New Delhi, 18th October 2023: India’s first skill varsity, Odisha’s Centurion University of Technology and Management, recently organized a ‘Cancer & No Tobacco Awareness Program and Screening Camp’ in collaboration with the Cuttack-based Awaaken Cancer Care Trust. The event, attended by Centurion University Vice Chancellor Dr Supriya Pattanayak and Awaaken Trust chairperson & cancer activist Ms Swagatika Acharya among other dignitaries, was held to observe the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD).
Addressing the gathering, Dr Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor, Centurion University, thanked each student for showing interest and participating with zeal in such an activity. She further said, “It has been our constant endeavor to work towards the wellbeing of the society, and it is a matter of immense pride that an awareness campaign of this magnitude is being conducted in our university. I thank each and everyone who strengthened the initiative with their active participation.”
Ms Swagatika Acharya, a Cancer Activist & Chairperson of the Awaaken Trust shared her own experience of being diagnosed with the cancer, stressing on how an early detection of the disease, followed by proper treatment, helped her win the battle. It was after this experience that she embarked on a mission to create awareness around cancer with the Awaaken Cancer Care Trust, through which besides making people aware, treatment is also ensured for those diagnosed.
The awareness program and screening camp was also attended by Dr Kshitish Mishra, Oncologist from MD Carcinova Hospital, who made a presentation on Cancer and the ill-effects of tobacco on humans. He also answered questions raised by students. Besides, a session on ‘Gynaecological Problems in Adolescent’ was presided over by Dr Falguni Mishra, MBBS, Fellowship, Critical Care Medicine, Apollo Hospital, Navi Mumbai. A cancer awareness song, written and performed by Dr Mishra, was also showcased at the event.
All the guests were felicitated with a set of Uttariya and Memento by Dr Sangram Keshari Swain, Dean, Students’ Welfare at Centurion University, Bhubaneswar campus. The other attendees included Dr Rubina Pradhan from Carcinova Cancer Hospital and Ms Manisha Panda, the President of Awaaken Cancer Care Trust. Students of the university too were screened at the on-campus Operation Theatre of Centurion University of Technology and Management.
