Bhubaneswar, April 7: On World Health Day 2026, the IFI Foundation, a proud member of the World Stroke Organisation, launched its flagship campaign, “Spot Stroke, Save Lives,” to address the growing threat of non-communicable diseases such as stroke, which claim millions of lives worldwide every year. This initiative is part of a broader public health movement focused on stroke awareness, prevention, and timely intervention.
Partnering with the N.S.S. Units of U.N. (Autonomous) College of Science and Technology, Adaspur, the campaign emphasizes that early stroke recognition and swift action can save lives and prevent long-term disability. The event marks the beginning of a six-month statewide campaign under the IFI Stroke Initiative, which will culminate on World Stroke Day, October 29, 2026. Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to grow, expanding its reach to communities across Odisha and beyond, to strengthen stroke prevention, promote early diagnosis, and encourage timely treatment.
The campaign launch brought together educators, healthcare professionals, youth leaders, and students, all united in the common goal of fostering a stroke-aware society. Dr. Lulumina Dash, Principal of U.N. College, spoke passionately about the transformative power of youth. At the same time, Dr. Hiranmayee Mishra, Administrative Bursar, emphasized that impactful public health initiatives begin with active youth involvement. Harihar Sahoo, N.S.S. Programme Officer, also commended the students for their role as ambassadors who can spread life-saving knowledge within their communities.
Nilambar Rath, Co-Chair and Mentor of the IFI Foundation, reinforced the campaign’s vision, stating, “Youth are the currency of the future. Educating them on how to recognize the early signs of stroke is crucial—it can make the difference between life and death. This initiative is helping to nurture a generation of ‘Stroke Spotters,’ who are well-informed, responsible, and committed to building a healthier society.”
Dr. Maya Gantayet, an esteemed neurologist, emphasized the importance of empowering young people as change-makers in their families and communities. “The IFI Foundation’s ‘Spot Stroke, Save Lives’ program is a commendable effort that encourages youth engagement. These types of programs are essential for creating a health-conscious and informed society,” she said.
The event also featured an engaging audio-visual session on stroke recognition and management, along with the distribution of campaign newsletters and awareness materials for mass outreach. A highlight of the day was the Stroke Awareness Pledge, where students, faculty, and other participants committed to becoming advocates for timely stroke action and prevention.
The initiative was supported by key stakeholders such as Smt. Pranati Parida, Co-Chair of IFI Foundation, and Sujata Mishra, IQAC Coordinator. The event’s smooth execution was thanks to Dr. Himani Pani’s vote of thanks, Sitansu Sekhar Sutar’s coordination, and Priyanka Sucharita’s anchoring.
With support from outreach partners Odisha LIVE and Swasthya Plus Network, academic partner U.N. College, and industry partners Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd and TiE Bhubaneswar, the IFI Stroke Initiative is a powerful collaboration of institutions working towards public health.
More than just an event, this initiative represents a movement that integrates awareness into everyday life, encourages positive health behaviors, promotes preventive measures, and ensures timely diagnosis and treatment. With“Spot Stroke, Save Lives” at its core, the IFI Foundation envisions a future where every individual is empowered to act swiftly, respond correctly, and contribute to a world free from stroke.
