Sidho Kanho Birsha University takes steps to boost immunity among tribals

Kolkata: The Sidho Kanho Birsha University (SKBU) has taken a major stride in boosting the immunity of the people hailing from the tribal belt in Purulia to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.

The move assumes significance as medical experts worldwide has been advising on measures that can be adopted for increasing immunity as it is of utmost importance to fight the Coronavirus.

The university has a dedicated Science and Technology Intervention Hub where work on projects of the Department of Science and Technology for the upliftment of the SC community is conducted. The hub in Purulia is the only of its kind in eastern India. "We have developed several Ayurvedic herbal products made from ginger, eucalyptus oil, clove, turmeric etc that contributes in boosting of immunity which we are distributing among the tribals free of cost through camps in different areas. They are being advised on how and why should they use these things," said Dipak Kar, Vice-Chancellor of SKBU.

The Botany department of SKBU has collaborated with the Ayush section of Purulia district and Purulia district hospital to hold these awareness cum distribution camps. Sanitisers made by the Chemistry and Botany department are also being distributed,

It has been found that individuals in certain pre-existing illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory issues are at a higher risk of having Covid-19 complications, it also aggravates with age as the general immunity reduces as you get older.

The SKBU that had started its journey in 2010, caters to students from Purulia, Bankura and Midnapore districts. It is already running an online counselling unit after the authorities found abrupt changes in the daily routine because of the lockdown. The counselling session is aimed at combating the anxiety and stress among students and scholars.

Among other initiatives, the university has already started online teaching-learning both for its postgraduate and Phd students. The books available in the university library has also been uploaded online so that students can access them from their home.

The Chaau departmemt of the university has made a dance drama about awareness on COVID -19 and has circulated it through social

media.