India: Shanti Avedna Sadan celebrates 30 years of pioneering palliative cancer care in New Delhi

Shanti Avedna Sadan (SAS), New Delhi’s pioneering center dedicated to cancer palliative care, marked its 30th anniversary with a three-day celebration, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to compassionate support for terminally ill patients.

Founded by visionary oncology surgeon Dr. L.J. de Souza, the center has been a refuge for those in advanced stages of cancer, providing free, dedicated palliative care to ease patients’ journeys.

Since its inception, Shanti Avedna Sadan has been operated by the Sisters of the Holy Cross Menzingen, North Indian Province, under the dedicated leadership of Sr. Tabitha Joseph and her team.

Provincial Superior Sr. Linet Kottappillykudy and other Holy Cross sisters joined the celebrations, showing solidarity and honoring the center’s impact on countless families.

Reflecting on his inspiration to establish the center, Dr. de Souza recounted his work at TATA Hospital in Mumbai and the faith-driven mission that led to the opening of three Shanti Avedna centers across India—in Mumbai, Goa, and finally New Delhi.

His efforts have provided essential support for patients burdened not only by illness but by the financial and emotional toll of prolonged cancer treatment.

The anniversary events, which began on November 7, included a series of gatherings and discussions celebrating SAS’s achievements and examining ongoing challenges in the field of hospice care.

Families of former patients were invited to an opening event dedicated to remembrance and gratitude. The following day, SAS hosted volunteers and trustees, honoring the individuals whose service has been essential to the center’s mission.

On November 9, a final day of activities included a roundtable with nursing college principals, focusing on the crucial role of nurses in palliative care and the integration of hospice services in mainstream healthcare.

The session highlighted the ongoing need to combat the stigma surrounding end-of-life care and to expand access to these services.

The celebrations concluded with a symposium, “Voicing and Acknowledging Hospice Care,” inaugurated by Member of Parliament Adv. Haris Beeran. Dr. de Souza underscored the urgent need for policies that make hospice care more accessible and effective.

Adv. Beeran pledged his support to raise these concerns in Parliament, advocating for streamlined regulations that would facilitate broader hospice access for patients and their families.

Fr. Jaisson Vadassery, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Migrants, drew attention to the plight of migrants and refugees, often unable to access palliative care.

He likened volunteers to lighthouses guiding those in need, calling for stronger government support to reinforce the efforts of palliative care volunteers.

Dr. Rakesh Garg from AIIMS, Delhi, moderated the discussion, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and collaboration in expanding hospice services nationwide.

Surgical oncologist and SAS trustee Dr. Aswin Desouza outlined strategies for growth, stressing partnerships and awareness campaigns to broaden the reach and quality of palliative care.

To recognize the dedication of SAS’s volunteers, the event concluded with memento presentations for their exceptional service.

The celebration closed with a collective pledge: “We dedicate ourselves to offering comfort, dignity, and love to cancer patients on their final journey, lighting their path with hope and compassion.”