Nilaav Kuwait Holds ‘Young Talents – Volunteers for Cancer Awareness’
Kuwait: 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. 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. Habeebulla Muttichur, President Nilaav Kuwait, Hameed Madhur, General Secretary, and Shareef Thamarassery, Convener Organizing Committee were the other dignitaries present on the dais. Rafeek Thayath, Convener of the program explained to the students the purpose of the program citing the ever inspiring story of Terry Fox. The treasure of Nilaav, Mujeebulla K.V. delivered the vote of thanks.
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 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 ways for both to be detected and prevented 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 to the fight against cancer.
The awareness program was organized as part of Hala Kuwait celebrations, with the support of the Ministry of Health, Education, Information, and the Kuwait Cancer Control Center.
