Some health conditions are talked about far less than they should be, and PCOS is one of them. On 1st October 2026, our Women Development Cell set out to change that, organising a seminar on Women's Health and Awareness in association with Dr Reddy’s Lab, with gynaecologist Dr. Pooja Jain leading the session from 11 am to 1 pm.

Starting a Conversation Students Don’t Always Get to Have

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is one of the most common hormonal conditions among young women, yet it’s rarely discussed openly, even in spaces where it affects a large share of the room. This seminar was built to close that gap, giving 60 of our girl students a space to ask questions, hear clear explanations, and walk away with information they could actually use.

Meet the Expert Behind the Session

Leading the seminar was Dr. Pooja Jain, a gynecologist with an MBBS, DNBO and OBGYN background. Her clinical expertise meant students weren’t just hearing general health tips, they were getting answers grounded in real medical practice, delivered in a way that felt approachable rather than clinical.

Clearing Up a Common Confusion

One of the most valuable parts of the session was something a lot of students walked in uncertain about: the difference between PCOD and PCOS. The two terms get used interchangeably far too often, even though they aren’t quite the same thing. Dr. Jain broke down that distinction clearly, helping students understand their own bodies with more precision and less guesswork.

A Room Full of Genuine Curiosity

What stood out most was the energy in the room. With 60 students actively participating, the seminar turned into a genuine back-and-forth rather than a one-way lecture. Dozens of questions came in from both students and faculty, covering everything students were curious about or quietly concerned about. That level of engagement said a lot about how much this kind of conversation was needed.

Why Awareness Like This Matters

Health literacy is as much a part of student development as academics, and conditions like PCOS, if left misunderstood, can affect far more than physical health. They tie into confidence, daily routines, and long-term well-being. Sessions like this one make sure students aren’t learning about their own health secondhand or through unreliable sources, but directly from a qualified expert who can answer their specific questions.

Supported by the Right Partners

This seminar was made possible through the collaboration between our Women Development Cell and Dr Reddy’s Lab, a partnership that brought real clinical expertise onto campus. Under the guidance of WDC Convenor Dr. Jayashree Patil Dake, the Cell continues to prioritise initiatives that go beyond academics, focusing on the everyday well-being of our women students.

Building a Culture of Openness

Conversations like this one don’t just inform, they normalise. The more openly conditions like PCOS are discussed on campus, the less stigma students carry around asking questions or seeking care. That shift in comfort is exactly what the Women Development Cell hopes to build, one seminar at a time.

Want to stay updated on upcoming initiatives? Visit Hinduja College to see what’s next.