The Good Samaritan
It was 27th January 2001.Magnitude of loss of life and property a day earlier, was still being evaluated in Gujarat and was rising in a manner that would make a spiral look dwarf. One could just stare at the TV reports with the shock of unbelievable. How could God be so unkind to His own creations? This was one time when whole of the nation had just one topic of discussion and no thoughts were construed by division of caste, creed or religion. I was shaken out of my shocked trance by the telephone call that informed me that I was to be part of medical team being sent to Anjar, one of the worst effected areas,and was given two hours to pack up my things and report back for the journey. We started with mixed emotions,feeling proud for the opportunity to prove our useful existence to allay the physical sufferings of the human beings and the fear of being in the middle of great devastation.
We reported to the authorities in Anjar and were directed to help run the medical camp in a local electricity office, being sponsored and organized by Sunil Dutt Saheb. We all had a smirk on our faces on the idea of another politician usurping the moment for publicity. On reaching there, we evaluated the site, on one side were tents pitched up to live in, on the other side was kitchen being run and at the far end stood one huge vehicle, a mobile hospital cum operation theatre with all the facilities a doctor can ask for. This had been airlifted along with doctors and paramedical staff on day one only and had been running non stop since then.And then we noticed the great man himself leaning on his cane, he had accompanied the team and was living in tents with them, supervising the whole exercise and encouraging everyone. Very soon we were all in awe of him; he exuded love, charm and affection and was visibly upset with the tragedy. He shared the food and benches with workers and talked to the injured with fatherly warmth. One early morning we were having tea with him outside the tents when my wife called up on my mobile, when I told her that I was sitting with Sunil Dutt Saheb, she wont believe me and wanted to talk to him. So I passed the phone to him and told him my wife is online. He gladly talked to her and really praised our efforts.
We stayed there for four days and Sunil Dutt saheb was there throughout the period. He told us many anecdotes about the different walks that he undertook for various causes. When it was clear that all medical emergencies had been dealt with, it was decided to pack up the camp and only then the good Samaritan left the town. As a thanksgiving for the whole team,special food was flown in from Mumbai on the last evening. The paramedical team that was to go back with him was booked in five star hotel for one night stay.During those days we got to know him up close and personally. He restored our faith in politicians and we were all very glad to have done our bit under the guidance and infectious zeal of the great man. I guess we don’t have to pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul, no other soul deserves more. We should pray to Him to bless this world with many more such noble souls. Amen.