The Department of Endocrinology, CMC Vellore, hosted a vibrant cookery competition themed
“Diabetic Dinner – Conquering the Night Cravings” on the evening of 27th September, 2025.
The event was an exciting confluence of culinary innovation and health awareness, aimed at promoting
diabetic-friendly dietary practices among the community of Vellore.
The event was presided over by Dr. Khushboo Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, CMC Vellore. The Chief Guest for the evening was Dr. Lallu Joseph, Associate General Superintendent, CMC, Ranipet Campus. In her address, Dr. Lallu Joseph emphasized the importance of a balanced plate and portion control, and expressed her appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of the public.
The panel of judges included:
- Swathi Rathore, HOD and Professor, OG 4
- Jabin Khaja, Professor, Medical Surgical Nursing 2
- Sharon Gikku George, Physiotherapist and PhD Scholar, CMC Vellore
- Sandhiya, Dietician, Department of Endocrinology, CMC Vellore
The judges congratulated all the participants for their creativity, zeal, and commitment to promoting healthy eating habits for people with diabetes.
About the Theme:
The concept of a “Diabetic Dinner” focuses on meals that are:
- Rich in complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber
- Based on low glycaemic index ingredients to avoid blood sugar spikes
- Made using wholesome foods such as millets, legumes, leafy greens, and fresh fruits (in moderation)
- Prepared through healthy cooking techniques like steaming, grilling, or sautéing
- Served with mindful portion control, especially important for night-time meals
The theme “Conquering the Night Cravings” was selected to highlight a common challenge among diabetic individuals—late evening hunger. The goal was to encourage smart, nutritious dinner options that not only satisfy cravings but also support optimal blood sugar control overnight.
Participation:
A total of 35 teams enthusiastically participated in the competition. The participants included:
- Teachers from schools and colleges in Vellore
- Staff from CMC Vellore and CMC Ranipet Campus
- Local homemakers
Each team presented innovative, flavorful, and nutritionally balanced dinner recipes suitable for people with diabetes. Dishes were judged based on:
- Nutritional and calorific value
- Cost-effectiveness
- Preparation time
- Taste
- Balance of macronutrients and micronutrients
Winners:
First Prize:
Mrs. Shrisha & Ms. Bhavadharani (DKM College for Women, Vellore)
Recipe: Vegmillet Fenugreek Soup, Sprouted Channa Waffle, and Millet Ravioli with Hummus
Second Prize:
Ms. Anitha & Mrs. Karthiga (CMC Vellore)
Recipe: Mixed Millet Kuzhipaniyaram, Ragi Dosai, and Bottle Gourd Poriyal
Third Prize:
Mrs. Gayathri & Mrs. Gladis Jerusha (Staff Nurses, CMC Vellore)
Recipe: Ragi Adai and Tulsi & Amla Health Drink
Consolation Prizes:
- Harish Margarate & Ms. Sneha (Scudder Memorial Hospital, Ranipet)
- Selvakumari & Mrs. Riya (Homemakers from Vellore)
The event was a resounding success, not only as a platform for culinary expression but also as a community health initiative. It reinforced the message that healthy eating can be both nutritious and delicious, and that with the right choices, individuals with diabetes can effectively manage their condition—especially during challenging times like night cravings.
In commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2025, the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism,
Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, organised a vibrant event comprising an Essay and Painting competition
for students in grades VIII to XII, along with a Quiz competition for school teachers. The event, held on October 18th 2025,
at Darling Residency, Vellore, aimed to inspire students to adopt a healthier lifestyle while addressing the challenges in diabetes
prevention and management. The initiative also encouraged participants to share their learnings with their families and communities
to extend the reach of the knowledge gained.
Competition Topics:
- Essay Topic: Healthy Habits Today; Healthy Life Tomorrow – The Role of Parents and Teachers in Preventing Diabetes & Obesity in Children
- Painting Competition: Technology and Humanity – A Partnership for Better Health
- Teachers Quiz: Nobel Prizes, Sports, General Knowledge, General Health, and General Science
The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. George Chandy, Former Director, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, and Director, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala. He emphasized the importance of diet, exercise, and lifestyle modification to combat obesity and diabetes. He also highlighted the importance of educating students about the disease, especially Type 1 Diabetes, stating that awareness helps break stigma related to the condition and insulin use, fostering acceptance and support for affected students and their families.
In diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity, prevention becomes key. Encouraging healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and screen-time moderation can significantly reduce future health risks. Teachers and parents play a critical role in shaping and instilling these habits early in life.
The event was presided over by Dr. Padmavathi T.G, Assistant Professor, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.
Essay Competition:
With 95 English and 90 Tamil entries, students explored the theme
“Healthy Habits Today; Healthy Life Tomorrow – The Role of Parents and Teachers in Preventing Diabetes & Obesity in Children.”
Painting Competition:
A total of 98 students participated on the theme
“Technology and Humanity – A Partnership for Better Health.”
The judging panel included:
- Dr. Ronald Carey, Professor & Head, Department of Medicine Unit IV, CMC Vellore
- Dr. Justin Benjamin, Associate Professor, Department of Nuclear Medicine, CMC Vellore
- Mrs. Abijah Princy, Addl Deputy Dean and Professor, College of Nursing, CMC Vellore
Winners of the Painting Competition:
1st Place: shared by Uday Karthik and Ashwanth (IDA Scudder School)
2nd Place: shared by Subiksha (Freedom Concept School) and Kavyanjali (Sri Narayani Vidyashram)
3rd Place: Miracline Benita (Little Flower Convent School), Pragnya S (Sree Jayam School), and Chathriya Sree (Maharishi Vidya Mandir School)
Consolation Prizes: Hasini (IDA Scudder School), Faridha (St. Mary’s School), Aravind (Sri Sai Vidyashram), Afsana Asmee (The Koona Presidency School), Dishite (Rishi Matriculation School)
Teachers’ Quiz Competition:
A total of 23 teams participated, with the top five advancing to the finals.
1st Place: Om Sakthi Narayani Public Higher Secondary School
2nd Place: Kingston International School
3rd Place: Spark Matriculation School
Prizes will be distributed at a grand valedictory function to honour the participants and reinforce the message of healthy living for diabetes prevention.
