This is not actually my story, but the story of a group of doctors, medical students and a few senior citizens of Gorakhpur. It is a story of will-power, determination and hard-work. On 2nd of October 2014, a small “Safai Abhiyan” was held in the BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur.
The staff and the students were asked to clean the college’s premises. It was a one-day program. Everyone was quite happy. However, one of the doctors, DR P N Singh (Professor, ENT department) was not. He wanted to take it to a whole new level. He shared his idea with his doctor colleagues and it was welcomed by all. It was decided that every Sunday, the doctors will reach the college sharp at 5 AM and clean the college campus.
The first Sunday witnessed around 15-20 people. Gradually, the college students, the workers, the sweepers and even the other concerned citizens of our city started joining this mission. Today we are a group of around 80 people who reach the college every Sunday at 5 AM. This ‘Safai Abhiyan’ begins at 5 AM and goes till 9 AM, continuously.
It was the hard work and determination of these people that the Medical college, which a few months back was always cursed for poor maintenance and garbage disposal now is a topic of discussion everywhere. Around 1500 plants have been planted till date. Initially, wooden frames were used to protect them from grazing animals, but the plan failed since the rush of ambulances and other vehicles smashed them. So now, steel casings are used, cemented and are painted in the color of our tricolor so that no one spits on them.
The plan really worked! The funds for this were raised by the doctors themselves. This was the summary of the full-fledged ‘Safai Abhiyan’ going on in the BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur since 2nd October 2014, every Sunday, without any gap. No matter how the weather is.
Thank you.
Submitted By ~ Pranjal Singh
If you too have an inspiring story to tell the world, send us your story at [email protected]
