The program was presided over by Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE , and welcomed Ms Anagha Joshi, Founder of The DYOT Foundation , California, as Chief Guest, and Mr 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, emphasised 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 organisations 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, emphasising 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 Mr. 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 Ms. Veena T. N. , a young bone tumor survivor, whose inspiring testimony of courage and hope left the audience profoundly touched.
Ms. 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."
Mr. Ravindra Rai, Guest of Honour and MD & CEO, BoB Car d, in his address stressed the critical importance of corporate and community partnerships in strengthening pediatric healthcare initiatives, emphasising sustainable support mechanisms for families facing the dual burden of medical and financial challenges.
The event was jointly organised 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 organisations to address the critical financial challenges faced by families battling pediatric cancer.
The program featured comprehensive presentations from key stakeholder organisations, 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 program concluded with the presentation of mementoes to distinguished participants and a heartfelt vote of thanks by Mrs. Hilda Cornelio , marking the closure of an inauguration filled with inspiration, solidarity, and renewed hope for children and their caregivers battling cancer.
