Paediatrician Takes Bold Stand Against Superstition, Saves Children from Harmful Branding Practices
In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, Dr. Rajesh Maaheshwari, a paediatrician based in Gujarat, has taken on the daunting task of fighting against harmful branding practices rooted in superstition. His unwavering resolve has saved countless children from enduring unnecessary pain and suffering. Dr. Maaheshwari's journey began during his tenure at the government-run GK General Hospital in Bhuj. Witnessing infants brought in with serious ailments and branded bodies, he discovered the deep-seated influence of superstitions in remote areas. Parents, lacking awareness and access to proper healthcare, resorted to taking their ailing children to local quack healers who performed branding rituals. Driven by a mission to eliminate this inhumane practice, Dr. Maaheshwari established his private clinic, Masoom Children, and embarked on a tireless awareness campaign. He engaged with communities, attended religious gatherings, and addressed the masses, spreading the message of medical awareness and debunking age-old beliefs. His efforts were not without challenges. Dr. Maaheshwari faced a smear campaign and received threats, but his determination remained unshaken. In 2011, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) intervened after a distressing branding incident. The government took action, issuing a public notice holding parents and perpetrators accountable. Over the years, Dr. Maaheshwari's awareness campaign yielded promising results. The number of branding cases decreased significantly, with Vagad reporting zero cases by 2019. His work has not only saved lives but also brought about a transformative social change in areas where illiteracy and superstition prevailed. Dr. Maaheshwari's relentless efforts serve as an inspiration, reminding us of the power of compassion and the impact one determined individual can make in challenging societal norms.
