Caritas India had organized a Virtual Meet titled “Jeevani” a Cancer Preventive Action Through Promoting Safe to Eat Food Culture, on 24^th September 2020. The purpose of this meet was to enhance the knowledge of organic cultivation and consumption as a preventive means of addressing Cancer in Kerala. Fr. Jolly in his welcome address, officially acknowledged the presence of the panellists and audience and introduced the relevance of promoting safe to eat culture.

Rev. Fr. Paul Moonjely, in his opening remarks set the tone for the meeting bringing to the fore how the government schemes like Surakshakeralam can create a favourable opening towards mitigating the issue of cancer.

Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal, Chairman, JPD Commission, KCBC in his keynote address emphasised on the need for a healthy lifestyle and adopting a culture of good health and safety. He also reiterated that under the aegis of Ashakiranam, the volunteer nexus can be a booster towards spreading awareness and enhancing the need for a healthy living.

Our Guest of Honour for the day was Dr K Vasuki IAS, Director of Agriculture Govt of Kerala. Exuberating a dynamic and keen interest in the subject of cancer, Dr. Vasuki shared the deplorable situation of this disease in Kerala. Referring to a study by UNDP, she highlighted that in a few years time, 200 to 300 chemical toxins will reach to the foetus in the womb. With commercialization and globalization on the rise, human civilization is racing in its pursuit to keep abreast with the trend. However, the danger lies, if we continue with the same lifestyle. Nearly two-thirds of people will have contracted the disease within 50 years. The chemicals released on a daily basis makes the population vulnerable. For instance, the things we are using every day, every minute may expose a lot of chemical toxins.

Our nutrient value has decreased during the last 30 years. Dr Vasuki, mentioned that through Suraksha Keralam scheme the young generation can balance nature and thereby can improve nutrient levels.

Fr. Jacob Mavunkal Executive Director of KSSF, in his message shared that it is important for all of us to understand the signs of times and work towards protecting the coming generation.

Ms Babita Alick, Manager Operations, presented the inputs of Caritas India to promote organic farming. In her presentation, she spoke about how these interventions are planned and designed to promote organic and integrated farming with the active involvement of the community. She also highlighted on the scope Ashakiranam Campaign has opened towards consuming safe to eat food as a preventive mechanism to control cancer.

Dr. V.R. Haridas, Manager, ECOSIGN gave a detailed input on integrated family farming strategies and results. He shared facts and figures on the relevance of Family Farming and the repercussions if this practice is not sustained. He had added a point to his speech that it is important to promote honey box, seed bole, BMP Parivar (Banana, Muringa, Papaya), Azolla farming etc. because it will help us to improve our nutrient level and explained about the importance of Sunday marketing. Sunday marketing and online marketing has to be promoted for helping poor farmers. Dr Haidas concluded this session with a message that we should have knowledge on what we are eating.

After this session, there was an open forum led by Abeesh Antony. Members clarified many of their doubts on organic farming and cancer. Dr. Haridas in his concluding remarks reiterated that health is essential and one should strive towards a healthy lifestyle. The meeting came to a closure with the vote of thanks by Ms Larina  Fernandez.