We traveled in an ST bus from Nagpur to Gadchiroli. It was like entering into a different world altogether. The bus stand was full of tribals speaking strange language and wearing colourful clothes. We caught another bus to reach our destination, Shodhgram, an amazing center developed by Dr Abhay and Dr Rani Bang. A short walk from the roadside bus-stop to the center filled us with serenity. Everywhere, there was cleanliness, quiet and beauty.
I am sure you have heard of Dr Bang. This doctor couple completed their medical education with the highest of honours from Nagpur and then went on to achieve the top spot at Johns Hopkins University in Public Health.
And did they start a comfortable hospital in the city? No. Influenced by the Gandhian philosophy, they had already decided to dedicate themselves to work in the most backward district of Maharashtra, Gadchiroli district. Over the years, they worked hard to uproot the wrong beliefs and unhealthy practices of the locals. With their efforts, the rate of newborn death dropped down considerably. Importantly, they did not use any fancy gadgets to achieve this. They trained the locals by devising simple, user friendly methods. This research was noted by global health agencies like UNICEF and WHO, not to mention the government of India.
One visit to this place is worth hours spent in classrooms. The tribal-friendly hospital, the detailed documentation and research, the daily evening prayers, the aesthetically designed, clean campus, and most of all, the iconic presence of Dr Rani and Dr Abhay...everything has to be experienced to be believed.
So, young friends, do let me know your experience of Shodhgram once you visit it!
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