LUNGVERSE 2K26 – Respiratory Care Week Celebration
The Respiratory Technology Division, Division of Allied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, The Apollo University, successfully organised “LUNGVERSE 2K26 – Respiratory Care Week Celebration” at the Dr. Prathap C. Reddy Knowledge Center (Dr. PCRKC) Auditorium on 28 and 29 September 2026. Celebrated under the theme “Every Breath ... Every Moment ...” and the sub-theme “Transforming Respiratory Care: Education, Innovation & Clinical Excellence in Action,” the two-day programme provided an engaging platform for academic learning, professional interaction, student competitions, cultural expression and awareness of the evolving role of respiratory care professionals.
The programme observed active participation from university dignitaries, clinical specialists, faculty members and students, creating an environment that connected classroom learning with clinical practice and contemporary developments in respiratory care. Day 1, held on 28 September, commenced with an academic session from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, providing students with an opportunity to engage with subject-related knowledge and perspectives in respiratory care. This was followed by a series of student-centred competitions designed to promote knowledge, creativity, communication and teamwork. From 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, students participated in a poster presentation competition based on the theme “Every Breath ... Every Moment ...”, through which they presented their understanding of respiratory health and care in a creative and informative format. A quiz competition was conducted alongside the poster presentations, testing students’ knowledge of respiratory therapy and related clinical concepts. The morning activities concluded with a Dumb Charades competition from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, where participants attempted to identify complex medical terms associated with respiratory care, making the learning experience both educational and enjoyable. The afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM featured interactive fun games and recreational activities that encouraged peer interaction, team spirit and collaboration among students.
Day 2, held on 29 September, marked the formal inauguration and valedictory proceedings of the celebration. The programme commenced at 11:00 AM with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the formal proceedings. In his presidential address, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Nitin M. Nagarkar highlighted the importance of strong academic foundations and effective clinical training in preparing competent healthcare professionals. He emphasised the need for students to complement theoretical knowledge with practical exposure and remain committed to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Chief Guest Dr. Ramya Ramakrishnan, Dean, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (AIMSR), emphasised the significance of respiratory health as an integral component of overall well-being. She highlighted the important role played by allied health professionals in patient care, particularly in supporting patients during both pre-operative and post-operative stages. Guest of Honour Dr. Gowrinath K., Professor and Head, Department of Respiratory Medicine, AIMSR, stressed the importance of integrating contemporary technology with sound clinical knowledge and practical experience. A special video presentation highlighting respiratory care and the significance of the celebration was screened, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. The session also included the distribution of prizes to students who excelled in the various competitions conducted as part of the programme, recognising their knowledge, creativity and active participation. The formal session concluded with the vote of thanks.
An Expert Seminar was conducted from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM, featuring technical sessions by Dr. C. V. Nandeshwara Reddy, Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, AIMSR, and Dr. A. Ajith Kumar, Lecturer, Department of Physiotherapy. The expert interactions provided students with valuable insights into clinical practices, interdisciplinary approaches and the evolving scope of respiratory and allied healthcare. The afternoon session featured vibrant cultural performances by students from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their talents and adding a celebratory dimension to the academic programme. The event formally concluded with the closing ceremony at 3:15 PM. The entire two-day celebration was conducted under the leadership of Patron Prof. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Dean (I/c), School of Health Sciences and Organising Chairperson; Dr. Chandra Sekhar Priyanka, Assistant Professor & HoD (I/c), Division of Allied Health Sciences and Co-Organising Chairperson; Ms. A. Gayathri, Assistant Professor, Respiratory Technology and Organising Secretary; and Joint Organising Secretaries Mr. L. Surjith Kumar and Mr. Rahul S. The celebration provided students with meaningful opportunities to enhance their subject knowledge, interact with experts, demonstrate their skills and develop teamwork and professional confidence, while promoting the broader vision of excellence in respiratory care education and clinical practice.