SANJEEVANI 2025 MOBILIZES COMMUNITIES, CREATES MOMENTUM FOR EARLY CANCER SCREENING ACROSS INDIA

Actor Vidya Balan Champions Sanjeevani, Inspiring Millions to Embrace Early Cancer Screening

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The third edition of the Sanjeevani National Convention, jointly organized by Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, News18 Network, and knowledge partner Tata Trusts, brought together key voices from healthcare, government, civil society, and the private sector to confront India’s escalating cancer burden.

With annual cancer cases projected to reach 1.57 million by the end of 2025, and over 70% of these still diagnosed at late stages, the convention focused on shifting the national response from awareness to timely action. Over 700 days, the Sanjeevani campaign has evolved into a high-impact, multi-platform initiative, reaching more than 600 million people through News18’s TV network and generating over 13 million digital engagements. Ground-level interventions have included cancer screening camps, school workshops, corporate health programs, and storytelling that centers the lived experiences of survivors.

For Vidya Balan, Renowned actor and Sanjeevani ambassador, the mission is deeply personal. “We must stop waiting for a crisis to prioritise ourselves,” she said on stage, standing beside survivors of all ages. “Cancer doesn’t just affect the body - it shakes identity, confidence, and family. But early detection gives us power. It gives us time. And it gives us hope.” She spoke of the transformative power that comes from self-acceptance and community. One of the most striking moments of the convention was ‘Antaratma’, a survivor-starring ramp segment showcasing individuals who have not only survived cancer but have resumed life as professionals, parents, educators, and creators. Their presence sent a clear message—that cancer survival is not the end of the story but a powerful continuation. Their voices framed the importance of dignity, access, and followup care as essential elements of cancer response.