GlobalSpa
25-Sep-2025
Fashion, compassion, and prevention took center stage as Shalini Vij’s Festival of Hope Foundation hosted its 17th edition at the Grand Hyatt Gurgaon, championing the fight against cervical cancer.
There are few evenings that speak of glamour with gravitas quite like the Festival of Hope Foundation’s Season 17, held at the Grand Hyatt, Gurgaon. Founded by renowned social entrepreneur Shalini Vig, the Festival has, for over a decade, stood as a beacon of courage, creativity, and healing. This year, it returned with a powerful message—fashion and community can together save lives.
The highlight of the evening was the launch of the “1000 Lives Protected” campaign, a landmark initiative under the Foundation’s wellness banner. Its mission is clear and urgent: to raise awareness about cervical cancer, the second most common cancer among Indian women, and to provide HPV vaccinations for underprivileged children across Delhi NCR. By focusing on prevention, the campaign represents a step toward equity in healthcare—ensuring every child, regardless of background, is protected.
A Night of Fashion, Courage & Compassion
The ramp came alive as cancer warriors, doctors, and leading voices of change walked side by side, styled by celebrated designers Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna. Their presence underscored the idea that fashion can be more than expression—it can be transformation. Adding star power to the evening was Bollywood actor Taha Shah Badussha, who joined 60 leading influencers from across India as “Leaders of Hope”, amplifying the message of prevention, resilience, and collective responsibility.
For Shalini Vig, the festival has always been about turning pain into purpose. “We don’t just raise awareness; we celebrate life. Festival of Hope is a movement that transforms pain into purpose and survival into strength. Every child deserves protection — no matter their background. This campaign is not just about vaccines but about equality in healthcare and saving lives,” she said.
Spotlight on Public Health
Earlier this year, the Foundation successfully vaccinated 200 children in Gurgaon, marking the beginning of the “1000 Lives Protected” movement. The initiative will continue to expand, with a goal to safeguard children across Delhi NCR through timely and equitable access to the HPV vaccine.
Designers Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna echoed this sentiment: “Fashion has the power not only to transform appearances but also to uplift spirits and inspire change. Our association with Festival of Hope is a tribute to the power of prevention—a celebration of awareness, protection, and the collective will to secure a healthier future for our children.”
