Cancer Awareness Camp Held at Rewalsar; ‘Cancer Can Be Defeated,’ Says Project Cause Chairperson Surjit Chatterjee.
Shimla:
An inspiring blend of awareness, hope and determination was witnessed at a cancer awareness camp organised by Lala Meme Foundation and Project Cause at the sacred Triveni Complex in Rewalsar of Mandi district. The programme aimed at spreading awareness about early detection and treatment of cancer drew participation from hundreds of people across the Himalayan region.
SDM Balh, Smritika Negi, attended the event as the chief guest and appreciated the efforts of the organisers for taking such an important health initiative to a remote and spiritually significant location.
The highlight of the programme was the address by Chairperson of Project Cause, Surjit Chatterjee, who courageously shared her personal journey of battling cancer. Speaking emotionally, she said, “I myself suffered from this dreadful disease, but timely treatment and strong willpower helped me defeat it. Today, I stand before you completely healthy. Cancer does not mean the end of life. With timely screening and proper treatment, it can be completely cured.” Her powerful testimony instilled renewed confidence and hope among the hundreds of men and women present at the camp.
Renowned cancer specialist Dr Sumit Goyal from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital provided detailed information on the symptoms of cancer and stressed the importance of regular health check-ups. He assured continued support to the foundation’s mission and expressed his willingness to contribute his services to future awareness initiatives.
Senior Vice President of the Foundation, Dr Chander Mohan, informed that after organising similar camps in Kullu, Shimla and Goa, the foundation has now reached Rewalsar, with an ambitious goal of covering the entire Himalayan range. Foundation President Mangal Manepa announced that large-scale cancer awareness camps would be organised in May this year in Keylong and Udaipur of Lahaul. Former administrative officer Swayam Ram also emphasised the need to conduct such awareness programmes in other regions.
More than 500 participants from Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Pangi and Leh attended the camp, reflecting the wide outreach and impact of the initiative.
The programme was coordinated by noted social worker Harmeet Singh Bittu, who expressed gratitude to Nyungma Gompa Rewalsar, the local Gurdwara Management Committee, DAG Sanstha Rewalsar, the Municipal Council, local women’s groups, and Lala Meme Foundation’s blood donation camp coordinator Prem Lal, along with senior members Ramesh Malpa and Nirmala Thakur, for their invaluable support in making the event a success.
The Rewalsar cancer awareness camp stood as a strong message that with awareness, early diagnosis and collective effort, cancer can indeed be defeated.
