Health Friendly Food Preparation Competition at RUSEMP, Pakshikere

Mangaluru: The food we consume requires special focus in terms of nutritious value and also the taste and also due to the high rise in diseases viz, Cancer. The main aim of Sparsha: Campaign against cancer is to reduce mortality rate due to cancer through awareness programs, cancer screening camps, street plays, Ayushman drives, health friendly food competition etc.

CODP® Mangalore in collaboration Sneha Okkoota Kinnigoli organized health friendly food competition as a part of campaign against Cancer and Women’s Day Celebration on 19.03.2021.

Speaking about this event, Mrs Sandis Joseph, Chief Dietician of Fr Mullers Hospital Mangalore said “Following healthy food habits is the need of the hour. Especially women don’t focus on having their breakfast, lunch or dinner on time which plays an adverse effect on our health. A good diet can help you build your immunity and prevent diseases.

Chief guest Sr Anna Maria, Secretary of Jeevandara Social Service Trust said “Women are in par with men and have reached success in almost all the fields. The inequality practiced in India with regard to less nutritious food for women in the earlier years has resulted in stunted growth and less masculine power among women. When we look at the western countries women and men perform equally without any distinction with gender.

Rev. Fr F.X. Gomes, Retd Principal and Cancer Survivor spoke on the occasion and informed that 30 percent of cancer cases are due to heredity and 70 percent due to lifestyle issues. He stressed upon improving our lifestyle so that we can decrease 70 percent of cancer cases.

Rev. Fr Oswald Monteiro, Director of CODP quoting newspaper reports said 1 out of 9 persons below 74 years are diagnosed with cancer in India and we need to change our lifestyle in order to combat this deadly disease. He also said that Self-Help group members must be empowered, maintain good health and work together to promote community development activities.

Mrs Asha, Member of Jyothi Daya SHG shared her testimony about how she was inspired by CODP and took up social service. She has helped several cancer patients and provided Lakshmanphal saplings free of cost to community members.

In order to promote healthy food, a competition was held.

12 teams from various Self-Help Groups participated in the event.

Winner of the event

1. First Prize: Mrs Kusuma, Mrs Anitha Dsouza, Mrs Harinakshi from Samruddhi SHG, Balkunke
2. Second Prize: Mrs Molly Furtado, Mrs Treccy Mendonca, Mrs Teena Shetty from Jyothi Daya SHG, Chelairu
3. Third Prize: Mrs Reena Dsouza, Mrs Mareena Dsouza, Mrs Jacqueline Dsouza from Adarsha SHG, Balkunje

All the participants were given token of appreciation for their active participation.

Ms Shalet Castelino invoked God’s blessings through prayer song.

Ms Lenet Gonsalves, Program Manager of CODP; Mrs Shilpa Dsouza, Sparsha Coordinator, Mrs Pushpaveni, NRM Animator were also present. Mr Rockey Saldanha welcomed the gathering,  Mrs Anitha Dsouza delivered the vote of thanks and Mrs Pramila Furtado compered the program.