*Chandigarh, September 2026*: To mark September as Pain Awareness Month, the Association of Pain Medicine (AOPM), in collaboration with Panjab University, organised a pain awareness programme at the Department of Physical Education, reaching out to around 150 students and staff.
The programme was conducted with the support of *Dr Rupinder Kaur*, Head, Bhai Ghaniyaji Institute of Health, and *Prof. Th. Nandalal Singh*, Head, Department of Physical Education, Panjab University.
The event began with an engaging *poster and Rangoli-making and slogan-writing* activity on the theme of chronic pain, encouraging students to express their understanding of pain and its impact through creativity.
This was followed by two expert awareness lectures. *Prof. Babita Ghai*, Consultant-in-Charge, Pain Clinic, PGIMER Chandigarh and Secretary, AOPM, spoke on “Understanding Chronic Pain”, highlighting that persistent pain is not merely a symptom but a major health and quality-of-life concern. *Dr Vanita Ahuja*, Professor, Department of Anaesthesia, GMCH and Treasurer, AOPM, addressed “Chronic Neck and Back Pain”, focusing on common causes, prevention and appropriate management.
The programme concluded with an interactive open forum, where students and staff actively participated and discussed their questions and concerns related to chronic pain with the experts.
The initiative reflects AOPM’s commitment to taking evidence-based pain awareness beyond hospitals and clinics and into the community, particularly among young people. The programme reinforced a simple but important message: pain should not be silently accepted as a normal part of life; awareness, appropriate care and healthy lifestyle practices can make a difference.
“*Don’t let pain stay, get the right care today!*”
“दर्द को ज़िंदगी का हिस्सा न बनने दें”: AOPM ने पंजाब विश्वविद्यालय में फैलाया दर्द जागरूकता का संदेश