Islamabad, The Department of Avant Health Initiatives at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) hosted a seminar titled “Sow the Seeds of Change: Harnessing Pulses for Global Wellness and Harmony” on February 27th, 2024, at the PWD Campus. The seminar, aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of pulses in nutrition and their impact on global wellness and harmony, attracted approximately 60 attendees. This diverse group included distinguished figures from the university such as the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics), Deans of Multidisciplinary Studies, and Social Sciences of Health, along with the Director of Avant Health Initiatives and Lifestyle Medicine, and esteemed faculty members.

According to National University of Medical Sciences, the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Ammara Khanum, Demonstrator from the LSM Department at NUMS, who highlighted the significance of pulses in nutrition and the vital role played by the Avant Health Initiatives and Lifestyle Medicine Department in promoting healthy lifestyles among the community.

Dr. Abdul Momin, Assistant Professor of Nutrition at NUMS, further elaborated on the “Importance of pulses in our daily life,” focusing on their nutritional value, environmental benefits, and their contribution towards food security and economic prosperity. Dr. Sumaira Saleem, also from the LSM Department, addressed the “Role of Pulses in Lifestyle Medicine,” emphasizing their importance in disease prevention and overall health improvement.

Guests of honor, Dr. Aisha Mohyuddin, Dean of Multidisciplinary Studies, and Dr. Azam Chaudhary, Dean of Social Sciences of Health at NUMS, spoke on the significance of preventive medicine and the promotion of local food choices, advocating for the education of communities on healthy lifestyle habits.

In his closing remarks, the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academics) of NUMS underscored the essential role of lifestyle medicine in combating non-communicable diseases and commended Dr. Omar Zafar Jhagra, Director of AHI and LSM, for his efforts in organizing the seminar, expressing hope for a positive shift towards healthier societies.

Dr. Omar Zafar Jhagra concluded the event by thanking the attendees and reinforcing the importance of lifestyle medicine and pulses in nurturing community health, especially in the context of Pakistan’s rich biodiversity.

The seminar also featured a poster and healthy cuisine competition, where the Chief Guest and guests of honor assessed the entries and awarded certificates to the winners, followed by a commemorative photograph session capturing the faculty, participants, and organizers.