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Medical Camp organised on Adivasi Day Celebrations

Lonavla

Health Care for the indigenous people

Medical Camp organised on Adivasi Day Celebrations

12 August 2023

Life and Health,

News written by: Fr Blany Pinto sdb

The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, observed on August 9 each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population, was held at Manshakti Kendra, Lonavla. A collaborative effort between the Eklavya Foundation, Manshakti Kendra, and Don Bosco, Lonavla, led to the organisation of a medical camp dedicated to serving the Adivasi community on Adivasi Day.

Approximately 180 tribal people from the neighbouring villages of Navkhandevadi and Vaksai participated in the programme and were recognised for the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to society.

The programme commenced with the lighting of a lamp, followed by the reverential placement of the garland upon the image of Hutatma Nagya, a revered Adivasi revolutionary figure. Homage was paid to the departed Adivasis in the recent tragic landslide in Irshalwadi village in Khalapur, near Lonavla. Numerous Adivasi families experienced the heartbreaking loss of their loved ones and the devastation of their homes and possessions.

In a show of solidarity, Br Royston Colaco and Father Velasli Bandya, accompanied by the social outreach team from Don Bosco, Lonavla, including Mrs Sonali Shelke and Mr Ravi Shelke, graced the occasion. Likewise, Dr Suhas Gosavi and Mr Namdev Phapale from the Manshakti Kendra graced the event. Mr Pravin Deshmukh, the visionary founder of Eklavya Foundation, with his dedicated team, showed their commitment to the cause by being present.

The central objective of the event on Adivasi Day was to gather the Adivasis from the different villages to disseminate vital information regarding the array of government initiatives tailored to uplift the Adivasi populace. Moreover, a concerted effort was made to instil an enthusiasm for education among the Adivasi families, urging them to enrol their children in schools to facilitate their academic journey.

The event also included a medical camp. A dedicated medical team comprising Dr Gosavi and Dr Santosh Nikharaje, assisted by two nurses, conducted health check-ups accompanied by ophthalmologists. To address the immediate healthcare needs, medicines, sponsored by Mr Rajendra Khandelwal, were distributed freely to all the families.

A select group of aspirants from the English Academy of Don Bosco, Lonavla, actively involved in the medical camp, distributed medicines to Adivasi families. It was a rewarding experience for the aspirants and the community they served.