As far as talks on Adolescence go, they mostly bore the minds of growing children with clingy facts on the physiology, emotional and mental changes that come with the coming of age.

Well, with all praise to the wise words of Dr. Meenakshi Panandikar, this is a contradicting statement that she resonated with truth, power and encouragement for the young women of this generation. She spoke with a goal to correct the wrong ways and ideals of our youth and groom them into the bright future of our country.

Dr. Panadikar spoke about the importance of a nutritious and balanced diet; on how one must not cut down on their meals just to attain a “perfect figure”, but encouraged body positivism. She explained the menstrual cycle and the overwhelming hormonal and emotional changes that come with it. She spoke about how social media brainwashes the minds of the young into believing they must be picture perfect and follow the trends of consumption of intoxicating substances that initiates the vicious cycle of addiction. She spoke on how peer pressure compels young children to put aside their health and try out dangerous stunts to impress the society. She also stated that young girls must be inspired positively and achieve their set goals and bring about a desirable physical growth.

Dr. Panandikar stressed on giving importance to oneself like dental health and personal health, hygiene and exercising regularly. She informed the students on child sexual abuse, the suicidal tendencies in teenagers and addictions like alcohol, smoking and drugs its implications on health, mental, physical and emotional repercussions.

Dr. Meenakshi Panadikar’s presentation was an eye-opener to our young students, she inspired them to choose the right path and lead a healthy, happy and fruitful life.