Sasneham Oru Vishu Kaineetam

Pediatric ward of RCC enjoyed and assuaged under the spell of Sasneham group.

Once again the paediatric ward was filled with laughter and happiness. This Vishu too, claps and merriment resonated in the otherwise gloomy and sepulchral Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) Paediatric ward. A place where pessimism is so commonplace, that the antipodal state of optimism is nearly forgotten, was shrouded for once with optimism and hope. ‘Sasneham’, a community of G. Venugopal fans under the auspices of Malayalam’s favorite singer himself and veteran actor Jagadeesh celebrated Vishu with the kids, parents and staff of the paediatric department. Joyous voices of singing and mimicry reverberated in the paediatric ward.

A happy cherub receiving her Vishukaineetam

Inside the ward, curled down on their beds or slumped against their mother’s lap the kids looked apathetic. But when their favorite stars showed up on the ward, a shimmer of happiness appeared on the eyes of wearied kids with exposed heads. It soon turned into a smile as they received ‘Vishu Kaineetam’ from their much loved ‘Echoose Me’ uncle and ‘Unarumee Gaanam’ singer Venu Chetan. The kids and their parents wanted to have pictures and they were not left disheartened as they all had their chance to pose gleefully with their loved stars.

This was followed by a cultural eve on the paediatric ward foyer. Renowned mimicry artist Sabu Thiruvalla , Manoj (Idea Star Singer Program Producer and Singer), Vivekanadan (Idea Star Singer Fame), Baby Athira Murali (Munch Star Singer Fame) and playbacks Divya and Saritha made the eve a memorable one with Venugopal and Jagadeesh. Dr. Kusuma Kumari, Chief Paediatrician, RCC, with her quick wits and exuberance supported by ‘Sasneham’ volunteers Gireesh and Manoj made sure that the kids were left with a treasure chest of beautiful memories.

Manoj with a kid

‘Rainbow’; a collection of poems, drawings and short stories by kids and staff of paediatric ward was released during the event with the first copy being handed over to Jagadeesh by Venugopal. 

“I want to tell our people to come and see the children here. It makes us forget the 'we' in us. For once we forget about ourselves. Physical presence is very important to these kids. One should come here and be present for them.”- Said an impassioned Venugopal during his speech. “Today Vishu has got a meaning in my life”- expressed an emotional Sabu Thiruvalla during his performance.

Sasneham has been organising events for the children at the paediatric ward in RCC on Saturdays, with the help of Dr. Kusuma Kumari. Through events like singing, drawing, painting, mimicry, clay modeling and magic show they try to bring some fun and happiness to the children's lives. Last Vishu too, the group organized a cultural event for the kids.

Jagadeesh with his sense of humour filled the place with laughter and sang the melody ‘Sruthiyil Ninnuyarum Nadha Salabhangale‘ for the kids. Then it was Sabus turn to enthrall the kids with his mimicry performance. The kids had a joyride with all their loved film stars and politicians. Songs by Venugopal, Saritha and Divya carried away the woes and worries of the spectators. Manoj and Vivekanadan with their powerful singing made the kids dance on the foyer.

An engrossed kid.

Let us support these kids through our prayers and presence. It would be worthwhile to spend an hour of our busy schedule with people like this. In our fast paced, competitive life, we tend to forget about others, but amidst all this there are people who do selfless deeds, trying to make a difference. Many a times, the patients and their family’s optimisms are flagged and they lose hope. A support group can really make a difference. May be we can keep the cherubs face radiant with a smile on their way through the ordeal.