It was not just an Onam celebration, but a celebration of life. The members of Pratheeksha came together at IMA Hall in Kozhikode on Saturday with only one motive – to show the world how in control of their lives they are.
Pratheeksha is a forum of cancer patients and survivors under the patronage of oncologist Narayanan Kutty Warrier. For the past 11 years, Pratheeksha has been working towards improving the confidence of cancer patients and creating awareness on the latest available treatment for the disease. “Removing the popular misconceptions about cancer is our greatest challenge,” said Shajahan Naduvattom, secretary of Pratheeksha.
Environmentalist A. Achuthan inaugurated the 11 anniversary and Onam celebrations of Pratheeksha on Saturday, which was attended by around 400 people including members and relatives. Cultural programmes by children and ‘Onasadya’ were the highlights of the celebrations.
On the occasion of the anniversary, Pratheeksha is focussing on the need for organic vegetable gardens in the houses of each member. With the help of the Department of Agriculture, Pratheeksha supplied seeds and other necessary articles to its members on Saturday to set up their vegetable garden. “This has three dimensions. The farming will help the cancer patients relax. It also offers exercise, which is very important in their treatment. And most importantly, they could take safe vegetables with their meals,” said Dr. Warrier, delivering the presidential address.
Mr. Shajahan said that cancer was no longer incurable and making the public aware of this was a great responsibility. “There are many people who still think that cancer is contagious. Our proposed cancer care centre in Govindapuram did not materialise as the residents protested against it alleging that water in the area will be polluted if a lot of cancer patients stayed there,” he said, and added that cancer patients could lead a normal life with proper medication and exercise and could survive if the disease is detected early enough. Pratheeksha offers guidance to cancer patients. The organisation can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline number 9495617585.
