Banaras Hindu University launches 'Dhadkan' programme to educate and prevent heart diseases among children, adolescents

BHU launches Dhadkan programme to educate and prevent heart diseases among children and adolescentsVaranasi: The Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, in collaboration with the Department of Home Science, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, launched “DHADKAN: Ek Nayi Pahal”, a unique community outreach programme with the mission to educate, detect, and treat heart diseases in children and adolescents.The initiative focuses on spreading awareness about congenital and acquired heart diseases. Under this programme, expert teams will visit schools across Purvanchal to explain the normal structure and function of the heart, variations that may occur, preventive lifestyle practices, the importance of nutrition, and available treatments for heart diseases.Marking the beginning of this noble effort, the team made its first school visit on Monday at Kendriya Vidyalaya, BHU, where students of Classes 11 and 12 were addressed in detail.

On this occasion, Dr. Mrinamyee from the Department of Anatomy was specially invited to explain the structure and function of the heart. A quiz competition was also conducted, in which students participated with great enthusiasm, making the session lively and interactive.The programme team included Roshni Gupta, Anamika Gautam, Shikha Panwar, Aakanksha Raj, Nistha, and Nidhi from the Department of Home Science, along with Bhavya from the Department of Psychology, who contributed significantly in guiding students on the importance of healthy lifestyle practices and balanced nutrition in preventing heart diseases.

Prof. Mukta, Head of the Department of Home Science, and Prof. Lalita Vatta emphasized the importance of taking health knowledge beyond hospital walls into the community, highlighting that empowering young people with awareness is the first step towards prevention.Dr. Pratibha Rai, Assistant Professor, Cardiology, underlined that while congenital heart diseases can be treated effectively if detected early, preventing acquired heart diseases through education, nutrition awareness, and lifestyle modification is equally critical to safeguard the future generation.The Director, IMS-BHU, lauded this joint initiative, appreciating the dedication of the departments in serving society. He remarked that such efforts reflect the institution’s commitment to community health and are in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of keeping India’s youth fit and healthy.Prof. Vikas Agrawal, Head of Cardiology, IMS-BHU, emphasized that a series of visits will be conducted across schools in Purvanchal, and any school interested in participating is welcome to contact the DHADKAN team.Looking ahead, the DHADKAN programme aspires to reach dozens of schools across both urban and rural areas, train teachers and peer leaders as heart-health ambassadors, and build a culture of preventive awareness among adolescents. By sowing the seeds of knowledge early, the initiative hopes to create a generation that is both informed and empowered to fight the growing burden of heart diseases.