Rays of hope in ways of humanity

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I was one of the founder trustees, the framer of Constitution and Chairman of the first Board of the local NGO – “The Guardian Trust, Kanodar”. I worked for first seven years in team spirit with my fellow trustees to achieve the goals of the Trust and now I am retired. Here, I am pleased to disclose one of the objects of the Trust which will be self explanatory to my Readers and particularly those NRIs and PRs of Kanodar residing elsewhere representing young generation to know about this village, its community, its culture and many other aspects of its heritage descending from the ancestors for the last half millennium since the foundation of this village by Kaano (Kanji) Patel whose name reflects in the word ‘KANODAR’.

The text of the above referred object of the Trust is as follows:

”The Mo’mineen (Muslims) of Kanodar have spread all over the world with their own identity that they live with love with others, accept others with their differences and make their contributions in their social lives wherever they live. This Trust will encourage the individuals and various organizations of this peculiar community to continue to set an example to other communities to respect everybody’s dignity and rights and to carry out social responsibilities for the common good of people.”

To build up integrity and reputation of the village, many honorable personalities have contributed in past; and present leadership also is on the same track walking on the footprints of the former devoted Chiefs. This Article is aimed to remind the new generation the culture and traditions of the community, inspire them to preserve the image of this village intact with good behavior and pass on the same heritage to the next generation by providing the live examples to them. During my life span of almost seven decades, I have been the witness of the hundreds of those local heroes who have devoted their most of time to uplift the village to higher summits of its fame. Due to my limitation to the size of the Article, I am unable to highlight the services of all those ever shining stars in detail.

But, I would like to bring out in knowledge some opinions of other people about this village of Kanodar in order to mention in general its integrity, peace and prosperity. Most of the people may be familiar with the name of Swami Sachchidanand. He is a Karmyogi Saint of Gujarat engaged in social, literary and spiritual activities. Some years past, he was invited to the opening ceremony of the local High School for its starting of Science stream. Swamiji had never visited this village but while on his way from Petlad to Kanodar, he was given some briefs and feedbacks about the village. Endowed with sharp intellect, spirituality and own intuition, he knew everything about the village and its people as if he had visited the village previously and lived here. While delivering his speech he said, “If the Lahore Conference for the discussion of partition of India would have been organized at Kanodar, India would have remained united.” These words are the best compliments to the village and at the same time making conscious to the natives of Kanodar to remain firm and deserving for the preservation of conception of integrity of not only our village, bur wherever we live. Generally, Swamiji was being honored with donation to his Ashram wherever he was invited, but here he donated Rs.25,000/- to the High School from the funds of his own Trust.

If we go to some past, the memories of Dr. H. L.Purohit, a Maharashtriyan Brahmin and Dwarkagiri Maharaj, a gymnastic practicing Saint (અખાડા સાધુ) from U.P. (India) will surely revive into our minds. Dr. Purohit as a Physician rendered his services to the local Hospital for about 33 years and Dwatkagiri Maharaj as a worshipper of the local Temple of Shiva; but mainly with his social services, had devoted his whole life for the welfare of the village. Both these personalities had so high opinions as well as feelings for this village that they wished to have their last breaths here and get their funeral services in the earth of this village. Dr. Purohit was not fortunate in this regard as his offspring called him at his native place Baroda after retirement, but Bapji breathed his last here and was buried in the position of Samadhi in the premises of the temple. They both, having their Hindu creed, told emotionally in public that if the God gave them rebirth in any form, they would prefer to be here not only once but again and again. These words are the great rewards to the local Muslim community and also strong enough to bring tears of gratitude into our eyes.

There is no room for remembering the specific contributions of numerous Muslims (both male and female) here in this precise Article; but in general, I may say that they people remained rays of hope in ways of humanity. They people laid a firm foundation of Secularism and Unity in the village. It is a fitting time to recall all these memories in the prevailing situation everywhere in world when violence in various forms has risen high and universal peace is thrown in danger.

