India Day to blend culture, healthcare support
Mehta said this year’s event will focus on creating a lasting impact through supporting life-saving medical interventions.
Dr Santosh Gumte, Managing Director of Kansai Plascon Uganda Limited and Chairman of the IAU, with Sasi Nair, Secretary of the association. (Courtesy)
______________
The Indian Association of Uganda (IAU) has begun preparations for Plascon India Day 2026, an event that will combine the celebration of Indian culture with a humanitarian initiative to improve healthcare access for Ugandans.
The annual celebration will take place on October 3, 2026, at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, bringing together government officials, business leaders, the Indian community, corporate partners and members of the public.
Speaking during the launch, IAU chairperson Paresh Mehta said this year’s event will focus on creating a lasting impact through supporting life-saving medical interventions.
Mehta said proceeds from the celebration will support heart surgeries for children and cataract operations for people in need across Uganda.
“We are not only celebrating culture, music and food, but also making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Mehta said.
Healthcare impact
Mehta said the initiative targets about 160 children below five years suffering from severe heart conditions who will receive specialised cardiac treatment in India.
He said the programme will also provide post-operative support for the children after treatment.
In addition, about 1,000 cataract surgeries will be conducted for people in different parts of Uganda to help restore their sight.
The Indian Association of Uganda, established in 1904, has continued to support community programmes while promoting cultural ties and cooperation between the two countries.
Corporate commitment
Dr Santosh Gumte, the managing director of Kansai Plascon Uganda Ltd said the company remains committed to supporting communities through corporate social responsibility programmes.
Gumte said Plascon has supported initiatives in health, education, culture and humanitarian work, including assistance to cancer patients, hospitals, schools and renovation projects.
He said the company also trains more than 15,000 painters every year as part of efforts to promote skills development and employment opportunities.
Gumte said partnerships with organisations such as the Indian Association of Uganda help bring together different companies to create a bigger impact.
“Last year we pledged to support 100 heart surgeries and that took place. This year we are again committing to 100 heart surgeries,” he said.
He added that Plascon would also support cataract operations under the India Day humanitarian programme.
Victoria University vice-chancellor Dr Lawrence Muganga praised the Indian community for its contribution to Uganda through investments, job creation and humanitarian initiatives.
Muganga said supporting children with heart conditions and restoring sight for people through cataract surgeries demonstrates the importance of serving humanity.
“I want us to appreciate what is being done by this platform. You can talk about restoring someone’s heart or giving someone sight, but the impact goes beyond words,” he said.
He said Victoria University was proud to be part of initiatives that strengthen cooperation and friendship between Uganda and India.
Corporate support
Tembo Steel Uganda General Manager Manish Kalla pledged the company’s support towards Plascon India Day 2026, saying businesses have a responsibility to contribute to society.
Kalla said Tembo Steel, which has operated in Uganda for 25 years, believes in supporting initiatives that improve people’s lives.
“Tembo was there, Tembo is there, and Tembo will be there. When it comes to giving back to society, we are always there,” he said.
Other partners supporting the initiative include Tyre Express Uganda, Bank of Baroda, Airtel Uganda and other corporate organisations.
The event will also feature Indian music, culture and entertainment, with Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar expected to headline the celebration. Organisers said the event will provide an opportunity to strengthen India-Uganda relations while supporting communities through healthcare initiatives.