Imphal, September 22 2010: Presentation of token gifts and speeches to cheer up the spirit of cancer patients marked the National Rose Day observance held today at RIMS Mini Auditorium.

As chief guest of the observance Governor Gurbachan Jagat visited cancer patients at the Radiotherapy Department (Ward) of the RIMS Hospital and presented roses to them in honour of their undying spirit.

He also awarded rose and cash amount of Rs 2000 each to four persons, including survivors of the dreaded disease, for their successful struggle as well as contribution in tackling cancer.

The four include Baby Vichyta, L Pishak Devi, Dr L Gojendro and T Romio.

In his address, Gurbachan Jagat highlighted that Rose Day observance began at Mumbai (Bombay) in 1994 when a group of cancer patients organised an event along with entertainment programmes to raise fund for cancer patients.

The fact that rose has been adopted as a symbol signifies alluring capacity of the flower that gifts a hope to the patients that the disease need not be perceived as fatal for its could be controlled through timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

He also applauded contributions of Manipur Cancer Society, established in 2005, towards providing solace and creating awareness that cancer could be controlled.

The Governor also mentioned RIMS Annual Report for 2009-10 with regard to patient care services in the Radiotherapy Department wherein the total number of ward admission is listed as 1225 and bed occupation rate put at 75.3 percent.

Moreover, 88 minor operations and 1147 external radiotherapy had been carried out during the same period, he maintained while pointing out that among the North Eastern States manipur has the highest number of cancer patients with many patients recommended by the State Medical Board for further treatment at reputed medical institutions of the country.

He also strongly advocated change in lifestyle and eating habit while abstaining from the use of tobacco products and other consumable items that pose threat to healthy living.

While Education Minister L Jayentakumar graced the occasion as the functional president, Prof Dr L tomcha Singh of Radiotherapy Department and Medical Superintendent (RIMS) Dr Y Mohen also spoke on the occasion, which culminated with the screening of a movie on Yoga as a therapy of cancer.

Presenting the key note address, Kangjam Birendra Singh, who is secretary of the event host Manipur Cancer Society, recounted that Rose Day observance began in India when some individuals formed a group and organised entertainment programmes aimed at cheering and encouraging the cancer patients in their fight against the disease.

Through continuous observance of the day hope of the cancer patients for a disease-free world is given fresh leash of life, he opined while pointing out that Manipur Cancer Society is a voluntary support group that envisions wider participation of cancer patients and their relatives in the fight against the disease.

Rose Day is being held with Rose as the symbol for the floral is revered for its purity and freshness, he explained and desired that Govt concerned make stronger initiative to help those suffering from cancer.

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