KMC Hospital Attavar, Land Trades Builders & Developers mark International Childhood Cancer Day

KMC Hospital Attavar, Land Trades Builders & Developers mark International Childhood Cancer Day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, February 18, 2026: The Department of Paediatrics at KMC Hospital, Attavar, in association with Land Trades Builders & Developers, observed International Childhood Cancer Day on Tuesday with a programme centred on the theme “Demonstrating Impact: From Challenge to Change.”

The event was inaugurated by Bharatanatyam exponent and Golden Book of World Records holder Remona Evette Pereira and Tulu film actor Vismaya Vinayak.

Addressing the gathering, Remona Pereira described the fight against childhood cancer as a collective effort fuelled by hope and resilience. “The power to create change gives hope,” she said. Vismaya Vinayak urged the community to extend support to children battling cancer and later entertained the audience with a mimicry performance.

In his welcome address, Dr Harsha Prasad L, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at KMC Mangaluru, said that the majority of childhood cancers are curable. “Globally, the cure rate ranges between 60 and 70 per cent in developed countries, while it is around 30 per cent in underdeveloped nations. Cancer places immense emotional and financial strain on families,” he noted, appreciating Land Trades for its continued support.

Shrinath Hebbar, Proprietor of Land Trades Builders & Developers, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer. He said Land Trades believes in creating lasting impact through meaningful partnerships and expressed gratitude to KMC Hospital for its dedicated work in paediatric oncology.

As part of the programme, a group of children launched the new website for Land Trades’ social responsibility initiative Vidya Sankalp — vidyasankalp.org. The new platform enables parents and children to apply for scholarships directly through a simple and hassle-free online process. Earlier, grants were available only through select organisations; the new website broadens access and allows Vidya Sankalp to reach more children across the district.

Sharmila Shetty, Chief Financial Officer of Land Trades, handed over the Hope Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to children affected by cancer by supporting their education until graduation. Launched in 2025 under the Vidya Sankalp CSR programme, the scholarship has so far supported 118 children and is now set to expand its reach in the coming years.

Dr B. Unnikrishnan, Dean of KMC Mangaluru, said childhood cancers account for nearly four per cent of all cancers, with leukaemia being the most common. “Early detection and timely treatment ensure good outcomes. The cure rate at KMC Mangaluru is 70–80 per cent, comparable to that in developed countries,” he said.

The programme also included the felicitation of donors who have supported paediatric cancer care.

Among those present were Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, COO – Teaching Hospitals, MAHE, Manipal, and Dr Deepak Mady, Deputy Medical Superintendent, KMC Hospital, Attavar.

Dr Harsha Prasad L delivered the welcome address, while Dr Suchetha Rao, Professor and Head of the Department of Paediatrics, proposed the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Dr Divya and Dr Aditi. The formal function was followed by a storytelling session by the team from Storify and a magic show by Satish Hemmady.

Commitment to Paediatric Cancer Care

KMC Hospital, Attavar, has been treating children with cancer since 2000 and remains the only dedicated paediatric oncology unit in Dakshina Kannada district. The hospital marks International Childhood Cancer Day each year with initiatives aimed at raising awareness, strengthening community support, and highlighting advancements in paediatric cancer treatment and care.

About Vidya Sankalp

Vidya Sankalp is the CSR initiative of Land Trades focused on strengthening education through sustained and meaningful support. The programme provides digital learning infrastructure, including Smart Classrooms, Computer Labs and STEM Labs, to improve access to modern education. A key component is the Hope Scholarship, launched in 2025, which supports the education of children affected by cancer until graduation. Since its inception, the initiative has supported 118 children and continues to expand its outreach across the district.