49th Annual Day Celebrated at the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare

New Delhi, 9 March 2026: The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, celebrated its 49th Annual Day on Monday at the NIHFW Auditorium in Munirka, New Delhi. The event highlighted the institute’s contributions to strengthening public health systems, capacity building, and research in health and family welfare.

The function was graced by Shri PratapraoJadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services,Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, served as the Guest of Honour.

The programme commenced with the arrival of dignitaries, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and an invocation, followed by a green welcome and felicitation of the guests by Dr. Sunil Vilasrao Gitte, Director, NIHFW. In his Welcome Address and presentation of the Annual Report, Dr. Gitte highlighted the institute’s key achievements over the past year, including advancements in public health training, research initiatives, and collaborations aimed at strengthening the country’s health systems.

During the event, the institute’s annual publications, “Dharna”, the HPPI Journal, and “Brochure of Placement Cell”, were formally released by the dignitaries. Awards were also presented to outstanding employees, students, and sports achievers in recognition of their dedication and excellence.

Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri PratapraoJadhavji emphasized the importance of strengthening public health institutions and highlighted the role of NIHFW in building skilled health professionals and supporting national health programmes. He said that we are expanding the digital health infrastructure under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. We are strengthening primary health services through Health and Wellness Centres. We are also expanding immunization efforts, introducing new vaccines, and making disease surveillance systems more effective.

Dr. Sunita Sharma, Directorate of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also appreciated the institute’s continued contribution to public health research, training, and policy support for the Government of India.He said that the institute has played an important role in strengthening the capacity of India’s health workforce and in the effective implementation of national health programmes.

The celebration also featured cultural performances by students, reflecting the vibrant academic environment of the institute.

The Annual Day celebration reaffirmed NIHFW’s commitment to advancing public health education, research, and policy support, with the aim of improving healthcare delivery and population health across the country.Dean of the Institute, Prof. V. K. Tiwari, delivered the vote of thanks to all the distinguished guests and attendees. The programme was compered by Dr. Geetanjaly and Dr. Ganesh Shankar Srivastava.

IMPOSSIBLE LOVE, A POEM BY PROF. LJILJANA SAMARDŽIĆ

They've never seen each other.

Physically worlds apart,

They loved with their souls,

First tenderly, then passionately,

As if they had lived together,

Yearning for one another for years...!

When the tides of life drew them near,

They gave up on the meeting.

Why?

Who could ever know!?

There was also the fear

That their deep love of souls,

In a reality such as this,

Would not survive.

They were disappointed and angry 

with themselves,

With the world they live in,

Powerless to change anything,

Aware that our lives are governed

By world rulers and powers.

Then, all communication

between them ceased.

They tried to forget each other,

But they didn't succeed.

Constantly in each other's thoughts,

Aware of past mistakes,

Mending themselves,

Maturing through the hurdles,

They reconnected once more,

Confessing their love anew,

Yet still, they haven’t met...!

They knew a meeting,

After all these years,

Would only be a confirmation

That their love is real,

Undying and eternal...

And what then?

World War III is beginning,

They can't get out of the own skin.

They can only love each other

With their souls,

As they have all this time.

If they live long enough,

Maybe they'll meet one day...!

-Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić

Novi Sad, Serbia 🇷🇸

[Poet/Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić]

SHORT REVIEW OF THE POEM-

"IMPOSSIBLE LOVE" by Prof. Ljiljana Samardžić is a poignant exploration of love bound by distance and circumstance. The poem's sparse, evocative lines capture the ache of soulmates separated by worlds, yet fused in spirit. It begins tenderly, swells passionately, and reflects life's unpredictable tides where proximity teases reunion, only for fear and external forces to intervene. The central question—what if meeting shatters the ethereal bond?—echoes existential dread, amplified by rage against forces beyond control. The narrative builds emotional depth without melodrama: passion, severance, forgetting, and renewed confession. Samardžić's imagery of souls yearning amid chaos elevates personal longing to universal tragedy. Her free verse flows with raw authenticity, infusing quiet resilience. The open-ended hope lingers, affirming love's transcendence over flesh and fate. A haunting meditation on impossibility, it resonates deeply in our divided world, proving true connection defies borders and bombs.

-Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer 

(Editor of The Fatehpur Resolution)

Fatehpur, UP, India

[Reviewer/Dr. Shailesh Gupta Veer]

Three Poems by Xasanova Aziza Kumushbek Qizi

Mother

When I was scared, I’d close my eyes,

And hold you close, hear no more cries.

Now I’ve grown and come to see,

No one’s like you in all the sea.

I wish to cry seeing your hair,

Silver threads of love and care.

Sometimes my fault, sometimes life’s test,

Mother — you’re above the rest.

