On 27 February 2026, the School of Pharmacy, Vishwakarma University, Pune, conducted a meaningful extension activity titled “Small Gestures, Healthy Futures – Hygiene and Nutrition Support & Awareness Activity” at Niwasi Adhar Muk Badhir Vidyalaya, Bibwewadi, Pune, a residential school for children with hearing and speech impairment. The initiative was designed to promote awareness about personal hygiene, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle practices among children with special needs while strengthening the institution’s commitment to community-oriented education and social responsibility. During the activity, faculty members and pharmacy students engaged with the children through visual demonstrations, interactive sessions, and simple communication methods, ensuring that key health messages were conveyed in an understandable and engaging manner. The session focused on the importance of hand hygiene, oral care, personal cleanliness, and balanced nutrition in maintaining overall well-being. To make the learning experience enjoyable and inclusive, fun and activity-based games related to hygiene and healthy habits were also organized, which the children enthusiastically participated in and greatly enjoyed. These games not only created a joyful atmosphere but also helped reinforce important health concepts in a playful and memorable way. As part of the extension activity, hygiene kits and educational stationery were distributed to support the children’s daily hygiene and educational needs. The initiative also provided pharmacy students with valuable exposure to real-world community engagement, inclusive communication, and service- oriented learning. Overall, the activity served as a meaningful effort toward promoting health awareness, inclusivity, and compassion, demonstrating how small gestures can contribute to building healthier and happier futures for children with special needs. The initiative was thoughtfully designed and coordinated by Dr. Dipali Talele and Prof. Yogita Shinde, who guided the students in conductinginteractive awareness sessions and fun-based learning activities for the children.
