Calcutta – a City in Need…
By Allan J Sweeney
The invitation to receive a minor award from a start-up Peace Society in India was a great excuse to leave the long, snowy English winter and enjoy a hot birthday, and meet doctors to further my projects. Little did I know that I was soon to instigate the first organisation in India for medical doctors and alternative therapists to work and research together; partner with a new charity in Calcutta for autistic and ADHD children; and facilitate a collaborative arrangement to work with Mother Teresa’s organisation.
As the plane doors opened, Calcutta heated the senses like a giant sauna. On the way from the airport, all five senses heated even more.
Driving to the hotel, everyone is Indian. It’s not a hot travel destination, and you soon see why. Rubbish is heaped anywhere, scattered by scavenging packs of dogs, cows, and beggars vying for meagre spoils. People squat in the street – there are no seats.
Men unashamedly pee on pavements. It seemed unhygienic and disgusting, until I later went to a toilet. After that, I felt like peeing by the road as well (but never did). I wondered what happened when a woman wanted the loo, because women are never seen doing such things. Men snort mucous from the back of their throats. I thought that was disgusting too, but after a few days in dense fumed traffic, changed the thoughts.
Roads are bumpier than a funfair without the fun. 3-wheeler bicycles piled with goods or people, weave in and out of seemingly lawless traffic. Blue trams somehow get through the chaos, showing battered scars of when they didn’t quite make it. Hoots and toots come from all sides, from trucks, cars, busses, everything. There’s so much hooting and tooting, no-one seems to know where the hoots and toots come from and ignore them anyway.
Boiling roadside pots compete with endless market stalls. Middle-class shops sell alongside pavement peddlers, barbers shaving with cutthroat razors, and cobblers with stacks of coloured leathers. People seem happy, and friendly. When they spot me, many wave and smile. Coloured saris swish like dancing rainbows, with colours and designs for all moods and sensations.
But it’s the children that tug at the heart. 8-year old looking boys carry cases of bricks on their heads. Tiny boys and girls wash dirty pots and pans by busy roads. My heart was torn watching a 6 year old boy cook food to sell, as he taught a girl of about two to hold a knife and cut a carrot. She struggled, and I’ve often wondered if she’d cut herself badly. It’s illegal for children under the age of 12 to work here. But I was told that communists, who still control the area after 33 years, do little to stop children working. Hell hath no fury as a city scorned.
At night, sultry peace descended. At about 1am I went for a walk - and shot back into the hotel. Eeriness pervaded the stillness. A Gotham City at its most gothic darkest... People sleep rough everywhere; on the ground or on top of a tinker's stall, pile of crates, rusty abandoned car, whatever. Much of the silent night city seemed like an earthquake's hit after a Dresden-type bombing, and only beggars are left. The next day I was warned not to go out after 10.30 at night... Calcutta is a city in need…
On Sunday 21st Feb, my birthday, I attended the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines conference run by Dr Agarwal. He is a medical doctor, and could lead an easier life running a clinic. Sadly in this world, some honourable people are taken to Court by those trying to drag them down. In recent years, all other Indian Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) organisations have closed due to constant Court battles. But dedicated to the cause of CAM, Agarwal saved Court costs by studying and passing Law exams. So far he has personally fought and won over 300 Court cases.
Agarwal has made mistakes like we all have. Of course he could have done some things differently. But mistakes are common from pioneers, in his case with a deep desire to help CAM in India integrate with orthodox medicine.
The 18th International Conference, Convocation and Awards Presentation Ceremony was attended by a cross section of society, including MPs, lawyers, accountants and government officials interested in CAM. Doctors and academics presented alongside CAM therapists. A surgeon from the Oxymed Hospital presented double-blinded evidence for non-surgical alternatives to heart surgery.
The quality of some CAM presentations left a lot to be desired, but India needs more high level university CAM courses, and CAM research in hospital and doctors' surgeries. Only via evidence based therapies can real healthcare integration occur.
Certificates presented at the awards ceremony were authorised by the High Court, and therefore validated. Some recipients of a medal or statue who gave not-so-academic presentations showed pleasure and gratitude. Banks of photographers flashed to record their new ‘celebrity’ status. Some recipients seemed deeply moved by the occasion. If receiving such an award motivates them to do more and better work, there may be future value to help our needy world. The joy for these obviously dedicated but undervalued members of society was a blessing to behold.