No place so warm as your embrace,

Without you, I’m lost in space.

A lonely calf through sands I roam,

And say again — you are my home.

Mother, none like you exist,

In all the world — you’re the best.

□

Thank You

I no longer look behind,

Nor do I cry remembering the past.

With a light and gentle smile,

I say to you: thank you, life!

I’ve walked through rough and bumpy roads,

At times I laughed, at times felt worn.

But I never gave up on brighter days,

I say to you: thank you, life!

In every fate my Creator has written,

There lies a wisdom, always clear.

Before such destiny, calmly I bow,

I say to you: thank you, life!

□

There’s Still a Chance

There comes a time you lose your way,

You dread the night, ignore the day.

Each breath feels heavy, joy seems gone,

You wonder if you still belong.

But hear me now — the time will come,

When darkness fades and light will hum.

A day will rise, so pure, so bright,

And lift you gently toward the light.

I know you feel your dreams are lost,

Forgotten hopes, a painful cost.

Regret may grip you like a chain,

But even storms will pass with rain.

Don’t say “Not now,” don’t ask “But when?”

For life can bloom with joy again.

The day you thought would break you down,

Will one day wear a golden crown.

You, kind in heart and strong in soul,

Your words like balm, your spirit whole.

Though things today may seem unjust,

Your turn will come — believe, and trust.

Yes, patience hurts, I know it well,

Like seeking springs where deserts dwell.

Your tears may speak, your silence scream,

But never lose your precious dream.

Tomorrow waits with open skies,

With grace that lifts and wings that rise.

There’s still a chance, there’s still a way —

Please don’t give up — not now, not today.

Success is near, just past the bend,

And joy is yours, around the end.

The world still needs your voice, your spark —

You are the light within the dark.

□

Xasanova Aziza Kumushbek Qizi, a talented student at Tashkent University of Economics and Pedagogy, was born on October 1, 2004, in Chirchik, Tashkent Region. Her exceptional achievements earned her the prestigious title of "Faculty Zulfiya" in a competition held by the university on March 1, 2025. Aziza has published several scientific articles and her creative works, including poems and stories, have been featured in numerous newspapers, magazines, and websites globally. Her literary prowess has transcended borders, with publications in countries such as Albania, Pakistan, Italy, America, Great Britain, Germany, India, Argentina, Turkey, Arabia, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Africa, Korea, and Bangladesh, showcasing her versatility and talent to the world.

Two Poems by Maki Starfield

My Beginning

I am the sea

I am the sun

I am the wind blowing across the world’s sky

I am the blue eyes

I am your blue eyes

Piercing the time that surrounds us,

a ray of light that connects us.

I want to go

to the far reaches of the universe.

And suddenly—

I become invisible.

And you become invisible.

And all that’s left

is sound.

When life and death meet,

with you,

I begin.

□

Morning Psalms of Bangkok

(Blessings of the Squall)

i) Already Here

Morning—

and Bangkok is already here.

We arrived together

at Asoke Station.

Two Japanese girls:

Namjai and Khamhon by name.

ii) Song of the Squall

Tirelessly,

it praises the morning’s chaos—

the squall’s sound

tears through the city’s sleep

as a blessing,

nature’s air conditioner.

iii) Simply

Simply,

the mane of the bodhi tree

softens the line

between light and shadow.

Simply,

the heart blurs the boundary

between mangosteen and durian.

iv) Faces

A quiet, hot wind

brushes the skin.

Dawn’s light

gently lies on the leaves.

Bangkok,

slowly,

begins to awaken.

Everywhere—

faces begin to appear.

v) Through

By the window,

a banana tree,

a notebook, a pen,

and sparks of light.

Through curtains

of flowers and green,

the sound of tuk-tuks,

and voices in the street

shouting, “Aroi!”

□

Maki Starfield is a Japanese poet, haiku poet, and translator known for her captivating works that blend traditional and contemporary styles. Self-taught in haiku since 2008, she holds a TESOL certification from St. George International College, Canada (2012). Her poetry has been showcased globally, with appearances in literary magazines across Italy, Greece, China, and more, and translations in over fifteen languages. Starfield's bilingual poetry works include collaborations like "Duet of Fireflies" and "Duet of Dawn". Her collections include "Oneness" (2019), "Bouquet of Roses" (2020), and "In Love A Sound" (2022). A member of the International Poets Society of Japan and Modern Haiku Association, she's received notable awards such as the JUNPA Newcomer Award (2020), Naji Naaman Literary Award (2020), and Pushcart Prize Nomination (2021), showcasing her impactful presence in global poetry.

I RISE FROM THE ASHES, A POEM BY XHULI SPAHUI

I rise from the ashes,

not as a miracle,

but as proof

that even falling

has a voice.

