MARGAO: Their anxiety and joy knew no bounds when the CSTM-Mangalore Express chugged in at the Margao railway station on Thursday morning.
In fact, an air of excitement rent the air when around 38 cancer affected children from the Tata Memorial hospital, Mumbai with their parents, doctors and para-medics in tow disembarked at the Margao railway station. These children are on a complimentary Mumbai-Goa train, courtesy the Konkan Railway Corporation and will stay in Goa for the next three days.
“The disease is such that it takes immense mental strength to face the reality of having been afflicted with it. And, more than that, it requires unwavering faith to live through it everyday to get healed and stay cheerful. But these little children, who are affected with cancer, have chosen to see the bright side of life. And, Konkan Railway has only added a further cheer to their positive outlook by arranging a complimentary train trip,” informed KRC Sr Manager, Public Relations Baban Ghatge.
These children, in the age group of 3-16, who are undergoing treatment for cancer at various stages at Tata Memorial Centre, started their Goa trip from CSTM station Thursday by train no 12133 CSTM – Mangalore Express.
Konkan Railway has been giving this complimentary train journey in 3-tier AC coach to such children from Tata Memorial Centre every year since 2007 as part of Corporate Social responsibility. On the occasion, Konkan Railway distributes gift hampers to the children and also extends complimentary on-board hospitality to them and their escorts during the to & fro journey. With this small gesture, Konkan Railway prays for an early and speedy recovery of these little angels, Ghatge added.
