Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 29: World Heart Day was observed today across Jammu region with a range of programmes, including awareness camps, medical check-ups, exhibitions and community outreach activities, underscoring the significance of cardiac health, early detection and preventive care.
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Marking the occasion, the Department of Cardiology, Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) Jammu under the leadership of Dr Sushil Sharma (HoD) organized a day-long walkathon and awareness campaign dedicated to this year’s global theme “Don’t Miss a Beat. ” The Walkathon commenced from Bikram Chowk and concluded at SSH Jammu, attracting enthusiastic participation from diverse sections of society including students, healthcare professionals, social workers, and citizens.
Prominent participants included Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma; Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court, Sanjeev Shukla; MLA Jammu-North, Sham Lal Sharma, former PSC member Subash Gupta, Superitendent of SSH Jammu Dr Rehana Khursheed and cardiologists. The walkathon concluded with the release of balloons carrying health messages such as Beat CVD, Quit Smoking, Healthy Diet, Physical Activity, Maintain Blood Pressure, Control Diabetes and Cholesterol, and De-stress.
Jawans of 7th Battalion SSB and students from several schools, paramedical colleges, besides several faculty members, students and staff from Government Medical College & Hospital Jammu and SSH Jammu actively participated in the walkathon.
To commemorate the Day, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Katra unveiled the ‘Wall of Heart Heroes’, a powerful tribute to patients who have bravely fought life-threatening cardiac conditions and returned to healthy, fulfilling lives. Part of the hospital’s “Beat the Odds” initiative, the Wall of Heart Heroes showcases photographs and stories of real patients a living reminder that early detection, timely treatment and family support can change outcomes for heart disease.
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr M M Mathavan, Facility Director, said, “Every face on this wall is a story of resilience. It reflects not only the fighting spirit of our patients but also the dedication of our cardiac team, which is unmatched in the region.” Dr Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), added, “The Wall of Heart Heroes is exactly what the Shrine Board envisioned when this hospital was set up, healing that inspires.”
To observe the Day, Rotary Club Jammu Tawi in collaboration with Government SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu and MMM Multi Speciality Hospital Jammu organized a mega health camp. The event was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu, Prof K S Chandershekhar, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. The programme began with lighting of traditional lamp. This was followed by collaring the president of the Rotary Club Jammu Tawi, Dr Shivani Choudhary.
Addressing the gathering, Prof (Dr) K S Chandrasekar highlighted the significance of such health initiatives in educational institutions. Principal of the College, Prof (Dr) Rajinder Singh, urged students and staff to take proactive steps toward maintaining good health and well-being. Renowned cardiologist Dr Neeraj Mahajan delivered an insightful talk on heart health and awareness, besides conducting his OPD services. Dr Neha Sharma, a distinguished dental surgeon from Smile Craft Multispeciality Dental Clinic and Implant Centre, conducted dental check-ups for patients.
The Science Club of Government Degree College (GDC), Kathua, successfully organized a poster exhibition and an awareness drive to commemorate “World Heart Day” and “World Rabies Day” under the themes “Don’t Miss the Beat” and “Act now: You, Me and Community” respectively. The event was organized under the patronage of the Principal of the College, Dr Savi Behl.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students who presented their knowledge through posters, followed by a huge participation of the students in the awareness rally. Among the senior faculty members, Prof Neelam Bhagat, Prof Rakesh Singh and Dr Ram Singh were present on the occasion and motivated the students.
Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Charitable Hospital, Ambphalla (Jammu) commemorated Word Heart Day by organizing an awareness program focused on cardiovascular health, preventive measures and community education. The event was attended by the managing committee members – Amar Chand (senior vice president), BB Gupta (general secretary), BS Jamwal (secretary), Dr Sachin Gupta (member) and Dr Jatinder Gupta (member).
Guest speaker, Dr Sushil Sharma (HoD Cardiology, GMC Jammu), highlighted the increasing incidence of heart disease due to modern sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary patterns. The in-house presentation was delivered by Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, Consultant Cardiologist. Dr Arvind Kohli, CVTS Surgeon and Medical Director of the Hospital, also spoke on the occasion. Assistant Medical Superintendent Dr Yashpal Karsyal and Hospital Manager Iqbal Deep Singh were also present.
Tiny Tots Higher Secondary School commemorated the Day by organizing a vibrant poster making competition on the theme, “Don’t Skip a Beat.” The event was held in association with Medanta – The Medicity. The competition saw enthusiastic participation from students across Classes 7th to 12th, who created stunning and informative posters to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. The event was graced by representatives from Medanta Hospital: Sudhanshu Sharma (DGM) and Sandeep Singh Jamwal, Assistant Marketing Manager, and School’s Principal, Dr Vikram Handa.
Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura organized a comprehensive awareness programme in connection with World Heart Day. Speaking on the occasion, Director of the Institute, Dr M Ashraf Ganie, termed the rising incidence of cardiac arrests a matter of growing concern, linking it to increasing smoking habits among the youth. Former Dean and Head of Cardiology, Prof Khurshid Iqbal was the chief guest on the occasion while Professors Nisar A Tramboo and Khurshid Aslam attended the event as guests of honour. The event featured an interactive quiz competition and scientific lectures. Earlier, the day began with public events including a mini marathon and an educational boat show at Foreshore, Nishat.
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