Celebrating 2 Years of the Center for Psycho-Oncology: A Journey of Healing, Resilience, and Impact
(July 13, 2025 – Pune, India)

The Center for Psycho-Oncology, a pathbreaking initiative dedicated to the emotional and psychological care of individuals affected by cancer, proudly marked its 2nd anniversary this July.

Established in 2023 by the Rising India Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Texas School of Mental Health, the center has emerged as a beacon of integrative care—where science, empathy, and human connection converge to support patients, caregivers, and families through every stage of the cancer journey.

Initiated under the visionary leadership of Dr. Girish Lad, Founder and Director of the Rising India Research Foundation, and nurtured into a specialized center under the guidance of Dr. Tahreen Syed, the Director and Global Head of Psycho-Oncology, the center has grown into a pioneering model of integrative care where emotional healing is treated with the same priority as physical treatment.

Over the past two years, the center has touched the lives of hundreds of cancer warriors, offering a comprehensive range of services including psychological counseling, support groups, caregiver training, psycho-education, and research-based interventions.

Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Dr. Tahreen Syed shared: "These two years have been about holding space for grief, growth, and grit. Cancer impacts the body, but it shakes the soul—and our role is to help people find light in that darkness. We are not just offering therapy; we are nurturing human strength."

A special highlight of the celebration was the Cpositive Awards—a heartfelt tribute to individuals and institutions making meaningful contributions in the field of cancer care. Awards were conferred to cancer survivors who have turned adversity into advocacy, oncologists who exemplify compassionate care, psychologists contributing to emotional healing, and hospitals creating supportive environments for holistic treatment. These honors celebrated the unsung heroes whose efforts often go unrecognized but are vital in the cancer care journey. The occasion was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Mahesh M. Bhagwat, Additional Director General of Police, Telangana, widely known for his commitment to human rights and social justice, and Dr. G.B. Deglurkar, Former Chancellor of Deccan College, a renowned academician and archaeologist. Their presence added stature and inspiration to the event, reinforcing the message that psycho-social support is an essential pillar of healing. As the Center for Psycho-Oncology steps into its third year, its mission remains bold and compassionate: to normalize mental health in cancer care and expand psycho-social support across communities, nationally and globally.

Here’s to the journey ahead—where every emotion matters, every story is honored, and every step toward healing counts.