Cancer is acknowledged by most of us as a death sentence. The terror we associate with cancer is more than that we associate with other chronic diseases. It is this terror that Nilaav’s Young Talents- Volunteers for Cancer Awareness’ program purported to alleviate, by educating students both about cancer itself and about how to spread awareness about it. The ceremony began with a few words about cancer from the Master of Ceremony Mohammad Mishal.
The guests were welcomed by Abdul Fatah Thayyil, a patron of Nilaav Kuwait. Dr. Amir Ahmed, chairman of the organizing committee, gave the presidential address explaining to the students how cancer was a challenge that could and should be dealt with quite effectively. Habibulla muttichoor president of Nilaav Kuwiat also spoke on the occassion. His Excellency Mr. Sunil Jain, Ambassador of India to Kuwait, inaugurated the program stressing on how we accepted practices like smoking as an evil but were not ready to compromise on our burgers and pizzas despite them being quite harmful in the long run.
Representatives of all the schools were given mementos as a token of appreciation for their support in the venture. The treasure of Nilaav, Mujeebulla K.V. proposed the vote of thanks. Rafeek Thayath, Convener of the program Shereef Thamarasheri explained to the students the purpose of the program citing the ever inspiring story of Terry Fox. The MC then introduced the first guest Dr.V.P.Gangadharan to the audience, a man par excellence at both academic and social levels. A rousing session followed where the doctor spoke in detail about cancer itself and its social implications, stressing on the importance of one’s attitude towards the disease and towards its patients. This was followed by the MCs introduction of Dr. Chitrathara, another cancer surgeon par excellence, whose session focused on the more recurrent cancers in society-including breast cancer- and way to both prevent them and detect them early. An interactive session with both doctors followed, during which the students cleared many of the inhibitions they had towards the much feared disease. The doctors then brought the game to the students, asking questions and giving instant prizes for the right answers, ending the session light heartedly. Certificates were distributed after a photo session with the chief guests. All the students left the auditorium with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, having had a most enlightening time learning about things that always inspired fear. They were all confident now, having pledged to rid not only themselves, but everyone they could off all apprehensions about cancer; each in their own capacity, contributing in the fight against cancer.