Young medico's campaign brings smart school to Rajasthan's Chambal ravines
The Rajghat village in Dholpur district is deprived of the benefits of schemes designed for panchayats because of its location in the municipal limits. The 'Save Rajghat Campaign' of Ashwani Parashar, 28, first brought electricity to the village with a population of just 350 and later drew the attention of international donors who have pitched in to support the efforts to build the infrastructure.
Village of Boatmen
The village is inhabited mostly by boatmen, who work as daily wage labourers. Interestingly, the shooting for Hindi films Bandit Queen and Paan Singh Tomar, based on the Chambal dacoits, was done near Rajghat.
An old and single-room government primary school in a dilapidated condition – the only educational institution in Rajghat – has given way to a smart school with two classrooms, an office room and a small verandah, constructed in the shape of train coaches. The installation of a smart board in the school has stopped the student dropouts.
Dr. Parashar told The Hindu that the Indian-Norwegian Community carried out crowdfunding to support the 'Save Rajghat Campaign' through a project called Saksham. The school, which was on the verge of closure because of decline in admissions, is now functioning with a newly installed smart board. It has over 30 students enrolled, and new admissions are coming in the academic session which started on July 1.
Dr. Parashar said his campaign would now focus on 'dignified life' for villagers, with a motorable road, clean drinking water and a fully functional hospital.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
36 minutes ago
- Business Standard
ICMR's new care model to transform endometriosis, gynaec care in India
In a major step to improve women's healthcare, the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (ICMR-NIRRCH) is set to roll out a new multidisciplinary care model for gynaecological disorders. Dubbed Endometriosis Multidisciplinary Care Model (EndoCare India), the initiative aims to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, and chronic pelvic pain, The New Indian Express reported. The model will integrate care from gynaecologists, anaesthesiologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, mental health professionals, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and social workers. Diagnosis delays prompt a new approach According to a 2022 study published in the American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, endometriosis affects around 42 million Indian women. Yet, the condition is often diagnosed 7–10 years after initial symptoms such as pelvic pain, fatigue, and infertility appear—many of which are misdiagnosed or dismissed. The new model is a response to these widespread delays and aims to provide early intervention and comprehensive care. Built on India's first national endometriosis study The model is grounded in findings from India's first national study on endometriosis - The Endometriosis Clinical and Genetic Research in India (ECGRI). This five-year study examined the clinical, epidemiological, environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors associated with different subtypes of endometriosis in Indian women. Conducted across 18 sites in nine states—including Kerala, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka—the study included two groups: one diagnosed with endometriosis and another without. The study revealed: 37 per cent of participants experienced symptoms during adolescence; 77 per cent before age 30 Most commonly reported symptoms: pelvic pain (73 per cent) and infertility (46 per cent) Over 50 per cent had other gynaecological disorders; 18.6 per cent had autoimmune conditions 13.5 per cent had musculoskeletal issues 11.6 per cent experienced psychiatric conditions such as anxiety or depression Underweight women were at higher risk of developing the condition Researchers also found strong links between endometriosis and menstrual irregularities, such as heavy bleeding, shorter cycle lengths, and prior hormonal treatments. Multidisciplinary teams for holistic care Under EndoCare India, patients will be assessed and treated by an integrated team rather than individual specialists. Depending on the diagnosis, the care team may include: Gynaecologists for primary diagnosis and reproductive care Psychologists/psychiatrists for mental health support Physiotherapists to manage chronic pain Surgeons for operative treatments Nutritionists and social workers for holistic patient support This collaborative approach aims to reduce misdiagnosis, enable timely interventions, and offer more empathetic, long-term treatment plans. Training, awareness, and access at the core The model also places strong emphasis on public awareness, training medical professionals, and expanding access to specialised gynaecological care—especially for conditions that have long been neglected in public discourse. Dr Rahul Gajbhiye, Deputy Director at ICMR-NIRRCH, who led the national study, told The New Indian Express that the model was designed to meet the medical, psychological, and social needs of women across life stages. 'This integrated model focuses on delivering coordinated, holistic care within the public healthcare system,' he said. A potential blueprint for global menstrual health reforms The move aligns with international efforts to improve menstrual and reproductive health and may serve as a policy blueprint for other developing nations seeking to strengthen women's healthcare systems.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Aayush Wellness expands nutraceutical product portfolio
Aayush Wellness on Monday announced the expansion of its nutraceutical product portfolio with the launch of a capsule to support cognitive function and memory retention . With this launch, the company continues to expand its nutraceutical product portfolio, addressing one of the most overlooked health challenges in modern society like poor memory and lack of focus, Aayush Wellness said in a statement. The company seeks to capitalise on the USD 18 billion Indian nutraceutical industry, which is growing at a CAGR of over 15 per cent, Aayush Wellness said. On the launch of Brain Fuel Capsules , the company stated that due to increasing demands of modern life, millions of individuals, including students, working professionals, and the elderly, are experiencing early signs of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness and poor concentration. "We believe that true wellness starts from within, and brain health is central to overall well-being," said Naveena Kumar, Managing Director of Aayush Wellness Limited. Live Events The company last month announced its foray into tele-consultation and diagnostic testing segments. It also announced a Rs 25 crore investment recently to expand its preventive healthcare services with smart health kiosks in the initial phase.
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Laddoo, Vada Pav, Pakora And More To Carry Health Alerts, "As Serious As Cigarette Warnings"
Junk food consumption is linked to several non-communicable and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. While most people are aware of health problems associated with cigarettes and alcohol consumption, not many are conscious of the deep issues linked to junk food consumption. Nagpur will be among the first Indian cities to treat junk food like tobacco, not with bans, but with visual nudges. Around every tempting snack, a colourful sign board will remind you: "Eat wisely. Your future self will thank you." The health ministry has ordered all government institutions in Nagpur, including AIIMS Nagpur, to install "oil and sugar boards" that will alert citizens of the sugar and oil content in popular snacks like laddoo, vada pav, pakora, samosa, jalebi, etc, reported the Times Of India. These boards will be bright posters that serve as quiet but pointed reminders to bring to the attention of consumers just how much fat and sugar is hiding in everyday snacks. Cafeterias and public areas in AIIMS Nagpur will soon display these oily and sugary food warnings. "It's the beginning of food labelling becoming as serious as cigarette warnings," said Amar Amale, president of the Cardiological Society of India's Nagpur chapter, reported TOI. "Sugar and trans fats are the new tobacco. People deserve to know what they're eating." Junk and high-sugary foods are a major cause of rising obesity in India. As per reports, more than 44.9 crore Indians are projected to be overweight or obese by 2050. Further, one in five urban adults is overweight. This move by the health ministry aims to make consumers more aware of the health impact of easily accessible unhealthy snacks.
