Key Hightlights

Sri Aurobindo University Launches Compassion Connect on WHPCD 2026

Sri Aurobindo University held World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) in 2026. The activities began with a student event named Compassion Connect - Student Volunteers for Palliative and Elderly Care.

The goal was stated at the start. Students were asked to sit with patients and spend time with older adults too. People were reminded that support is more than drugs and treatment plans.

In the first session, students from different departments joined one discussion. They worked as a single team. This helped the message feel clear and direct. Students were told that showing up matters, even when they still have regular classes to attend.

Ms. Parvathy spoke after that. She works as a volunteer with the Institute of Palliative Medicine in Kozhikode. She described lessons from her own service. She said a steady pace and a calm presence can ease the pain that loneliness brings.

Then Dr. Sushma Bhatnagar addressed the group. She works as a Senior Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Apollo Hospital in Delhi. She talked with the students about palliative care. She asked them to move past only the illness. She said they should also pay attention to the person right in front of them.

The programme ran in a gentle way. Soft music was played throughout. Some poetry was shared during the meeting. A few students also spoke briefly. Every segment returned to the same point. Palliative care can offer comfort. Kind words and quiet listening are important. It also means staying close when someone needs company.

Dr. Jaishree Tapadia, Dean of Student Welfare, attended the event. Faculty members came as well, and students stayed involved from start to finish.

With Compassion Connect, the university aims to form a habit of long term volunteering. The event also helps palliative care reach people