SOMFT Students Perform Street Play on TB Awareness in Rajpura

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most pressing health challenges, particularly due to the widespread myths and misinformation associated with it. Recognizing the urgent need to combat these misconceptions, students from the School of Media, Film, and Television Studies (SOMFT) at IIMT University, Meerut, took an active step in raising awareness about TB through an impactful street play. This initiative was carried out on World TB Day (March 24, 2025), in collaboration with IIMT Radio 90.4 FM and was performed at Rajpura village and the IIMT University campus.

SOMFT Students Perform Street Play on TB Awareness in Rajpura | IIMT University

Spreading TB Awareness Through Street Play

The street play, titled 'Nukkar Natak,' aimed to break the myths surrounding TB and educate the local population about the disease, its symptoms, prevention, and available treatment options. Under the leadership of RJ Aadesh, RJ Sahiba, RJ Hussain, and journalism faculty members Tanu Sharma and Amit Kumar Rai, the students actively engaged with the audience, ensuring the message was effectively communicated.

Key Objectives of the Initiative:

Dispel misconceptions about TB that hinder timely diagnosis and treatment.
Educate the public on TB symptoms and encourage early medical intervention.
Promote preventive measures such as proper hygiene, vaccination, and regular health check-ups.
Encourage collective efforts in fighting the disease by fostering community awareness.

Engaging the Community: Performances at Schools and Health Centers

The journalism students performed the street play at various public places, including health centers, schools, and community hubs, ensuring that the information reached diverse groups. By incorporating dramatic storytelling, interactive dialogues, and real-life case scenarios, the students successfully captured the audience’s attention and conveyed critical TB-related facts in a relatable manner.

The performances were met with enthusiastic participation from villagers, school students, and faculty members, further amplifying the message. People were encouraged to spread the awareness within their families and communities, fostering a ripple effect of knowledge dissemination.

Understanding Tuberculosis: Facts and Prevention

What is TB?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. TB is a major public health concern, especially in developing countries.

Common Symptoms of TB:

Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Coughing up blood or phlegm
Unexplained weight loss
Fever and night sweats
Fatigue and weakness

How is TB Spread?

TB is airborne and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Close contact with an infected person increases the risk of transmission.

TB Prevention Methods:

BCG Vaccination: Essential for protecting against TB, especially in children.
Good Hygiene Practices: Covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing.
Regular Health Check-ups: Early detection and treatment prevent complications.
Adequate Ventilation: TB bacteria thrive in closed, crowded spaces.

Impact of the Street Play Initiative

The Nukkar Natak initiative by IIMT University students had a significant impact on the local community. The interactive nature of the street play not only educated people about TB but also empowered them to take preventive measures and seek medical help without hesitation.

Key Takeaways from the Initiative:

Breaking Myths: The play addressed common misconceptions, such as TB being a curse or non-curable disease.
Encouraging Early Diagnosis: Emphasizing the importance of getting tested if symptoms appear.
Promoting Government Health Schemes: Informing people about free TB diagnosis and treatment options available in government hospitals.
Fostering Community Involvement: Encouraging locals to spread awareness and support affected individuals.

Role of IIMT University in Social Awareness Campaigns

IIMT University has consistently been at the forefront of social responsibility initiatives, using creative and impactful methods like street plays, community radio, and awareness campaigns. By leveraging the power of media and journalism, students actively participate in bringing about positive social change.

The collaboration with IIMT Radio 90.4 FM played a crucial role in amplifying the reach of the awareness campaign. The radio station broadcasted interviews with experts, testimonials from TB survivors, and informative discussions on TB prevention and treatment, further reinforcing the awareness efforts.

Future Plans: Continuing the Fight Against TB

The success of this initiative has encouraged IIMT University to organize similar awareness drives in other rural and urban areas. Future plans include:

Expanding the reach by conducting street plays in more villages and towns.
Collaborating with healthcare professionals to provide on-the-spot TB screenings.
Utilizing digital media platforms to spread awareness beyond physical locations.
Conducting workshops in schools and colleges to educate youth about TB prevention.

The street play organized by SOMFT students at IIMT University was a powerful step toward eradicating TB-related myths and spreading awareness in Rajpura and beyond. By utilizing creative performance arts, the students effectively conveyed critical health information in an engaging and memorable way.

Through such initiatives, IIMT University continues to uphold its commitment to social awareness and community welfare, inspiring students to contribute actively to society’s well-being. Efforts like these are vital in the collective fight against TB, ensuring that accurate knowledge reaches every corner of the community.

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