Mumbai: A group of patients from various parts of Africa undergoing treatment at StemRx Hospital celebrated Onam with doctors, nurses and hospital staff. The patients enthusiastically joined in creating a colourful traditional pookalam with fresh flower petals and learned about the meaning of the festival. Their cheerful participation created a warm and lively atmosphere across the hospital.

For many of these patients, it was their first Onam celebration in India. Despite being far away from their homes and families, they enjoyed the festival and connected with the hospital team beyond their regular treatment routine. The celebration highlighted how culture and kindness can bring people together, irrespective of nationality or language.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pradeep Mahajan, a regenerative medicine expert, and the founder and Chief Managing Director of StemRx Hospital and Research Centre in Navi Mumbai, said, “Patients travelling from another country for treatment often spend weeks or months away from their families. Along with medical care, they need emotional support and a friendly environment. Celebrating Onam with our African patients was our way of making them feel at home and part of the StemRx family. Their happiness and enthusiasm made the celebration truly special for everyone.”

The celebration concluded with festive greetings, photographs and joyful interaction between the patients and hospital staff. Through the initiative, StemRx Hospital highlighted a simple message: healthcare goes beyond medicines and procedures—it also includes kindness, comfort and human connection. The colourful pookalam created together stood as a symbol of friendship, unity and respect for different cultures.