Each Sunday since the last 9 years, Sankalp Volunteers meet and discuss work. Almost all volunteers are there divided into teams and united by common purpose to save lives. There is a rare day or two in a year when someone gets appreciation. The standards are pretty high. Delivering upon them is a real challenge. And even a single mistake is seen critically. But that is not something that worries anyone. These are not people who need pat on their back to be motivated. They are not here for recognition, name or fame. However critical people are about each others work - however tough the discussions are - at the end of the meeting almost everyone is smiling. Yes occasionally there are those who can't get rid of the internal pressure of having not done enough - but everybody goes back recharged and ignited!
I have witnessed these meetings all through these years. And there have been several occasions when I have gone back with very heavy heart. Being one of the persons who plays a key role in decision making - I feel a great responsibility towards how these young guys feel deep down inside.
One day a 20 year old girl walked up to me and shared how she was thrown out of the office of a high headed CMO who had no time to listen to her about the blood help-line. I remember the day when 2 volunteers got kicked out of a prestigious hospital because they did not give in to the blood bank officer's demand for bending their working norms in order to benefit a particularly rich patient. I have heard the stories of volunteers being squarely scolded for asking for a donor to be tested properly and being given adequate care. I have known of volunteers being spoken to in extremely rough manner by some people who call for blood and demanding that we serve them as though we are their paid servants. I remember the look on the face of a volunteer who struggled through weeks to get permission for a camp or a motivational program and who was shoed out eventually.
We generally are taught to swallow bad behaviors. We are trained to be tolerant. We are trained to be firm but not aggressive. Actually we are taught to focus on the cause - the purpose - and not on the ego, ignorance and high handedness of individuals. We are taught to accept criticism with same dignity as we accept appreciation. We are taught to make use of the bricks that people throw at us to build our houses.
I read a line today - "Serving ones country is very difficult It is so easy to talk Anyone who walked on that path Must endure millions of calamities." — Shaheed Kartar Singh Saraba.
Oh you lover, the sons and daughters of your mother India, oh your young dreamers, the selfless souls - this is my dedication to your tireless spirit. If the Gods of our nation have endured resistance and pain in order to serve the nation, then you should expect no less! Gear up all you men and women. Remember, your only reward is the fulfilment of your goal, your only comfort is in the work that you do, your only support is the company of your fellow dreamers. In this month of revolutionaries - of the patriots - of the men of honor - I wish you all the strength in world to stand for what is right!
Jai Hind!