CHANDIGARH,19.11.25-The Stroke services of the Department of Neurology PGIMER, celebrated the Stroke month in November 2025.The program has comprised of a diverse range of academic, creative, and community-based activities aimed at strengthening stroke advocacy and awareness. Community outreach formed a major part of the initiative including schools and health centers. This year a significant role was played by the National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGIMER who collaborated in this campaign.

The activities began on 4th November 2025 with a Poster & Slogan Making Competition and a Reel Making Competition, where students showcased their creativity in spreading stroke awareness. On 11th November, a Quiz Competition was conducted testing participants’ knowledge on stroke prevention and management.

On 11th and 12th November, Community Health Stroke Programs were conducted in schools and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (Health Centers) at Dhaddu Majra Colony and Dhanas, engaging students, teachers, and local residents in interactive sessions on stroke risk factors, early recognition, emergency response and prevention. These were great opportunity to reach out to community at a large. Prof. Dheeraj Khurana and Dr Manju Dhandapani stressed upon early identification and prevention of stroke. The events were enriched with street plays by the nursing students.

The major highlight of this year’s campaign has been the School Health Program which was virtual stroke education program for around ten schools of Chandigarh. The event was graced by Mr HPS Brar, Director of School Education, Chandigarh, Dr P. Vijaya, President, Indian Stroke Association, and Prof. Jeyaraj D Pandian, President, World Stroke Organization & Head of Neurology and the Principal/Dean from Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana.

A major highlight of the week was the Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) program held on 13th November 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the NINE Auditorium. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries: Prof. RK Ratho, Dean Academic, PGIMER as Chief Guest, and Prof. Rajesh Chhabra, Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER as Guest of Honour. This event hosted participants from various spectrum of healthcare and community including doctors, nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives, nursing students, administrative & auxiliary staff and school teachers. Dr. Manju Dhandapani released the CNE theme and presented a report of Stroke Week activities. The dignitaries then addressed the gathering: Prof. Rajesh Chhabra delivered the Special Guest’s remarks, Dr. Suman Singh shared her perspective as Guest of Honour, and Prof. RK Ratho inspired the audience with his Chief Guest’s address.

The program included a symposium on early identification, prevention, and management of stroke chaired by Dr. Navneet Dhaliwal. A panel discussion and interactive Q&A session followed, chaired by Prof. Dheeraj Khurana Incharge Stroke Services, Neurology, PGIMER, and moderated by Dr. Manju Dhandapani and Dr. Manisha Nagi. The panel included experts such as Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, Prof. J.S. Thakur, Dr. Nidhi Sharma, and Prof. S.S. Dhandapani, who engaged in a rich dialogue on stroke prevention, management, rehabilitation and advocacy.

Participants were deeply inspired by the experience sharing of stroke survivors which was followed by the display of reels, posters, and slogans. The celebrations culminated with a Street Play/ Nukat Naatak at PGI Campus on 14th November, where nursing students dramatized the importance of stroke awareness in a powerful and engaging manner for the public.
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving stroke care and rehabilitation, the Department of Neurology, PGIMER, is organizing a Patient Interaction Session under the theme “Strike Out Stroke” at the Department of Physiotherapy, New OPD Complex on 19th Nov. This interactive programme aims to empower stroke survivors and their caregivers through expert guidance, multidisciplinary support, and shared learning. The theme “Strike Out Stroke” highlights PGIMER’s mission to reduce stroke-related disability through awareness, education, and comprehensive rehabilitation. Dr Dheeraj Khurana, Professor of Neurology, will lead the session, along with his stroke team. A multidisciplinary panel of specialists from various departments will provide expert input to support patient recovery:
Dr. Pradeep, Department of Physiotherapy
Dr. Vijay Goni, Head, Department of Orthopaedics
Dr. Akhilesh, Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Bhanumati, ENT (Speech Therapy)
Dr. Seema, Department of Occupational Therapy
Dr. Manju Dhandapani, NINE

The World Stroke day is celebrated evry year on the 29th October and this year Pgi has observed the Stroke Awareness Month in November 2025 at PGIMER successfully combining creativity, academic rigor, and community engagement. The entire event was meticulously planned, conceptualized by Prof. Dheeraj Khurana with close collaboration with the NINE (Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, Dr. Manju Dhandapani, and Dr. Kavita N and their dedicated team) ensuring its smooth execution and impactful outcomes. Through competitions, outreach programs, professional education, and cultural performances, the initiative strengthened stroke literacy, encouraged early recognition, and promoted timely intervention. With these activities National Institute of Nursing Education has reaffirmed its alliance and commitment to the Stroke Program of PGI and has contributed significantly in transforming awareness into action, empowering communities, and reducing the burden of stroke in society.
PGI Stroke Helpline no - 7087009500