K. JAVEED NAYEEM writes: The week that has gone by had a mixed bag of events that have left me with mixed feelings, both happy and sad.
The news that really stirred my soul and elevated it to an unusually lofty level of happiness was about the Sri Venkateswara University in Andhra Pradesh postponing its engineering examinations by a full week to let the students of one engineering college collect donations to save the life of one of its students — Esther Preethi, the daughter of a poor taxi driver from Madanapalli in Chittoor District, now doing her final year engineering at NBKR Institute of Technology in Nellore.
She reportedly developed liver failure for which she was advised a liver transplant costing almost Rs 50 lakh.
Her father was crestfallen as this amount was far beyond his means and even what he could hope to garner from sources open to him. That was when his daughter’s college-mates decided to do their bit by collecting donations from the public to pay for Preethi’s surgery.
Since the need for surgery was very urgent, as it usually is in such cases, about 540 students of final year engineering rushed to the director of the college, V. Vijayakumar Reddy, with a request to allow them to go out and collect donations by skipping classes.
Touched by the students’ resolve, the college management, too, offered financial assistance and allowed the students to spare no efforts to save Preethi’s life.
Forming about 30 groups, the students went around Nellore town and nearby villages and started collecting donations. Since their examinations too were just round the corner the students again pleaded with their college management to speak to the Vice-Chancellor to postpone the exams on humanitarian grounds.
In perhaps an act of unprecedented magnanimity, the Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) responded to their request and postponed the first semester examinations of its final year, which had to begin on November 14, to give time to the students to help save their ailing friend.
“This could be the first time that a University has rescheduled examinations to allow students to collect funds for a noble cause,” Reddy said after SVU Vice-Chancellor W. Rajendra issued a notification acceding to the students’ request.
My joy is naturally very great because this is the true meaning and spirit of any real education. There is no point in simply quoting rules and applying them mechanically as is usually done all around us when a more humanitarian approach would do much good in a delicate situation.
When the powers vested in us permit us to be kind rather than curt, it is important to take the former approach. I salute all those who did their bit to save Preethi’s budding life and wish her a speedy recovery.
(K. Javeed Nayeem is a practising physician who writes a weekly column in Star of Mysore, where this piece originally appeared)
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Also read: From Guruswamypalyam, a lesson for all shishyas
Wonder how Dr.Nayeem has been keeping a track on stories (I mean news items) of human interest. Hats off to him.
At the clinic or in his consultancy chamber at the hospital where may be working, he is busy rendering yeoman’s service to the mankind and back home, unearthing touching snippets about individuals and groups.
Although. candidly I envy him and his endeavours, may the tribe of his likes increase on all fronts in our selfish society.
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What a touching story, especially the conclusion about the true meaning and spirit of education.
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I know every indian gets moved by every small hurt to his fellow citizen . But he hesitates to act when he sees it as an up hill task. I see determination working to bulldoze road blocks. Student power is an unlimited Force , be it against any odds.
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Its wonderful that a professional like Dr.nayeem has ears and eyes for such moving,inspirational incidents happening away from media glare. A university which is so sensitive to student welfare is definitely great news.
I HOPE NO ONE TWEETS OR PUTS A FACE BOOK POST SAYING —-PROBLEMS COME AND GO, WHY THE HECK,EXAMS SHOULD BE POSTPONED.
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I am not sure if it was right to postpone Uni exams which affects many. There are surely sensible ways of helping people in need than the example quoted by the self proclaimed good doctor. Magnanimous moves are not always the right way. Most of the times they are emotions trumping over common sense.
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I am happy to hear this and I hope other students would emulate .
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GOOD….
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Now the amount is more than enough from all the kind hearted people over the world, Its better to give full details of her health. She needs 50 lakhs, they have collected around 60 lakhs and then no news about the operation or the organ donor details etc.,
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