Chennai, 10 Aug, 2026:
The Rotary Club of Madras Central, in collaboration with the InnerWheel Clubs of District 323 and the Singappen Special Force (SSF), organized the Singappen Marathon, an all-women run aimed at raising public awareness about cervical cancer prevention through early vaccination, as well as promoting women’s safety and empowerment through the Singappen Special Force and the 1091 helpline.The event took place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, starting at 6:00 AM at Island Grounds, Chennai. Around 3,000 participants – including college students, working professionals, homemakers, and a dedicated contingent from the newly established Singappen Special Force – completed an 8-kilometer route from Island Grounds to the iconic Lighthouse and back.
The marathon was flagged off by the Chief Guest, K. Bhavaneeswari, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Singappen Special Force, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Chief Guest K. Bhavaneeswari, IPS, Inspector General of Police for the Singappen Special Force (SSF), flagged off the Singappen Marathon – an event meticulously organized by the Rotary Club of Madras Central and the Inner Wheel Clubs – which drew nearly 3,000 enthusiastic female participants. Highlighting the event’s dual impact, Bhavaneeswari emphasized that the initiative not only drives crucial awareness toward eradicating cervical cancer but also strengthens women’s safety as SSF officers run alongside and engage directly with the public, reinforcing the force’s unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting the community at all times.
➢ Urgent Action Needed Against Cervical Cancer
India accounts for nearly 25% of global cervical cancer deaths, with one in every five women diagnosed worldwide residing in the country.
Speaking at the event, Singappen Marathon Chairman – Rtn.Nallammai Ramanathan highlighted the urgent need to address cervical cancer in India. “Government data indicates that every eight minutes, a woman in India dies of cervical cancer,” she stated. “Today, we have India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and priced at approximately ₹1,500 per dose. Educating parents that it is safe and crucial to vaccinate young girls aged nine and above remains paramount.”
Highlighting recent progress, she noted a major healthcare milestone. “In our recent drive, we successfully administered HPV vaccines to 350 young girls within two hours, reaching 500 vaccinations in a single day.” She also expressed deep gratitude for the strong institutional backing the cause has received. “We are honoured that the newly formed Singappen Special Force has joined hands with us to support the marathon,” she said. “Their participation actively promotes women’s safety and empowerment while driving awareness for the 1091 helpline.”
Nallammai Ramanathan extended her thanks to Inspector General of Police K. Bhavaneeswari, IPS, and Chief Minister Vijay for establishing the dedicated police unit, reaffirming their commitment to women’s security. Despite uncertain weather conditions, around 3,000 runners turned out to support the initiative, demonstrating strong community solidarity for women’s health and safety.
➢ A Vision for a Cervical Cancer-Free Nation
Drawing parallels to India’s successful historic campaign against Polio, Rtn. Abirami Ramanathan, Past Rotary District Governor, Project Advisor, and Kalaimamani Awardee, highlighted the momentum behind national immunisation:
“Nations such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom have demonstrated remarkable success through nationwide immunisation drives. Following these global benchmarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a national HPV vaccination program on February 28, 2026. Given India’s high incidence rate, Rotary is stepping in to raise awareness, deliver subsidized vaccines to the public, and ultimately help eradicate cervical cancer nationwide. Our goal is for Tamil Nadu to lead this charge and set an example for the rest of the country.”
➢ Healthcare Partnerships and Access Points
To ensure awareness translates into actionable healthcare, local medical networks have been mobilized. Rtn. Sridhar Krishnaswamy, President of the Rotary Club of Madras Central,outlined the infrastructure established for the cause:
“Our initial phase focuses on Chennai. Vaccines are being made available at the Rotary Central Margaret Sidney Hospital in Nanganallur. Additionally, we have partnered with Gem Hospital, MGM Healthcare, and Venkateswara Hospital, among others, to extend our reach and support the government’s National Immunisation goals. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Singappen Special Force team for uniting with us in this initiative.”