I walked on crumbs of hope,

with empty pockets

and a heart full of wounds that never spoke,

yet beat loudly

like drums of war.

Words burned me,

silence knocked me down,

I was forgotten by those

whose hands appeared

only when the light was on.

But I learned the darkness,

the way one learns an ancient language:

slowly,

with fear,

and with respect.

From the ashes I rise,

my back still warm from the fire,

yet my eyes forward.

Because now I know:

strength is not born from victory,

but from standing

when everything tells you “enough.”

I am a walking wound,

I am hope that refused to fade,

I am the small step

that challenges fear

every morning.

And if they ask me who I am,

I will simply say:

I am the one who burned,

but did not turn to ash —

I am the one who

rose from it.

Author: Xhuli Spahiu 

Kosovo 🇽🇰

Xhuli Spahiu is an Albanian poet from Kosovo, whose voice stands out for its sensitivity, deep reflection, and refined poetic language. Her poetry explores themes such as identity, love, inner experience, and the relationship between human beings, time, and memory. With a restrained style and carefully crafted imagery, she brings sincere emotions and universal experiences into her verses. Her work has been published in literary magazines and cultural platforms, establishing her as a distinctive voice in contemporary poetry.

Women, a Poem by Eva Petropoulou Lianou

I was wondering if I am free?
Do u feel free?
Nooo
Every day I walk in a street of possibilities and opportunities...
But nobody look at me
As I am a woman...
It is unspeakable how much a woman is used...
From day one
A woman needed to educate the child
To cook for a child
To learn him how to think...Speak...Act... 
A lot for a woman to do
But what happens after...
A woman need
A woman wish
A woman word
Inexistant person
Until one day
You will look at the mirror
You see your face
You will see your heart
You will see your body
And you will not recognize it
Because u will be so used
Used from the rejection
Used from the loneliness
Used from the fake people
Used from the bad decisions
Without faith!!!

© Eva Petropoulou Lianou

Two Poems by Vandana Sahai

The Bed of Pavement 

An evening in the metropolitan city-

Skyscrapers garlanded by lights;

pomp and show everywhere 

People are busy, chasing their dreams

Ready to buy happiness,through their riches

Neon-lights keep blinking like fireflies;

the night barely sleeps 

From the ocean of lights emerge three pairs of lifeless eyes 

belonging to silhouettes

Clad in rags, lying on the pavement 

under the boundless skies

Frail faces with expressionless eyes 

looked gloomier in darkness;

bigger pair of eyes looked morose

while the smallest appeared to be almost lifeless;

only the slightest movement in those little limbs

Made it possible to infer

"It actually was a toddler"

Vivid skies were conspicuously visible-

Yet, neither was El-Dorado in dreams 

Nor was there a future

in those tired set of eyes 

even when they were wide open.

□

The Faded Monsoon 

'O' God ! let it rain

I've nothing to fear

Neither am I a land-owner

Nor do I have a courtyard 

The only thing that worries me;

My plastic roofed, four-walled space

Trickles, just to keep us awake 

Whatever remains of my house 

Which is now flooded to its brim

Paradoxical irony of fate smiles

As there is no water to quench our thirst !

Rainy season or season of diseases?

Poverty stricken pockets: penniless 

Kalidasa's 'Meghdoota' does exist 

Indeed: in folklores and literature 

Prevailing miseries and the clouds 

Portray to perfection our dampened spirits

Souls loathe the rainbow 

Seven colors do not depict eternal bliss

But a dark spectrum of anxiety-filled tomorrow 

Compounded by sufferings of my children 

Absence of expensive medicines 

Only mother's night-vigil and sacred prayers

Even He fails to lullaby my atrocious fortune 

When my faded monsoon breaks into rainy season

□

Vandana Sahai, born on 29th November, holds an M. Sc. in Zoology. She is a versatile writer whose work spans stories, poems, ghazals, haiku, satire, articles, and children’s literature. Her notable publications include the haiku collection Boond Boond Pratibimb (over four hundred haikus) and the short‑story anthology Bhookh Ke Genes. Two further books are forthcoming. Her writing has appeared in prominent magazines such as Aajkal, Gagananchal, Bhasha Spandan and in national dailies like Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan, Jansatta. Many of her stories and poems have been translated into languages including Nepali, Bengali, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Maithili, Punjabi, and Marathi, and broadcast on All India Radio, Nagpur. Some ghazals have been performed by artists on YouTube. She has been honoured by literary bodies like Nirdaliya Publication Group, Vidarbh Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, and Laghukatha Shodh Kendra Samiti. Her book Bhookh Ke Genes received a literary grant from the Maharashtra State Hindi Sahitya Academy.