Baramulla, India — April 19, 2025: In a proactive effort to foster life-saving skills among students and faculty, the Department of Psychology at Government Degree College (GDC) in Baramulla, in partnership with Help Humans, a U.S.-based nonprofit, held a comprehensive one-day training program on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid on Saturday. The initiative aimed to empower participants with the tools to respond effectively to medical emergencies, reflecting a growing emphasis on community resilience in the region.
The program was inaugurated by Professor Mohammad Shafi Lone, the college’s principal, who emphasized the vital role of such training in educational settings. “Mastering CPR and first aid can be the difference between life and death,” Professor Lone said. “Equipping our students with these skills is not just an opportunity—it’s a duty.”
Dr. Kaiser Ahmad Dar, head of the Psychology Department, opened the session with a call to action, highlighting the universal need for emergency preparedness. “Crises don’t discriminate by time or place,” he said. “Training our students to act decisively in those moments is an investment in our collective safety.”
The training was led by Dr. Itender Pal Singh Bali, a renowned master trainer in CPR and first aid, whose expertise anchored the day’s activities. Dr. Bali guided participants through hands-on demonstrations, covering critical techniques such as performing CPR, addressing choking, controlling bleeding, and managing other common emergencies. His engaging, practical approach resonated with attendees, who described the sessions as both accessible and empowering.
Students and faculty alike participated with enthusiasm, practicing skills under Dr. Bali’s supervision and gaining confidence in their ability to respond to real-world scenarios. “This wasn’t just a workshop—it was a chance to learn how to save a life,” said Nazneen Bashir, a sixth-semester psychology student who helped coordinate the event.
Dr. Aaliya Akhtar, an assistant professor of psychology, closed the program with remarks of gratitude, calling the training “potentially transformative” and expressing hope for future initiatives. The event’s smooth execution was credited to Dr. Shar Un Nisa Haroon of the Psychology Department and Ms. Bashir, whose coordination ensured a seamless experience.
The college administration praised the collaborative effort, noting its contribution to a culture of safety and preparedness. For the students of GDC Baramulla, the skills acquired may prove invaluable, offering not just knowledge but the confidence to act when seconds matter most.
