Celebrating Compassion
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day Across India
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) observed annually is a global initiative that aims to improve the quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses and advocate for universal access to care. This year on 11th October, Pallium India’s facilitation team collaborated with hospitals, universities, community organizations, and volunteers nationwide to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of accessible palliative care.
Nagaland: Voices of Compassion
In Nagaland, WHPCD was marked by a heartfelt event championing community-led palliative care. Representing Pallium India, Regional Facilitator, Rontu Sangma highlighted the critical role of compassion in healthcare and applauded the progress of local initiatives.
Dehradun: Academic Engagement and Collaboration
At the Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Swami Rama Himalayan University, Regional Facilitator, Rajendra Dutt Bijalwan participated in celebrations inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Saini, Director of CRI, and Dr. Abhishek Kandwal, Deputy Director. He also engaged in an online webinar organized by Ganga Prem Hospice in collaboration with NHM Uttarakhand, fostering meaningful discussions on strengthening palliative care in both academic and clinical settings.
Maharashtra: Digital Awareness for Communities
Sunanda Samal, Regional Facilitator, led an online WHPCD celebration on October 11th alongside the District WHO NCD Consultant and teams across five districts, as well as Pune’s urban and rural areas.
Ladakh & Kashmir: A First of Its Kind
For the first time, WHPCD was celebrated in Nubra, Ladakh at SDH Diskit, coordinated by Syed Askari, Regional Facilitator. Dr. Arjun Devarajan and Dr. Hashmath Farhana were invited as a guest speakers in SKIMS, Srinagar. These pioneering efforts marked an important step in bringing palliative care discussions to remote and underserved regions.
Delhi & Gurugram: Expert Engagement
WHPCD was marked at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, and Fortis Gurugram shining a spotlight on collaboration and initiatives to make palliative care more accessible across India.
Punjab & Himachal: Youth Engagement Through Creativity
Mehak Chopra, Regional Facilitator participated in an awareness session with nursing students at DMCH, Ludhiana. Various HODs also joined in and enthusiastically shared their experience and knowledge about palliative care, advocating compassionate care for all.
In Chamba, Himachal, poster making and skit was organized initiated by District officials and supported by Regional Facilitators from Pallium India. Medical Students of RIMT Medical College celebrated World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, under the guidance of Dr Navish David.
Gujarat: Celebrates Gratitude, Dignity, and Compassion: “Before I Die”
Pallium India’s Regional Facilitator introduced the “Before I Die” concept in Jamnagar. With the support of the Jamnagar Cancer Research Institute, and in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Senoras, Lions Club of Queen, and the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation, the event was held at the Sardar Patel Community Centre.
The initiative invited participants to reflect on life’s beauty and the importance of speaking openly about death. “Palliative care is not about giving up—it’s about living meaningfully until the very end,” she shared.
Community leaders including Mr. M.U. Zaveri, Mrs. Gitaben Savla, and Dr. Mitaben Shah emphasized the need for collective compassion and support. The event concluded with a resonant message: Life is precious, but so is peace in dying. Let’s celebrate both with empathy and love.
Moving Forward Together
This year’s WHPCD celebrations reflected the many ways communities, healthcare professionals, and organizations across India are embracing palliative care principles. From bustling hospitals to remote Himalayan valleys, one message resonated clearly: palliative care is not merely a service—it is a shared responsibility grounded in compassion and dignity.
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