Nainital: A Pink Rally was organised in Nainital on Saturday by the Asha Foundation to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

Hundreds of people, including students from Birla Vidya Mandir, St. Xavier’s, St. Mary’s, Long View Public School and nursing institutions, participated in the rally. The participants carried the message of regular screening, prevention and timely treatment of breast cancer.

Participants gathered at the DSA Ground at 8 am. The rally was flagged off at 9 am by Chief Guest Justice Alok Mehra, IG Kumaon Nivedita Kukreti and MLA Sarita Arya, along with other guests. It proceeded from the DSA Ground through Mall Road to India Hotel before returning to the DSA Ground.

Asha Foundation president Asha Sharma said the initiative aimed to create awareness among women and their families about early detection, regular screening and a healthy lifestyle. She stressed that early detection can make timely treatment possible.

Dr Anand Mishra said October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and noted that this year’s theme is “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters.” Explaining PINK as Prevention, Investigation, No Fear and Knowledge, he urged people to avoid myths surrounding breast cancer and undergo timely screening. He also advised women to conduct breast self-examination once a month.

Nainital Municipal Board chairperson Dr Saraswati Khetwal, Dr Smita Singh, historian Prof Ajay Rawat, Sushma Rawat, Dr Y.S. Bhakuni, PMS Dr Draupadi Garbyal, Dr M.S. Dugtal, Birla School principal Anil Sharma, Maruti Nandan Sah, Isha Sah, Rama Montessori principal Neelu Elhens and Geeta Sah were among those present.

The Nainital Hotel and Restaurant Association arranged refreshments for the participants. The programme was conducted by Prof Lalit Tiwari, Meenakshi Kirti and Deepak Kumar.