We celebrated the New Year with children at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Egmore.
With warmth and love, we distributed bedsheets, towels, scarves, drawing books, crayons, stationery, and toiletries, bringing joy to these little warriors who are battling #bloodcancer
Udhavum Ullangal’s Nellai Cancer Hospital
Tirunelveli
Addressing the Rising Cancer Burden in Tirunelveli and Beyond
As we observe World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique,” it is crucial to understand the current landscape of cancer incidence in India, Tamil Nadu, and Tirunelveli. This theme highlights the importance of personalized, compassionate care, ensuring that every individual’s journey shapes our collective fight against cancer.
Cancer in India
In 2022, India recorded an estimated 1,461,427 new cancer cases, with a crude incidence rate of 100.4 per 100,000 individuals. Projections indicate a 27.7% increase in cancer cases from 2015 to 2025, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and improved access to treatment.
Cancer in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has witnessed a steady increase in cancer cases over the past decade. The number of new cases rose from 53,022 in 2012 to 77,138 in 2018, with a projected 88,750 cases in 2022. This upward trend highlights the growing burden on healthcare systems and the need for enhanced screening and treatment facilities.
Nellai Cancer Care Center: A Decade of Impact
Since its inception in 2011, Nellai Cancer Care Center has been dedicated to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care in and around Tirunelveli. The center’s primary goal is to reduce preventable cancers, enhance survival rates, and provide accessible, state-of-the-art treatment, especially in remote areas.
Over the years, the center has conducted:
With a team of highly qualified oncologists, gynecologists, medical officers, and supportive staff trained at prestigious institutions like Adyar Cancer Institute, the center ensures quality care in a compassionate and supportive environment.
Break the Silence, Embrace the Fight
However, despite these efforts, many individuals hesitate to seek further diagnosis or treatment due to stigma, lack of awareness, and misconceptions such as “I feel fine, so why should I get screened?”
Additionally, nearly 50% of cancer patients from Tirunelveli travel outside the district for treatment, seeking better facilities. The district lacks a charity-based cancer hospital apart from government institutions, leading to:
Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Cancer Hospital in Tirunelveli
To address these challenges, Nellai Cancer Care Center is transitioning into a comprehensive cancer hospital, equipped with advanced treatment facilities, in a phased manner.
The new facility is being established in Sengulam, 20 minutes from Tirunelveli along the National Highway, ensuring accessibility for villages across Tirunelveli and neighboring districts like Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, and Tuticorin.
The hospital’s first phase is set to be inaugurated on October 2, 2025, marking a significant step toward improving cancer care accessibility for the region.
United by Unique: A Commitment to People-Centered Cancer Care
As we mark World Cancer Day, the “United by Unique” theme reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a personal story—of resilience, healing, and hope. By focusing on people-centered cancer care, Nellai Cancer Care Center remains committed to early detection, advanced treatment, and compassionate support for every patient.
Through continued awareness, screening, and improved healthcare infrastructure, we can work together to create a future where every individual receives the care they need, when they need it, close to home.
Nellai Cancer Hospital
For further information, please contact: Dr. E. Vidhubala, 94442 74700
October 27, 2024
Udhavum Ullangal’s Public Charitable Trust (UUPCT) celebrated its 27th annual Anandha Deepavali today, bringing warmth and joy to 1,027 children from 11 orphanages and homes across Tamil Nadu. The vibrant event, held in the spirit of giving and compassion, spread festive cheer to hundreds of orphaned children, including those with disabilities.
The day’s celebrations were rooted in the true spirit of Deepavali, lighting up the lives of children who often miss out on the joys of the festival season. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of committed volunteers and generous sponsors, the children enjoyed dance, music, cultural performances, and delicious meals. They also received new clothing of their choice and firecrackers, filling their day with laughter and happiness.
“Our goal with Anandha Deepavali has always been to make this festival of lights a time of genuine joy and togetherness for every child, especially those without families to celebrate with. Anandha Deepavali gave birth to Udhavum Ullangal’s and continues to bring energy to the organization,” shared Sankar Mahadevan, Founder-Trustee of UUPCT.
Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan, former Vice Chairman and CEO of Cognizant Technology Solutions, a dedicated supporter of UUPCT’s cancer care initiatives and one of the first donors for the Nellai Cancer Hospital project, shared heartfelt words: “I am truly happy to celebrate Anandha Deepavali with these wonderful children. Like every adult in the room, I feel a responsibility to help them build a bright future. They are going to make us all very proud.”
We thank our guests Mr. Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director, Accenture, Mrs. Sree Malini Sangeneni, Director of Journal Operations at RELX Group, Mr. M. Krishnamoorthy, Principal Consultant at eNoah, Ms. Rukmini Thiagarajan, Director-CFO, Chennai One IT SEZ, Mr. Selvakumar Rajendran, Partner / Chief Delivery Officer at EY India, Ms. Sangeetha Ravikumar, Manager, World Bank Group of Finance & Accounting, Mr. Raj Raghavan, CHR, CoreStack, a global multi-cloud governance provider and Mr. Sukumar, CEO, TVS Supply Chain Solutions for gracing the occasion.
In Sivakasi, Anandha Deepavali celebrations brought together 200 children, whom we mentored in the last year, to celebrate the spirit of the festival on October 20, 2024.
The celebration was graced by Chief Guest, Mr. Murali, Senior Vice President of Operations at Sripathi Paper and Boards Pvt Ltd, along with distinguished guests Mr. G. M. Srinivasan, Vice President of Administration, and Dr. P. K. Balamurugan, Principal of Sri Kaliswari College (Autonomous), Sivakasi.
“Anandha Deepavali is more than a charity event—it’s a family gathering that brings joy to everyone involved,” said Santhanam, Trustee of UUPCT. For everyone at UUPCT, Anandha Deepavali is a collective commitment to nurturing hope and creating brighter tomorrows.
The team organized games and held talent show competitions and other interactive sessions for school students. Certificates and prizes were awarded to children who actively participated and won in the games. Children expressed a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about participating in these activities.
During the one-on-one mentorship session, exam results were discussed with the student and their overall academic performance. Constructive feedback and support was provided to students by mentors.
The RELX team conducts a mentorship program for our students in Sivakasi, once every two months. Their active involvement encourages students to not only excel academically but also in their public speaking and communication skills.
