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Pink Chain Campaign, an initiative by Punarjeevan,  which includes public demonstration of self-examination techniques, distribution of pamphlets, and speaker sessions to disseminate information about breast cancer, was brought to the precincts of Indraprastha College for Women on 11th September 2015.

Pink Chain Campaign at IPCW
Photo by Kritika Narula

The initiative, supported by National Service Scheme, IPCW and Gandhi Study Circle, IPCW aimed at bringing awareness and initiating a dialogue about breast cancer.

The session began with  short address from the principal, Dr. Babli Moitra Saraf who accorded a warm welcome to the Chief Guest and her fellow panelists.

The Chief Guest for the occasion was Ramon Magsaysay awardee and social activist Dr. Kiran Bedi, who was there for  a brief period. In her address to the audience of 500+ students, she talked about how she emotionally connects to the cause since her own sister had been a victim to the same just a few year back.

Kiran Bedi at IPCW
Photo by Kritika Narula

She emphasized on how important it is to set our priorities right and involve in as many physical activities as possible. “We shouldn’t take our medical check-ups for granted. I suggest you go for regular tests, mammography, and keep health as a priority. At your age, you’ve all sorts of stress- from competitive exams, to academics to applications and the uncertainty of the life ahead, but one must not forget that health is equally important, if not more.”

At the same time, she informed the audience that she has learnt that it can strike anyone, and one should do whatever she can, in her power to prevent it.

Later, she also tweeted about her visit to the college.

 

Dr Abhishek Shankar, the founder and chief coordinator of the Pink Chain Campaign addressed the audience next, apprising the audience of how the campaign has been planned across 33 colleges with over 1000 volunteers.

Dr. Abhishek Shankar, founder of the Pink Chain Campaign
Dr. Abhishek Shankar, founder of the Pink Chain Campaign, Photo by Kritika Narula

Dr. Ravi Mehrotra, Director at the Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology, Noida made an informative presentation about cures, symptoms, prevention of breast cancer.

Dr. Piyush Ranjan from AIIMS Delhi answered questions from the audience. This was followed by a panel discussion, with the above speakers and Dr. Preetha Rajaraman, South Asia program Director for USA Center for Global Health. The panel discussion touched upon multiple issues ranging from prevention of breast cancer, maintenance of a healthy lifestyle to misconceptions about cancer.

Principal Dr. Babli Moitra saraf
Photo by Kritika Narula

The session ended with the distribution of brochures.

Featured Image Credits: Kritika Narula

Kritika Narula

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