In a spontaneous act of charity, delegates of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) national meeting pooled a sum of ₹1.06 lakh for the welfare of cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Ernakulam General Hospital.
The gesture on World Cancer Day also saw the organisation’s State committee member, P. Jiji, from Malappuram donate her gold ring while two other State leaders, V.P. Rajeena and Fazila, pledged their hair for cancer patients.
The DYFI had earlier constructed homes for 13 homeless people and had undertaken a mission to sponsor the education of poor students. “It is in line with such commitments that this is also being done, as an impromptu call,” said M.B. Rajesh, MP, and DYFI national president.
Senior leaders approached the delegates with bucket and collected their contributions. Soon, State-level formations also pitched in, with Tripura, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala choosing to make additional contributions. The Tribal Youth Federation also loosened its purse strings for cancer patients.
The sum collected was handed over to V.S. Dahlia, superintendent of Ernakulam General Hospital. Mr. Rajesh said the government hospital ran one of the best cancer treatment facilities in the State and had an air-conditioned chemotherapy ward. It also offered food and other support free of cost to patients, he briefed the delegates.
The national meet will end on Sunday, with a rally in which about two lakh people are expected to take part. The rally, which will showcase art and music forms, will see the participation by workers from 192 zonal committees in the district. The public meeting that follows, at 5 p.m. at Marine Drive, will be addressed by CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and veteran leader M.A. Baby besides DYFI leaders.
A musical feast by musician Jassie Gift and team will be on offer at the venue at Marine Drive at 2 p.m.
