Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 6: Canara Organization for Development and Peace® here and Caritas India, in collaboration with Dr B R and C R Shetty Foundation, St Aloysius College, Indian Cancer Society and Father Muller Medical College Hospital jointly observed World Cancer Day on February 4 at Mother Theresa Peace Park, St Aloysius College, here.
The theme of the programme was 'I AM and I WILL'. The theme seeks to counter the negative attitude and fatalistic belief that nothing can be done about cancer and instead, promote how our actions can be powerful and impactful.
The programme began by invoking God’s blessing through a prayer song led by the MSW students of St Aloysius College.
Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of CODP welcomed the dignitaries and the participants. The dignitaries were handed over Aloe Vera saplings as a memento. He also addressed the gathering by giving information about Sparsha- Campaign against cancer.
Dr Shwetha Rasquinha, HOD of MSW department St Aloysius College delivered a meaningful message on the importance of early detection and how social workers could contribute to society by organizing awareness.
Jesel Dsouza and Harina J Rao cancer survivors were present at the programme and shared their testimony. The inspiring words from the cancer survivors described the insights they learned and challenges they faced as they have lived through cancer and encouraged the participants not to lose hope in life, as technologies and medical facilities have improved. One has to fight cancer through optimism.
Dr Sheeba from Radiotherapy Department of Fr Muller Hospital being the resource person explained the types, causes and effects of cancer. She stated that consumption of alcohol and tobacco will have a high impact on health and increase the risk of cancer. She concluded her talk through an important message namely, through a healthy lifestyle we can beat cancer. She also stressed the various government schemes available for people below the poverty line to treat cancer.
Dr Loveena Lobo gave a motivational message on World Cancer Day and appreciated the initiative taken by CODP to conduct programmes on cancer.
A street play was performed by the students of the department of Community Medicine, Fr Muller Medical College Hospital. The team demonstrated the causes and effects of cancer and showed how this disease can be treated if detected at an early stage. The play conveyed a very meaningful message to the spectators and concluded with oath-taking.
Nafisa and Vivian, MSW students of St Aloysius College compered the programme. Shilpa Dsouza, coordinator of Sparsha proposed the vote of thanks.