By C V Joseph
Bengaluru, August 13, 2019: A Bengaluru-based philanthropist has won the “AP Kunju Kunju Arattukulam Jeeva Karunya” award for his outstanding work for cancer patients.
“Cedric Morris is doing a great work for the poor and helpless cancer patients,” said Celine Kunjukunju, a former Income Tax officer and a social worker, while handing over the award citation to the 49-year-old factory owner at a function on August 11 in Bengaluru, capital of Karnataka state.
“What he does is a wonderful act of charity and work of mercy,” said Celine, wife of A P Kunju Kunju, another tax-officer-turned-builder who set up the award three years ago to recognize those serving other people.
Besides the citation, the award comprises 10,000 rupees and a citation.
Morris is the managing director of Alpha Elastomer Bangalore that produces auto mobile rubber-based items. He began serving cancer patients five years ago after he himself was cured of a fourth-stage cancer through prayers.
“Morris is grateful to God and wants to serve society. He spends time on the corridors of hospitals, wards or with doctors. He chats with patients after their chemo therapy,” said P L Sunny, proprietor of career guidance center and vice president of the Bangalore Christian Writers’ Forum, who read out the citation.
Sunny, who has known Morris for years, recalled that the businessman accepted death after doctors had given a month to live. “Everything came to a standstill. He decided to dedicate his life for others in the few days left. He was praying in a church when he felt completely cured of his advanced cancer,” Sunny explained.
Morris has made his wife one of the directors and the 75 workers in the factory handle marketing, purchase and execution.
“Morris is free to give his time for total dedication for the patients at Kidwai,” Sunny added.
Morris now conducts awareness classes for cancer patients, provides for their needs, including costly medicines. He lets children of cancer patients to play on his factory premises and even plays games with them. He also provides food and accommodation to the patients’ relatives, and supplies his ayurvedic medicines.
“He is always seen on the verandas of Kidwai Hospital. He is hope, encouragement and inspiration especially for those who await to breathe their last,” Sunny added,
Carmelite Father John Mario, director of Ashwars Bhavan, a center for the aged and the poor, lauded Morris for his dedicated work for cancer patients who come from far and near.
“This is called witnessing Christ. This is a reflection of Christian life and he is a model and an example to emulate for others,” added the former rector of Dharmaram College and principal of Christ College, both based in Bengaluru.