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In a dazzling event organized by the Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF), Bollywood cancer warriors took to the ramp to inspire and raise awareness about the fight against cervical cancer. The event, titled “Namo Bharat: Walk for Courage,” was held as part of the Sewa Pakhwada initiative from September 17 to October 2, and featured prominent figures from the film industry who have battled and survived cancer, including Sonali Bendre, Hina Khan, and Tahira Kashyap.
The highlight of the evening was not only the celebration of their personal victories over cancer but also their unanimous support for the Modi government’s free vaccination drives aimed at preventing cervical cancer. The actresses lauded this initiative as a significant step forward in protecting women’s health in India.
Sonali Bendre: A Champion for Women’s Health Sonali Bendre, a cancer survivor who has become an advocate for women’s health, expressed her deep appreciation for the government’s efforts in making cervical cancer vaccination accessible to all. “I would like to appreciate the initiative of the Modi government for starting free vaccination in government hospitals,” she said during the event. Bendre highlighted the importance of this preventive measure, urging women across the country to get vaccinated against cervical cancer.
“Cancer is a deadly disease, but there is hope with vaccination for cervical cancer. I urge women to get themselves vaccinated and take advantage of this life-saving initiative,” she added. Bendre also emphasized that the prioritization of women’s health under the “Namo Bharat” initiative aligns with the broader goals of women’s empowerment. “As new medicines and treatments are being developed in our country, I believe this disease will not be as scary as it once was,” she said.
Tahira Kashyap: Applauding the Fight Against Cervical Cancer Filmmaker and cancer survivor Tahira Kashyap echoed these sentiments, praising the free HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign as a landmark achievement in women’s healthcare. “It’s the biggest step the Modi government has taken for women’s healthcare. Cervical cancer is no longer the most common cancer in India, and that’s due to this initiative,” Kashyap remarked.
She further emphasized the importance of the HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer, particularly among adolescent girls. “I absolutely applaud and salute this effort for making the HPV vaccination available for all girls in India free of cost,” she said. Kashyap stressed that with vaccination, screening, and early treatment of precancerous lesions, cervical cancer can be largely prevented, saving countless lives.
Hina Khan: A Story of Strength Hina Khan, who is still undergoing treatment for third-stage cancer, walked the ramp with grace and shared her journey of courage. Speaking at the event, she described the walk as symbolizing “a journey for courage, service, and the rich heritage of India.”
“Everyone must take care of their health and stay alert,” Khan urged, sharing her own battle with the disease. Despite the ongoing challenges, her message was one of hope and resilience, emphasizing that with strength, determination, and timely medical interventions, the journey through cancer can be faced head-on.
The Power of Prevention The collective message from these Bollywood cancer warriors was clear: the free vaccination initiative is a monumental step in saving lives. The Modi government’s introduction of the HPV vaccine in government hospitals is seen as a significant breakthrough in preventing cervical cancer, a disease that once posed a major threat to women across the country.
The event not only showcased the courage of these women but also underscored the importance of early prevention through vaccination. With public figures like Sonali Bendre, Tahira Kashyap, and Hina Khan leading the charge, the hope is that more women will come forward to take advantage of this life-saving opportunity and help India move closer to eradicating cervical cancer.
