Kolkata: As Bengalis across the globe eagerly count down to Durga Puja, the soulful beats of the dhak are already setting the festive rhythm. Just as a skipped beat of the dhak can disrupt the joy of a Dhunuchi Naach, a skipped heartbeat can be life-threatening. With this year’s World Heart Day theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat”, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata brought together tradition and healthcare by organizing a special CPR training session for Dhakis – the heartbeat of Durga Puja.
The day began with hands-on CPR training for Dhakis, followed by a formal event graced by ace filmmaker Shiboprasad Mukherjee, Director of the upcoming movie Raktabeej 2, as chief guest. The highlight of the occasion was the Healthy Heart Patient Summit, where patients shared inspiring recovery stories while senior cardiologists and cardiac surgeons offered key insights into heart health.
Over 1,500 citizens in Kolkata have now been trained as real-life CPR heroes under Manipal Hospitals’ initiative, adding to its nationwide legacy of emergency preparedness. The hospital’s Bengaluru unit has already earned a place in the Guinness World Records for large-scale CPR training, a testimony to its commitment.
This year, to ensure uninterrupted patient support during the festive season, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata has also launched a 24×7 telecommunication facility, enabling families to connect with doctors even on Puja days.
Expert Insights Shared at the Event:
- Dr. Dilip Kumar, Senior Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, highlighted the importance of recognizing early warning signs of heart attacks—chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue—and stressed lifestyle choices as the best prevention.
- Dr. Kaushik Mukherjee, Consultant – Cardiothoracic Surgery, explained how minimally invasive heart surgeries allow faster recovery with reduced risk compared to traditional procedures.
- Dr. Sumanta Chatterjee, Consultant – Cardiology, shared how advanced tools like 3D imaging, intravascular ultrasound, and next-gen cath labs ensure safer, more precise treatments.
- Dr. Sujoy Chatterjee, HOD – Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, emphasized the importance of post-surgery cardiac rehabilitation, stress management, and long-term care.
- Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, COO – Manipal Hospitals (East), reiterated: “Just as the vibrant beats of the dhak keep the spirit of Durga Puja alive, a timely response in a cardiac emergency can help keep a heart beating.”
Through this unique initiative, Manipal Hospitals seamlessly bridged tradition with healthcare, ensuring that Dhakis—the rhythm keepers of Puja—can now also become lifesavers.
