Did you know that about 50 children in India, on an average, die with cancer daily? And were you aware that most of the deaths are attributed to the lack of finance and prompt awareness of the disease? In a bid to stem the startling tide; Anil Shetty, Bengaluru-based social entrepreneur and author, aims to do his bit – through his second book titled Project Hope: Whatever It Takes, a coffee table read, which aims to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer patients at Kidwai.
In a recent conversation, he elucidates deeper insights about the same...
Citing an experience from his initial visits to the Kidwai hospital, back in his late teens, Anil shares how the idea sprouted.
“I was 19, when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. I frequented the hospital for her check-ups and chemotherapy sessions. Interestingly, I often found many kids running around in the adjacent wards. They were a playful bunch, who wore a glum appearance. For a naive 19-year-old me, I often wondered what they were up to and why were they, unlike most kids — figuring out how to fight a battle that could give anybody the jitters. Ever since, I’ve always wanted to do something for the cause.”
Fast forward a decade, and the enterprising Bengalurean is at it. Having joined hands with the Rotary Club Bangalore Cantontment, his latest conceptualised read aims to raise awareness and adequate funds to help the childhood cancer patients at Kidwai.
“When I was approached to help the organisers out with a childhood cancer programme called Project Hope, the only thing on my mind was to create awareness in a manner that evokes a sense of proativeness to act towards the cause. So I decided to conceptualise a fund-raising marathon via a book. Because at the end of the day, money does play an important role in getting things moving,” asserts the actor, who previously found initiatives like the Peace auto and Bangalore Youth Festival.
“The book encapsulates some of the deep struggles that nobody really wants to talk about. But the truth is, the reluctance and the stigma attached only deepens the wound,” he reveals.
This book has interesting inputs from noted names from varied backgrounds – actress Ragini Dwivedi and Samyuktha Hornad,entreprenuer Suhas Gopinath, walking violinist Aneesh Vidyashankar and Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and have offered their insights.
In spite of a tightly-packed schedule, the author reiterates how unwinding tops his to-do-list! “I’m quite a movie buff, But when I’m not catching up on the movies, I meditate in the lap of the nature.I love solitude.” Speaking of what inspires him, he says, “I strongly feel the need to bring about an iota of difference is what motivates me. External motivation isn’t half an important as self-belief and satisfaction.”
Speaking about his expectations from the book, he concedes, “In all honesty, I’m not planning to make profits out of the book. I want the book to be viewed from a cause perspective than mere literary perspective. The highlight is the lesser known truths and insights about the disease and a deeper look into the stigma. I hope this read joins the dots.”
