Matribhumi Samachar English
Chennai, 22 August 2026: The 15th ABC (All a’Bout Cancer) Exhibition 2026, an inter-school cancer awareness initiative organised by CAN-STOP (Cancer Support Therapy to Overcome Pain), the outreach programme of Sundaram Medical Foundation, in association with Rotary International District 3234, concluded successfully in Chennai on Saturday.
The annual ABC Exhibition, now in its 15th year, brought together a schools and around 76 schools and around 960 students on a common platform to learn about cancer prevention, early awareness and healthy living. The initiative encourages students to communicate the message of cancer awareness through information stalls, painting, skits, quiz, oratorical competitions and photography.
The exhibition was held at Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School, Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai, and provided students an opportunity to develop their research, creativity, presentation and communication skills while becoming ambassadors of cancer awareness among their peers, families and communities.
Winners
In the Private Schools Category, Spartan Exclusive School emerged as the Overall Champion, while Government High School, Kumily secured the Overall Championship in the Government Schools Category. Both winning schools were awarded a cash prize of ₹25,000 each in recognition of their outstanding performance.
The winners were recognised for their overall performance and active participation across the various competitions and activities conducted as part of the ABC Exhibition.
Inauguration Ceremony
The exhibition was inaugurated by Thiru J. C. D. Prabhakar, Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest. The original programme note identified Rotarian Suresh Jain, District Governor 2026–27, Rotary International District 3234, and Rotarian Dr. Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan, District Governor 2027–28, Founder of CAN-STOP and Trustee & Director, Sundaram Medical Foundation, among the Guests of Honour.
The other dignitaries who attended the inauguration, were:
- RTN. Ms. Sarada Ramani
- RTN. Rajasekaran, GS, Chairperson – Government Interface
- RTN. Dr. M. S. Ravi Verma
- RTN. Mr. Balakrishnan
- Dr. Arjun Rangarajan
Speaking at the inauguration, Thiru J. C. D. Prabhakar, Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, said:
“Cancer awareness must begin early, and educating young minds is one of the most effective ways of creating a healthier society. The ABC Exhibition is a commendable initiative because it gives students not only knowledge about cancer prevention and early detection, but also the confidence to take that message to their families and communities. I congratulate CAN-STOP, Rotary District 3234, all participating schools and, most importantly, the students for their commitment to this important cause.”
Message from Rotary District Governor 2026–27
Mr. Suresh Jain, District Governor 2026–27, Rotary International District 3234, said:
“Rotary is committed to creating lasting impact through awareness, education and community engagement. The ABC Exhibition demonstrates the power of bringing schools, students, educators, medical professionals and community leaders together for a shared purpose. By empowering children with accurate knowledge about cancer prevention and early awareness, we are investing in a healthier generation and a more informed society. I congratulate Government High School, Kumily and Spartan Exclusive School, along with all the participating schools and students, for their outstanding efforts.”
Message from Dr. Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan
DGE Dr. Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan, Founder of CAN-STOP and Trustee & Director, Sundaram Medical Foundation, said:
“The ABC Exhibition was created with the belief that cancer awareness should reach young people in a meaningful and engaging way. Seeing students research, learn, create and communicate messages about cancer prevention is deeply encouraging. The success of this 15th edition reflects the commitment of the participating schools, teachers, students, volunteers and Rotary members. Our hope is that every student who participates becomes an ambassador of awareness and carries the message of prevention and early detection into their homes and communities.”
CAN-STOP was started in 1998 by Dr. Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan with the vision of supporting cancer patients and promoting greater cancer awareness in the community. Over the years, CAN-STOP has continued its work through awareness, counselling, education and screening initiatives.
Valedictory Ceremony
The valedictory function marked the culmination of the 15th ABC Exhibition 2026 and celebrated the achievements and participation of students and schools.
The dignitaries who attended the valedictory function included:
- RTN. DGE Dr. Vijaya Bharathi Rangarajan
- RTN. Mr. Suresh Jain, District Governor
- RTN. Rajasekaran, GS, Chairperson – Government Interface
- RTN. Dr. M. S. Ravi Verma
- Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IPS, Additional Director General of Police — Chief Guest for the Valedictory Ceremony
- RTN. Mr. Vinod Sarogi, Past District Governor
The valedictory programme also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of the participating schools, teachers, organisers, volunteers and students whose collective efforts contributed to the success of the exhibition.
The 15th ABC Exhibition 2026 reaffirmed the importance of engaging young minds in understanding cancer, its prevention and the significance of early awareness. Through initiatives such as ABC, CAN-STOP and Rotary District 3234 seek to encourage students to become informed advocates for healthy living and cancer prevention, carrying the message beyond the classroom and into their families and communities.
About CAN-STOP
CAN-STOP (Cancer Support Therapy to Overcome Pain) is the outreach programme of Sundaram Medical Foundation dedicated to cancer awareness, support, counselling, education and screening. The ABC Exhibition is its flagship annual inter-school initiative, designed to educate and empower young people to understand cancer prevention and promote greater awareness in society.
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