A Meaningful Medical Service Trip to Rural India
SSDP’s Dr. Shroff-Mehta provided basic medical screenings to young children in rural Gujarat, India, as part of a medical service trip. Learn more from her first-hand account of this meaningful experience.
The meaning of Seva—selfless service
Seva is a word that comes from the Sanskrit verb “to serve.” Its meaning is “selfless service” or “performing work without thoughts of repayment.” The premise of seva is inherent in many cultures and religions. I got to experience its virtues firsthand this February.
Volunteering with an NGO started by my parents
As a part of an NGO called Yuva Pragati (YP), started by my parents and a core group of friends sixteen years ago, I travelled to India and provided basic medical screenings to young children in rural Gujarat. Gujarat is the state in India where my parents’ families are originally from.
Dr. Shroff-Mehta with her parents and son.
Yuva Pragati’s mission of seva for children of migrant agricultural workers
The premise of Yuva Pragati is to educate the children of migrant agricultural workers as long as possible, allowing the next generation to achieve a level of education that would enable them to gain employment and achieve a better status in life. The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty.
Typically, children of agricultural workers in this area are pulled from their studies after grammar school to work in farming to support their families. Their wages are approximately 5 rupees daily (the equivalent of 6 cents). Normally, girls don’t go to school and instead help with household duties, caring for siblings, and, in many cases, end up in early marriages.
Yuva Pragati emphasizes providing resources and opportunities to girls. In partnership with a local foundation in India, Yuva Pragati provides funding for facilities, dormitories, nutrition, and basic school supplies for rural schools.
Youth wellness camps were launched because health, wellness, and nutrition at a most fundamental level are essential for academic success.
Students in rural Gujarat.
Providing annual youth wellness services across five rural schools
On an annual basis, approximately a dozen physicians, several dentists, pharmacists, and other non-medical volunteers come from the USA, England, and India to participate in a week-long endeavor to screen as many children as possible across five rural schools. Schools are within a two-hour journey by bus out to rural villages. This year, over 1,000 students received our care.
This was my second time on this journey. My first was in 2019. I am lucky to have gone both times with my parents. My mom is a retired physician, a pathologist, and my father is an engineer who has endless enthusiasm and energy for seva (at 89.5 years of age). This year, we shared the journey with my son, Anay. Though he is non-medical, he was able to assist in screenings for eye examinations with guidance from the volunteer optometrist.
Thankfully, most of these children are healthy, albeit small and seemingly malnourished. They suffer from common maladies like colds, dandruff, dry skin, lice, scabies, and eczema. These are the things we can help with. Referrals to the city hospital are rarely needed and must be made judiciously due to the limitations in resources like time and transportation, and availability and cooperation of parents.
This year’s Youth Wellness Camp volunteers.
Dr. Shroff-Mehta with some of the students.
My contribution as a physician
For my part, I got to use my general medical skills after many years and regained my proficiency in speaking Gujarati. I dusted off my stethoscope and otoscope and made sure I sat next to a volunteer pediatrician!
Mostly, I felt the children were happy and joyful knowing that so many doctors came from so far away to see them. It was a true pleasure.
The days were busy and exhausting but went by fast. We felt welcomed and were served lovely local meals and snacks. The students performed folk dances, gave us their handmade crafts, and spoke from the bottom of their hearts of their gratitude. It was amazing to experience the level of happiness with very basic resources.
Dr. Shroff-Mehta seeing a student at the wellness clinic.
Students in rural Gujarat.
The joy of making a difference
Though seva is considered selfless, those who participate, including myself, gain so much from these activities. It was a sheer joy to see all these beautiful, healthy children in their environment and to witness their continued growth in maturity and education. It is humbling to see how much can be achieved despite a shortage of resources and opportunities.
Many will go into farming like their parents, but other children express interest in joining the army, becoming police officers, teachers, nursing assistants, nurses, and even the occasional doctor!
Most of the volunteers return every year. This little bit of continuity has been rewarding, and the results are visible. For me, returning after six years with my parents and son was very special.
Seva can be rewarding and is a bonding experience for our family and the many volunteers. As Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This feels even truer during tumultuous times.
Showing off some hand-crafted gifts from the students!
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