Srinagar, July 19: The NIT Srinagar Alumni Association (AANITS), in collaboration with the Office of the Dean Alumni & International Affairs, on Sunday organised a Fitness & Health Awareness Programme at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar to promote healthy lifestyles and spread awareness about lifestyle-related diseases.

The programme was organised on the initiative of Additional Secretary, AANITS, Er. Farhan Manzoor Shah, and witnessed participation of alumni, students, faculty members and staff.

In his message, Director, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, appreciated AANITS for organising the programme and said the institute is committed to creating an environment where academic excellence goes hand in hand with health, fitness and overall well-being.

He said such initiatives help build awareness and inspire students and faculty to embrace healthier lifestyles.

Registrar, Prof. Atikur Rehman, said the NIT Srinagar will continue to support programmes that promote preventive healthcare, fitness and community engagement.

He noted that awareness and timely lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among the younger generation.

Addressing the gathering, Dean Alumni & International Affairs, Prof. M.A. Shah, said the Institute believes in the holistic development of students and alumni, where physical and mental well-being are as important as academic excellence.

He said such awareness programmes create a culture of preventive healthcare and encourage young people to adopt healthy habits early in life.

Former Head of the Department of Endocrinology, SKIMS Srinagar, Dr. Shariq Rashid Masoodi, highlighted the growing burden of diabetes and obesity, stressing the importance of regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and timely medical intervention in preventing lifestyle diseases.

Head of the Department of Pulmonology, Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar, Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, spoke about respiratory health and the need for exercise, early diagnosis and healthy habits to reduce the risk of chronic lung diseases.

Senior Physiotherapist and Sports Medicine expert, Dr. Mir Ishfaq Hussain, underscored the role of physiotherapy, regular exercise and proper posture in maintaining physical fitness, preventing injuries and improving overall well-being.

The experts collectively emphasised that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle choices remain the strongest pillars for preventing and managing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity and respiratory ailments.