As part of the Festival of Joy of Giving (Daan Utsav) in October 2026, the Voluntary Service Organization (VSO) of Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) conducted two health awareness programs to promote community health, enhance health-related knowledge, and encourage healthy practices across different population groups.

On 7 October 2026, MCON organized a Lactation Management and Postnatal Care Awareness Program for postnatal mothers at Kasturba Hospital (KH). The session was conducted by Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, MCON, along with VII Semester BSc Nursing students. The program aimed to enhance mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding practices and essential postnatal and newborn care. Various topics were discussed, including healthy feeding practices, the importance of skin-to-skin contact, early identification of signs of illness, umbilical cord care, maintenance of the newborn’s body temperature, prevention of exposure to environmental hazards, and special care for preterm neonates. The session emphasized the importance of appropriate newborn care practices in promoting the health, safety, and well-being of infants. The program was well received, and the postnatal mothers verbalized their understanding of the topics discussed. The initiative helped promote awareness of essential newborn care and encouraged mothers to adopt safe and appropriate practices while caring for their babies.

As part of the same initiative, MCON conducted a School Awareness Program on Smartphone Addiction on 23 October 2026 at LVP Aided Higher Primary School, Puttur. The educational session was delivered by Dr. Maria Pais, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, MCON, along with III Semester BSc Nursing students. The program aimed to create awareness among school students about the effects of excessive smartphone use and the importance of developing healthy digital habits. The session covered responsible smartphone use, excessive screen time and its effects on physical and mental health, signs and symptoms of smartphone addiction, and its impact on sleep, academic performance, and social relationships. Students were also educated about strategies to reduce screen dependency, maintain a balance between online and offline activities, develop healthy digital habits, and understand the importance of parental guidance and monitoring. Available support measures for individuals experiencing difficulties related to excessive smartphone use were also discussed. An interactive quiz was conducted at the end of the session to reinforce learning and encourage active participation. As part of the Daan Utsav initiative, the students were given goodies, including stationery items and sweets. The programme was successful in creating awareness about responsible smartphone use, and the students verbalized their understanding of the topics covered.

Both programs reflected MCON’s commitment to community engagement, health promotion, and social responsibility. By providing health education to postnatal mothers and school students, the VSO initiative contributed to improving health awareness and encouraging positive behavioural changes. These activities also provided nursing students with valuable opportunities to participate in community-oriented educational programs and apply their

knowledge in real-life settings. Overall, the initiatives celebrated the spirit of Daan Utsav by promoting the values of giving, caring, sharing knowledge, and serving the community.

Both programmes aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education by enhancing postnatal mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding and newborn care while promoting students’ awareness of responsible smartphone use, the effects of excessive screen time, and healthy digital habits.