Dressed in a traditional “seedha pallu” saree, Bhavnaben is straight out of a traditional Gujrati household, where women are rarely seen as bread winners or role models. Staying at home could have been a comfortable, secure option, but Bhavnaben craved for something more…a vocation that could satisfy her urge for helping.

Bhavnaben seen here with women from the community

Red Cross became Bhavnaben’s volunteering call, one year ago, when she chose to motivate people from the community to get checked and treated for TB. At 46, it is a rarity in India, especially for women, to venture out. But this gutsy woman refused to take a no from the societal norms. Leaving her home responsibilities at home, she now cheerily goes around the designated localities, tracking TB patients, motivating them to go to the DOTS centre for their dosage, many a times actually accompanying them as well.

And it is due to her efforts that a poor vegetable vendor, Limabhai was finally diagnosed as a confirmed TB patient after two years of intermittent coughing. Bhavnaben motivated Limabhai to undergo investigations under the IRCS run TB Control Project in Surendranagar district of Gujarat.

Bhavnaben has helped 5 TB patients in her tenure with the IRCS

She counselled and convinced him that his treatment would be totally free, and his condition was completely curable. She took him to the hospital where he was declared TB positive. Bhavnaben’s efforts did not stop here. She accompanied Limabhai to the DOTS centre for the whole treatment tenure. And now fully cured Limabhai has only prayers for Bhavnaben and lauds her humanitarian efforts.

Bhavnaben has helped cure 5 patients of Cat II under the TB Project India. IRCS appreciates the sincere efforts of such motivated volunteers, who draw their inspiration from an undying humanitarian goal. The movement indeed attracts success at its programmes due to persistent and unrelenting efforts of volunteers such as Bhavnaben. Three Cheers for you, dear Bhavnaben.

Bhavnaben

Hiral

Sivani

Jeevan