All India Institute of Ayurveda observes World Cancer Day 2026 with awareness and academic activities
New Delhi: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, observed World Cancer Day 2026 with a series of awareness-oriented and academic activities organized by the Centre for Integrative Oncology (CIO), reinforcing the institute’s commitment to cancer prevention, early detection, and integrative care through Ayurveda.
The activities started on 3rd February 2026 with student-focused activities, including a Slogan Competition and an Essay Writing Competition, aimed at promoting creative engagement and sensitizing young, enthusiastic minds to imbibe the importance of cancer awareness, prevention, and holistic healthcare, the PIB stated.
The main program was held on 4th February 2026 and was attended by eminent academicians, clinicians, researchers, and students.
Morning Session- Patient sensitisation & Awareness activities
The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including:
• Prof. (Dr.) Pradeepkumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, New Delhi
• Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Badwe, Medical Superintendent, AIIA Hospital
• Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopala, Dean FAUM, DU
• Prof. (Dr.) Ramakant Yadav, Dean (PG)
• Dr. Pramod Yadav
• Dr. Amrish Dedge
• Dr. Meeta Jhala
The dignitaries emphasized the growing cancer burden and the importance of Ayurveda-based integrative oncology for prevention, supportive care, and survivorship.
Patient Awareness speeches were conducted in the hospital OPD premises, where patients and attendants were educated on early warning signs of cancer, lifestyle risk factors, and the role of Ayurveda in cancer prevention and supportive care by faculties, PhD and post-graduate scholars of AIIA.
Afternoon Session- Expert Guest Lecture
While welcoming, the audience was addressed by (Prof.) Yogesh Badwe, Medical Superintendent AIIA Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopala, Dean FAUM, DU and Prof. (Dr.) Ramakant Yadav, Dean (PG).
A comprehensive Report on CIO Activities in 2025 was presented by Dr. Amrish Dedge, highlighting the Centre’s initiatives in integrative cancer care, research, awareness programs, and patient care.
This was followed by the Release of the CIO Information Brochure by the dignitaries, marking an important step in disseminating knowledge on Ayurveda-based integrative oncology services available at AIIA.
A Guest Lecture was delivered by Dr. Ashok Patel, Associate Professor, Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, who provided valuable insights into the molecular understanding of cancer, along with genomics fundamentals in cancer research and the scope of interdisciplinary approaches in oncology in research and healthcare.
Dr. Patel was formally felicitated for his contribution, along with recognition of all coordinators and organizing committee members.
The winners of the Slogan and Essay Competitions were awarded, acknowledging their creative and intellectual involvement and contribution with present theme of cancer awareness.
The Presidential Address by Prof. (Dr.) Pradeepkumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, emphasized the crucial role of Ayurveda in cancer prevention, lifestyle modification, immunity enhancement, and integrative patient care, and reiterated AIIA’s commitment to advancing evidence-based integrative oncology.
The program concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Pramod Yadav, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, speakers, faculty members, students, and participants for making the World Cancer Day observance a meaningful success.
