JEDDAH, 3 March 2007 — The friends and relatives of cancer patients, all Keralites, have announced a plan to form a cancer-support group called “Cansupport” at a meeting held here recently.
The purpose of this group will be to help cancer patients gain self-confidence.
“We invite people who have recovered from cancer and their family members to participate in the group’s activities,” said Dr. Abdul Shukkoor, a cancer specialist at Jeddah’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital. “The objective of the group is not just to sit in a room and talk about the disease but to interact with cancer patients and develop frienship with them so as to help them cope with their disease.”
The doctor said the group is planning to conduct a series of lectures and hold counseling sessions where experts will speak on the emotional, spiritual and physical issues related to to the disease.
“Being the husband of a cancer patient, I had no hesitation in supporting the idea of forming a group when Dr. Shukkoor spoke about it,” said Saby George, an executive of an insurance company.
Those interested can contact George on his mobile 0560302277 or through e-mail: [email protected].
Global Malayalee Council
Announces Singapore Expo
As part of an ongoing effort to showcase Kerala as a prime tourist destination, the Global Malayalee Council is planning its fourth exposition in Singapore from July 6 to 8, the head of the council said.
The meeting will be a combination of a trade show, business seminar and cultural celebration that will include performances by leading Indian (including Malayalam), Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese artists. Representatives and promoters from the Middle East, the US, Europe, Africa, China and Southeast Asia will be participating in the event.
The exposition, which is called the Global Meet, will focus on tourism ties between India and Singapore. The council’s Global Excellency Award will be awarded to five leaders in the fields of health care, entrepreneurship, media, education and philanthropy.
Participants of Global Meet can enjoy special package tour in Singapore and Malaysia with a seven-day package program that includes round trip travel from Dammam or Cochin, accommodation, breakfast and a guided tour of Singapore for 19,500 rupees.
The council has recently established Tropical Tours and Services LTD to strengthen tourism activities in Kerala. Branch offices of the company are planned in Europe, the Middle East, the US and Singapore.
Food With Focus on
Career Development
Twenty-one girls and 31 boys recently participated in a cooking workshop in Dammam aimed at honing the youths’ culinary talents. Sponsored by Marhaba Restaurant and Dammam-based PEACE (Program for Educational and Career Enhancement), the workshop focused not only on food preparation but also on presentation.
Sreedevi V. Menon, the headmistress of Al-Khozama International School, conducted the workshop titled “Cook Well” while Mohammed Saudi, higher education teacher at the International Indian School and director of this culinary program, directed the workshop titled “Serve Better.”
