Dr Ashwani Kumar Parashar is a final year MBBS student from Dhaulpur, pursuing his graduation from SMS Medical College, Jaipur. He is unlike any medical student you have ever met though.
You see, this 22 year old is doing more than any Indian today to save every human being in Rajghat, the village that India forgot. Over to Ashwani.
One of the most memorable incidents that I recall was when I was sitting with an IAS officer and was discussing the issues of Rajghat. He sarcastically asked me " अश्वनी, सिर्फ राजघाट ही क्यों? ऐसे तो कई गांव हैं। फिर आप सिर्फ राजघाट के लिए ही क्यों परेशान हो?"
To this I replied" सर मैं मानता हूँ कि राजघाट इकलौता नहीं है, ऐसे हजारों राजघाट और होंगे, बेशक होंगे। माना पूरे देश में ऐसे 1 लाख गांव होंगे। मैं सनकी हूं, इसमें से 1 गांव कम कर जाऊँगा, 99 हजार 999 छोड़ जाऊँगा। कल कोई और सनकी आएगा, वो 1 और कम कर देगा। ये ऐसे ही कम हो सकते हैं। सिर्फ यह सोचकर कि ऐसे तो कई गांव हैं, इन्हें कौन सही करेगा, हम हाथ बांध कर बैठे तो नहीं सकते ना !! किसी ना किसी को तो शुरूआत करनी होगी ना! किसी मसीहा का इंतजार क्यों करूँ? Why not me. चलिए मैं ही शुरू करता हूँ ।"
(To this I replied, "Sir, I agree that there may be thousands of such Rajghats, perhaps lakhs even. Even if I can reduce the number by even 1, then there will only be 99,999 villages to save. Tomorrow, someone else will come to save another. This is the only way we can save them. Simply saying that there are so many villages so why bother, nothing will change. Someone has to make the start. Why should we wait for a messiah? Why not me? So I decided to begin.")
Let us aim to make the village economy self-sustaining to achieve GandhiJi's dream of the true Independent India, where the villages are the Temples of Economy, Polity and Society.
You see, this 22 year old is doing more than any Indian today to save every human being in Rajghat, the village that India forgot. Over to Ashwani.
Help us understand the Rajghat issue.
People know of a Rajghat that is in Delhi and a memorial to Late Sh. Mahatma Gandhi, but there is one more in India - a Rajghat, a small village at the banks of Chambal in Dhaulpur, which even 70 years after Independence, is covered in darkness and despair.
This Rajghat is devoid of all basic infrastructure to sustain Life (as per The Fundamental right to Dignified Life Under Article 21) with no connectivity to other districts.
How bad is it? Can you give us an idea?
The reality of Rajghat is tragic and horrifying.
- None of the government's schemes have been implemented.
- There are no roads, lights or basic medical facilities.
- Water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink around the banks of the Chambal. The villagers have no alternative but to drink water from the Chambal directly, in which the DEAD BODIES of humans as well as animals can be seen floating.
- There are frequent crocodiles attacks on the villagers.
- Only 2 males have gotten married in the last 20 years.
- Some have cellphones, but to get them charged, either they have to head towards the city or they have to buy a battery.
And yes, once the sun sets, Rajghat is lapped in utter darkness.
At the age of 21, you filed a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) on their behalf. What is the present state of the Rajghat case?
Presently with the help of Judiciary, Executive and local people, the voice of Rajghat is triumphantly rising in the hearts of fellow citizen. Unconditional support has come in the form of financial aid, legal advice, self help groups, NGO's and philanthropists who've extended their kind assistance in not only raising awareness but also aiding the infrastructure.
Recently, High court has issued a notice to The CHIEF SECRETARY of Rajasthan, and has asked to answer within 6 weeks in reference to the PIL that I filed in the high court. We are planning to implant a solar energy based electricity and Solar based water filtration system. Now, people from across the borders are extending their helping hands.