As mentioned in my earlier Article “A full circle swallowed 22 years”, the new generation of the village has spread over all continents of the world to meet with their financial needs. We should thank God that He has been kind and merciful to lead the world think broadly for globalization and liberalization and thus windows of settling abroad have opened. As a result, hundreds of youths with their spouse and offspring have migrated elsewhere in the world. This old man (me) thinks by heart that all these youngsters are the representatives of our secular village of Kanodar, Gandhiji’s Gujarat and our great country, India to spread the mission of Universal brotherhood and peace.

I would just remind, to all NRIs and PRs residing elsewhere in world who are natives of Kanodar and in wider sense to say any human wherever it lives, the story of migration of Zoroastrians (Parsis) during 18th century from Iran to harbor of Sanjaanaa in Gujarat (India). They had assured the ruler of Gujarat then that they will mix up with local people as sugar mixes in milk. My brothers and sisters, we know the exemplary role played by these Parsis such as Jamshedji Tata, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, and Homi Jehangir Bhabha in the progress of India. You have to awaken and mobilize the people with whom you happen to come in contact as a neighbor, a co-worker, a businessman or in any other status with mission of secular ideology, feelings of mutual co-operation and motto of ‘Live and Let Live” of ‘Sarvoadaya-ism’ founded by Vinoba Bhave and Jay Prakash Narayana.

While nearing to sum up my Article, I’ll quote somebody’s experience from unknown source in the words as “When I was running in the pouring rain, without an umbrella, wearing a spiffy suit, on my way to a meeting, a kind lady (a stranger) offered me her umbrella, gave me her address, and trusted I would return it when the rain died down.” This is a very little weighing episode, but a heavy and hidden sense lies therein. Here is the importance of mutual trust, not the cost of umbrella. One should take such affordable risks to be helpful to others to make the foundation of trust with human to human strong and I am sure it will not go in vain.

Summing up, we should remember that hate can never be ceased by hate. Let us renew and spread our hope in humanity. If we are going to err, let us err on the positive side of compassion, generosity and tolerance.

Friends, it is time to close now. Bye,

– Valibhai Musa
Dtd.: August 6, 2008

 

Not All Doctors Money Hungry

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I had mentioned in my previous blog post – “All’s Well that Ends Well” about the above titled News Report. The said report was published in a leading News Paper “Early Times” when Dr. Alimohmad Musa was alive and his practice was flourishing to reap the rewards of many years of study.

Under the Title – “Where We live”, the Early Time’s Staff Reporter Mr. Ron Gower had expressed his views in his Column as follows:

“When President and Hillary Clinton began emphasizing health care reform, hundreds of things went through my mind regarding what should be done to keep health cost down. Needless to say, the high cost of medical services was among the topics I felt –and still feel– should be somehow brought under control.

There is no question many doctors charge too much for doing too little. Many people have mentioned how they spent time in a hospital, had a doctor poke his head in the door, ask how they felt, and then charged a hefty fee.

I once took a family member to a specialist in Allentown. We waited two hours in waiting room, had the specialist look in her ear, worked on her another two or three minutes , and charged $ 125. Then there was the time, we took my father-in-law to an emergency room. He had a very sore foot. The doctor there examined it, and then chastised us for bringing him there for “something trivial”. We demanded another doctor. It turned out he was admitted with gangrene.

On the other hand, there are some great doctors in the medical profession and we have some of them right in our area. These are doctors who care; who are courteous, sympathetic, patient, honest, and who charge rates which don’t give a heart attack when he gets the bill. Obviously, we haven’t met every doctor in the area. So, we can only write about physicians with whom we had first hand experiences.

One I have the highest praise for is Dr. Alimohamad Musa of Palmerton. He has treated quite a few members of our family, some with very serious problems. There were times he had to refer us to specialists and those specialists – who admitted they never met him – spoke highly of the preliminary treatment he had rendered.

Most recently, my father-in-law died. Dr. Musa has been his physician well over 10 years. My father-in-law had many serious problems including gangrene in both legs, several stokes, aneurisms, and pneumonia. Dr. Musa never gave up on him. Until the very end, he gave his best shot at curing David. He called in specialists and he demanded the best of care from the nurses at Palmerton Hospital.

