Introduction

Guru Nanak College Centre for Consultancy and Outreach Initiatives (GNCCOI) is launched “Idhaya Mithra” (Friend of the Heart), a transformative initiative aimed at equipping individuals with lifesaving CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) skills. This visionary initiative has been brought to life under the dynamic leadership of our General Secretary and Correspondent, Shri. Manjit Singh Nayar, and Dean Academics and GNCCOI Head, Dr. Swati Paliwal. The training was inaugurated in collaboration with the UK-based , Hull Institute of Learning and Simulation, emphasizing the adoption of global best practices in CPR training. The chief mentor of this project is Dr. Makani Purva, Chief Medical Officer and Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetist at Hull Teaching Hospitals.

Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and immediate administration of CPR can significantly improve survival rates. The “Idhaya Mithra” initiative seeks to bridge the gap between cardiac emergencies and timely intervention by ensuring that a large number of people acquire the necessary skills to perform CPR effectively. This project is a step towards making CPR training a widespread and sustainable practice.

Objectives of Idhaya Mithra

The primary objectives of the Idhaya Mithra initiative are:

• To systematically train students, faculty, and staff in performing CPR.
• To extend CPR training to the community, targeting a goal of training more than 1 lakh individuals.
• To create CPR awareness campaigns and encourage proactive life-saving practices.
• To build collaborations with institutions, healthcare organizations, and NGOs for effective outreach.
• To establish a Train-the-Trainer model for sustainable implementation and large scale training.

Pilot Launch

The pilot phase of Idhaya Mithra began with the training of 50 faculty members, including NCC and NSS volunteers, on a Train the Trainers model. This approach ensures sustainability and scalability, as the trained faculty and volunteers will further impart CPR training to students and the community at large. Additionally, around 70 students and 5 faculty members have already received hands-on CPR training as part of the initial phase.

The overwhelming positive feedback from participants highlights the success and impact of the program’s launch. Many participants expressed their confidence in applying CPR techniques in real-life emergencies, showcasing the effectiveness of the training methodology.

CPR Training for NSS Volunteers

A special CPR training session was conducted for NSS volunteers from various colleges, with participation from around 120 volunteers representing 20 institutions. The session was graced by Dr. Vaneetha Agarwal, NSS Coordinator of the University of Madras, as the Chief Guest. The event was also witnessed by Hon’ble General Secretary and Correspondent Shri. Manjit Singh Nayar, GNCCOI Head Dr. Swathi Paliwal, Principal Dr. T.K. Avvai Kothai, Deans of various schools, and faculty members from multiple departments.

This specialized NSS training has laid a strong foundation for further CPR outreach programs, ensuring that volunteers from various institutions act as lifesavers in their respective communities.

Expected Impact and Long-Term Goals

The Idhaya Mithra initiative has already made a significant impact by training 2000 third year students of Guru Nanak College. However, the project envisions an even broader outreach. Some key future plans include:

• Conducting periodic training to reinforce CPR skills and keep trained individuals up-to-date.
• Expanding training to first-year and second-year students to establish a strong base of CPR-trained individuals on campus.
• Partnering with healthcare organizations, government bodies, and NGOs to expand the scope of CPR training.
• Developing digital resources, mobile applications, and print materials to enhance accessibility to CPR training.
• Executing large-scale community outreach programs to ensure a greater number of people benefit from CPR education.
• Encouraging CPR certification programs and collaborations with international training institutes to ensure world-class training standard

Vision and Mission

Vision:

To build a community of lifesavers by empowering individuals with essential CPR skills, ensuring timely intervention and maximizing survival rates during cardiac emergencies.

• Conducting periodic training to reinforce CPR skills and keep trained individuals up-to-date.
• Expanding training to first-year and second-year students to establish a strong base of CPR-trained individuals on campus.
• Partnering with healthcare organizations, government bodies, and NGOs to expand the scope of CPR training.
• Developing digital resources, mobile applications, and print materials to enhance accessibility to CPR training.
• Executing large-scale community outreach programs to ensure a greater number of people benefit from CPR education.
• Encouraging CPR certification programs and collaborations with international training institutes to ensure world-class training standard

Mission:

• To provide structured hands on CPR training to all students, faculty and staff, fostering a culture of preparedness.
• To extend CPR education beyond the campus, reaching wider community and saving more lives.
• To instil a sense of social responsibility, encouraging proactive care and emergency response readiness.

NSS - Events 2025-26

Civil Reception to Honour the Armed Forces for the Victory of Operation Sindoor

NSS Volunteers had the opportunity to interact with, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director IIT-MADRAS and Dr. C. Samuel Chelliah, Regional Director, NSS Regional Directorate - TN, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Government of India, during the Civil Reception to Honour the Armed Forces for the Victory of Operation Sindoor Programme held at IIT-MADRAS Research Park Auditorium on 22.06.2025.