Cancer is not a fatal disease if detected at its inceptive stage. To further this objective an awareness camp was held for the residents of Sanjay Colony in Okhla. Dr. Rakesh Thakur from All India institute Of Medical Science broke the myth of considering cancer terminal.       
 
Dr Thakur explained to the gathering of around 50 people about types of cancers, causes and symptoms. He emphasized on four most commonly found cancer in India and suggested that these cancer can easily be prevented. He discussed about symptoms and causes of four different types of cancers namely – Mouth cancer, Lung cancer, Breast cancer and cancer of Cervix.

He further elaborated that the most commonly found cancer in men are Lung cancer and Mouth cancer mostly due to smoking and chewing tobacco.
 
Amongst women, breast cancer and cancer of cervix  is the most common cancer in Delhi and  large number of women die every year due to its ignorance. He educated women about identifying symptoms of Breast cancer and incase they find any abnormal growth they should consult the doctor right away.
 
Dr Thakur also explained about  cancer of cervix which is caused due to HPV (human papillomavirus). He recommended PAP smear test which is conducted in most of the government and health centers and also in health check up camps free of cost and is the most easy way to predict the possibility of cancer in women. He advised that women above the age of 30 should definitely go for the test.
The awareness sessions were aimed at changing the mindset of the community with regards the disease and imparting knowledge. The community was keen to know the symptoms and were actively participating through questions. Cancer as is commonly known is one of the most fatal, but the fact is that it is within our hands to control the disease and there are ways to identify and possibly stop it at an early stage.

We just need to know the right things and do the right things. Our health is in our hands……

Deepalaya’s Education Program started with the aim of providing quality education at a nominal fee to the children coming from modest households. Today, with almost 6000 students, we have been successful in achieving this aim, and the happy faces in its numerous schools are a testimony to the success the value based, holistic approach that the Deepalaya adopted.

 
At Deepalaya, parents never worry about how they will manage their children during the holidays. In fact, Deepalaya Schools never have a long break. This is done to provide the students an environment where students can hear their calling, pursue their hobbies and discover their interests - all in the school campus. During the summer break, the schools function as hobby centers, where students are encouraged to take up a hobby and train themselves in extracurricular activities under the guidance of their teachers. Run throughout the summer break, these hobby classes are extensions to what children learn through the year, with activities children enjoy- crafts, dance, singing are just tip of the iceberg.

A packed Auditorium witnesses a mega cultural event at the Deepalaya School Kalkaji, where students showcased their talents and efforts to their parents.  Organized on the 31st of May, the show also marked the World Tobacco Day, for which students put a beautiful play which ended with a pledge taken by students and parents alike, that they will abstain from using any form of tobacco. Girls from junior school dedicated a dance to their beloved Lord Krishna. It was an enthralling performance, greatly enjoyed by the audience. The choir sang a soulful, classical English song. An exhibition was also organized as a part of the program, where the artwork students completed during the hobby classes were put up on sale. Hand crafted jute bags, paintings, decoration pieces, body ornaments were all designed and made by the students themselves.

 
Seeing the happy bright faces of children enjoying their time in school is a very satisfying experience for us at Deepalaya. We believe in going that extra mile, putting that last effort, giving that one last try for our students and the ongoing hobby classes are the perfect example of it.