A Special Camp

Pushplata Bhardwaj recounts her insightful experience with a seasoned health worker and philanthropist, Dr. Taru Jindal

By Pushplata Bhardwaj

The quality of the work you do for mankind reflects the strength of respect you have for yourself. Such is her grace that you will feel comfort and adhesion property like water around her. Dr. Taru Sneh Jindal turned towards us with greetings as soon as we settled in the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU). It was Sunday and we all came together for a special camp on Reproductive Health & Menstrual Hygiene management in women.

As the MMU started moving towards the destination, our conversations also took a leap. Soon, I realized, I was talking to a person, one among the Governance Team of DFY, whose photo is on the information bulletin hung just overhead my seat in the DFY Vasant Kunj office.

On entering the campsite, Dr. Taru took the lead as she owns it. She stated clearly what is to be done and ensured that things are as they should be. She asked the team to collate all the women who were present for the camp at one place, which was collectively decided to be under a tree. A board & marker was placed. There was no place to hang it. One of the volunteers tightly held the board from its corners and supported it from the back.

Dr. Taru went straight to the crux of the theme of the camp in a simplified "Sehaj & Saral" tone. She explained reproductive systems, problems that might occur due to unhygienic conditions, signs or symptoms to understand whether you got any infections, a healthy diet, etc. It was intense yet friendly dialogue. Everyone was attentively listening as it is their own story that was dispelled by Dr. Taru. Some of the women were nodding and finding a space of agreement with Dr. Taru. A number of them started opening about their problems. After carefully taking all into account, Dr.Taru asked women to pursue one-to-one interaction during a health check-up.

The team started health checkups. People were in queue maintaining social distancing norms. They were called one by one. Women were advised and counseled individually. While diagnosing patients, she identified a case of probable child abuse. She had a conversation with her mother to affirm her observation but nothing for sure information could be drawn. Trusting her judgment, she reported the case to the competent government authorities. She was aware that she might jeopardize her peace, by putting herself into the process to be followed. And there it goes, after reporting, She was taking a call every minute, reiterating the same information again and again to different call sources.

The great men/women abide with realities. There was depth in Dr. Taru's conviction to be with truth, owning it and daring the system and its competency. It is not an easy road. Mostly, it breaks you, tears you, frustrates you and if you still remain unmoved, it will turn you into a masterpiece, the chosen one.

Insightful churning was going on, inside everyone around. Patients were coming and going after consultations. Everything was going smoothly. After completing the camp, we boarded the cab. Dr. Taru asked me what would I have done if confronted with the same situation. With utmost regards, I replied, I would have done the same, and shared one of my experiences when I accidentally fell into a drug cartel in Pune on my way to appear for a Ph.D. interview and reported it.

It was time for us to say 'See you Again". She reached her drop location. Before she got down, I wished to hug her to compliment her for what she did, today. But I lost the moment. And she went her way.

I spend almost 3 hours in Dr. Taru's presence. And I saw Truth, Grace, Dare, and Granularity in her. She is natural.