During my lecture on “Value-added Therapies - Orthodox Medicine and CAM Integration”, an idea came...
After, I suggested to Dr Agarwal that India starts its first Doctor-CAM Therapist Network for orthodox medical doctors to work and research with better quality CAM therapists. Dr Agarwal thought it a positive idea. Over lunch, I stood to one side to see who destiny may bring to talk – and almost everyone who chatted was useful and interested.
Those interested in joining the start-up team for the Indian Doctor-Cam Therapist Network now include a GP, clinical psychologist, bureaucrat, publisher, ex- University Vice Chancellor, clinical researcher (pharmaceutical) to write protocols for CAM research, the Anglican Bishop of Calcutta, financial lawyer, High Court advocate, and Commissioner of Charities.
That night I met Dr Suresh Shottam, an insightful, positive physicist who runs a therapy centre and cancer clinic. He volunteered to set up the Doctor-CAM Therapist Network. Because the team is spread between major Indian cities, inaugural meetings will be held in each city later this year. I may attend to give keynote lectures and media presentations. A great birthday present… Watch this space...
Dr Prakash Sanchetee, a gentle, kindly man practising in maternity-child welfare and public and holistic health, asked to meet. He sees 70-100 patients every 16-hour working day. His prayer is to start a charity for Calcutta’s 20m population which he said has no organisation to help autistic or AD/HD children. He drove me to a building he’s bought with a psychologist, administrator, counsellor, etc. It was dire, dark, and dirty. But it has a large room for small conferences, small rooms for private therapy, and space for children’s play area, reception etc. It will be painted next month, and ready to offer free therapy as soon as the charity is registered.
He said he’s seeking better intervention or support models for autism or ADHD. He later said I’d “been sent to help him”, as my ADHD project recently went live. He asked me to help his charity, and supply a healthcare model. I happily agreed providing
Next day, my tour of Calcutta was conducted by the charity’s administrator, Akshaya Prasad Singh, a retired, kind-hearted, spiritual man. We bathed together in the Ganges, spiritually chanting an Om Ganges mantra. Although the water is dirty, bathers take water home in bottles. It’s said that when the sediment settles, the water stays germ-free and health-giving for years. The nearby Dakshineswar Temple dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of Destruction (she destroys demons) gave blessed jawa flowers, and Prasad (made from sugar and milk) to crowds of devotees bustling for a gift from the Goddess.
Everything in daytime feels strangely at peace, even the chaos. As if to confirm the peace, I was told India is the only major country in the world never to declare war on a neighbour. And peace certainly was helped by Mother Teresa, the Albanian schoolteacher who became headmistress before starting her charities. I asked to visit her headquarters. As we arrived, two Sisters laughed happily as they pulled buckets of water from a well. During prayer by Mother Teresa’s tomb, an idea came; to partner or collaborate with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.
There are over 4,000 Sisters in 133 countries who vow to give “Whole-hearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor”. There are 19 homes, just in Calcutta. At a meeting with a head Sister, Sister Polita, we were given permission to meet Sister Santina, in charge of child health. Mother Teresa’s Sisters will refer parents and children (not the children they look after) to our charity for autism and ADHD, and we will send them the types of children they care for. We all beamed broadly as we sealed the ‘deal’ that should help countless desperate cases who currently feel hopeless. There had indeed been a higher purpose for the day trip.
After, we were shown the 100-child orphanage for 2-3 year olds (there are other buildings and schools). Victorian-style dormitory rooms held large iron-rung cots. In most cases, each cot held two children. It seemed sad. But as I played with those awake, they beamed and giggled, obviously happier than many children out in the streets. Five children with no eyes received one-to-one play-care from specially-trained helpers. The visit left less than an hour to pack for the airport.
I’ll return to India, to help start Doctor-CAM Therapist Networks in different cities, train staff for the new children’s charity, and hold discussions with the private cancer clinic. And Dr Prakash will visit England to study autism and ADHD healthcare models. Expenses will come from our pockets, even though our new charity has enough funds from rich donors. This is for the poorest of the poor children of Calcutta. And if the model works, we may expand to other Indian cities...
I never made it to the start-up Peace Society to collect my ‘award’.
Our suffering world needs far too much help.
