Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla, Oct 30: The Pinkayathon 2025 — Kashmir’s annual mega event for breast cancer awareness — was hosted by Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla in a hybrid format this year, in partnership with the college’s Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and under the aegis of the Association of Breast Surgeons of India (ABSI).
Pinkayathon, initiated in 2022 by Dr. Shabnam Bashir, Director, Surgical Oncology, Paras Hospital Srinagar, seeks to spread knowledge about breast cancer, clear misconceptions, and encourage healthy lifestyle practices to reduce risk.
This year, the event saw joint organization by GMC Baramulla’s Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics and Dr. Bashir herself, focusing on the importance of early detection and proper management. Leading the college campaign were Dr. Humaira (HOD), and Dr. Rafia Aziz (Consultant), who have played key roles in breast cancer advocacy.
Proceedings took place under the patronage of Prof. (Dr.) Majid Jahangir, Principal, GMC Baramulla, and Dr. D.G. Vijay, President, ABSI. The lineup featured expert talks, interactive sessions, and step-by-step demonstrations of breast self-examination for students, health workers, and the public.
Dr. Shabnam Bashir, addressing participants, emphasized the need to break taboos around breast health, promote early screening, and embed awareness in communities. “Pinkayathon is not just an event but a movement, rooted in awareness, courage and compassion. Early detection saves lives,” she remarked.
Guest speaker Dr. Tabish Ali highlighted the role of community participation in early detection. Prof. Jahangir discussed essential statistics, imaging’s role in diagnosis, and how timely intervention changes outcomes.
There was strong turnout from institutional leaders — Academic Registrar, Medical Superintendent, Vice Principal of Nursing College, Chief Academic Officer, District Health Officer — alongside MBBS and Nursing students, ASHA and Anganwadi workers, and staff from departments of Health & Family Welfare and Social Welfare.
Major highlights included a Human Pink Ribbon, an Awareness Walkathon, and distribution of educational booklets. The session ended with a pledge to continue outreach efforts across Kashmir, reaffirming a commitment to women’s health and prevention.
Support for the event came from 4Basecare Genomics Pvt. Ltd., Zydus Life Sciences, and Global Diagnostics.
