Date:15/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/15/stories/2008111559490300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

All lit up on Diabetes Day

Staff Reporter

The Saraswathy Mandapam was illuminated in blue to create awareness on the disease.

Thiruvananthapuram: Various programmes, including awareness classes, medical camps and walks were organised in the city on Friday, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.

The highlight was the ‘Monument Challenge,’ wherein the Saraswathy Mandapam at Poojappura was illuminated in blue to mark the occasion. A symbolic gesture initiated by the International Diabetes Federation, about 500 monuments across the world are lit up in blue on this day to symbolise hope for the millions of people suffering from diabetes and its complications

This is the first time that this event is being observed in the city, under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Diabetes. The Saraswathy Mandapam, one of the 18 monuments in the country and the only one in the State chosen to be part of the Monument Challenge, was bathed in blue when Mayor V. Jayan Babu switched on the lights.

The IID also organised a diabetes detection camp on the occasion. In separate events, the Chaithanya Eye Hospital and P. Kesavadev Trust organised ‘diabetes walks’ to spread awareness on diabetes. Free diabetes tests and medication were made available to participants. Awareness classes were organised by Indian Diabetes Education Association. Education Minister M.A. Baby released the first issue of the magazine ‘Diabetes Care.’