VidYouth

The aftermath of the havoc created by nature goes beyond verbal description; when one looks at the recent calamity where the major irrigation source of our state, river Krishna flooded the state. Many lives had succumbed to it and the panic-stricken survivors can still be seen struggling, trying to resume their daily routines. The aftereffects of the disaster are hard to believe and far from anyone’s imagination.

In such a demanding situation, the Osmecans (the way the students of the college refer themselves to) got a step closer in reaching the pinnacle of humanity by assisting the college’s administration in helping the victims of the calamity. They actively participated in the flood relief operation organised by OMSD ( Osmania Medical students for Service and Development) wing of the college and visited a village – Panchalingala in Kurnool district on the 10th and 11th of October, 2009. The young minds of the college, being well versed with the objective of SERVICE started the noble act by collecting donations, procuring money from students and staff of the college. Aishwarya, a second year student says, “It was pretty tiring. We had to approach a large number of students. Few were kindhearted and more than willing to help but there were a few who embarrassed us. But I am glad we ended up collecting a decent amount and did all that we could to help the flood victims.” The fact which deserves a special mention is that the students themselves (deselecting the ongoing college fest) have spared two consecutive days from their hectic schedule to express their concern and empathy for the innocent.

A view of Panchalingala. Credit: Sai Vijay

Raghu, a third year student says, “Since it was a huge task, we divided ourselves into groups. Few of them supplied food and clothing to the helpless. The others surveyed the place and provided medication to the needy. It was such a grievous sight that I could not control my tears. It’s so easy for us to sit at home and watch all this on television but to visit the place and feel the pain of the suffering is so hard”.

Being the health care professionals of the future, having a good understanding of the health hazards which prevail under such circumstances; they also initiated spreading awareness regarding the contagious maladies and the prophylactic measures which have to be followed in order to avoid contracting them. During the camp, they waded through the slush and offered the donations in such a way that every survivor  received them. They say this was not the case with many other organizations which concentrated only on much publicized centers ignoring the remote areas. One of the volunteers of 2007 batch says, “I can visualize the death blow faced by the masses and it is pleasing that at least we did not trail into the boggy pit of unbalance created by other organizations.”

A Medico offering basic needs to a flood victim. Credit: Sai Vijay

The principal and the faculty of the college appreciated the priceless contribution of the students in fructifying the event. Presently, the OMSD is now planning for one more such successful operation in the name of Vivekananda vidya varadhi for which there are proposals of donating books and other study materials so as to bring the smile over the awaiting faces. “We have witnessed more than what we saw on the television before our trip. This made us include the study materials in our upcoming plan,” says one of the members of OMSD.

Helping hands are better than praying lips. Let us all try and contribute our share of humanity to the unfortunate!