Expressing concern in the spurt in cancer cases in the country, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday exhorted the scientists to ensure that India took the lead in the fight against the disease.

Participating in an interactive session with scientists, staff and faculty at a programme organised jointly by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) at VUDA Children Arena here, Mr. Naidu said 12 to 13 lakh new cancer patients were being detected in the country daily. He underlined the importance of early detection of the infection and provision of proper treatment.

Nuclear research

Recalling the path-breaking contribution made by Homi Jehangir Bhabha in the field of nuclear research in India, he hoped that India would achieve greater laurels in the field of nuclear research.

The Vice-President wanted the benefits of research to reach the common man, especially farmers. “I have visited 58 universities and participated in 29 convocation programmes so far. I always urge scientists to interact with farmers to understand their problems and strive to offer credible solutions,” he said.

Mr. Naidu also spoke on Swachh Bharat, ‘Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao’ programmes among others launched by the Centre, and said that the success of such programmes depend on the participation of the people.

Earlier, the officials of BARC and HBCHRC gave a PowerPoint presentation on the activities of their organisations. MP K. Haribabu, Collector Pravin Kumar, BARC Regional Director D. Venkateswarlu and HBCHRC Director D. Raghunadha Rao were among those who participated in the programme.

Book released

Mr. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said many have forgotten their culture and tradition to make way for modernisation. Taking part as chief guest at the launch of the book ‘Colonial Syndrome’ written by GITAM Chancellor K. Ramakrishna Rao at GITAM School of Gandhian Studies, he said, “Indians should come out of colonial syndrome. They must think and act like a ‘Swadeshi’.” Mr. Venkaiah Naidu lamented that the richness and beauty of the nation’s culture was gradually losing its sheen. Prof. Ramakrishna Rao said the book focussed on Mahtama Gandhi’s concept of Swadeshi. GITAM president M.V.V.S. Murthi and Pro Vice-Chancellor K. Sivaramakrishna, MP K. Haribabu and Collector Pravin Kumar were present.