When our Telemedicine unit and ambulance unit arrived in Jammu, we were in Kashmir and came to know that the national highway had closed down for three days due to some bad road conditions. But where there is a will, there is a way. Few days before this, we had met a person (Sharma) who had offered to help in every possible way. At that time we did not realize the invisible helping hand of God, but next few days made us realize how every event in our life has a meaning and purpose. Sharma ji offered to personally escort both the units via an alternate route. With his car in front, meticulously guided the vehicle drivers through perilous twists and turns of the mountains.

But it was not a simple ride especially because of the bad road conditions during night and big size of our Telemedicine and ambulance units of ours. On the way one of the vehicles had a breakdown. It was freezing cold. The drivers were finding it very hard to cope up with extreme conditions, especially because they were not carrying enough warm clothes. But Sharma ji not only encouraged the crew to muster up courage, but also went out of the way to the get the vehicle repaired. The road does not even have many outlets where one can satiate one’s hunger. Without much sleep and food, the crew drove for almost two days under harsh weather conditions to finally reach the place near our medical camp site. We welcomed them warmly, ensured that they were fed and then first thing they bought were some warm jackets.

Even though the drivers were exhausted, there was not even a single complaint from their side. They were equally motivated to serve affected people of Jammu & Kashmir, as any of us. Many of them had accompanied us earlier during our relief camps in Uttarakhand. These units have really been of great help in all our camps so far. Many people have benefited from free lab tests, ultrasounds etc. that are in the Telemedicine unit. The ambulance unit has also been of great help to give immediate emergency care to the needy.

All of this could not have been possible without our team of dedicated drivers and technicians.

Later we came to know that Sharma ji was actually in Kashmir when floods had hit the valley, rescuing people from waters about fifteen feet deep. His optimism, cheerful nature and presence of mind is helping us throughout this mission.

– Amit