By Chun-Liang Chiu, Yuan-Chen Hu 

On March 24, 2025 at Suryapura Middle School in India, an engaging health lecture sparked enthusiasm and awareness among seventh and eighth graders. The guest speaker, Dr. Suwan Kumar—a cardiology specialist who recently returned to India after years in the United States—shared insights into hygiene, sustainability, and his personal journey. 

Dr. Kumar’s story resonated with the audience. From growing up exploring farmlands to pursuing medical studies abroad, he described his path back home to contribute to his community. Thirty-seven students and school principal Bajnath Kumar warmly welcomed him, setting the tone for a transformative session. 

Dr. Suwan Kumar shares practical tips on hygiene and environmental care with students at Suryapura Middle School.| Photo: Amar | India | 2025/3/24 

Shifting Perspectives on Hygiene 

With humor and relatability, Dr. Kumar began his lecture, “In our culture, we often ask, ‘Have you eaten?’ But does anyone ask, ‘Have you showered?’” He stressed how personal and environmental hygiene are often overlooked, despite their importance in daily life. 

Dr. Suwan Kumar used simple illustrations to teach the students about dietary hygiene. | Photo: Amar | India | 2025/3/24 

Dr. Kumar encouraged the students to lead by example, starting within their homes and communities. He shared practical techniques for managing waste, like composting kitchen scraps instead of discarding them, and reducing reliance on plastic. Through his approachable style, he drew attention to environmental challenges like packaging waste and the dangers of plastic pollution in farming areas. 

A student reflects on how hygiene habits impact community well-being during the lecture. | Photo: Amar | India | 2025/3/24
Dr. Kumar demonstrates the connection between sustainability and daily habits, keeping the audience engaged. | Photo: Amar | India | 2025/3/24

Students Take the Lead 

The lecture struck a chord with Supriya Kumari, a seventh grader, who shared her renewed sense of responsibility, “We often focus on keeping our school clean but forget about the environment outside. I want to encourage my community to maintain cleanliness everywhere.” 

Supriya Kumari shares her ideas for encouraging cleanliness beyond the school. | Photo: Roz | India | 2025/3/24

Vicky Kumar, an eighth grader, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of environmental care. “Clean surroundings make life better—like paradise. It’s our shared duty to protect the earth.” Principal Bajnath Kumar praised the students’ determination, urging them to organize a community-wide cleanliness initiative similar to the school’s previous vegetarian campaign. 

Promoting Sustainable Diets 

When asked about vegetarianism, Dr. Kumar explained its benefits through an illustrated food pyramid. He emphasized how plant-based diets provide essential nutrients and are more sustainable, sharing how his vegetarian lifestyle since 2016 improved his immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Dr. Kumar explains the nutritional benefits of plant-based diets through a food pyramid diagram. | Photo: Roz | India | 2025/3/24

A Message of Unity and Action 

Dr. Suwan Kumar’s lecture planted seeds of change. The students were inspired to take action in their homes and communities while eagerly anticipating future opportunities to learn from him. 

As the session concluded, Dr. Kumar left the students with a message of hope and motivation, “To truly love others, start by loving and respecting yourself.” Through his guidance and compassion, he demonstrated the profound impact one person can have by returning home to uplift and inspire others.