Celebrating Childhood and the Joy of Healthy Growing at Manipal Hospitals Kolkata

Bringing together the joy of childhood and the importance of good health, Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata, celebrated Children’s Day with a lively and engaging programme on its hospital premises. The celebration saw enthusiastic participation from children and their parents, alongside paediatricians, healthcare professionals and distinguished guests, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter, learning and memorable moments.
The event was graced by acclaimed actor Anirban Chakrabarti who joined the hospital team in celebrating the spirit of childhood and highlighting the importance of nurturing healthier futures for children.
The celebration brought together entertainment, creativity and health awareness through a lively line-up of activities, including ramp walk with social messaging, Go as You Like activities, interactive games, followed by prize distribution ceremony. Children participated enthusiastically, enjoying the festivities, special gifts and surprises that added to the excitement of the occasion. Beyond the celebrations, the programme also created a meaningful platform for parents to interact with paediatric healthcare experts, discuss their concerns and gain practical guidance on children’s health, nutrition, preventive care and overall well-being.
An important highlight of the programme was an interactive paediatric health awareness session, where doctors discussed key aspects of childhood health, including age-appropriate nutrition, growth and developmental milestones, immunisation, seasonal infections, hygiene, sleep and physical activity. They also emphasised the importance of recognising early symptoms, seeking timely medical advice and ensuring regular health check-ups, including the need for accessible healthcare, preventive measures and early intervention.
Doctors further highlighted the importance of the early years in shaping a child’s physical, cognitive and emotional development. Parents were encouraged to monitor their children’s growth, follow recommended vaccination schedules, ensure balanced nutrition and prioritise emotional well-being. The discussion also underscored the importance of adequate sleep, outdoor play and maintaining a healthy balance between academics, recreational activities and screen time.
Adding to the discussion, Dr. Soumen Meur, HOD and Senior Consultant, Paediatric Intensive Care, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur, shared, “A child’s well-being is not limited to physical health alone. Emotional security, quality sleep, adequate physical activity and a supportive home environment are equally important for healthy development. Children today are growing up in an increasingly demanding environment, and it is important for parents to ensure that they have enough time for play, social interaction and activities that encourage creativity and confidence. Through initiatives like these, we hope to make healthcare conversations more accessible and meaningful for families.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Monideepa Dutta, Consultant – Paediatrics, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur, said, “Children’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate childhood, but it is equally important to remind ourselves that a child’s health and development require consistent attention. From adequate nutrition and timely immunisation to regular health check-ups and recognising early signs of illness, small but informed steps taken by parents can make a significant difference. We encourage parents to approach healthcare proactively and ensure that children receive the right medical attention at every stage of their growth.”
Anirban Chakrabarti, who has entertained us with popular films like Ekenbabu series, said, “Children are the foundation of our future, and ensuring their health, happiness and overall development is a shared responsibility. It is encouraging to see healthcare institutions create platforms where children and parents can come together, celebrate and learn about important aspects of health and well-being. Such initiatives help build greater awareness and reinforce the importance of preventive healthcare from an early age.”
A parent attending the celebration expressed appreciation, saying, “It was wonderful to see the hospital create such a joyful and thoughtful experience for the children. The activities kept them engaged, and the interaction with the doctors was particularly helpful for us as parents. We got the opportunity to understand some important aspects of children’s health and clarify everyday concerns. It was a lovely experience for the entire family.”
The celebration concluded on a cheerful note, with children, parents, special guests, doctors and hospital staff coming together to mark the occasion. Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital, Mukundapur, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting paediatric health awareness and encouraging families to make preventive healthcare an integral part of a child’s growing years.