In a powerful display of determination and compassion, the Rotary Club of Bombay Pier has set wheels in motion on a mission to change lives. On July 13, 2025, the #4CornerIndiaDrive, an ambitious 40-day road expedition was flagged off at Nariman Point, Mumbai. Over the next 15,000 kilometers, this passionate team will crisscross India to raise awareness about cervical cancer and provide free HPV vaccinations to 1,00,000 underprivileged girls.
After successfully making it through 9 nine days of the drive and vaccinating underprivileged girls in Kathua, the laal pari entered Jammu. In a remarkable display of unity and purpose, they witnessed seven Rotary Clubs of Jammu- Jammu Tawi, Jammu Midtown, Jammu Stars, Jammu Astha, Jammu Bahu, Helping Hands Jammu, and Akhnoor Chenab- come together at Rotary Bhavan for a powerful awareness and vaccination drive. Led by President Shivani Chaudhary and supported by Chief Guest Ms. Ansuya Jamwal (JKAS, ADC Jammu), along with Project Director Pooja Malhotra and Meena Jamwal, the initiative focused on reaching underprivileged girls from Jammu’s slums and remote areas.
Despite the rain, spirits remained high as children eagerly participated, even sketching with crayons while waiting. Bilingual pamphlets encouraged open conversations on cervical cancer. With 70 girls vaccinated, the event sparked awareness and planted seeds of change throughout the region.
Ninth stop: Srinagar
They attended an inspiring evening hosted by the Rotary Club of Kashmir and Rotary Club of Eco-Preservation Kashmir at the elegant Club of Srinagar, a gathering dedicated to knowledge-sharing, myth-busting, and thoughtful discussions on vaccine handling and cold chain management. The session seamlessly blended scientific insights with personal stories, making complex logistics feel accessible and deeply human.
Rotary flags were exchanged, members were added to shared communication groups, and meaningful conversations unfolded, all aimed at spreading the right information. It wasn’t just a session; it was a collaborative step forward in building awareness and strengthening the collective commitment to a healthier future.
Tenth stop: Keran Valley, Kashmir
There are places that don’t just take your breath away- they redefine your understanding of borders, belonging, and service.
Keran Valley, perched along the Line of Control, is one such place. Just 100 meters of the Neelam River (called Kishanganga in India) separates it from Pakistan.
Yet, this isn’t a war-torn zone- it’s a thriving village of 200 homes, complete with a polling booth, wheat mill, and a 100-year-old structure believed to be India’s first post office. Private vehicles stop at the last gate, but life continues beyond -driven by Army clearance, quiet determination, and deep-rooted pride.
As the team sipped warm, fragrant Kahwa by the riverbank, they watched Keran live its truth- peaceful, proud, and resilient on the edge of two nations.
In a moment of serendipity, they met Dr. Halil Wani, who was headed to a local medical camp. They shared their cervical cancer awareness leaflets with him- and just like that, their mission carried forward, naturally and meaningfully. Even at India’s edge, life flows-and so does hope.
Stop eleven & twelve: Chandigarh & Mohali
On Day 14 of their 40-day journey, the team brought energy and impact to two key locations. At Touch Clinic in Mohali, they successfully vaccinated 50 girls against cervical cancer. Later, they led an awareness rally in Chandigarh’s bustling Sector 17-and the response was electric.
In the City Beautiful, Meenakshi and Priya proved that beauty isn’t just in architecture, but in purpose. Through vaccines, art, public pledges, and partnerships with police and community leaders, they showed what’s possible when a city rallies for a shared cause.
Spreading awareness in Agra
On July 24, 2025, the #4CornerIndiaDrive reached Saraswati Vidya Bharti Girls Inter College in Agra. There, the Rotary Clubs of Agra Royale hosted a powerful awareness session.
They were joined by Dr. Sonal Gupta, who addressed students and parents, breaking down the risks of cervical cancer and emphasising the lifesaving power of the HPV vaccine.
From the borders of Keran to the boulevards of Chandigarh, from the heart of Agra to the clinics of Mohali- they continue their mission. One village, one rally, one vaccine at a time.
