In a unique initiative for the overall well-being of medical students and train them to deal with high-stress levels, the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), in its 25th year, has redesigned the state-wide cultural programme into a theme-based event, spread across five regions of the state for wider reach, influence and student involvement.

“Spandan means a heartbeat. Heart beats rise when there is thrill or stress and if the heartbeat has to rise, it should happen more for thrill and pleasure to spread positivity. This can be achieved by allowing students to destress and cultivate their hobbies. That’s why the event has such a thoughtful name. Spandan gives them that much-required opportunity to destress and take to their hobbies. It also helps them to prepare to handle stress in their medical profession, which has unpredictable challenges. They are always dealing with sick patients, emergencies, night duties, which are very stressful situations. For this, one needs to de-stress for which hobbies are important,” MUHS vice-chancellor Lieutenant General (retired) Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar told mid-day.