Indian Folk Art Corridor raises breast cancer awareness through art

Indian Folk Art Corridor, founded by cultural entrepreneur Vidisha Pandey, organised PINK SPARK – Together for Awareness, Together for Hope, a Breast Cancer Awareness Programme at GEMS Legacy School, Dubai, on Oct.20, 2026. Bringing together students, teachers, healthcare and wellbeing professionals, cancer warriors, artists and community supporters, the programme combined awareness, creative expression and personal experiences to encourage understanding, compassion and hope.

The event received wholehearted support from Principal Asha Alexander, who remained present throughout the programme and encouraged the initiative. Bhavna, the school’s coordinator, played an instrumental role in coordinating arrangements, with valuable support from the teachers, staff and student volunteers.

The programme opened with the national anthems of the UAE and India, setting a tone of respect and unity. Kavita Sriramhosted the event, guiding the audience through the programme with warmth and enthusiasm. An engaging panel discussion, moderated by Vidisha Pandey, featured Dr Vrishali Rohankar, nutritionist Saumya Mishra, yoga expert Nikita Chauhan, and teacher, mentor and cancer warrior Shabnam Masood.

The discussion explored breast cancer awareness, the importance of early detection, wellbeing, and ways to support people affected by cancer. The conversation and audience questions encouraged students to approach the subject with sensitivity and understanding. Alongside the panel discussion, seven artists created live artworks on umbrellas, showcasing Madhubani painting, Gond painting, Crochet work, Santhal art, Lippan art, Warli art and Nirmal art.

The event was hosted at GEMS Legacy School, Dubai, on Oct.20, 2026.

The participating artists were Mridu Srivastava, Mankush Sethi Srivastava, Radha Bhatia, Poonam Chaturvedi, Suman Mehta, Shalu Isaac, and young artist Shresth Sujith Menon. Their completed umbrellas were presented through an art ramp walk by the artists, bringing colour, movement and messages of strength and hope to the programme. The presentation received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience and demonstrated how Indian artistic traditions can connect with meaningful community causes.

A separate pink umbrella invited participants to write their own messages of hope and encouragement, becoming a shared expression of solidarity. A particularly moving part of the programme was the recognition of cancer warriors, who were honoured with sashes celebrating their courage and resilience.

Those honoured included Sarah, Shazia, Serena, Gladys, Sadia, Goolcher, Mehjabeen, Mubaraka, Maya and Dr Alka Kalra. Their presence and the experiences shared during the programme highlighted the importance of empathy, encouragement and continued community support.

Pandey believes in recognising those who have faced cancer as warriors, celebrating the strength and determination behind their individual journeys. This annual initiative reflects her commitment to creating a supportive platform where their courage is acknowledged and their voices are valued.

As founder of Indian Folk Art Corridor, a foundation dedicated to Indian folk, tribal and traditional arts, she also believes these art traditions deserve visibility across diverse platforms. PINK SPARK brings these commitments together, using art to encourage awareness and human connection.

The programme was attended by distinguished guests including Kalpana Iyer, Kusum Dutta, Sister Jyotika from Raja Yoga Centre, Peter Gressman and Kavita Iyer. Student volunteers Angelin Premji, Grace Thankan Jean, Tamanna Gurbaxani, Pearl Lama Laporte, Shanaya Samrat Chitre, Ayan Shehzadi and Syed Kifa Bukharicontributed enthusiastically to the event and helped the programme run smoothly.

Students also received pink ribbon bows as keepsakes, encouraging them to carry the message of awareness forward. Indian Folk Art Corridor presented the school with a Kalamkari painting, celebrating India’s rich artistic heritage. Principal Asha Alexander warmly received the artwork with appreciation. Felicitations recognised the contributions of the principal, panelists, guests, artists and supporters. Ankita Singhani and Shruti generously sponsored beautiful dreamcatchers as gifts for the cancer warriors and special guests.

The programme concluded with a calming meditation session led by Sister Jyotika from Raja Yoga Centre, offering participants a peaceful moment of reflection.

Through awareness, dialogue and artistic expression, PINK SPARK celebrated courage and encouraged the community to stand beside every cancer warrior with kindness and hope.

Founded by Vidisha Pandey, Indian Folk Art Corridor is a UAE-based foundation dedicated to promoting Indian folk, tribal and traditional arts through exhibitions, workshops, educational programmes and community initiatives. Indian Folk Art Corridor’s annual initiative celebrated courage, encourages conversations and presents seven art forms through live umbrella painting.

Talking to Gulf Today, Vidisha said, “It is incredible to be able to give back to our community through art. I am truly delighted by the overwhelming response from community members. It was especially encouraging to see young students, teachers, healthcare professionals, cancer warriors and fellow artists come together for this programme.

As an organiser, I feel inspired and motivated to organise more such awareness programmes in the future.” Vidisha is a name familiar to and respected by the UAE art circuit. She carved this niche for herself in just a few years. Landing in Dubai a decade ago, from Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, she had arrived here after living for a decade in Mumbai. Like every artist, she too fell in love with the art scene of Dubai. Trained in Mithila art, Vidisha has a passion for Indian folk art.