World Obesity Day is observed annually on 4th March as a global call to action on the ongoing obesity crisis. It is spearheaded by the World Obesity Federation in collaboration with global partners including UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). The 2026 campaign theme — “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity” — highlights the global scale of the challenge and the shared responsibility of every individual, community, institution, and government to address it.
Kalinga Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS) celebrated the day on 02nd & 03rd March 2026 with great enthusiasm and commitment. The Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing (MSN) took the initiative to organize a series of impactful activities in two days programme, Day one includes food without fire (Healthy Food and Healthy Life) competition, spot painting competition, aerobic exercise session and Day two includes panel discussion, special awareness session based on obesity day theme & reels display prepared by students of KINS.
The Food competition (theme: healthy food healthy life)event was inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, MD, Director General; Dr. (Prof.) Niyati Das, Principal, KINS; Prof. Mrs. Kalyani Rath, Vice Principal, KINS; Dr. Prof. Anusuya Pattanaik, HOD, Community Health Nursing, KINS & Prof. Mr. Asokan R., HOD, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing. The competition was judged by Dr. (Prof.) Sujata Acharya, Dean, KISS University, Dr. (Prof.) Anusuya Pattanaik, HOD, Community Health Nursing, KINS; and Mrs. Monalisha Rout, Senior Clinical Dietician, KIMS Hospital. This event was coordinated by Mrs. Nibedita Mohanty, Associate Professor and Ms. Sarita Marandi, Tutor, MSN Dept. Food competition showcased the talents beyond cooking—such as creativity, health awareness, communication, discipline, and life skills. It encourages safe, nutritious eating habits and practical skill is essential for daily life of the students of M.Sc. 1st, 2nd year, B.Sc.1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th semester, GNM 2nd, & 3rd year.
The Spot painting competition showcased talents related to artistic creativity, health awareness, social responsibility, and visual communication skills of the students of B.Sc.1st semester, B.Sc.3rd semester, B.Sc.5th semester. The event was judged by Mrs. Manasi Nayak, Senior Lecturer, KISS University and Mrs. Reena Singh, Asso. Professor, Mental Health Nursing Department, KINS. Spot painting competition was coordinated by Mrs. Shradhanjali Nayak, Tutor, KINS and Pritilagna Dash, Tutor, MSN Dept., KINS.
An Aerobic Exercise session, on the basis of World Obesity Day, aerobic exercise brings strong positive outcomes in preventing and managing obesity. Faculties of KINS & PG students participated in the event. Aerobic Exercise session was coordinated by Mrs. Devasmita Sahoo, Assistant Professor, MSN Dept.
On the 3rd of March 2026, the formal inauguration was held at the KIMS Auditorium. The event was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Niyati Das, Principal, KINS, Prof. Kalyani Rath, Vice Principal KINS and Prof. Asokan R., HOD, MSN Department, KINS. Prof. (Dr.) Niyati Das delivered the inaugural address, followed by Prof. Asokan R., who unfolded the theme of the world obesity day. It was followed by a Panel discussion session that attracted everyone, enthusiastic participants from both UG and PG students of KINS. The panel discussion session was lively and intellectually stimulating, with certificates awarded to the PG students of KINS. The panel discussion was coordinated by Mrs. Minati Das, Associate Professor, KINS.
A thought-provoking special awareness talk based on world Obesity day theme was delivered by Mrs. Monalisha Rout, Senior Clinical Dietician, KIMS Hospital which enriched the students’ understanding of various aspects of obesity. It helps in burning excess calories, reducing body fat, improving heart and lung function, and maintaining a healthy body weight. Regular aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and dancing also improve mental well-being, reduce stress, and increase self-confidence.
The Reels competition showcased the acting talents of BSc 1st semester, B.Sc. 5th semester and GNM 3rd year students. The event was judged by Prof. Kalyani Rath Vice principal of KINS; Prof. Asokan R, HOD, Dept. of MSN, & Dr. Magna Manjareeka, Professor, Dept. of Physiology, KIMS. Reels Display competition was coordinated by Mr. Chandan Pradhan, Associate Professor, MSN Dept, Mrs. Nibedita Mohanty, Associate Professor, MSN Dept. and Ms. Sarita Marandi, Tutor, MSN Dept. The top three performers in each competition were awarded prizes by the judges. The judges were also felicitated in appreciation of their valuable contribution.
The celebration witnessed the active participation of approximately 250 students and 40 faculty members from KINS. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Pritilagna Dash, Tutor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, followed by delicious food arrangements for all participants by Ms. Shradhanjali Nayak, Tutor, KINS. The event successfully raised awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyle choices and collective action in addressing the growing challenge of obesity.
