Acclaimed artist and philanthropist Michelle Poonawalla contributed two of her celebrated artworks, Graffiti Ganesha and Divine Blessings, to the annual Crimson Charity Gala 2025, Where Couture Meets Compassion in Mumbai.
Organised by the MCan Foundation under the Move for Cancer Awareness initiative, founded by fashion designer Maheka Mirpuri, the event supporting Tata Memorial Hospital’s treatment of underprivileged cancer patients. Now in its 13th year, the gala has cumulatively raised ₹11.8 crores, uniting art, fashion, and philanthropy to drive hope and healing.
This year’s edition of the Crimson Charity Gala further strengthened that commitment, raising ₹4.28 crores in support of Tata Memorial Hospital’s efforts to provide care for underprivileged cancer patients.
The MCan Foundation, founded by fashion designer Maheka Mirpuri, is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for cancer care in India. Through initiatives like the Move for Cancer Awareness, it supports Tata Memorial Hospital in providing free and subsidised treatment to underprivileged cancer patients, combining philanthropy with community outreach and education.
Art in Service of Compassion
The Move for Cancer Awareness initiative by the MCan Foundation remains a beacon of hope in cancer care, combining public awareness with fundraising for Tata Memorial Hospital, one of India’s leading cancer treatment centres.
Michelle Poonawalla’s art is a vibrant fusion of traditional techniques and modern digital technology, creating dynamic, three-dimensional works that engage and inspire. Known for her signature butterfly motifs, her pieces symbolize freedom, transformation, and hope, using expressive colours and mixed media to create immersive experiences.
Michelle Poonawalla has showcased her art for philanthropy through multiple prestigious events. She has participated in the MASH X UNICEF Charity Ball, where her artwork helped raise funds for children’s welfare. Her innovative blend of traditional and digital art has been exhibited internationally, including at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and the Saatchi Gallery in London.
Poonawalla’s philanthropic art projects also include collaborations with Khushii, focusing on social advocacy, and she has used her creativity to highlight issues such as climate change. Her exhibitions combine vibrant colours, mixed media, and interactive technology, turning art into a powerful tool for social impact and awareness.
Michelle Poonawalla’s spiritually rich artworks resonated deeply with attendees. Reflecting on her involvement, she said, “Art has the power to move hearts and minds. It can heal, inspire, and bring people together for a larger purpose.” This year’s gala reaffirmed how creative expression can mobilise support for vital healthcare services.
Legacy of Innovation and Responsibility
The Poonawalla Group, led by billionaire industrialist and philanthropist Yohan Poonawalla, exemplifies diversified business excellence across engineering, horse racing and breeding, biotech, exports, finance, and real estate. With companies like Intervalve Poonawalla Ltd and Elomatic India Pvt Ltd holding international certifications and exporting to 46 countries, the Group is a leader in industrial valves and pneumatic actuators.
The Poonawalla Stud Farms, founded by Mr. Yohan Poonawalla’s late grandfather in 1946, remains India’s premier thoroughbred breeding establishment, known for historic achievements in horse racing and the introduction of Night Racing in Mumbai.
The family also owns the Serum Institute of India, the country’s largest vaccine manufacturer. In real estate, under Yohan Poonawalla’s chairmanship and Michelle Poonawalla’s design guidance, projects like Poonawalla Towers blend luxury with timeless architecture.
The Group’s recent investment in the indigenous tech startup trackNOW supports logistics innovation aligned with the government’s Make in India initiative. This blend of business innovation and deep-rooted philanthropy continues to shape India’s industrial and social landscape.
The Poonawalla family has made significant contributions to social causes, including infrastructure improvements like the construction and widening of Soli Poonawalla Road in Hadapsar, and the development of Gool Poonawalla Garden in Salisbury Park. Their philanthropy extends to healthcare with donations for the Zavaray Poonawalla Cancer Building at Ruby Hall Clinic, dedicated to cancer treatment.
Education also benefits, with support for institutions like Soli Poonawalla School and the Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj School, enhancing sports facilities and school transport. The family has also invested in landscaping projects, heritage renovations such as the Turf Club House in Pune, and humanitarian efforts supporting the Poona District Leprosy Committee, showcasing their broad commitment to community welfare.
The Larger Fight Against Cancer
The Move for Cancer Awareness initiative focuses not only on fundraising but also on raising awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. Through strategic events like the Crimson Charity Gala, the MCan Foundation channels substantial resources to provide accessible, compassionate care at Tata Memorial Hospital for economically disadvantaged patients.
This collaboration exemplifies how creative, community-driven philanthropy can create measurable impact in healthcare, a model that is both inspiring and urgently needed in India’s fight against cancer.
Yohan Poonawalla, Chairman of the group, emphasised, “We have always believed that giving back to society is both a privilege and a responsibility.” Their participation in the gala reflects their dedication to using art and resources to uplift lives.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This story exemplifies the powerful intersection of creativity and compassionate action, showing how art and philanthropy together can spark widespread social change. Michelle and Yohan Poonawalla’s contributions highlight the role of empathetic leadership in addressing healthcare inequities.
As communities continue to face life-threatening illnesses like cancer, it becomes essential for more artists, businesses, and civil society to align efforts for meaningful impact.
