Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce and Inner Wheel Club of Chembur Tiara Champion Cervical Cancer Awareness Through Preventive Health Initiative

Mumbai, 28 July 2026: Vivekanand Education Society’s College of
Arts, Science & Commerce, through its Women’s Development Cell, in
collaboration with the Inner Wheel Club of Chembur Tiara, District 314,
organized a Cervical Cancer Awareness Program under the theme “Prevent.
Screen. Protect.” The initiative aimed to educate young adults on
cervical cancer prevention, the importance of HPV vaccination and timely
screening, while encouraging informed conversations on women’s health. The
programme saw participation from 192 students, faculty members and
representatives of the Inner Wheel Club, including nearly 30 members from
Inner Wheel Zone 4, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting preventive
healthcare through awareness and education.

Key Takeaways

• VES College’s Women’s Development Cell and Inner Wheel Club of Chembur Tiara held a Cervical Cancer Awareness Program themed ‘Prevent. Screen. Protect.’
• The initiative educated 192 participants, including students, faculty and Inner Wheel Club members, on HPV vaccination and screening.
• Dr. Meenakshi Rao, a senior obstetrician-gynaecologist with nearly four decades of experience, led the awareness session.
• The session addressed common misconceptions about cervical cancer while emphasizing early detection and vaccination.

The awareness session was led by Dr.
Meenakshi Rao, Senior Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (MBBS, MD, DGO), who
brings nearly four decades of clinical experience. She shared expert insights
into the causes, symptoms and risk factors of cervical cancer, emphasizing that
timely screening, early detection and HPV vaccination are key to preventing the
disease. Dr. Rao also dispelled common misconceptions surrounding cervical
cancer and highlighted the importance of increasing awareness about HPV among
both women and men, encouraging participants to adopt preventive healthcare
practices and make informed health decisions.

Speaking on the awareness programme, Dr. Anita Kanwar, Principal,
Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science & Commerce,
said, “Education extends beyond academics to equipping students with
the knowledge and awareness needed to lead healthier lives. Through initiatives
such as this, we aim to encourage informed decision-making, promote preventive
healthcare and inspire our students to become advocates for health awareness
within their families and communities. We are grateful to the Inner Wheel Club
of Chembur Tiara and Dr. Meenakshi Rao for partnering with us in this
meaningful endeavour.”

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive session, where
students actively discussed topics ranging from HPV vaccination and routine
screening to preventive healthcare practices. By bringing together healthcare
experts, community organisations and young learners, the initiative reaffirmed
the college’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible citizens while
advancing awareness on issues that have a lasting impact on public health.