Coimbatore, Sep 27, 2026 – Life seemed perfect for this 30 years old software professional with a disciplined routine, though all of that changed in a jiffy when one fine morning he experienced excruciating pain in his left shoulder. He took pain killers without realising that the reason for this pain could be connected to his heart. A week later, the pain continued and upon reaching the hospital, it was diagnosed that he had multiple blocks in the heart. It was shocking since neither the youth nor his immediate family had any history of tobacco and alcohol but yes their lifestyle involved sitting for long hours within the walls of their workplace.
Because he reached the hospital on time, doctors were able to save him. The size of our body is of little account, the size of our brain is of much account, but the size of our heart is of the most account of all.
Cardiovascular disease account for more than 25% deaths across our country with reasons often attributed to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use and physical inactivity. A simple game of pickleball if played for 2 hours each day can pump enough blood to make our hearts healthy. While it helps us to enjoy forgetting everything else for a short span, in hindsight it helps keep our body in shape by keeping us active which prevents diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Today, most of us spend time glued to computer and mobile screens. This culture brings a question- Is our lifestyle healthy? It is to give a reality check that Rotary District 3206 under its annual theme “UNITE” brought Pulse Heartathon to inspire the youth to move more, live healthier and make prevention a way of life.
This initiative in collaboration with SPT Hospital ,5 KM Pulse Heartathon Brings Coimbatore Together for Heart Health and Wellness. The 5 KM Pulse Heartathon – “Join the Pulse, Fuel the Heart”, organised by Rotary District 3206 in association with SPT Hospitals, Rotary Club of Coimbatore, India Medical Association, Coimbatore and Coimbatore District Athletic Association was held in Coimbatore with an enthusiastic participation from the public, Rotarians and Rotaractors.
The event began early in the morning with the flag-off at SPT Hospitals, Ramnagar, for over 2000 Participants. It was followed by the 5 KM Pulse Heartathon walk- jog- run- jog- walk, culminating at Nehru Stadium. The flag-off was led by Rtn. R. S. Maruti, District Governor, RI District 3206, for the public, followed by 78 Rotary Club groups and Rotaractors
The Heartathon transformed a Sunday morning into a celebration of fitness, fellowship and community health, with participants walking, jogging and running with a shared commitment to healthier living.
The post-event programme at Nehru Stadium was attended by distinguished guests, presided by Hon’ble Minister Thiru V. Sampath Kumar, Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; Rtn. R. S. Maruti, District Governor, RI District 3206; Dr. A. K. Ravikumar, President, IMA Tamil Nadu 2027; and Mr. K. Srinivasan, Chairman & Managing Director, Emerald Group.
The programme featured a World Heart Day awareness address by Rtn. Dr. Subburaja T. National mortality studies suggest that in cardiovascular deaths in people aged 30-69 years; 68.4% is due to ischemic heart disease while 28.0% account for stroke. So he highlighted the importance of prevention, regular physical activity and awareness for maintaining heart health everyday
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Heart Health Village, created to promote preventive healthcare and encourage the community to make informed choices for a healthier heart. The physical activity component was designed for participant’s to enjoy high intensity cardiac workout, walk-jog-run- walk in intervals which created an experience of how one’s Pulse increases gradually step by step while Walk-Jog-Run-Walk; scientifically proven model which makes us strong. A special CPR which is first of its kind demonstrated and created awareness to help participants understand how immediate action and basic knowledge plays a crucial role during cardiac emergency. The objective was not to create fear of heart disease rather to encourage people take responsibility for their own health before things turn serious. In the finishing area, five wellness zones were created which focused on Know your Heart, Move your Heart, Feed your Heart, Calm your Heart & Save your Heart.
The celebrations continued with an energetic Zumba session, followed by the awards and prize distribution ceremony, recognising participants and contributors to the successful event. The morning concluded with fellowship over breakfast.
The event was led by Rtn. Gurpreet Singh, Event Chairman; Rtn. Godwin Maria Visuvasam, Event Co-Chairman; Rtn. Dr. Subburaja T, Event Convener; Rtn. Swaminathan S, Lead Club President; and Rtn. Dr. Chitra Manohar, Lead Club Past President, Rotary Club of Coimbatore, Rtn Ganesh, Lead Club Secretary, Rtn Dr. Nagarajan S, District Chairman, Heart Care, Rtn Dr.Senthil Kumar N, District Coordinator, Medical Community Service and Rtn Gokul Raj S, District Chairman, Public Image, along with the support of the participating Rotary clubs, Rotarians, Rotaractors and volunteers.
The Pulse Heartathon reinforced a simple but powerful message that heart health is not a one-day commitment, but a lifelong journey of movement, awareness and prevention.
Our Heart is working every second of our life. And Pulse Heartathon is an attempt to make people Pause, feel their Pulse and realize that their heart deserves more attention every single day. Start Somewhere, Start Slow, Start Today.
“Join the Pulse. Fuel the Heart.”
One Heart. One Community. One Healthier Tomorrow