Allan J Sweeney
By Allan J Sweeney
The invitation to receive a minor award from a start-up Peace Society in India was a great excuse to leave the long, snowy English winter and enjoy a hot birthday, and meet doctors to further my projects. Little did I know that I was soon to instigate the first organisation in India for medical doctors and alternative therapists to work and research together; partner with a new charity in Calcutta for autistic and ADHD children; and facilitate a collaborative arrangement to work with Mother Teresa’s organisation.
As the plane doors opened, Calcutta heated the senses like a giant sauna. On the way from the airport, all five senses heated even more.
Driving to the hotel, everyone is Indian. It’s not a hot travel destination, and you soon see why. Rubbish is heaped anywhere, scattered by scavenging packs of dogs, cows, and beggars vying for meagre spoils. People squat in the street – there are no seats.
Men unashamedly pee on pavements. It seemed unhygienic and disgusting, until I later went to a toilet. After that, I felt like peeing by the road as well (but never did). I wondered what happened when a woman wanted the loo, because women are never seen doing such things. Men snort mucous from the back of their throats. I thought that was disgusting too, but after a few days in dense fumed traffic, changed the thoughts.
Roads are bumpier than a funfair without the fun. 3-wheeler bicycles piled with goods or people, weave in and out of seemingly lawless traffic. Blue trams somehow get through the chaos, showing battered scars of when they didn’t quite make it. Hoots and toots come from all sides, from trucks, cars, busses, everything. There’s so much hooting and tooting, no-one seems to know where the hoots and toots come from and ignore them anyway.
Boiling roadside pots compete with endless market stalls. Middle-class shops sell alongside pavement peddlers, barbers shaving with cutthroat razors, and cobblers with stacks of coloured leathers. People seem happy, and friendly. When they spot me, many wave and smile. Coloured saris swish like dancing rainbows, with colours and designs for all moods and sensations.
But it’s the children that tug at the heart. 8-year old looking boys carry cases of bricks on their heads. Tiny boys and girls wash dirty pots and pans by busy roads. My heart was torn watching a 6 year old boy cook food to sell, as he taught a girl of about two to hold a knife and cut a carrot. She struggled, and I’ve often wondered if she’d cut herself badly. It’s illegal for children under the age of 12 to work here. But I was told that communists, who still control the area after 33 years, do little to stop children working. Hell hath no fury as a city scorned.
At night, sultry peace descended. At about 1am I went for a walk - and shot back into the hotel. Eeriness pervaded the stillness. A Gotham City at its most gothic darkest... People sleep rough everywhere; on the ground or on top of a tinker's stall, pile of crates, rusty abandoned car, whatever. Much of the silent night city seemed like an earthquake's hit after a Dresden-type bombing, and only beggars are left. The next day I was warned not to go out after 10.30 at night... Calcutta is a city in need…
On Sunday 21st Feb, my birthday, I attended the Indian Board of Alternative Medicines conference run by Dr Agarwal. He is a medical doctor, and could lead an easier life running a clinic. Sadly in this world, some honourable people are taken to Court by those trying to drag them down. In recent years, all other Indian Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) organisations have closed due to constant Court battles. But dedicated to the cause of CAM, Agarwal saved Court costs by studying and passing Law exams. So far he has personally fought and won over 300 Court cases.
Agarwal has made mistakes like we all have. Of course he could have done some things differently. But mistakes are common from pioneers, in his case with a deep desire to help CAM in India integrate with orthodox medicine.
The 18th International Conference, Convocation and Awards Presentation Ceremony was attended by a cross section of society, including MPs, lawyers, accountants and government officials interested in CAM. Doctors and academics presented alongside CAM therapists. A surgeon from the Oxymed Hospital presented double-blinded evidence for non-surgical alternatives to heart surgery.
The quality of some CAM presentations left a lot to be desired, but India needs more high level university CAM courses, and CAM research in hospital and doctors' surgeries. Only via evidence based therapies can real healthcare integration occur.
Certificates presented at the awards ceremony were authorised by the High Court, and therefore validated. Some recipients of a medal or statue who gave not-so-academic presentations showed pleasure and gratitude. Banks of photographers flashed to record their new ‘celebrity’ status. Some recipients seemed deeply moved by the occasion. If receiving such an award motivates them to do more and better work, there may be future value to help our needy world. The joy for these obviously dedicated but undervalued members of society was a blessing to behold.
During my lecture on “Value-added Therapies - Orthodox Medicine and CAM Integration”, an idea came...
