

An inspiring session titled “Myth vs. Fact” was conducted by Ms. Madiha Hashmi, Lead Chapter Aligarh (The Diabesties Foundation), who shared her personal journey with diabetes and effectively dispelled common myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition. Her resilience and positivity deeply inspired the audience.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Naseem Ahmad Khan, Former Chairman, Department of Social Work, emphasized the social responsibility of future social workers in creating awareness at the grassroots level.

The event witnessed active participation from students, research scholars, volunteers, and faculty members, including Dr. Shyna Saif, Dr. Andleeb, Dr. Mohd Uzair, Dr. Sameera Khanam, and Dr. Anam Aftab.

Following the awareness sessions, The Diabesties Foundation conducted free Diabetes Testing and Health Engagement activities, where participants underwent blood sugar screening and received personalized health counselling.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Mohd Arif Khan, Department of Social Work.