Jean Rodrigues, the first lady of Chandigarh and Raji P Srivastva, Special Secretary (Finance), presided over the function.

After paying tributes to the founder president of Sahayta, Neelu Tuli, the children showcased a number of dance performances, choreographed by Varsha. A comedy sequence on Cancer, written by Dr Rani Balbir Kaur, was enacted by Ajay Verma and Emmanuel, students of the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University.

Rizul Bakshi, diaganosed with Retinoblastoma, survived in the fight with cancer but not before losing his vision in the process. His talent, however, shines bright as he has been signed to sing for a Garwali film.

Another survivor, Veena Vig , art historian and academician, was diagnosed with tumour and cancer of the urinary bladder. In a major surgery, a part of her bladder and kidney had to be removed.