Celebrating Shakti, Protecting Health: A Festival of Awareness for Women’s Wellbeing
- Arvind Pawar
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Arvind Pawar
Co-founder of Hyperlink Health
Dr. Kavitha Madhuri
Ph.D. in Gynaecological Oncology;
“True worship is when we protect the living goddesses around us.”
The Festival of Shakti and the Spirit of Health
As the air fills with the rhythm of dhak drums and the fragrance of shiuli flowers, our homes prepare to welcome Goddess Durga—the embodiment of strength, wisdom, and compassion.
This time of year carries a deeper significance: while we celebrate the divine feminine, September also marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month—a moment to reflect on women’s health and the power of awareness.
Durga Puja reminds us that Shakti is not just a celestial force—it lives in every woman who nurtures, teaches, and leads. Honoring the goddess must also mean protecting the women who embody her spirit around us.
The Silent Battle Within
Across India, many women continue to fight unseen battles against gynaecological cancers—cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar.
Sadly, most cases are detected late, even though many are preventable or curable when caught early.
Cervical cancer alone claims one life every eight minutes in India. Regular screenings and HPV vaccination can save thousands of lives each year.
Ovarian cancer, often called the silent killer, appears through subtle symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain.
Uterine cancer often begins with irregular bleeding, but many women hesitate to discuss it due to stigma.
Breast and cervical cancers together account for nearly 40% of all cancers in Indian women—an urgent call for collective awareness.
Breaking the Silence, One Conversation at a Time
Our festivals celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
Similarly, breaking the silence around women’s health is a victory in itself.
When women speak openly about screening, vaccination, or symptoms, they replace fear with knowledge.
This festival season, let’s pledge three simple acts of awareness:
For Yourself: Schedule your next health screening—just as you plan your festive shopping.
For Your Family: Encourage women around you to prioritise their health without guilt or hesitation.
For Your Community: Use gatherings and celebrations to share information and encourage discussions on preventive care.
Early detection saves lives—cure rates for cervical cancer exceed 90% when diagnosed early. Awareness is a form of empowerment.
Insights from an Expert: Dr. Kavitha Madhuri
During a conversation with my oncologist friend, Dr. Kavitha Madhuri, she shared a striking truth:
“Most women I meet don’t neglect their health out of choice, but because they are too occupied caring for others. By the time they come for a check-up, precious time has already been lost.”
Her observation reveals a larger issue—the absence of structured reminders and the social mindset that places women’s health last on the list of priorities.
Dr. Madhuri emphasized that consistent screening and awareness can prevent many tragedies.
“Even one timely test,” she said, “can change the course of a family’s future.”
Technology as a Partner in Preventive Care
Today, as we depend on technology for almost everything, it’s time we used it to protect our health.
Several medical experts are designing digital platforms to make preventive healthcare proactive, not reactive.
One such initiative is Hyperlink Health—a doctor-led platform that connects genetics, technology, and cancer prevention.
Hyperlink Health’s mission is simple: to help families understand their health history, identify genetic risks, and act early through screenings and vaccinations.
It’s an approach that combines empathy with evidence—turning technology into a true health ally.
Through Hyperlink’s smart reminder system and guidance tools, women can track essential health check-ups, HPV vaccinations, and early symptoms—all supported by reliable medical insights.
Shakti in Everyday Life
The essence of Shakti lies not just in worship, but in action.
When we light a diya this Durga Puja, let it remind us that the true triumph of good over evil is in defeating diseases through knowledge and courage.
Let’s celebrate womanhood not only through devotion but through dedication to wellbeing—our own and that of others.
A Thought to Reflect On
When we chant “Jai Ma Durga,” are we also honoring the women beside us—those who face their own challenges quietly every day?
This festive season, may our prayers translate into purpose—protecting health, spreading awareness, and supporting those who nurture us all.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Awareness, early detection, and preventive care are the real weapons in this modern battle.
As we celebrate new beginnings this Vijayadashami, let’s make a collective promise:
to encourage open conversations about women’s health,
to schedule timely screenings,
and to never overlook a symptom out of hesitation or fear.
If you’re uncertain where to begin, sit down with healthcare experts or trusted medical partners like the team at Hyperlink Health.
Their doctor-led approach helps individuals and families create personalized health roadmaps, ensuring no one misses vital preventive measures.
True Shakti is not only in worship—but in action.
Let’s celebrate Durga Puja by protecting every woman’s health and turning awareness into a movement of care.
Jai Ma Durga.
Jai Womanhood.
Jai Health.
Because when we protect each other’s health, we protect our future.
If you would like to engage and reach us if you have any suggestions, please get in
touch with the us at arvind.pawar@hyperlink.health
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