Pink came in all shades because the ladies at Pink Sari Inc. recently got together. Cancer survivors and caregivers have gathered, as well as ambassadors, supporters, and advocates for the social organisation Pink Sari Inc. (PSI). We gathered to celebrate PSI’s seven valuable years of service to the cancer community.
In that time, he has changed minds, broken down barriers, and implemented innovative and culturally appropriate projects in partnership with the NSW Cancer Institute and Multicultural Health Communication Services.
It started as the Pink Sari Project with a very specific mission: to improve breast cancer detection rates among South Asians.
Its Central Committee, consisting of Shanta Viswanathan, Anoop Johan, Dr. Rugmini Venkataraman, Viji Dhayanathan, and Rupa Parthasarathy, is on hand to offer advice and assistance to all. Projects included Portraits in Pink and Melodies.
Buoyed by the success, PSI turned its attention to the detection and prevention of two other types of cancer: colorectal and cervical cancer. The Mother’s Day Pink Bus initiative, a fun bus ride to raise awareness of the impact of cervical cancer when caught and recognised early, was just one such outreach programme.
With Melodies, they won the 2017 Australian Multicultural Marketing Awards in the Arts and Culture category. PSI’s success is undoubtedly due to the care and sensitivity with which the team approaches every project and every person and offers the right support with empathy.
A community-focused approach is the underlying methodology, whether the Pink Sari activities are creative writing, art, music, and dance workshops or even psychotherapy sessions, which are designed and delivered in a way that encourages conscious self-awareness and teaches participants the right coping skills and strategies.
Aparna Tijoriwala recognised the significant contributions of various community members during the seventh anniversary celebrations, highlighted some milestones of the seven-year journey, and reaffirmed PSI’s aspirations to continue the good work. For this, the PSI received new grants from the Cancer Institute.
This makes the two-year CanInfo And Care project a culture-sensitive news channel. Project activities should include identification of the target group in several leading cancer centres in western and south-west Sydney, in collaboration with these centres. Onsite and offsite interactive breakout sessions were held to provide attendees with useful information and available resources in a culturally sensitive manner.
As part of another Talking To Me programme in partnership with local health districts in the Midwest, the pink sari will reach out to Hindi and Urdu-speaking communities to raise awareness of cervical cancer screening. To the hardworking and inspiring women, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the depth and dedication of your ministry. What started as a group has grown into a movement and is now a force.
We are proud to walk together. Tracey O’Brien, Director of Cancer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW in New South Wales, congratulated the PSI on its extraordinary journey. Santa Vishwanathan, CEO of Pink Sari Inc., said, “We are grateful to The Cancer Institute for their support, provider recognition, and community acceptance of our work. We recognise the many challenges and tasks that lie ahead in advancing cancer detection and prevention, reducing the impact of cancer, and maintaining momentum.
Rose Sari Inc. exists because we belong to the community, are by the community, and are for the community. He added, “PSI will continue to raise awareness to create open and tolerant communities. Apparently, for Santa, pink is more than a colour; it’s an attitude. To mark the occasion, Liverpool MP Charisma Kaliyanda, one of many rose addicts attending the event, lit a candle, spoke of her long association with PSI, and pledged their support for years to come.