Most of all, if we didn’t find Dr. Musa in the Hospital, he would call us regularly on the phone to let us know the status. The end came for David in the middle of the night. The first thing the following morning, Dr. Musa called to offer his sorrow. He also sent a sympathy card.

Dr. Musa was never a social friend. He only has had professional contact with us. But he went a little further than strictly business – he made us feel we were dealing with a caring person. I’m convinced we were.”

Further, in the said reporting, the Columnist mentioned other doctors dedicated to their profession. They were Dr. Marvin Snyder, Physician; Dr. Orlando Aso, Surgeon; Dr. John Steele, Physician; Dr. Terry Robbins and Dr. Susan Kucrirka both Dermatologists.

Then, Mr. Gower concludes his Report in these words: “When national health care reform measures are considered, it would be great if some of the professionals mentioned were contacted for advice. They certainly shine in their profession in my opinion.”

That’s all, my Good Readers, See you again at the next blog post, but with a tragic episode of Dr. Musa’s life to say no more with us, titled as “Dr. Musa, Physician will be missed.”

– Valibhai Musa
Dtd.: 22^nd May, 2007

 

All’s Well that Ends Well

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Topic of my today’s Post is about my youngest brother Late Haji Dr. Alimohmad Musa settled in U.S.A. and passed away like the Sunset at Mid-day on July 7, 1994; born and studied up to post graduation (M.S. – General Surgery) in India, but was buried there. It was the birth day of mine. I was waiting for his greeting phone on that day and the destiny gave us the lightening surprise in a different way. The numerical miracle took place here. My birthday was the last day of his life, but it is not enough. The Late’s birth year was ’53 and I was 53 years old at that time. Similarly, my birth year was ’41 and he died at 41. The mysteries of the Creator are beyond the capacities of the creations to be understood.

My introductory paragraph does not suit to the title of this blog, but I deem it necessary as just to introduce the Late in brief. Before I go further to highlight his struggles and achievements of his limited life, as I had introduced in my first blog ‘About me ‘, my brother was also a common man being our family member but was brought up as a son from his age of 4 when we all brothers and sisters were unlucky to have lost the shelter of our father in 1957.

This blog-post is purposeful to the next generation for inspiration to struggle in any field of life to reach the highest goals.

As per my usual style, I shall take support of a letter written by the Late to me in Gujarati but translated in English by myself. This translated letter was intended for the ready reference and inspiration to the Late’s son- Aasifali and daughter – Anisa as they were unable to read or write Gujarati. It is the grace of the God that they can understand spoken Gujarati now to some extent and our rest family members do not face any communication problem.

Now, let us go to the original letter in words of the Late (some personal matters not essential for the purpose of this article are omitted).

“Dear Valibhai,

After a very long time, I have been in free mood to write you this letter. I am sorry for the delay. Last eight/ten months were the most difficult ones in my life and that I passed safe and sound. Soon after my completion of Residency in June 30, 1985; I can breathe with ease today and that is why I have spared the special time to write you the letter. You can understand with my good hand-writings that I am not in hurry. I have to write too much regarding pending information of various types of news since long.

First of all, the greatest news from me and for you also is that I passed my Certification Examination given by American Board of Internal Medicine at the very first trial. This exam is very tuff. Our hospital has started such type of training for the last ten years; but an American colleague of mine and I only have been lucky enough to clear this Exam at the very first trial. I am not boasting, but this is the greatest news for me in my life. This was the last Exam of my life and I was not hopeful even at least 1% that I shall succeed at the first stroke. No doubt, I always under – estimated myself; but this proved to be superior in comparison with American Graduates. This Exam has vital importance for foreigner doctors as well as American doctors and even the Graduates of leading Universities. After having cleared this Exam, one can consider oneself in equivalent category of an American Graduate. This certificate is just like a bearer cheque and if you tell anybody that you are a Board certified Internist; nobody will ask you anything else or review any other credentials in case of when you apply for any kind of job or start your own practice

This matter still continues as it is the historical event in my life. We were 8 (eight) candidates and out of which 5 (five) were allowed to appear at the examination. The rest 3 (three) were asked to study for one year more. Finally, out of five, we only two were passed. One was American and also the Chief Resident and I myself was the Asstt. Chief Resident. This was the historical event in the history of our Hospital to pass this Exam at the first trial. Well, a very hard dream came true. It is the grace of the God that, after having come here, I passed all the three examinations at the first trial and also with good grades. No matter, this Exam is not mandatory for job or practice; but if you pass it, that is extra-ordinary credit for a doctor who wishes to make a career.

