It’s been four years since Emraan Hashmi found out about his now, eight-year-old son’s cancer diagnosis. Thankfully, Ayan Hashmi has made a full recovery. But, the experience left an indelible mark on Hashmi’s life, to the extent that the actor documented the entire journey in his book, The Kiss Of Life in which he refers to his son as a superhero. However, it doesn’t there for the actor who has been away from the limelight for sometime now. The fact that there are million in the country who suffer and cannot afford the best treatments available has not gone unnoticed for him. One of his constant endeavours remain being of help in whichever way possible to those battling cancer.
And, therefore, taking his efforts one step further in his fight against the sickness, Emraan Hashmi has inaugurated India’s first cashless cancer hospital. Founded by Mr. Vijay Tata and Mrs. Amrita Tata, New India, the idea of the initiative is to bring the treatment to the lesser privileged. “I have very closely seen the pain which cancer patients and their family goes through. New India’s initiative to create new hope for poor cancer patients is worth appreciating and I am glad that individuals like Mr. Vijay Tata and Mrs. Amrita Tata are coming forward to take this novel step,” said Emraan to a leading newspaper at the inauguration.
The Benguluru-based business couple launched New India, which is a self-funded NGO that aims to give the needy state-of-the-art treatment for cancer. They have put Rs 200 crore towards the NGO on the occasion of their daughter’s birthday, as an act of philanthropy. Speaking about the initiative, Mrs. Amrita Tata said, “To make a difference, one has to be the difference. We want to give it back to the society and we have already taken the first step.” The idea is to provide holistic care and solutions for cancer patients, which is said to include free treatment and aftercare.
While the hospital hasn’t started running yet, we believe that this is a step in the positive direction for the nation and towards treatment of cancer. It is pleasantly surprising to see a couple from the mainstream business sector take a stand on something so personal and heartfelt. And what’s even more promising is to see Hashmi extend his support to the cause. While we might not be seeing a lot of the actor onscreen, his role as a father and efforts as a humanitarian are noteworthy.
Images: NewsPatrolling
