I don’t want you to save me. I want you to stand by my side as I save myself.
This is the thought resonating in the mind of every person fighting cancer. Sometimes we think that there is no way to get out of its vortex, even if we are not the ones fighting it. What we don’t realize is that being a victim is what leads one to become a fighter.
As it does every year, Pinktober taught us important life lessons, instilled in us a new and more open mindset to try doing everything possible to help the people in need. Besides all the exciting events for which many students across the school volunteered, the freshmen presented a very thoughtful and gentle narrative via a theatre performance. Quoting Mrs. Khambatta, “The stage is a unique teacher. She is demanding, yet compels you to shrug off your inhibitions. She lures you into her vast expanse and allows you to experience the thrill of authentic audience response. While you are a reluctant participant at first, you quickly plunge into an exhilarating exploration of all your senses, your potential, your ego and alter ego, your many personas; and she keeps you coming back for more.”
Three students from grade 9 were a part of this rejuvenating play: Chehel Domadia, Pahal Samyani and Kripa Kotriwala, all from 9B. It was a job well done by the girl trio. Written by Ms Michelle Thomas and directed by Daksh Tripathi of IB1, this gentle narrative was a reminder of things that really matter for breast cancer patients. It was a brilliant showcase of the message to be spread in everyone’s minds and also got the participants to dive deep into the emotions and feelings of their characters, making them realize and virtually undergo the situation that a breast cancer patient might face.
This play was followed by an insightful poem recited by Ms Celine Ribeiro. The assembly continued with volunteers of the Pinktober team giving speeches and spreading further awareness and information about breast cancer. Whether physically or virtually, all students were given a new perspective about the fight against cancer.
Plans are now underway for the Pinktober campaign to be continued year long, rather than being limited to the month of October. To conclude, I would like to reinforce a saying that holds true for all breast cancer patients:
Cancer may have started the fight, but I will finish it.
Rishit Goswami