Report on Pinkathon On the occasion of International Women’s Day
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bareilly organized a special awareness rally titled “Pinkathon – Run for Yourself, Run for the Cause – Early Detection Saves Lives” on Sunday, 8 March 2026 at 7:00 AM. The event was conducted with the objective of promoting awareness about women’s health, particularly the importance of early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer. The theme for International Women’s Day this year, “Give to Gain,” highlighted the message that when society contributes towards the health, dignity, and empowerment of women, it ultimately leads to a healthier and stronger future for everyone. More than 500 participants, including doctors, students from medical and nursing institutions, members of social organizations, and citizens of the city, enthusiastically took part in the Pinkathon. The rally commenced from IMA Building, 110 Civil Lines, Bareilly, and followed the route Chowki Chauraha → Patel Chowk → Shyamganj → Company Garden, before concluding again at the IMA Building. Several distinguished guests graced the occasion with their presence, including Dr. Raghvendra Sharma (MLA, Bithri Chainpur), Mr. Avinash Singh, IAS (District Magistrate, Bareilly), Mrs. Rashmi Patel (District Panchayat Chairperson), Mrs. Pushpa Pandey (Member, Uttar Pradesh Women Commission), Mrs. Shruti Gangwar (Chairperson, Urban Cooperative Bank), Dr. Aastha Agarwal (Chairperson, Nagar Palika Pilibhit), Dr. Bindiya Saxena, and Dr. Deepshikha Joshi. All the guests appreciated the initiative and emphasized that such programs play an important role in spreading awareness about health in society. Students and members from various educational institutions and social organizations actively participated in the event. These included R.K. Institute of Medical Sciences, Chandralok Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohilkhand Medical College & Hospital, Keshlata College of Nursing, Deepmala College of Nursing, Gangasheel College of Nursing, Pioneer Institute of Pharmacy, Mahendra Gayatri College, Vardaan College, S.R. Institute, and Shaurya Social Welfare, whose enthusiastic involvement greatly contributed to the success of the event. IMA Bareilly office bearers Dr. Atul Kumar Shrivastava (President), Dr. Pramendra Maheshwari (Chairman, Community Services), Dr. Anshu Agarwal (Honorary Secretary), and Dr. Shalini Maheshwari (Treasurer) expressed their gratitude to all participants, institutions, and guests. On this occasion, Dr. Atul Kumar Shrivastava stated that women are the source of strength, compassion, and inspiration in society. Their contribution, from family life to nation building, is invaluable. He also encouraged everyone to pledge to provide women with respect, equal opportunities, and a safe environment so that they can achieve their dreams and contribute to the progress of society. Among the doctors present on the occasion were Dr. Ruchi Shrivastava, Dr. Archana Agarwal, Dr. Parul Priya, Dr. Suvidha Mehar, Dr. Shalini Arora, Dr. Rajeev Goel, Dr. Himanshu Agarwal, Dr. Shikha Bass, Dr. Ritu Rajeev, Dr. Lata Agarwal, Dr. Neera Agarwal, Dr. Sujata Khandelwal, Dr. Sonika Baijal, Dr. Shobha Mukherjee, Dr. Nisha Diwan Yadav, and Dr. Pooja Agarwal, along with several other senior doctors. Senior citizens also enthusiastically participated in the Pinkathon. Among them, Mrs. Rita Pandey (76 years) successfully completed the entire rally with great enthusiasm, becoming a source of inspiration for all participants. Additionally, around 150 doctors actively participated in the rally, enhancing the significance of the event. The District Magistrate of Bareilly, Mr. Avinash Singh, MLA Dr. Raghvendra Sharma, and Dr. Deepshikha Joshi also joined the rally from start to finish, encouraging the participants throughout the route. At the conclusion of the program, all participants were encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle, practice regular exercise, and undergo timely health check-ups to ensure better health and well-being.