New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Reinforcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative vision of “Healthy India, Beautiful India”, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Prof. Mahesh Verma, delivered a powerful global message on the critical role of oral health in overall wellbeing, dignity, productivity and facial aesthetics at a special awareness programme held at the university campus.


Addressing students, faculty members, healthcare professionals and civil society representatives, Prof. Verma emphasised that oral health is not merely a medical concern but a foundation of human confidence, beauty, nutrition and social dignity—a principle deeply aligned with the Prime Minister’s holistic health reforms under Ayushman Bharat and preventive healthcare initiatives.


Oral Health at the Heart of a Healthy Nation
Prof. Mahesh Verma stated that Prime Minister Modi’s health vision goes beyond treatment and focuses on prevention, awareness and quality of life, where oral health plays a decisive role.


“A healthy nation begins with healthy smiles. Teeth are not just tools for eating—they shape our face, define our personality and influence how society perceives us,” Prof. Verma said.


He highlighted that untreated dental diseases silently weaken India’s human capital, especially among workers, youth and the elderly, making oral health a national productivity and public health issue.


Teeth: The Key to Facial Beauty and Human Confidence
Explaining the aesthetic dimension, Prof. Verma noted that teeth provide structural support to facial muscles. Loss of teeth leads to sunken cheeks, premature ageing, altered speech and loss of self-confidence, affecting mental health and social interaction.


“Facial beauty is not cosmetics alone. Teeth give balance to the face, clarity to speech and confidence to personality. Losing them impacts how a human being lives, works and interacts with the world,” he explained.


This message resonated strongly with Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on dignity of life, mental wellbeing and inclusive development.


A Global Health Challenge, Not Just India’s Problem
Linking the issue to global health discourse, Prof. Verma pointed out that the World Health Organization (WHO) now recognises oral diseases as one of the most widespread non-communicable diseases worldwide, disproportionately affecting developing nations and working populations.


He stressed that ignoring oral health deepens inequality and healthcare burden—an issue being addressed globally through preventive strategies similar to India’s evolving health ecosystem.


Special Message to Workers, Youth and Students
Prof. Verma gave a special call to the working class, students and young professionals, stating that dental neglect leads to poor nutrition, reduced work efficiency and long-term systemic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions.


“Replacing missing teeth is not luxury—it is healthcare, nutrition security and human dignity,” he said.


Collective Participation for a Healthier Society
The awareness programme witnessed active participation from all departments of Indraprastha University, including faculty members, department heads, students, Rotary Club representatives, professionals from Maulana Azad Medical College, healthcare experts and social organisations.


Prof. Verma praised the collective presence, calling it a reflection of Prime Minister Modi’s people-centric health movement, where academia, healthcare institutions and civil society work together.


Aligning Academia with National Health Vision
As Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Verma reaffirmed Indraprastha University’s commitment to integrating oral health education, research and community outreach with national health priorities.


“Universities must become health thought-leaders. Education and awareness are the strongest vaccines against disease,” he concluded.


A Vision Beyond Borders
Health experts present at the event noted that Prof. Verma’s message carries international relevance, as nations worldwide struggle to integrate oral health into mainstream healthcare policies.


By aligning scientific knowledge, public awareness and leadership vision, the programme at Indraprastha University emerged as a model for global health advocacy.


From Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a healthier India to Prof. Mahesh Verma’s leadership in oral health awareness, the message is clear: