Diwali Milan held for children in cancer ward at Nagpur Medical College

Diwali was celebrated among children in the cancer ward of the Medical College in Nagpur this year. A Diwali Milan was organised in Ward No. 85 for children with cancer, where fruit, dry fruits, chikki and chocolates were distributed.

At an age when children should have toys in their hands, some of them hold medicine bottles and treatment files. These children are fighting a serious illness like cancer with great patience and courage, and the carefree joys of childhood are out of their reach.

The Diwali Milan was organised to bring a few moments of happiness into their lives and awaken the festive spirit in them. It brought smiles to the faces of the children admitted to the hospital with cancer.

Dr Ashok Diwan, head of the cancer department, said the children are being treated at the Medical College amid financial hardship. The programme was held to give them a sense of love, affection and joy from their loved ones during the festival days.

Dr Avinash Gawande, the current Dean of Mayo Hospital and Medical Superintendent of the Medical College, said the very word cancer instils fear even in the strongest. "But the innocent laughter on the faces of these children and their will to live, even as they face the harsh challenges of treatment, are an inspiration for all of us," he said.

The programme was held with the support of social organisations, donors and social workers of Nagpur district. Children were given nutritious items and gifts, including dry fruits, energy powder, chikki, chocolates, tiffin boxes, fresh fruit, rajgira laddus and dates.

The children looked highly excited at getting a few moments of happiness away from the dull and stressful atmosphere of the hospital. Associate Professors Vijay Mohabia and Pragya Tajne, and social workers Pravin Kamble and Kumudini Kadav were among those present.