In the heart of Ghatmika, a small village nestled in Rajasthan, the sun rose over a hopeful day. On February 8th, 2024, a wave of compassion and care swept through the village, as Miles2Smile, an organization known for its commitment to marginalized communities, set up a free medical camp to offer healthcare services to the residents. The air buzzed with anticipation as villagers, some seeking answers to long-standing health problems, gathered at the camp.
The day began with an inspiring speech by Aasif Mujtaba, the founder of Miles2Smile. Standing in front of the crowd, he shared his deep belief in the importance of health, not just in terms of treatment, but in raising awareness about self-care. “Our mission today is to empower you,” he said. “We want to give you the knowledge and the tools to take control of your health. It’s not just about the treatments we offer here today but about giving you the confidence to lead a healthier life moving forward.”
Following to this Dr. Salma said, “I am not just a doctor today… “I am a fellow human being standing with you. Just as a wound on the body can grow worse if left untreated, the wounds in our society, the pain we feel, must be addressed by us all.”
Soon, the camp was filled with a steady stream of patients. Children clung to their mothers, women lined up to be treated, and men waited their turn patiently. Each one came with their own health issues, some minor, others more serious, but all were in need of care. Dr. Salma and her team worked tirelessly, diagnosing and treating each patient.
Sameena, a woman in her thirties, approached Dr. Salma with a worried expression. “I’ve been struggling with my health for so long,” she said. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she added.
After a thorough check-up, Dr. Salma reassured her, explaining the condition and providing the treatment she needed. “I am so grateful for this camp,” Sameena said. “Now I finally know what’s wrong with me, and I can start the treatment. Thank you for this opportunity,” she added.
Nearby, Sajida, a widow whose husband had been tragically killed by cow vigilantes, waited anxiously for her daughter Shifa to be treated. Shifa had been running a fever for over a week. “I am so glad that my daughter has received treatment today,” Sajida said, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Miles2Smile. You have helped us so much.”
Sajida wasn’t just grateful for the medical care, but for the support she had received from Miles2Smile in other ways. After her husband’s death, she had been left to care for a family of eight. The organization had helped her start a small cosmetic shop, offering her a means of dignified livelihood. “My business is doing well,” she said. “I am happy, and I can support my children. Miles2Smile has truly changed our lives.”
Kurshidan, another widow in the village, came to the camp to share her health struggles. Her husband, Umar, had been another survivor of the cow vigilante violence that had ravaged the area. After his death, the family had struggled to even build a home. But with the help of Miles2Smile, they had managed to construct a safe and sturdy house. Kurshidan spoke to Dr. Salma about her nighttime headaches and chest pains, both symptoms of the stress she had been under. With a reassuring diagnosis and treatment plan, Kurshidan left the camp with a sense of relief. “Thank you for taking the time to listen to me,” she said. “I feel better knowing that I have the treatment I need.”
Bazgari, an elderly woman, came to the camp with a cold that had lingered for days. After a brief check-up, she too was given the medicine she needed. “I am so happy to have received care today,” she said, smiling as she received her prescription. “This camp has been a blessing.”
As the day came to an end, the sun began to set over Ghatmika, and the camp slowly wound down. Aasif Mujtaba stood before the community once again and said. “I am so grateful to all the doctors, nurses, and volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort today,” he said. “It is because of their passion and commitment that this camp was a success. Together, we’ve made a real difference.”
And as the villagers of Ghatmika returned to their homes, they carried with them not just the knowledge of how to care for their health, but the hope that, with support, healing was possible—for both their bodies and their community. .
