Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 27: A CPR training and awareness programme was successfully organized on Sunday, July 27, in the meeting hall of St Sebastian Church, Bendur. The event was jointly coordinated by the Catholic Action League (CAL), Health Commission, and Family Commission, in association with Sharada Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Mangaluru (NSS unit).

The programme began with a prayer hymn led by CAL members, setting a reflective tone for the event. The welcome address was warmly delivered by Dafney D’Souza.

Ivin then took the stage to introduce the chief guest, Dr Sandeep Bekal, giving a brief overview of his professional background, contributions to the field of medicine, and his leadership role as the principal of Sharada Ayurveda Medical College. The programme was inaugurated by Fr Ozmond D’Souza, assistant parish priest, who also shared a brief yet impactful message on the importance of acquiring life-saving skills like CPR within the community.

The resource person for the session was Dr Sandeep Bekal, principal of Sharada Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital. Dr Bekal delivered a comprehensive and engaging talk, explaining the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest, the warning signs to look out for, and the critical importance of immediate response in such emergencies. He emphasized how CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can sustain a person’s life until professional medical help arrives.

Following the talk, a hands-on CPR demonstration was conducted by Dr Sandeep Bekal along with Ian Neil Pinto and Naveeda Khan, NSS secretaries and Abhishek Mishra, Ashlesh M, students of Sharada Ayurveda Medical College. Participants were taught the proper technique of chest compressions and the fundamental steps of Basic Life Support (BLS), providing them with confidence to act during real-life emergencies.

Towards the end of the session, Fr Walter D’Souza, vicar of St Sebastian Church, presented mementos to Dr Sandeep Bekal and his team as a token of appreciation for their valuable time and efforts.

The session was professionally compered by Anna Patrao, who guided the flow of the program with clarity and confidence. At the conclusion of the session, the vote of thanks was delivered by Lenn Tauro, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, the medical team, organizers, volunteers, and attendees for their active participation and support in making the event a success.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from parishioners across all age groups. The initiative was widely appreciated for raising awareness and imparting essential life-saving skills to the community.