KOCHI: Actor Sreenivasan on Tuesday said he was not against cancer centres, but envisaged a society where people prevented cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle, not by depending on cancer centres.
He was speaking after inaugurating the organic vegetable fair organised by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) at Rajendra Maidan here.
“As per official data, there are nearly 35,000 cancer patients in the Ernakulam district alone. Our focus should be on promoting organic farming and preventing the number of patients from increasing,” said Sreenivasan.
Sreenivasan’s statement was also an attempt to clarify his stand on the recent controversy over his remarks on the proposed Kochi Cancer Institute.
Last month, the actor had reportedly stated that the proposed cancer institute was not required, triggering a controversy.
“I appreciate the GCDA for the steps being taken to promote organic farming,” he said. The actor/director also recounted his experience during the shooting for his hit song, ‘pavizhamalli poothulanja neela vaanam..., which was shot at Rajendra Maidan, where the vegetable fair is being held.
A total of 20 stalls have been set up at Rajendra Maidan as part pf the fair, jointly organised by the GCCDA Recreation Club and Nature Club. The fair will conclude on August 27.
GCDA chairman N Venugopal; Mayor Tony Chammany; MLAs Hibi Eden and Loudi Louis; and Assistant Collector Angel Bhatty were also present.