Ruchi Bhardwaj Barah emphasies the importance of both physical and mental fitness
The ninth edition of the Zamira Begum Rahman Memorial Lecture was delivered by Ruchi Bhardwaj Barah, a Nutrition and Fitness Consultant, educator, and researcher. She addressed the children at Don Bosco Snehalaya Centre for Child Rights in Guwahati.
Barah spoke on the topic, 'A Fit Childhood' and urged the young kids to take care of their physical and mental health. Barah who is also a trustee of Zazba Trust, working for underprivileged children, spoke about how a fit body can hone one's mental and social skills as well. She encouraged the children, especially girls to maintain a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and eat well. 'Excercising regularly also enhances our cognitive abilities with better blood supply to our brain. It enables us to think better and lead meaningful life.' Honoured with multiple awards -- including the Femina Achievers Award 2025, North East Women Leaders Award, Fittr Coaching Excellence Award, and Fitness Icon title -- Barah is passionate about empowering especially women to prioritise health, embodying her philosophy of “making the extraordinary out of the ordinary.”
She urged the children to take up physical exercise gradually but on a regular basis. She said, "Today's youth want relatability, be it in any sphere of life. I had a great time interacting with these young boys and girls and to my surprise, most of them had a good understanding of exercise and nutrition. While interacting with them, I got to know that they don't have access to personal mobile phones which is why they spend their time in activity and exercise. I think the message is loud and clear for all of us."
Father Lukose Cheruval of Don Bosco Snehalaya said, "We need such sessions with our children who are in need of care and protection. They need to be told about the importance of fitness and good health. We would be happy if Ruchi does more such sessions with the children of different homes we run." The event was moderated by Dr Anindita Das. Padmakshi Patowary, a social activist also spoke on the occasion. She spoke about Zamira Begum Rahman's love for nature and how she had nurtured a kitchen garden with medicinal herbs.
The lecture is held every year to commemorate the life of late Zamira Begum Rahman, a school teacher and a champion of education for the girl child. After completing her BA (Hons) in Education from St. Mary's College, Shillong in 1965, she did her BT from Gauhati University in 1967 from the Post-Graduate Training College, Shillong. She had specialised in Mental Hygiene and Child Guidance as part of her BT. She started her teaching career at Laitmukhurah Shishu Vidyalaya from 1965 to 1970 and then taught in Loreto Convent, Shillong from 1970 to 1972. Then she joined Sumer High School, Meghalaya as the Headmistress in 1973. She nurtured the school from a Middle English (ME) to a High School (HE). She was an active member of Sumer Mahila Samiti and worked for the empowerment of the local women. Later, shifted to Guwahati and joined CTPS High School, Chandrapur, Assam. A kind-hearted woman, she was active in community activities. She passed away in 2007 after a prolonged illness.
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