New Challenges

For last two months, I have wondered whether I should continue blogging? The difficulty is my current position with the Government does not permit me to express myself on public issues in public domain and for each such publication, I need to take prior permission from the Government. However when said rule was formulated, did the rule makers even thought in their wildest dreams that Internet and world wide web would emerge as powerful tool of self expression and of influencing public opinion? I do not think so. So now I have decided that I will blog and express my self constructively so that public cause can be served.

Over last so many days, I have been through so many ups and downs. I was admitted to the Duke University for their prestigious MBA program and at the last moment when every thing was all set, I had to seek deferment for one year. The University has been kind enough to grant me one year deferral and I hope to be able to attend it next year. One of my close relative has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Over last so many days, I have done a lot of research on Mesothelioma.

Large mesothelioma around the right lung (left side of image) on CT scan.

Courtsey : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma

I have consulted many doctors and few of them have told me that this disease is endemic to the place that I come from. Every year the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI) receives about 10-12 patients and 8-10 are from Dungarpur district in Rajasthan. It is unfortunate that physicians and specialists working in Dungarpur and Banswara are unaware of this disease and that causes late detection of this disease. The Hon. Secretary of GCRI has consented to attend an awareness workshop on Mesothelioma and I have taken this task of organizing this workshop in consultation with local District Administration. Hopefully I should be able to do it by 15th of next month.

I have taken few visits to the Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. I am awestruck with the facilities, human resources and equipments there. The number of visitors to the hospital means that facilities are over stretched. One thing where I find that social groups and like minded citizens can intervene is in enhancing cleanliness around the campus and within. One would argue that this is the responsibility of Hospital administration and he will be correct. At the same time for any place which is frequented with over 15000 patients and other 50000 attendants daily, then it will be very difficult for its administrator to maintain cleanliness in and around. Can we as a citizen group do some thing to enhance ambiance and cleanliness?

I am willing to take blames and face all ridicules but if you agree with me, would it be possible to take one pledge? Next time if you happen to visit any public place, be it Hospital, Bus Stand, Railway Station or any public place, would you agree to carry few tablets of Phenyl and drop it to their utilities room? Is n't it very easy to do? I will do it next time I visit Civil Hospital. Would you assist me in this small initiative? If you do, please respond to this post as your response will motivate numerous others to follow and do the same.