Hair drive at SRIHER aims for 800 donors to set record

Hair donation drive launched inside the Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research on Monday, targeting 800 volunteers to break a world‑record tally. The National Service Scheme team of the institute partnered with Ladies Circle India, Hair for Hope India and the Adyar Cancer Institute to run the event. Film producer and director Soundarya Rajinikanth cut the ribbon and appealed to journalists to spotlight the emotional strain of losing hair during cancer therapy. She said hair loss often shatters patients’ confidence and urged broader coverage. Collected strands will be processed into wigs for people receiving chemotherapy or similar treatments. Present at the ceremony were SRIHER Chancellor V.R. Venkatachalam, trustee Samyuktha Venkatachalam, dean K. Balaji Singh and representatives of the three partner groups. The target of 800 donors was chosen to qualify for a world‑record attempt, according to the organisers. Ladies Circle India and Hair for Hope India set up the collection booths, and the Adyar Cancer Institute pledged to distribute the finished wigs to its patient care units. Free wigs help patients who cannot buy costly commercial alternatives. ## Context The loss of scalp hair is a common side‑effect of many anti‑cancer drugs, and wearing a wig can help patients feel more normal during hospital stays. Community hair drives provide a steady supply of raw material, reducing cost and wait time for patients who need wigs quickly.