Whitathon 2026, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar

Awareness walk on eye cancer organized by L V Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, May 17, 2026:  L V Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai (MTC) Campus, Bhubaneswar successfully organized Whitathon 2026, a Retinoblastoma Awareness Walk at the Buddha Jayanti Park in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 026. Staff of LVPEI, oncologists from other Bhubaneswar and Cuttack based cancer hospitals, NGOs, sponsors from the pharmaceutical industry, retinoblastoma survivors and their parents, and other well-wishers participated in the walk. 

Retinoblastoma is a rare but life-threatening eye cancer that mostly affects children below 5 years of age. It can be cured completely if detected at an early stage. Delayed diagnosis and advanced disease can lead to loss of the eye and can also be fatal to the patient.

The walk spread awareness on the importance of early detection to save both vision and life. Following the walk, participants gathered at the amphitheatre for an impactful skit by optometrists and interns at the MTC campus. The skit highlighted the importance of parental awareness of the symptoms of retinoblastoma how an early eye check-up makes all the difference.

Dr Nirmalya Deo Pradhan, Paediatric hematologist and oncologist – Bagchi Sri Sankara Cancer Center & Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, and Dr Diptirani Samanta, medical oncologist – Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack, shared valuable advice and encouraged families to be aware of the symptoms and seek early diagnosis and treatment for retinoblastoma. Mr. Georgo Pius, COO – Bagchi Karunashraya Hospice also participated in the awareness walk and spoke about the role of palliative care for retinoblastoma patients with advanced terminal disease. Retinoblastoma survivor children and their parents were felicitated on stage to recognize their courage and resilience.

Several of our pharma partners and friends participated in the event and extended their support to Whitathon 2026 – Mankind, Micro Labs, Sun Pharma, Entod Pharma, Centaur, Berry & Herbs Pharma, and Xyiris Pharmaceuticals.   

Ms Sanatani Sahoo, senior project manager – Cankids India, also took part in the walk. Cankids India, a non-governmental organization supports retinoblastoma patients and their families access several ancillary services required during and after treatment.  

Speaking at the event, Dr Devjyoti Tripathy, ocular oncologist at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai campus said, “I am deeply grateful to every partner, health worker, and family who has joined hands with us today. Early detection and a strong referral network are the cornerstones of saving children’s sight and lives from retinoblastoma. Together we can ensure timely diagnosis, access to appropriate treatment, and hope for better survival and quality of life for these children.”

Whitathon 2026 was a powerful movement of hope, compassion, and collective responsibility to fight childhood eye cancer through awareness and early intervention!

About LVPEI: Established in 1987, with the vision, ‘to create excellent and equitable eye care systems that reach all those in need,’ the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), a comprehensive eye health facility, is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness.  

In pursuance of this vision, LVPEI clinician scientists work at the cutting edge of eye research. Through its five-tier ‘Eye Health Pyramid’ and cross-subsidy models, LVPEI provides more than 50% of its services entirely at no cost to the patient, irrespective of the complexity of care needed. LVPEI is among the world’s top eye researchers with over 5,000 published scientific papers in prominent international journals.   

For further information, please visit the Institute’s website, www.lvpei.org. 

Contact: Aneetha Kanukolanu, Associate Director- Network Communications  
Phone: +91 40 6810 2272 
Email: aneetha.kanukolanu@lvpei.org 
Website: www.lvpei.org