AARYAN SHARMA
JAMMU: Strange but true; the official media of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has made Governor N. N Vohra to greet the people on World Cancer Day, without even spelling as to what was there in the malady to felicitate.
Though the Governor has not used a single word in the text of his message, amounting to greetings, yet the department, out of sheer enthusiasm, prefers to belittle the compassionate appeal of N N Vohra to people to “work collectively to reduce the global burden of cancer”.
Is cancer to be celebrated or combated? Perhaps, the imagination of the department concerned is flying high, which is why the spirit of the message has been brutally trampled.
World Cancer Day is, in fact, an opportunity to demonstrate as to what you can do, make a pledge and take action in fighting the malady. The theme for observing the Day specifically emphasizes: “Just as cancer affects everyone in different ways; all people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact that cancer has on individuals, families and communities”.
Echoing the spirit of the Day, the Governor on Friday observed that people have the power to take various actions to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities and to work collectively to reduce the global burden of cancer.
“In India, it is estimated that around 2.5 million people are living with the disease and every year over 7 lakh new cancer patients are being registered.
The Governor noted that the observance of the World Cancer Day is an opportunity to enhance awareness of the early signs and symptoms of this disease as timely detection and proper treatment can improve the chances of survival.
The Governor further observed that in our fight against cancer, we can implement measures in the work place which will motivate and sustain healthy habits in the everyday life of the workers. Likewise, every school can foster a culture of healthy habits by providing choices of nutritious food and drink choices, time for recreation and sport and providing practical education about the importance of proper food and regular physical activity in the school curriculum. Educating and informing individuals and communities about the links between lifestyle and cancer risk is yet another step towards effective cancer prevention”.
Incidentally, the intriguing headline given to the Governor’s message comes in the wake of huge controversy over issuance of Republic Day At Home invitation cards. The Raj Bhawan is already seized of the matter and a comprehensive report has been sought from the Department of Information and Public Relations which had ignored some of the prominent accredited journalists, civil society members and prominent citizens of Jammu.
