Lucknow. On a cool, sunny Sunday morning, Lucknow turned out in large numbers for PINK WAVE 2026, a breast cancer awareness initiative that brought together citizens, doctors, families and students for one cause: knowing more about breast health, catching breast cancer early and getting treatment on time.
Organised by the Association of 41 Club of India with the SGPGI Breast Health Program, the day included a Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon, a Vintage Car Rally, the “Super-PINK-Biker of Lucknow” ride and a felicitation of Breast Cancer Conquerors. Many of the city’s social organisations, professional bodies and educational institutions came on board as supporters and sponsors.
A walk along the Gomti
The walkathon was flagged off by Alok Kumar III, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, and Arvind Kumar, IAS (retd), Chairman, UPERC. More than 700 Lucknow residents then walked along the Gomti banks, carrying the message of breast awareness through the city.
The Vintage Car Rally and the Super-PINK-Biker ride were flagged off by Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Karunesh Singh Pawar of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court. The cars and bikes took the message to people well beyond those who had come to walk. Many prominent citizens joined in, along with professionals and members of the public. Young people were especially visible, including students from several well-known schools and colleges.
Honouring the Conquerors
The most moving part of the morning was the felicitation of Breast Cancer Conquerors, women who have been through the illness and come out the other side. Their courage and determination were recognised, and they shared their experiences with the gathering, offering hope to others who are going through the same journey.
What the organisers said
Rajneesh Sethi, Area Chairman, Area-9, 41 Clubs of India, and Mr Rajesh Luthra, National Vice President of the club, spoke about the club’s social and health education work.
Dr Gaurav Agarwal, Convener of the SGPGI Breast Health Program, explained the purpose of the event. He urged women to pay attention to their breast health, examine themselves regularly, go for appropriate screening and see a doctor promptly whenever something seems wrong. The turnout, he said, showed how important it is to take this conversation out of clinics and hospitals and into the community.
Rajnish Chopra, Editor, The Lucknow Tribune, said: “Breast cancer is a topic many families still hesitate to discuss. Seeing more than 700 Lucknow residents walk together along the Gomti shows that the city is ready to talk about it openly. Early detection saves lives, and conversations like this are where it starts.”
The organisers described PINK WAVE 2026 as part of a longer commitment to building lasting awareness and a culture of informed, proactive healthcare. The programme ended with a renewed appeal for community awareness, responsible health-seeking behaviour and continued conversation about prevention, early detection, screening and timely treatment.
