ABOUT
Founded in 2007, Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation (UBF) is a registered not-for-profit charity dedicated to improving breast health awareness, promoting early detection and empowering people with credible, evidence-based information about benign breast conditions and breast cancer.
The Foundation is equally committed to supporting breast cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment by fostering hope, resilience and confidence throughout their journey. The Foundation was established by Dr. P. Raghu Ram after his mother, Dr Ushalakshmi-a renowned gynaecologist and resilient breast cancer survivor-was diagnosed with breast cancer. Named in her honour, the Foundation was born out of a deeply personal commitment: to ensure that breast cancer is no longer a subject shrouded in silence and stigma, but one that is openly discussed and better understood.
2007–2016
During its first decade, the Foundation focused on transforming public awareness about breast cancer through the landmark Pink Ribbon Campaign, one of the largest and most sustained breast cancer awareness movements in Southern India.
Through Pink Ribbon Walks, “Paint the City Pink” campaigns, public lectures and community outreach programmes, the Foundation helped bring breast cancer awareness into the mainstream and encouraged women to seek help early.
This sustained advocacy contributed significantly towards changing attitudes and promoting a culture of early detection.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Foundation implemented a large scale population-based Breast Cancer Screening Programme using Clinical Breast Examination across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The programme reached over 200,000 underprivileged women across 4,000 villages through 3,750 trained healthcare workers. This evidence-based initiative subsequently informed Government of India policy and contributed to nationwide implementation of Clinical Breast Examination under the National Health Mission.
2017–2025
Inspired by the Digital India vision, the Foundation developed the world’s first mobile app on Breast Health (ABCs of breast Health) in English and 11 Indian languages, making reliable breast health information freely accessible to millions.
In 2019, the Foundation pioneered another world first by integrating life-size Augmented Reality technology into breast cancer awareness initiatives, enabling interactive and engaging public education on a large scale.
2026 And Beyond
Building upon nearly two decades of advocacy and innovation, the Foundation entered a new era in 2026 by integrating medicine, artificial intelligence and immersive technology.
This journey led to the creation of an AI-enabled holographic breast health educator, which was recognised with a Guinness World Records title for the Largest AI-enabled Interactive Holographic Breast Health Awareness Lecture.
The momentum generated by this initiative paved the way for NARI (National Awareness and Resource Initiative for Breast Health)-an AI-enabled multilingual educational platform designed to provide credible, evidence-based information on benign breast conditions and breast cancer.
While the methods have evolved-from community campaigns and digital health to Artificial Intelligence-the mission remains unchanged:
To empower people with knowledge, promote early detection and improve lives through better breast health awareness.
Technology is not the destination. It is the vehicle.
After nearly two decades of pioneering breast health awareness, innovation and public health advocacy, NARI represents the Foundation’s next chapter-extending its mission through Artificial Intelligence to make trusted, evidence-based breast health education accessible to everyone, everywhere.
