The Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI), in association with Illness to Wellness and Kautilya Foundation, marked World Diabetes Day 2026 with a series of public awareness activities in the national Capital, bringing together healthcare professionals, public representatives, artists, sportspersons and citizens to promote greater awareness about diabetes prevention and management.
The celebrations began with a walkathon at Kartavya Path from 7 am to 9 am under the theme ‘Walk to Stop Diabetes’.
The initiative encouraged people to adopt physical activity as part of their daily routine and highlighted the importance of healthier lifestyles in preventing and managing diabetes.
A children’s painting competition on the theme ‘My Dream, Diabetes-Free India’ was also organised to involve young participants and encourage them to express their vision of a healthier country. The evening programme, held around 6 PM onwards, saw a special blue illumination of India Gate and Parliament House to mark World Diabetes Day.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, in his message on the occasion, underlined the importance of public awareness, early detection and access to healthcare in addressing the growing burden of diabetes in India. He praised the campaign and said that such initiatives help take the message beyond hospitals and healthcare institutions and encourage citizens, particularly young people, to take an active role in protecting their health.
The programme also featured addresses by Dr Anuj Maheshwari, President, RSSDI, Dr Banshi Saboo, Chair, South East Asia IDF, Anil Rajput, Chairman, Illness to Wellness Foundation and Dr Rakesh Parikh, Secretary General, RSSDI, along with other eminent personalities.
A special cultural programme was also organised as part of the evening celebrations, bringing together participants around the shared message of a healthier and diabetes-aware India.