Mass CPR Training Programme
The Honourable Governor and Sri Achyuta Samanta, Member of Parliament, philanthropist and founder of the institutions have appreciated Abhinav Krishna Jasthi for the initiative to train nearly 2,00,000 people in CPR
The Launch of Our Programme
In a significant move to enhance public health and safety across Odisha, the Sri Jagannatha Service Foundation, in collaboration with AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the American Heart Association, and the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, officially launched an extensive Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training program at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The launch event was graced and inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr. Naveen Patnaik.
This event marked the beginning of an ambitious initiative to train 200,000 individuals in CPR across the state by the end of 2025.
The Theme
The program’s theme revolves around the potential to save hundreds of thousands of lives in Odisha in case of sudden cardiac arrest. In the critical ‘golden minutes’ following cardiac arrest, a bystander can perform CPR using chest compressions with both hands, potentially saving a life. Many lives have been saved with timely bystander CPR. Mr Abhinav Krishna Jasthi, Founder President of the Sri Jagannatha Service Foundation, oversaw the program’s conceptualisation, planning, communication, and coordination while working full-time for Ernst & Young in San Francisco.
Mass Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Programme
The launch event was graced and inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Mr. Naveen Patnaik. The initiative drew participation from 2,500 individuals, including police personnel, students, and citizens, making it one of the most significant CPR training events in the state’s history. Distinguished attendees included Mr Sunil Bansal, Director General of Police; Dr Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar; Dr Vemuri Murthy, a global expert in resuscitation; and representatives from the American Heart Association. The event garnered widespread media coverage and was praised for its impeccable organisation and execution.
Addressing the Heart Disease Crisis
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and India faces a disproportionate share of this burden. Approximately 36% of deaths in India are attributed to heart disease, and alarmingly, 80% of these deaths are preventable. Despite the high incidence of sudden cardiac arrests—over 4,200 per one lakh population annually—the survival rate remains below 10%. Immediate intervention through CPR can drastically improve survival chances, making it a vital skill for bystanders.
A Milestone Event for Public Health
The launch event at Kalinga Stadium was a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through collective action and community-driven initiatives. The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr Naveen Patnaik, lauded the initiative’s potential to save lives and expressed his deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organization, the American Heart Association, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, and the Sri Jagannatha Service Foundation.
A Commitment to Life-Saving Initiatives
The Sri Jagannatha Service Foundation is proud to spearhead this life-saving initiative in Odisha. We believe that we can make a tangible difference in public health outcomes through dedicated efforts and strategic partnerships. This CPR training program is just one of the many ways in which the Foundation is working to uplift communities and promote well-being across the state.
Need of the hour
Recognizing the urgent need for widespread CPR training, the Sri Jagannatha Service Foundation and its esteemed partners have embarked on a mission to train 200,000 people in Odisha by 2025. This initiative is poised to save countless lives by empowering ordinary citizens to act decisively during the critical “golden minutes” following a cardiac arrest.
Key Moments
One of the event’s key moments was a live demonstration of CPR techniques by Dr Vemuri S. Murthy, a globally recognized CPR expert from Chicago. Using a mannequin, Dr Murthy showcased the correct method of chest compressions, emphasising this skill’s simplicity yet life-saving potential. Sri Krishna Kishore Jasthi, Principal Director of Income Tax (Investigation), Odisha, and the Program Coordinator for this initiative, addressed the gathering, highlighting the program’s objectives and the critical importance of equipping the public with CPR skills.
In Association
The Sri Sathya Sai Organisation has taken up a large number of charitable activities in Odisha which include running of 17 schools and a college, construction of 1000 houses for the homeless, provision of RO Plants in 17 villages, skill development centres, conducting health camps across the State, besides a large number of other activities.