Department of Media Studies joins DataLEADS’ First Check LIVE as Community Partner
Date: 17 August 2026
The Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti University joins DataLEADS’ First Check LIVe as a Community Partner. FirstCheck LIVE is a year-long, 12-part virtual public dialogue series on Fact-Checking, Health Communication, and Mental Well-being, launched by DataLEADS, an award-winning digital media and technology company committed to helping people understand and engage with the world around them through its global networking and linkages.

On the first day of the live interaction, panellists discuss nutrition, mental health, digital literacy and sport to help adolescents build healthier futures. They said that India, home to the world's largest adolescent population (253 million), faces significant gaps in youth health awareness, particularly around nutrition, mental health, and lifestyle habits, compared to global peers. Paediatric endocrinologist Dr. Ganesh Jevalikar emphasized that adolescence is a critical developmental window, noting that most mental health disorders originate before age 25, and stressed the importance of mindful eating, exercise, and sleep. Digital inclusion advocate Osama Manzar highlighted how teens increasingly turn to AI for health answers due to inadequate guidance at home and school. Parenting expert Sushant Kalra argued for open dialogue over control, while educator Divya Bhatia called for embedding wellness into everyday school life rather than isolated programs. Tennis coach Ankita Bhambri stressed collaborative effort between parents, schools, and sport.