All India Institute of Ayurveda observes World Cancer Day with awareness and academic activities
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, marked World Cancer Day 2026 with a series of awareness-driven and academic programmes, reaffirming its commitment to cancer prevention, early detection and integrative oncology through Ayurveda.
The observance was organised by the Centre for Integrative Oncology (CIO) and began on February 3 with student-centric activities, including a slogan competition and an essay writing competition. These initiatives aimed to creatively engage students and sensitise them to the importance of cancer awareness, prevention and holistic healthcare.
The main programme was held on February 4 and brought together eminent academicians, clinicians, researchers and students. The inaugural ceremony was attended by AIIA Director Prof. (Dr.) Pradeepkumar Prajapati, Medical Superintendent Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Badwe, Dean FAUM (DU) Prof. (Dr.) Manjusha Rajagopala, Dean (PG) Prof. (Dr.) Ramakant Yadav, along with senior faculty members Dr. Pramod Yadav, Dr. Amrish Dedge and Dr. Meeta Jhala. The speakers highlighted the rising burden of cancer and underscored the role of Ayurveda-based integrative oncology in prevention, supportive care and survivorship.
As part of the morning session, patient sensitisation and awareness activities were conducted in the hospital OPD premises. Faculty members, PhD scholars and postgraduate students interacted with patients and attendants, educating them about early warning signs of cancer, lifestyle-related risk factors and the potential role of Ayurveda in prevention and supportive care.
The afternoon session featured an expert guest lecture and academic discussions. A comprehensive report on CIO’s activities during 2025 was presented by Dr. Amrish Dedge, outlining initiatives in integrative cancer care, research, awareness programmes and patient services. This was followed by the release of the CIO Information Brochure by the dignitaries, aimed at disseminating information on Ayurveda-based integrative oncology services available at AIIA.
A guest lecture was delivered by Dr. Ashok Patel, Associate Professor at the Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, IIT Delhi, who spoke on the molecular understanding of cancer, genomics in cancer research and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in oncology. Dr. Patel was felicitated for his contribution, and organisers and coordinators were also recognised for their efforts.
Winners of the slogan and essay competitions were awarded for their creative and intellectual contributions aligned with the theme of cancer awareness. In his presidential address, Prof. (Dr.) Pradeepkumar Prajapati emphasised the role of Ayurveda in cancer prevention, lifestyle modification, immunity enhancement and integrative patient care, reiterating AIIA’s commitment to advancing evidence-based integrative oncology.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Pramod Yadav, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, faculty, students and participants for making the World Cancer Day observance a meaningful success.
