Manipal :
Persons with haemophilia made their day under the sun as Manipal Haemophilia Society celebrated World Haemophilia Day at End Point here on Saturday.
SMH Kirmani, former Indian stumper and Malathi Holla, Paralympics silver medallist in discus/shot put and Arjuna award winner made their day as well as that of their families in the event sponsored by Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation and supported by Manipal University.
The Society planned an afternoon of fun and frolic for persons with haemophilia. There was Team Mangalore with their colourful kites of various shapes and sizes adorning the skies and music to go with it. A mass tera-band musical exercise was performed by more than 300 students of various colleges of university for benefit of persons with haemophilia who need regular exercise to keep them fit to prevent episodes of bleeding.
Dr Annamma Kurien, president of Manipal Haemophilia Society, the person behind the show, welcomed the gathering and gave a brief of the work being done by the Society to encourage and give hope to persons with haemophilia. Kirmani acknowledged the importance of getting associated with such a noble cause. He was all praise for Malathi Holla who has conquered challenges from her wheelchair to bring laurels to the country.
Kirmani released a music CD titled ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 1, 2, 3, 4’ which was distributed to all persons with haemophilia. Students of Melaka Manipal Medical College sang a song composed by Dr Kurien.
Malathi awarded scholarships to children with haemophilia in three categories. District surgeon Dr Anand Naik dwelt on efforts made by the government to provide factor VIII and IX to PwH which could remarkably help in fighting the disorder.
Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor, Manipal University, said the public-private partnership model can help fight this bleeding disorder.
The formal function was followed by a cricket match between Manipal XI led by Dr Ballal and Haemophilia XI led by Kirmani. Haemophilia XI included children and youngsters with haemophilia and Manipal XI included officials and others of Manipal University.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangalore / by TNN / April 21st, 2013