Now, another news of my decision for Private Practice is that the last three months of my Residency were very hard. I was under the great tension of what I should do after the completion of my training. Day by day, the situation here becomes the worst. In very near future, the doors for the foreigners are to be closed.

Here, you have two alternatives; one – job and the other – Private Practice. As a foreigner, the Private Practice is risky. No doctors from abroad dare do practice soon after the training as there is no guarantee of success. This adventure may be or may not be result – oriented. There are many such examples in which the adventurers had to close up their hospitals (offices). But, with my inner confidence, moral support from your side, being the son of a businessman and having faith in Almighty Allah, I have come to the concrete decision of starting Private Practice in spite of having opportunities of job in number of four or five. I was going to sign a contract for a good job, but my conscious did not permit me. It was my aim that there must be my own hospital either in India or abroad. Once you join the service, you are gone. You can never dare to leave the job, particularly, in this country where the Private Practice is the greatest gambling and further you have to invest too much with no surety of returns.

I, by reciting the name of Allah, telephoned to the employer and said “Sorry, I am not going to sign your contract.” We shifted to Lehighton in July. We were here in 1982 for about one year and I had come in formal contact with an Indian Doctor. The place was known, but I passed the first two months in depression. You have to compete with the seniors and make your career. Slowly and steadily, I continued to go on; and now with the kindness of the Almighty, my practice seems to be viable and Insha Allah ( If the God wishes ), within two or three years, we would be in a satisfactory position.

I have started two offices at Lehighton and Palmerton. In the very beginning, some persons had discouraged me, but I didn’t care their advices. They people were right on their part. Here, in Private Practice, there is the great tension of liability. Day by day, mal – practice suits are increasing in this country. The premiums of Mal – Practice Insurance are very high. Besides, you have to remain available for 24 hours and the whole week. At midnight also, the patient may wish to be admitted and, in case of emergency, a doctor is bound to pay a visit to the patient even in the adverse climate.

In the month of April, I’ll complete five years. Just like a machine, I have worked here. Still, I have to struggle for two or three years more for satisfactory establishment of the career. Here, many changes are expected to take place for the Health-care. Some years ago, the profession of a doctor was considered paying a lot in this country. But, now a day, even many American doctors are leaving this profession to join business or any other activity. The main factor behind this escape is the fear of Mal – practice suits and liabilities. But, I don’t care. I am prepared for “Come what may” as per your telephonic counseling.

Now, I put an end of this letter as it is 2-30 after midnight.

Khuda Hafiz,

* Amdu’s Salaams to all
(* “Amdu” was the abbreviated nickname since his childhood.)
Dtd.. 31^st January, 1986 “

Summing up, I’ll take my Blog Readers to American Consulate Office at Bombay where I was with my son Akbarali for having Visa for America to attend the religious practices to be performed after my brother’s burial service. I submitted two leading newspaper reports: (1) Dr. Musa – Physician will be missed (2) Not All Doctors Money Hungry. The noble officer read them fully and calmly. With no demand of any documents, he expressed his feelings by saying ‘sorry’ to us and issued us the Visa.

I am going to post above newspaper reports into my next blog posts in order to justify the title as “All’s Well That Ends Well“. The current Blog Article is the reality of the Late’s struggle, but the ensuing Articles will highlight his glorious achievements of his life long efforts. Lastly, it is a matter of worth mention that behind the success of the Late Dr. Musa, there was the moral support of his wife – Anvery who encouraged him constantly to go on and on.

– Valibhai Musa