The number of heart patients in our country is rising steadily. The number of deaths from heart attacks among young people is also increasing. Each year, heart disease accounts for nearly 28 percent of all deaths in this country. Public awareness is vitally important in lowering this mortality rate. Every year, on September 29, World Heart Day is observed to raise global awareness of this issue, as initiated by the World Heart Federation. On this occasion, the Calcutta Cardiology Foundation, Bharat Sevashram Sangha, and Kalikapur Aguan Sangha jointly organized a Tree Plantation Festival and CPR Training Camp at the Sangha’s playground.

The Hon’ble Chief Guest of the programme was Swami Biswatmanandaji Maharaj, General Secretary of Bharat Sevashram Sangha. The programme was presided over by eminent cardiologist Dr. Prakash Kumar Hazra.

The festival began with garlanding of the portrait of Sanghaguru Swami Pranabanandaji Maharaj, followed by tree plantation by the Secretary Maharaj. Two Bael and five Mahogany saplings were planted. The trees were named after the seven sages of the Saptarshi Mandal.

Bystanders must be familiar with basic life-saving techniques such as CPR, so they can respond effectively if someone suddenly collapses on the road, whether from a heart attack, accident, or any other cause. To this end, the Calcutta Cardiology Foundation regularly conducts CPR training camps. At the event, the doctor conducted CPR training.

Speakers emphasized that avoiding smoking, staying active through sports and exercise from childhood, maintaining a healthy diet, and adhering to prescribed medication for diabetes and hypertension can help prevent heart disease and numerous other illnesses.

Besides Secretary Maharaj, Dr. Hazra and Dr. Banerjee, the programme was also addressed by eminent cardiologist Dr. Arnab Maiti, noted pulmonologist Dr. Anirban Deb, Dr. S. S. Das, Shri Prabir Dey, Director of Swami Pranabananda Institute of Management & Technology, social worker Shree Mani Sankar Samadder and Shree Mohan Khan on behalf of Aguan Sangha.

The event turned into a success thanks to a seamless fusion of spirituality and science.

Priyanka Dutta