So I have one more 1st for you, the 1st time I attended an inauguration ceremony of a different kind in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. St. Jude India ChildCare Centres, is a NGO providing families whose children are suffering from chronic diseases with hygienic accommodation and counselling, free of cost, as effective post-medical nurturing can make a large difference to not only the convalescing patient but also his/her family, as families are in a state of shock to see their children suffer from life threatening diseases such as CANCER and AIDS.
St. Jude was opening 4 new childcare centres in the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, it is the new state of the art R&D satellite of the TATA Memorial Centre (TMC). Me being a very punctual person was very much late by 30 mins, while travelling to Kharghar, the thought most prevalent in my mind was, "Why am I wasting my holiday going to a hospital rather than watching cricket, sleeping or doing something that I like ?" But I wanted to do this just to realise whether I have the sensitivity to actually do social service, I was desperate to walk the talk and JSW Foundation provided me with a launching pad and I volunteered. It was just an inauguration ceremony and I didn't have to do anything but then also it was a baby step in the right direction.
Unilever's Global CEO Paul Polman was the Chief Guest of Honour, as HUL had sponsored one of the 4 centre's. But what struck me most was the exuberance of the children even after going through several rounds of chemotherapy.On the other hand I sulk even at the prospect of visiting a General Practitioner and when I am actually in a hospital the first thought that comes to my mind is when am I going to leave, and the stench that is pervasive in a clinic or a hospital makes me sick. Those places are too depressing. No doubt the contribution of donors is invaluable but the real contributors are the doctors and support staff that are there for them day and night. And it was really touching to see the kind of rapport the doctors had with the children, their love for them was infectious.
Visits to such places will be highly recommended for people who feel that they have been treated harshly by life, the visit will not only be thought provoking but will also rekindle one's faith in a long thought dead quality of humility and kindness. This visit has made me reaffirm my resolve to give back to society in whatever small way I can.
Even I had felt the same when I visited the Tata Cancer Hospital last week. Innumerable children of less than 3 years of age suffer from cancer. Yet these children are full of smiles. I realized how lucky I am when I saw their plight. I thank God for giving me this life.
ReplyDeleteHope you have returned as a better person.