·       Dr. R Lalthangliana, Hon’ble Health Minister

·       Mr CL Ruala, Hon’ble Member of Parliament

·       The organizers and esteemed participants

·       My dear friends

·       CHIBAI

-            It is my privilege to be the Chief Guest at this NEC – Pink Chain Cancer Conclave 2019, being organized by the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the Pink Chain Campaign (PCC).

-            At the outset, I commend the Pink Chain Campaign (PCC) for having done a tremendous job in raising Cancer Awareness across many states of the country. I welcome them in their noble endeavor to raise awareness regarding this deadly disease in the state of Mizoram.

-            Here in Mizoram, while we perform very well on various socio-economic indicators, including high literacy rate, it is an anomaly and extremely unfortunate that we have alarmingly high incidences of cancer. Many families across the State are being devastated by different forms of cancer, such as oral, lung, breast, cervical etc. It is high time that we take all possible measures on a mission mode and tackle this menace head-on.

-            In this fight against cancer, I am certain that today’s Conclave will play a massive positive role. I have seen that the Conclave will see panel discussions and presentations by leading doctors from outside and within the State. Here, I would like to stress that while it is beneficial to hold technical sessions, it would be more widely appreciated if lectures and discussions can take place using simple languages that the common man can understand.

-            I have been told that early detection of cancer leads to a very high chance of containing the disease, while detection at advanced stages makes it very difficult to fight cancer. Therefore, the public should be educated on how to screen themselves in order to detect early stages of cancer. We should give a sustained push in generating awareness on how to screen oneself for early detection.

-            In Mizoram, we need to effect urgent behavioural changes in order to prevent the onset of cancer. We are well aware of the unhealthy lifestyle habits which compound this problem, including use of tobacco and tobacco-related products, high consumption of smoked meat, excessive drinking etc. It only takes our will power to let go of these bad habits, and usher in a new era of Healthy Mizoram.

-            In our attempt to bring in positive lifestyle changes, I want to stress that constant awareness programmes such as today’s Conclave have proven most useful. For instance, due to the sustained efforts of the Government and the civil society, the percentage of people using various types of tobacco has been reduced from, about 67.2% during 2009-2010 to 58.7% in 2016-17, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Therefore, we must remember that our efforts are not in vain.

-            As I come towards the end of my speech, I want to encourage all the cancer patients and their families to try to remain positive, however difficult it may be. The community also needs to offer all possible support. It was Gandhiji who said, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” As such, we must be strong and find the will to keep on fighting.

-            In conclusion, I once again congratulate the organizers for today’s programme and wish the Conclave a grand success.

-            KA LAWM E

-            Jai Hind!