The World Heart Day 2025 programme was held on 28th September 2025 (Sunday) at RCHI, Hyderabad, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, followed by the inauguration of the Athletic Cardiovascular Clinic and a Workshop on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.
The event was graced by eminent guests including Mr. Pullela Gopichand, Badminton Legend of India; Ms. Sukriti Veni Bandreddi, National Best Child Artist Awardee; Dr. Chava Satyanarayana, CEO of Laurus Labs; Dr. Chathuranga Ranasinghe, Professor of Sports and Exercise Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dr. Dinesh Chirla, Director, Rainbow Hospitals; Mr. Yugandhar Meka, Chairperson, PLHF; Dr. Shweta Nathani Bakhru, Secretary, PLHF, Dr. Ganapathy Subramaniam, Treasurer, PLHF; along with donors, children, parents, and staff of PLHF and RCHI.
The programme commenced after a facility visit, with children welcoming guests by presenting flower pots, followed by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony. Dr. Shweta Bakhru, Secretary, PLHF, delivered the welcome address, introducing the theme of World Heart Day 2025. Dr. Dinesh Chirla, Director, Rainbow Hospitals, highlighted Rainbow’s interventions in paediatric cardiology and support to underprivileged children. Mr. Yugandhar Meka, Chairperson, PLHF, shared that with the support of donors, PLHF has extended life-saving treatment to more than 500 children since inception. Dr. Chava Satyanarayana, CEO of Laurus Labs, expressed his appreciation for PLHF’s mission and reaffirmed the continued support of Laurus Charitable Trust and NSN Trust.
An Impact & Insights Document of PLHF was released by the guests, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony with children and parents.
In his address, Mr. Pullela Gopichand appealed for a “Heart-Healthy Future for Every Child.” He commended PLHF for supporting 500 children with cardiac interventions and urged greater awareness of CHDs to ensure no child is left behind due to lack of resources. He inaugurated the Athletic Cardiovascular Clinic alongside the CEO of Laurus Labs and emphasized the importance of physical activity and regular health screenings for children. He congratulated
the organizers for launching a dedicated cardiac clinic for sportspersons, calling it a vital step in safeguarding athletes’ heart health.
Ms. Sukriti Veni Bandreddi encouraged children to “listen to their hearts”—both in caring for their health and pursuing their dreams. She inspired children to prioritize regular check-ups, healthy eating, and active lifestyles as the foundation for achieving their aspirations.
Donors supporting PLHF were felicitated with mementos during the event such as Dr. Sathyanarayana Chava (NSN Trust), Mr. Vasu (Laurus Charitable Trust), Mr. Sanjeev (Nutricia International – Danone), Mr. Ramam (Linkwell Telesystems Pvt Ltd – Visiontek), and Ms. Jyostna (DRS Educational Society – Birla Open Minds School). The day’s special guests were also honored by the organizers.
The event saw participation from around 190 attendees, including children, parents, doctors, donors, and staff of PLHF and RCHI, all pledging to promote heart health and build a healthier society. The hands-on workshop on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing was successfully conducted from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.