After, I suggested to Dr Agarwal that India starts its first Doctor-CAM Therapist Network for orthodox medical doctors to work and research with better quality CAM therapists. Dr Agarwal thought it a positive idea. Over lunch, I stood to one side to see who destiny may bring to talk – and almost everyone who chatted was useful and interested.
Those interested in joining the start-up team for the Indian Doctor-Cam Therapist Network now include a GP, clinical psychologist, bureaucrat, publisher, ex- University Vice Chancellor, clinical researcher (pharmaceutical) to write protocols for CAM research, the Anglican Bishop of Calcutta, financial lawyer, High Court advocate, and Commissioner of Charities.
That night I met Dr Suresh Shottam, an insightful, positive physicist who runs a therapy centre and cancer clinic. He volunteered to set up the Doctor-CAM Therapist Network. Because the team is spread between major Indian cities, inaugural meetings will be held in each city later this year. I may attend to give keynote lectures and media presentations. A great birthday present… Watch this space...
Dr Prakash Sanchetee, a gentle, kindly man practising in maternity-child welfare and public and holistic health, asked to meet. He sees 70-100 patients every 16-hour working day. His prayer is to start a charity for Calcutta’s 20m population which he said has no organisation to help autistic or AD/HD children. He drove me to a building he’s bought with a psychologist, administrator, counsellor, etc. It was dire, dark, and dirty. But it has a large room for small conferences, small rooms for private therapy, and space for children’s play area, reception etc. It will be painted next month, and ready to offer free therapy as soon as the charity is registered.
He said he’s seeking better intervention or support models for autism or ADHD. He later said I’d “been sent to help him”, as my ADHD project recently went live. He asked me to help his charity, and supply a healthcare model. I happily agreed providing
- Triangulation case study research is conducted, to assess a range of outcomes.
- He showed me around Calcutta the following day (I’d been working solid since arrival). Although I felt bad asking, a deep feeling suggested there’d be a higher purpose than just a day trip…
Next day, my tour of Calcutta was conducted by the charity’s administrator, Akshaya Prasad Singh, a retired, kind-hearted, spiritual man. We bathed together in the Ganges, spiritually chanting an Om Ganges mantra. Although the water is dirty, bathers take water home in bottles. It’s said that when the sediment settles, the water stays germ-free and health-giving for years. The nearby Dakshineswar Temple dedicated to Kali, the Goddess of Destruction (she destroys demons) gave blessed jawa flowers, and Prasad (made from sugar and milk) to crowds of devotees bustling for a gift from the Goddess.
Everything in daytime feels strangely at peace, even the chaos. As if to confirm the peace, I was told India is the only major country in the world never to declare war on a neighbour. And peace certainly was helped by Mother Teresa, the Albanian schoolteacher who became headmistress before starting her charities. I asked to visit her headquarters. As we arrived, two Sisters laughed happily as they pulled buckets of water from a well. During prayer by Mother Teresa’s tomb, an idea came; to partner or collaborate with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.
There are over 4,000 Sisters in 133 countries who vow to give “Whole-hearted and Free service to the poorest of the poor”. There are 19 homes, just in Calcutta. At a meeting with a head Sister, Sister Polita, we were given permission to meet Sister Santina, in charge of child health. Mother Teresa’s Sisters will refer parents and children (not the children they look after) to our charity for autism and ADHD, and we will send them the types of children they care for. We all beamed broadly as we sealed the ‘deal’ that should help countless desperate cases who currently feel hopeless. There had indeed been a higher purpose for the day trip.
After, we were shown the 100-child orphanage for 2-3 year olds (there are other buildings and schools). Victorian-style dormitory rooms held large iron-rung cots. In most cases, each cot held two children. It seemed sad. But as I played with those awake, they beamed and giggled, obviously happier than many children out in the streets. Five children with no eyes received one-to-one play-care from specially-trained helpers. The visit left less than an hour to pack for the airport.
I’ll return to India, to help start Doctor-CAM Therapist Networks in different cities, train staff for the new children’s charity, and hold discussions with the private cancer clinic. And Dr Prakash will visit England to study autism and ADHD healthcare models. Expenses will come from our pockets, even though our new charity has enough funds from rich donors. This is for the poorest of the poor children of Calcutta. And if the model works, we may expand to other Indian cities...
I never made it to the start-up Peace Society to collect my ‘award’.
Our suffering world needs far too much help.
Allan J Sweeney