Could Diwali come as a glimmer of hope for these kids?

NEW DELHI: Here's a chance to bring some cheer to several children battling cancer in hospitals across the national capital. This Diwali, an NGO has decided to organise activities for such children.

"Umeedon Ki Diwali" by Uday Foundation will cover around 1,500 children suffering from cancer in ten Delhi government and private hospitals, Nov 7-12.

The celebration includes dinners in renowned hotels in Delhi, gift distribution, magic shows, story-telling sessions and many more fun activities.

"There are a number of children who spend Diwali in hospital, and many of them may have little to look forward to. This Diwali, we want people to celebrate the festival of light by touching the lives of little children in hospital in a meaningful way," said Rahul Verma of Uday Foundation.

Last year too, the NGO had made children with cancer and heart ailments the focus of their Diwali celebrations. Events were organised at B.R. Ambedkar Hospital in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Escorts Heart Institute.

"We have tied up with an online crowd-funding network, Wishberry. The network has a record of finding funds for social projects, and was recently involved in the celebrations of the International Day of the Girl Child. It raised money for acid attack victim Sonali Mukherjee, and helped Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor raise funds for a cancer charity on her birthday," he said.

Appealing to people to join the effort to bring some cheer to children battling disease this Diwali, Verma said: "Sometimes, all it takes is a little love and care. So when you are busy exchanging gifts with near and dear ones, spare a thought for these kids too."

"Diwali is a great time to consider those not quite privileged enough to be able to celebrate. There are ways in which we could all help to provide food, clothing and toys to children to enable them experience the joy of Diwali," Verma said.

Uday Foundation provides support services to children afflicted with congenital defects, critical disorders, syndromes, and diseases that affect not only general health but also impair growth and education.