In a stirring example of grit, purpose, and the power of two determined women, Priya Rajpal and Meenakshi Sai, the Rotary Club of Bombay Pier’s #4CornerIndiaDrive is rewriting what social change looks like. On July 13, 2025, at Mumbai’s iconic Nariman Point, the bright-red “Laal Pari”- their trusty car- was flagged off, marking the start of an ambitious 40-day, 15,000-kilometre journey across 15 states.
Their mission? To vaccinate 1,00,000 underprivileged girls against cervical cancer by providing free HPV doses- an act that promises to save countless futures. The drive combines awareness, action, and advocacy, proving that fighting a deadly disease can be as much about education as it is about medical access.
The road so far: 30 days, thousands of lives touched
Now on the 30th day of their expedition, the team has crossed plains, plateaus, coastlines, and cities, leaving behind a trail of vaccinated girls and empowered communities. From bustling metros to remote towns, the Laal Pari has become a moving beacon of hope.
Their recent stop was Chennai, where they were greeted with both warmth and purpose. At the Adyar Cancer Institute (WIA), under the care of Dr. Jayshree, 50 underprivileged girls received their HPV vaccine- each shot a shield against a cancer that silently claims thousands of Indian women every year.
An Independence day worth remembering
This year’s Independence Day feels different for the duo. For them, freedom is not just about breaking the shackles of colonial rule; it’s about liberating the next generation of women from the fear of a preventable disease.
In a country that celebrates freedom fighters of the past, their journey is a reminder that the fight for health equity is a modern battle worth waging.
Community support and shared purpose
Their Chennai visit concluded with a warm felicitation and high tea hosted by Rotary Club of Madras and Rotary Club of Madras Midtown, presided over by Rtn Nikhil Raj. A knowledge-sharing session led by Rtn Shankar, Managing Trustee of the Rotary Cancer and Research Foundation, offered deep insights into the nationwide HPV vaccine drive.
The exchange was not just about logistics and statistics; it was about stories- mothers relieved their daughters would be spared future suffering, girls proudly showing their vaccination cards, and entire communities learning that prevention is within reach.
Onward to an HPV-Free India
With just over a week left before their mission’s 40-day mark, the duo’s resolve remains unshaken. They are determined to finish what they started: crisscrossing 15 states, meeting thousands of families, and reaching the 1,00,000-girl target.
Their journey is a road trip with a purpose- an odyssey of compassion, resilience, and courage. As India marks another year of independence, their mission is a powerful reminder that true freedom is not just about the past we’ve overcome, but the future we are building.
