On 6th September, the Child Heart Foundation (CHF) celebrated World Heart Day 2025 with the theme “Protecting Little Hearts, Building Healthy Futures” at the Panchsheel Club in New Delhi. Children the foundation supports, their families, paediatric specialists, hospital administrators, corporate partners, and volunteers came together for an evening that combined celebration and introspection.

Following a lamp-lighting ceremony to kick off the programme, Dr Vikas Kohli, Founder Trustee of CHF, gave a welcome speech and discussed the foundation’s history since its founding in 2013. In the last ten years, CHF has screened over 15,000 children, treated over 780 children with congenital heart disease (CHD), given foetal echocardiography to over 5,000 pregnant mothers, and donated echocardiography equipment to Delhi district hospitals.

The honourees, Mr Pratyush Panda (CEO of One Stage), Ms Sneh Daheriya (Trustee of the PTC Foundation), and Rtn Mr Anil Agarwal (former President of Rotary District 3011), discussed CHF’s work and emphasised the need for community participation in enhancing child health.

Families of Heart Warriors later recounted their stories, serving as a reminder to the audience of how a child’s life may be changed by prompt care.

“Every story we heard today reaffirms our mission that no child should be denied care because of financial constraints,” Dr Vikas Kohli stated during his remarks at the occasion. Our Heart Warriors serve as a reminder that a child’s life can be changed with prompt diagnosis and treatment.

“It is truly heartwarming to see the bravery of these kids and the commitment of their families,” said the Chief Guest, Rtn Mr Ajeet Jalan (DG Elect, Rotary District 3011). Since the Child Heart Foundation has demonstrated the power of teamwork, it is now our responsibility as healthcare providers, legislators, and the general public to make sure that every child with a heart issue gets the treatment they need.

In addition, there were entertaining activities for kids, a speech by SRCC’s volunteer band “Benaam”, and a colourful performance by the group. The evening’s high point was the cake-cutting. It was what many kids refer to as their “second birthday”, a reminder of the fresh start they had following therapy.

A vote of gratitude, souvenirs, gifts for the kids, and high tea marked the end of the event, which provided a forum for discussion between partners, families, and medical professionals.