17 Oct 2020 is observed as International Day for Eradication of Poverty.
Musings or ruminations of Gp Capt Aman Midha (Retd). I do not know when they were penned but shared with me yesterday and I think they are worth every letter. Let us not be deceived by all the technological, economical and financial development human race has made. Anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor.
A drive from Aweil to Wau:150km
(Both in South Sudan)
It was the summer of last decade.
‘Desert Rose’ playing aloud in the Prado.
Speed 100kmph on a mine cleared dirt track.
A big mud bowl trailed the racing beast.
The air con was effective.
A happy afternoon it was, afterall the mission we went for, had been accomplished.
A lone tree encountered.
Human presence noticed in the middle of nowhere.
Curiosity took over.
A stop was the general consensus.
The lady under the tree, probably in her thirties, holding a baby, was greeted with water.
Wet were her eyes, knew no English.
Interpretor helped.
Baby had a fall from the tree, injury was grave.
Ribs broken, head hurt.
I noticed a dug pit, about a meter away.
Further investigation revealed;
Injury was grave and so was the pit.
The wait this time was not for life.
A helpless mother seeking closure.
No money, no mode, above all ‘NO HOPE’.
Wet were our eyes, and shock was difficult for us to absorb.
Protocol Dilemma.
Civilians not allowed in the mission vehicle.
What if we dont make it to the hospital and baby succumbs in the car.
What if mission hospital doesnt admit.
Decision: Within 30 secs.
Go ahead. Yes it was a GO.
Baby and the mother taken aboard.
Finale
The Hospital entertained.
The Baby cooperated.
Follow on
He lives to tell the tale, just like me.
His mother reciprocated with the best blessings that we ever got in our lifetime.
Lesson
Extend your hand regardless.
Benefits
Your existence justified.
Poverty is not solely an economic issue, but rather a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses a lack of both income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity. Persons living in poverty experience many interrelated and mutually reinforcing deprivations that prevent them from realizing their rights and perpetuate their poverty, including:
- dangerous work conditions
- unsafe housing
- lack of nutritious food
- unequal access to justice
- lack of political power
- limited access to health care
Poverty is the worst form of violence.
Mahatma Gandhi
This year marks the 27th anniversary of the declaration by the General Assembly, in its resolution 47/196 of 22 December 1992, of 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This year also marks the 32nd anniversary of the Call to Action by Father Joseph Wresinski — which inspired the observance of October 17 as the World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty — and the recognition by the United Nations of the day as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Everyone can join the campaign on social media by using hashtag #EndPoverty and promoting the call to action to connect with people from around the world who have joined the fight to overcome poverty. International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems and to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. Thanks, Aman for sharing with us.
Gp Capt Aman Midha (Retd) is alumni of National Defense Academy. Commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force, he has flown Mig21, Su30K, Su30MKI, KIRAN, ISKARA, HPT32 aircraft. He commanded a premier Su 30 MKI fighter squadron of IAF. His hobbies include Sketching, Reading, Cycling, Travelling.
