Governor Gubrachan Jagat of Imphal presented roses to cancer patients of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences to honor the patients’ fighting and undying spirit , reports E-Pao.net.

Held annually since 1994, the National Rose Day in India began when a group of cancer patients organized an event with roses in order to raise funds for the center’s fight against the disease. A rose was chosen as a symbol of hope, the news source reports.

The governor awarded rose and cash amounts of 2,000 rupees to to some of the center’s survivors as a thank you for their contribution to medical knowledge. In his chief guest speech, the governor encouraged society’s participation in cancer-fighting activities according to Kangla Online.

The governor also attended the RIMS’ 39th anniversary celebration in which he applauded the center’s work on health education in rural areas.