Written by: Abhishek Goyat
2 min readChandigarhOct 25, 2025 09:50 PM IST
First published on: Oct 25, 2025 at 09:39 PM IST
The Sukhna Lake turned pink in the morning on Saturday as Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society organised its annual ‘Pink Walkathon’ under the ‘Pink October’ campaign to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025. Hundreds of participants joined the walk to promote awareness about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Carrying placards and banners with messages of hope, participants spread the word on the importance of regular screening and timely medical consultation. The walkathon was flagged off by Dr (Professor) Bhavna Rai, head, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The walk proceeded along the Sukhna Lake and concluded at the starting point.
Welcoming the participants, Renu Saigal, president of Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society and a cancer survivor herself, highlighted the global significance of the month. “October is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s WHO theme — ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters’ — reminds us that each woman’s journey with breast cancer is personal and deserves equal care and attention,” she said.
Saigal emphasised the importance of early detection, adding, “Women should regularly perform self-examinations and immediately consult a doctor if they notice any unusual change or lump in the breast area.”
Wing Commander Ajay Tuli (retired), Administrator of the Society, shared that Sahayta continues to support cancer patients through financial aid and treatment assistance at the PGIMER. “We are committed to promoting preventive healthcare and providing hope and help to those in need,” he said.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from NSS volunteers, NCC cadets, Carmel Ex-Students Association (CESA) members, Inner Wheel Club, Rotarians, doctors, senior citizens, and breast cancer survivors.
Zumba expert Priyanka conducted a warm-up session, followed by simple yoga exercises for participants.
The walkathon also paid tribute to Neelu Tuli, founder-president of Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society, who started Chandigarh’s first Pink Walkathon in 2005 and passed away due to cancer on October 26, 2006.
Saigal further shared that Sahayta organised 18 cancer screening and awareness camps in 2025 in collaboration with Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh, and Rotary.
The author is an intern with The Indian Express
Carrying placards and banners with messages of hope, participants spread the word on the importance of regular screening and timely medical consultation. (Source: File/ Representation) 
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