More than 50 Students Hospitalised for Suspected Heat Stroke During Independence Day Celebration in Churachandpur

At least 50 students were reportedly hospitalised after suffering suspected heat stroke during the 80th Independence Day celebration at Peace Ground, Tuibong, in Churachandpur district on Saturday.

The students, who were part of various contingents participating in the march-past, were brought to the casualty department of the District Hospital, Churachandpur, after reportedly falling ill while waiting for and taking part in the programme.

According to accounts from participants, the contingents were required to arrive nearly an hour before the programme and remain standing in formation under the sun.

The prolonged exposure to heat, coupled with inadequate access to drinking water and food, was cited as contributing to the health problems faced by the students.

Many of the students reportedly attended the programme without breakfast or a proper meal and were unable to carry bags containing water because of the requirements of the march-past. There was also reportedly no designated arrangement for students to keep their belongings or access water during the waiting period.

Concerns were also raised over the fact that most of the students participating in the parade are not regularly trained personnel and take part in such ceremonial events only on special occasions.

Participants and observers have called for greater care and support for students involved in Independence Day and Republic Day parades, particularly arrangements for drinking water, refreshments, seating and medical assistance.

Questions were also raised over the arrangements made for refreshments during parade practices and whether adequate financial support is being provided for participating students.

Some participants further questioned the duration and scheduling of the programme, pointing out that students had already been standing under the sun before the main event began. They expressed concern that speeches and ceremonial activities further prolonged the students' exposure to the heat.

Meanwhile, the absence of adequate seating arrangements for civil society leaders and other invited members also drew criticism. Several civil society representatives reportedly expressed disappointment over what they described as the district administration's lack of attention towards them during the celebration.

The reported hospitalisation of a large number of students has renewed calls for the district administration to review arrangements for future public functions, particularly those involving school and college students.

Adequate drinking water, refreshments, shaded waiting areas, seating, first-aid facilities and timely medical intervention, observers said, should be ensured to prevent similar incidents during major public events.