Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary

Media Release

Udupi, Sep 10: Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Manipal School of Commerce and Economics (MSCE), constituent units of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), successfully concluded ‘Shishu Bharath: Nurturing the Brave Hearts of India’ at the Dr TMA Pai Auditorium, KMC, Manipal, on September 10. The flagship healthcare initiative brought together medical experts, survivors, thought leaders, and community partners in a collective effort to raise awareness and mobilize comprehensive support for childhood cancer care in India.

The programme was presided over by Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE, and welcomed Anagha Joshi, founder of The DYOT Foundation, California, as chief guest, and Ravindra Rai, MD & CEO, BoB Card, as guest of honour, demonstrating the powerful collaborative approach between healthcare, philanthropy, and financial sectors.

Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE, emphasized the significance of the initiative: "Today's gathering represents more than awareness – it embodies MAHE’s collective commitment to ensuring that no child fighting cancer feels alone. The courage displayed by our young survivors and the dedication of healthcare professionals, families, and support organizations reinforce MAHE's unwavering dedication to creating meaningful platforms that transform awareness into actionable support for India's brave young warriors."

Welcoming the gathering Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor, MAHE, highlighted the institution's continued commitment to advancing pediatric oncology care and research. Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, professor and head, Department of Pediatric Oncology, KMC, Manipal, presented comprehensive insights into departmental activities, emphasizing holistic approaches in supporting children with cancer and their families.

A powerful highlight of the day was the motivational talk ‘The Power Within,’ delivered by A D Sendureswaran, managing trustee, Dr Dharmambal Namasivayam Trust, who shared the inspiring journey of young survivors and the remarkable resilience demonstrated in battling life-threatening diseases. This was followed by a heartfelt and profoundly moving address by Veena T N, a young bone tumor survivor, whose inspiring testimony of courage and hope left the audience profoundly touched.

Anagha Joshi, chief guest and Founder, The DYOT Foundation, California, highlighted the global dimension of pediatric cancer support and said, "Shishu Bharath exemplifies how compassionate collaboration transcends geographical boundaries. When we unite healthcare excellence with philanthropic commitment and community support, we create not just hope but tangible pathways to healing. This initiative demonstrates that together, we can build a comprehensive ecosystem where every child battling cancer receives not only medical care but holistic support for their entire journey."

Ravindra Rai, guest of honour and MD & CEO, BoB Card, in his address stressed the critical importance of corporate and community partnerships in strengthening pediatric healthcare initiatives, emphasizing sustainable support mechanisms for families facing the dual burden of medical and financial challenges.

The event was jointly organized by Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal and Dr Dharmambal Namasivayam Trust in strategic collaboration with The DYOT Foundation, California, and the Economics and Social Networking Centre, MAHE. The initiative successfully united leading medical professionals, philanthropists, financial institutions, and social support organizations to address the critical financial challenges faced by families battling pediatric cancer.

The programme featured comprehensive presentations from key stakeholder organizations, showcasing the multi-sectoral approach to patient support and creating actionable frameworks for comprehensive assistance that address both direct medical costs and indirect family burdens.

The programme concluded with the presentation of mementoes to distinguished participants and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Hilda Cornelio, marking the closure of an inauguration filled with inspiration, solidarity, and renewed hope for children and their caregivers battling cancer.