JEDDAH: Promoting preventive healthcare and empowering women with potentially life-saving knowledge, the Thiruvananthapuram Swadeshi Sangamam (TSS) Women’s Wing, in association with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, conducted a breast cancer awareness programme on October 17. Held in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the initiative transformed the Consulate’s pink-themed premises into a meaningful forum for medical enlightenment, emotional encouragement and collective responsibility.
Madam Fahmina Khatoon and Shri Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah and Chief Guest, jointly inaugurated the programme. TSS President Shabeer Subairdeen presided over the function.
In his address, Consul General Suri applauded the Indian community’s commendable social initiatives, emphasising their contribution to public welfare. He stressed that sustained health awareness and community cooperation were essential to promoting the well-being of expatriates and encouraged Indians in Jeddah to continue championing socially beneficial causes.
Dr. Iqbal Hussain Maniyar, an oncologist at King’s College Hospital London, Jeddah, delivered an insightful presentation on breast cancer, covering warning signs, associated risks, preventive strategies, diagnostic methods and contemporary treatment approaches. Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran, General Physician at Jeddah National Hospital, and Dr. Shami Shabeer supplemented the discussion with valuable medical perspectives. The specialists urged women to prioritise routine screenings, conduct breast self-examinations and consult healthcare professionals without delay when abnormalities arise, reiterating that timely diagnosis can substantially enhance recovery prospects.
An especially poignant moment came when cancer survivor Pyari Teacher recounted her arduous journey through the disease. Her candid account of confronting uncertainty with fortitude and determination deeply moved the audience, offering reassurance to patients and families navigating similar challenges. Her testimony exemplified the indomitable human spirit and reinforced the message that hope and resilience remain powerful companions throughout treatment and recovery.
Adding a creative dimension to the campaign, Phenom Academy staged an engaging awareness skit that conveyed the significance of prevention, vigilance and early diagnosis in an accessible and memorable manner.
Amina Biju, Minsa Fathima and Asna Biju efficiently anchored the programme. Shyma Najeeb, Convener of the TSS Women’s Wing, delivered the welcome address, while Joint Convener Naswi Finus proposed the vote of thanks. Representatives of several Indian socio-cultural organisations in Jeddah joined TSS members in demonstrating solidarity with the initiative. The Women’s Wing played a central role in coordinating the programme and ensuring its successful execution.
The event concluded by reaffirming a crucial message: awareness fosters circumspection, early detection enhances recovery prospects, and collective compassion empowers individuals to confront cancer with greater confidence, courage and hope. Beyond its educational objectives, the initiative underscored the enduring value of community engagement in advancing women’s health, dispelling apprehensions and fostering a culture of compassion, preparedness and hope.
M Siraj
