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.
Women leading the way
At the heart of this extraordinary mission are two inspiring women. Meenakshi Aravind, founder of XPD India & Beyond, an experienced expedition leader driven by purpose and Priya Rajpal, from Rotary Club of Bombay Pier, a tireless advocate for women’s health. Together, they are proving that no distance is too far when it comes to protecting young lives.
Their trusty red Isuzu SUV, affectionately named Laal Pari, is more than a mode of transport. Draped in campaign messages, Laal Pari is a symbol of strength, resilience, and purpose, carrying vaccines, supplies, and the unwavering spirit of the team to every corner of India.
First stop: Ahmedabad
After the flag-off, the first stop was Ahmedabad, where the mission came to life.
At a local vaccination camp, over 50 girls received free HPV vaccines, each one now better protected against cervical cancer. Every girl was handed a certificate of vaccination, a small but powerful token of empowerment and care.
The excitement was palpable: young faces beaming with pride, parents relieved to know their daughters were safer, and Rotarians working shoulder to shoulder to make it happen.
Second stop Bhuj: A warm welcome and a taste of tradition
From Ahmedabad, the red SUV rolled westward into Bhuj, welcomed by the Rotary Club of Bhuj Flamingo.
At Dr. Divya Tekani’s clinic, supported by Isha and her dedicated team, another 50 bright young girls were vaccinated, a moment that underlined why this mission matters.
To mark the occasion, a Rotary flag exchange ceremony was held, celebrating the bond of unity and shared purpose across districts.
And no trip to Bhuj would be complete without a taste of tradition: over plates of crispy fafda-jalebi, the team and fellow Rotarians shared laughter, stories, and solidarity.
After Bhuj, Laal Pari carried the team onward to Koteswar, the westernmost tip of India. Standing at the edge of the land, it was a powerful reminder and they shared, "We will travel to every corner of this country to ensure no girl is left behind."
Third stop: Mount Abu
The laal pari embarked on a breathtaking 530+ km journey from Bhuj to the Aravalli Hills, tracing a route through some of India’s most stunning and historic landscapes. Along the way, they crossed the Tropic of Cancer, drove past the expansive Great Rann of Kutch, stopped by the ancient Harappan site of Dholavira, and cruised along what felt like a “Highway to Heaven.”
Upon reaching Mount Abu, they were warmly welcomed by the Rotary Club of Mount Road. Flags were exchanged, stories were shared, and at the heart of it all, they spoke about their mission: to vaccinate 1,00,000 girls against cervical cancer.
Fourth stop: Jodhpur
After a scenic morning drive from Mount Abu, the Rotary cervical cancer awareness team arrived in Jodhpur, greeted by the city's regal atmosphere and rich heritage. A traditional lunch in the heart of the old city set the tone, followed by visits to iconic landmarks like the towering Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) and the historic Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell.
The success of the Jodhpur leg of the mission was made possible by the swift and enthusiastic efforts of the Rotary Club of Jodhpur, led by President Rtn. Madhu and Secretary Rtn. Sugandha. Their leadership and coordination played a crucial role in mobilising local support and ensuring a smooth, impactful rollout of the day’s events.
Fifth stop: Bhatinda
The day began in Jodhpur with a scenic drive through Bikaner, where the team made a brief but memorable stop at the iconic Mata Karni Temple, famously home to thousands of rats. From there, they hit the expressway leading into Punjab, covering nearly 500 km with ease.
In Bathinda, they were warmly welcomed by the Rotary Club of Bathinda and Rotary Club of Bathinda Cantt, with generous hospitality at City Hospital, hosted by the remarkable Dr. Asha Garg. From thoughtful send-offs with sweets and snacks to engaging discussions on cervical cancer awareness.
Sixth stop: Amritsar
The laal pari reached Amritsar on July 19th, hearts full of purpose as they drove through the lush, vibrant fields of Punjab. That evening, as the sun dipped behind the Golden Temple, they lit 100 lamps, each one a silent prayer for protection, health, and hope for every girl in India.
On 20th July, their mission took shape at Randhawa Hospital, Civil Lines (District 3070), where Dr. Shagun led the charge in vaccinating 50 girls against HPV, a crucial step towards preventing cervical cancer.
Seventh stop: Kathua
On Day 9 of the #4CornerIndiaDrive, they added a meaningful stop to their journey- Kathua, a city that embraced them with open arms and a shared mission. After a brief pause at the Kartarpur Corridor near Amritsar, the team arrived at GMC Medical College, where the Rotary Club of Kathua, in collaboration with Dr. Surinder (Principal) and Dr. Minakshi Rana (Associate Professor), led a successful HPV vaccination camp.
Fifty underprivileged girls were vaccinated, community awareness was ignited, and a powerful partnership between Rotary and the healthcare system was strengthened. Kathua’s inclusion wasn’t just a logistical addition, it was a purposeful stride toward expanding the circle of protection and prevention.
Eighth stop: 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.
From Nariman Point to Srinagar, every mile covered in the #4CornerIndiaDrive is a step closer to a future where cervical cancer is preventable, not inevitable.
