“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world”
Famous social activist Howard Zinn , could not have put it in a better way. Little acts of kindness and small steps taken towards serving humanity, run a long way in creating a better tomorrow.
With these thoughts in our minds, we stepped out to arrange a basic health check-up camp for street children in the locality of Andheri (W). Switch India in collaboration with the Robinhood Army decided to organise the camp, in order to provide the children with health facilities and basic dental supplies such as a toothbrush and toothpaste kit.
Our team of 12 volunteers consisted of medical students and physicians from different universities spread across Mumbai and Pune. It was the first time that I was a part of such a wonderful project, and my anticipation and excitement were palpable.
On reaching the site, two tables were set up , one was the physician’s desk while the other was for the dental volunteers. The rest of us, made ourselves comfortable in the Shiv Mandir where we proceeded to interact with the kids, meanwhile examining them thoroughly.
It was upsetting to know, that many of the kids had developed dental caries due to lack of dental hygiene supplies. Wounded feet and cracked nails were observed pertaining to dearth of footwear, and severe undernutrition was rampant.
Nevertheless, the volunteers counselled the 60 children regarding personal hygiene and healthy habits, all the while sharing a laugh or two with them. The children were equally receptive and felt motivated to cultivate healthier practices.
Albendazole tablets were distributed among the children for deworming of their bodies, and they were prescribed vitamin and calcium supplements to treat the anaemia and malnutrition. Other health issues faced by the children were addressed as well. The camp ended on a ‘nutritious’ note as the children enjoyed scrumptious khichdi provided by the Robinhood Army.
Last but not the least, pictures were taken to capture memories and the experience of a lifetime. I’m grateful to Switch India and Robinhood Army for giving me an opportunity to learn and grow, not just as a medical student but also as a human being. I hope to participate in many more events like these, and through them serve humanity and contribute my share to ‘small acts of kindness’.
