In 1994, Revered Shri Sardeshmukh Maharaj initiated Cancer Research Project , with the help of Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, who was the head of Radio-oncology, at Bombay Hospital and Dr. S. P. Sardeshmukh. At present, the project is conducted at three centres Pune, Mumbai and Solapur. Dr. Kumthekar, well-known Cancer surgeon, placed at Solapur, is also the co-ordinator of the project.
About 2800 patients have been taking treatment in this project. In the year 2004, the project completed a decade. On this occasion, “Cancer Research Project - Decade Programme” was organised in Pune. “Cancer Research Project - Decade Programme” was held on the 11th & 12th December 2004 at Police Recreation Hall, Shivaji Nagar, Pune. On this occasion, trust had organised ‘'Cancer Awareness & Prevention’ exhibition, Patients counseling and Interactive session which included query solving of patients and relatives by a panel of experts. “Cancer Research Project - Decade Programme” event arranged at Pune was inaugurated by Hon. Dr. K. B. Grant, Managing trustee of Grant Medical Foundation. He inaugurated the exhibition on ‘Ayurved and Cancer’. He also inaugurated the souvenir published by the trust to commemorate the Decade program. Balasaheb Bharade, Trustee of Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust was the Chief guest of the program. “Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Trust - Parichaya”, a book describing the aims - objectives of the trust was inaugurated by him. Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, Onco-Radiologist, Dr. Sharad Hardikar and Dr. Sahastrabuddhe were some of the eminent personalities present on the dias. In the next session, aims, objectives and future plans of Cancer Research Project were explained by Dr. Vineeta Deshmukh, incharge of the project. Afternoon session began with ‘Dialogue with patients’. In this session, patients who were benefited by the project shared their experiences and encouraged other patients and relatives. Dr. Vijay Doiphode, Dean - Ayurved Faculty of Pune University was the Chief guest. To create awareness about Cancer among the masses, lectures on various topics were arranged. Holistic aspect of Cancer, Tobacco and Cancer, Cancer and Vegetarian diet, Herbal medicines on Cancer, Cancer and Ayurved were the various topics discussed. Dr. Kalyan Gangwal, Hon. Consultant, K.E.M. hospital and Pune hospital explained the importance of vegetarian diet.. Dr. Mahesh Kanojia researcher in herbal medication, gave description of various herbs beneficial in the treatment of Cancer.
In his lecture on holistic approach, Dr. Kulkarni explained the importance of three P’s viz. Physiology, Pathology and Psychology, so also the importance of diet, yoga and pranayama in maintaining health. Vaidya Dilip Gadgil expressed his views regarding treatment on Cancer. Ayurved helps in prolonging the life span of the patient and reducing the pain and suffering to some extent. The next day’s program started with second session on ‘Dialogue with patients’ in which the patients expressed their views and benefits from ayurvedic treatment. Dr. Deepak Tilak, Vice-chancellor of Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth was the Chief guest.
11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. was marked by the felicitation of the doctors and staff who had lent a helping hand in this project. Dr. S. N. Navalgundkar, Ex - Vice Chancellor, Pune Vidyapeeth, graced the function. In his speech he said that a scientific approach and mindset is necessary for conducting research. The next session was Cancer Interactive Session where a panel of experts - Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, Dr. Shirish Kumthekar, Dr. Dhananjay Kelkar, Dr. Anuradha Sovani, Dr. Arvind Sangamnerkar, Dr. Mahesh Kanojia, Vd. Sardeshmukh, Vd. Dilip Gadgil, Vd. Vilas Nanal answered the questions put forth by the audience. Vd. Prashant Suru conducted this session. Ayurvedic aspect regarding Cancer, its treatment, benefits of diet, various investigations to be done to detect Cancer at an early stage were some of the questions answered by the panelists. Views were expressed about the effects of changing lifestyle , disturbed mental state, the benefits of alternative therapies etc. Shri. Vijay Kuvalekar, well-known journalist & literary personality was the Chief guest. In his speech, he praised the co-ordination of various pathies for the welfare of the patient.
The Thanks giving and Concluding session started at 5.30 p.m. in the presence of Hon. Dr. S. F. Patil, Hon. Vice-Chancellor, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deem Vidyapeeth) who presided as the Chief guest. He expressed the need for further research on Cancer in the field of Ayurved. In his concluding speech, Dr. Arvind Kulkarni opined that combined efforts of Ayurved and Allopathy are essential to combat Cancer.
To view the Photographs of aforesaid programme please click here...