The Philippine ground Orchid in our front garden add a rich look. Their presence in differing stages of flowering give different hues of its pleasing colour.
It has a natural cycle of multiplying from its roots. A few bulbs when planted would multiply to become a thick growth of leaves and flowers in a short time.
They do not require much attention if they are exposed to sunlight and watered during the dry season.
They when they are full bloom create an ornamental corner in the garden.
It occurred to me that like minded people with a similar vocation and life style become nidus of influence n the life an organisation. They influence others with their thoughts, actions and conduct.
I recall the formation of Medico-Friend Circle in Government Medical College at Nagpur. It happened in 1969 when my batch of friends became clinical students. A few of them during conversations at break time would talk about those who are disadvantaged and cannot access health care. It was that thought which took some of them to visit a slum on a weekly basis to become familiar with health, sanitation, housing, water supply, employment, alcoholism and state of health of children and their nutrition and immunisation. I am glad that I was able to join with them for a while.
Those few friends were voice of conscience of the disadvantaged in our college. They sensitised many of us to think kindly of others who live in the margins of society.
Three of them who were most articulate among them, Dr Ulhas Jajoo and Drs Abhay and Rani Bung, hailing from families who were influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, continue to serve in rural areas even now, having contributed significantly to health care and health promotion along with pathfinding initiatives in public health measures.
The Philippine ground orchid brings ornamental presence. Enlightened people moved by altruism become a light and hope in a community!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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