To promote reading and writing among masses to heighten awareness of literacy and literary art in Kerala, Antharashtra pusthakotsava Samithi organize Kochi International book festival (KIBF) every year.

Caritas India took the opportunity to participate in the event to promote Ashakiranam – Cancer Care campaign among wide spectrum of masses including children, academicians, professional and general public.

Organised during December 2-11, 2016, KIBF was an amazing cultural festival and forum for academic discussion on the major issues of contemporary significance.

Last year, Caritas India participated in a seminar on Cancer organized as a part of KIBF 2015 where exerts from national and international stature came together to discuss on cancer and its treatment.

Capitalizing the opportunity this year, Caritas India put up a stall during the event which was sponsored by US based news media – Azchavattom.

On an average 2500 people visited Caritas India stall every day to gather information about the campaign. Various awareness creation materials and documents were displayed and disseminated through the stall.

Sketches and drawings prepared by children on prevention and reduction of hazardous effects of cancer were also exhibited at the stall.

Considering the festive season of the month, cakes, candles, eco-friendly cloth bags, normal bags, were sold to mobilise funds. The main attraction of the stall was Ashakiranam stars and stone ornaments prepared by the HIV patients.