What It Means to Go One Step Further in Times of Crisis | Bharat Kelkar | TEDxSanjivani University

Key Concepts

• Humanitarian Aid: Providing medical assistance without political or religious bias, focusing solely on medical need.
• Disaster Response: Addressing medical and logistical challenges in conflict zones and natural disasters.
• Volunteerism: The act of willingly offering time and effort for the benefit of others, even in high-risk situations.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Detailed, step-by-step instructions for performing tasks consistently and safely.
• Social Impact: The positive effect individuals and organizations have on communities and society.
• Community Mobilization: Engaging and organizing people to address a common need or issue.
• The "Me to We to Us" Framework: A progression from individual focus to collective action for social good.
• Mirmalwari: A cleanliness movement focused on pilgrims in Maharashtra, India.

Experiences in Service: A Reflection on Humanitarian Work and Social Impact

The speaker recounts three distinct experiences – working in war zones, managing COVID-19 cremations, and leading a cleanliness initiative for pilgrims – to illustrate the profound impact of service and the importance of contributing to society. These experiences led to personal growth and a shift in perspective, emphasizing the power of small actions and collective effort.

I. Witnessing the Brutality of War & Finding Purpose in Immediate Impact

The speaker began by describing the harrowing realities of war, drawing on experiences with Doctors Without Borders in Syria, Yemen, and Mosul, Iraq. He vividly portrays the devastation inflicted on innocent civilians, detailing cases of families destroyed by airstrikes and children maimed by landmines. He recounts treating two children who lost limbs after playing near a landmine, and a woman who desperately sought help for family members injured in war, preserving photos of their wounds as a testament to their suffering.

He emphasizes the emotionally taxing nature of this work, stating, “It really is horrifying and painful.” However, a turning point came two months after his first mission when he received a video of the landmine victim, now smiling and taking steps with prosthetic limbs. This moment crystallized a crucial realization: “You cannot stop the war. You cannot change the world but you can make definitive difference to the person right now who is in front of you.”

This experience fostered a deep appreciation for life, gratitude, and a detachment from trivial concerns. He found value in the Indian concept of “Bharat” and began prioritizing family and inner peace.

II. Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis: Dignity in Death & the Power of SOPs

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a different, yet equally challenging, crisis. The speaker described the widespread fear and uncertainty, coupled with the disturbing sight of dead bodies accumulating in hospital wards due to overwhelmed resources and families’ inability or unwillingness to handle the remains. He noted the media’s omission of the underlying reasons for this situation – the widespread infection of entire families, the fear of contagion, and the dwindling number of healthcare workers.

Responding to a call for help from a 100-year-old organization, the speaker took on the task of managing the cremation of COVID-19 victims. Recognizing the inherent risks (vaccination was unavailable at the time), he mobilized 20 young volunteers who, despite their fears, were committed to the task.

He implemented a rigorous Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), meticulously detailing every step of the process, from pre-donning hygiene (eating and using the washroom) to team organization (teams of six, with four handling the body and two managing documentation). This SOP was crucial for ensuring safety and dignity. The initiative expanded with the involvement of women volunteers and the sharing of knowledge with groups in other cities. He highlighted the dedication of these “unsung heroes.”

III. Mirmalwari: A Community-Driven Cleanliness Movement

The speaker’s third experience focused on the Mirmalwari movement in Maharashtra, India – a cleanliness initiative targeting pilgrims who walk long distances to reach temples. He and his wife observed that these devotees, representing all social strata, suffered from health issues due to the arduous journey.

Initially, they provided medical aid. However, a 2017 survey revealed a growing sanitation problem and increasing disease rates in the villages along the pilgrimage routes. This led them to advocate for the provision of mobile toilet blocks, successfully lobbying the government for their installation.

The next challenge was ensuring their use and promoting proper waste segregation. They launched a social media campaign, recruiting and training approximately 500,000 volunteers to engage in one-to-one communication with the pilgrims, explaining the importance of hygiene and demonstrating proper usage. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with villagers embracing the initiative and reporting a significant reduction in disease burden. The phrase “Cleanliness is a god” encapsulated the community’s newfound commitment.

The "Me to We to Us" Framework & the Power of Collective Action

Throughout these experiences, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of service. He argues that while grand gestures are admirable, even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. He articulates a progression from a self-centered “me” to a collaborative “we” and ultimately to a unified “us,” highlighting the exponential effect of collective action.

He states, “Helping others certainly benefit other but helping others also gives us the humility to develop that a small step of one person gives a small effect. Yes, but that is essential and small steps taken by many persons gives the massive impact.” He concludes by encouraging others to find their own way to contribute to social impact, recognizing that “our existence should matter.”

Conclusion

The speaker’s narrative is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of compassionate action. His experiences demonstrate that even in the face of immense suffering and adversity, individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. The key takeaway is that contributing to society, regardless of scale, is not only beneficial to those receiving help but also profoundly enriching for the giver, fostering gratitude, humility, and a sense of purpose. He underscores the idea that collective effort, driven by a shift from individual focus to community well-being, is essential for creating a positive and lasting social impact.