Athawale’s Witty Remarks at Ambagopal Foundation’s Event
Mumbai: “I never fall sick because I know what to eat and what to drink. I don’t drink at all,” said Union Minister of State for Social Justice, Ramdas Athawale, at an event in Mumbai. He inaugurated the ‘Jagega Bharat Toh Bachega Bharat’ campaign launched by Ambagopal Foundation to create a cancer-free India. On this occasion, Athawale used his signature poetic style to raise awareness about cancer.
The campaign, based on the Helping Our Society Heal (HOSH) concept, was launched in the presence of Dr. Harish Shetty (Founder of Ambagopal Foundation), Water Conservationist & Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dr. Rajendra Singh, Zero Budget Farming Pioneer & Padma Shri Awardee Subhash Palekar, and other dignitaries. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of over 2,000 young men and women, making it a significant attraction.
Athawale’s Poetic Take on Cancer Awareness
Praising the Ambagopal Foundation for its initiatives in spreading cancer awareness, Athawale said:
“जब आप पलट देंगे कैंसर के किताबों का पन्ना,
तब आपको मदद करने आएंगे डॉ. हरीश अन्ना।”
Highlighting the alarming rise in cancer cases in India, he stated that the central government is actively implementing measures to address the issue. He also drew attention to the increasing incidence of cancer among women and children. Referring to the foundation’s HOSH campaign, he shared another poetic line:
“आपके दिल में अगर होगा होश,
तो मत दे दो कैंसर को दोष।”
A Call for a Healthy Lifestyle & Addiction-Free Life
Speaking about preventive healthcare, Athawale stressed the importance of regular exercise and healthy dietary habits. Sharing his own lifestyle choices, he said,
“I never fall sick because I know what to eat and what to drink. I don’t drink alcohol—I only drink clean water.”
His remark drew cheers and laughter from the audience.
Appreciating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), Athawale emphasized environmental conservation for better health and urged people to follow this mantra:
“Plant trees, save trees, and drive cancer out of the country!”
He further stated that “creating a cancer-free India is our collective responsibility.” While the government is taking steps to control cancer, Dr. Harish Shetty’s efforts toward this cause are highly inspiring. Recognizing the foundation’s work, Athawale recited another poetic tribute:
“जो आपको हमेशा पूछता रहेगा हाल,
उस फाउंडेशन का नाम है अंबागोपाल।
जो देश भर में फैल रहा है कैंसर का जाल,
उसे खत्म करेंगे मोदीजी और अंबागोपाल।”
A Message to Youth: Say No to Addictions
The event witnessed an overwhelming presence of young participants. Addressing them, Athawale linked substance abuse to cancer and encouraged a healthy lifestyle with a poetic message:
“अगर हम बंद कर देंगे नशा,
तो जीवन सुंदर बनने की है आशा।”A Political Twist in Poetic Style
Athawale also took a light-hearted political dig while recalling how he became a minister in Modi’s government:“पहले तो दे दिया था मुझे धोखा,
मोदीजी ने दिया मुझे मंत्रिपद का मौका।”
In conclusion, Athawale reaffirmed his support for Ambagopal Foundation’s Cancer-Free India Initiative. His witty and poetic speech was met with resounding applause and appreciation from the audience.