जिस गांव में कभी जानवर भी नहीं जाते थे, उस गांव में आज अधिकारीयों और मंत्रियों की रेलमपेल लगी हुई है।
I hope कि राजघाट में अब सुबह होने वाली है। आजादी के 70 साल बाद आज राजघाट सच में "आजाद" होने वाला है।
I hope कि राजघाट में अब सुबह होने वाली है। आजादी के 70 साल बाद आज राजघाट सच में "आजाद" होने वाला है।
(The same village where once even animals never went, today sees a line of bureaucrats and ministers queuing up to help. I hope that at least now, Rajghat will have a morning after this long darkness. After 70 years of freedom for the rest of India, it looks like finally the people of the village too will get their freedom.)
What is the most memorable incident that has happened during the period of your mission yet?
One of the most memorable incidents that I recall was when I was sitting with an IAS officer and was discussing the issues of Rajghat. He sarcastically asked me " अश्वनी, सिर्फ राजघाट ही क्यों? ऐसे तो कई गांव हैं। फिर आप सिर्फ राजघाट के लिए ही क्यों परेशान हो?"
("Ashwani, why are you so bothered only about Rajghat? There are so many such villages?")
To this I replied" सर मैं मानता हूँ कि राजघाट इकलौता नहीं है, ऐसे हजारों राजघाट और होंगे, बेशक होंगे। माना पूरे देश में ऐसे 1 लाख गांव होंगे। मैं सनकी हूं, इसमें से 1 गांव कम कर जाऊँगा, 99 हजार 999 छोड़ जाऊँगा। कल कोई और सनकी आएगा, वो 1 और कम कर देगा। ये ऐसे ही कम हो सकते हैं। सिर्फ यह सोचकर कि ऐसे तो कई गांव हैं, इन्हें कौन सही करेगा, हम हाथ बांध कर बैठे तो नहीं सकते ना !! किसी ना किसी को तो शुरूआत करनी होगी ना! किसी मसीहा का इंतजार क्यों करूँ? Why not me. चलिए मैं ही शुरू करता हूँ ।"
(To this I replied, "Sir, I agree that there may be thousands of such Rajghats, perhaps lakhs even. Even if I can reduce the number by even 1, then there will only be 99,999 villages to save. Tomorrow, someone else will come to save another. This is the only way we can save them. Simply saying that there are so many villages so why bother, nothing will change. Someone has to make the start. Why should we wait for a messiah? Why not me? So I decided to begin.")
As soon as the words left my mouth, I actually regretted it. I was sure he would throw me out of the room, you see! After all, he - as a bureaucrat himself - was a part of the administration against whom I had raised my voice for Rajghat. But he gave me a strong positive reaction by saying:
"Dr. Ashwani, if you are searching for that one person that will change the life of despair of Rajghat, take a look in the mirror. It's YOU." He also added "The moment you are ready to quit is usually the moment right before miracle. Therefore don't give up ever on any issue. And as far as Rajghat is concerned I will join you in this mission."
He not only helped me with legal aid but also conveyed the problems and suggestions to the governments of the state as well as union.
It seems amazing that at such a young age, you are doing so much for the people of Rajghat while also balancing the hard stress of being a medical student? I know I could never have done what you are doing back in my days as a student. How do you handle such stress?
My parents have supported me throughout this as have friends. I've managed my time in such a way that I optimally use my spare and recreational time to balance studies as well as my mission to save Rajghat. And yes, when the stress gets too much, I do unwind, travel and enjoy with my friends like any regular college student. I am no different.
The present day Indian youth is spirited yet frightened of challenges and risks. In this modern scenario when even capitalistic countries are turning towards a Socialistic approach, aren't we neglecting 'Development For All' as directed by our preamble and directive principles?
There's risk in everything. All mothers take the strongest risk, as from embryo till our delivery, every moment is risky. From infectious diseases to abortions due to unfortunate reasons, she risks her life but despite all the pain, she delivers us. If she can take such tough risks, is the job to serve our fellow citizens that risky in comparison? See the masons who works from Dawn to Dusk, breaking the stones to build a bridge, is the duty towards our fellow citizens that risky and hard?
I think that even with the slightest of positive motivation we can direct the energy of masses to Build and Develop The True Independent Socialist, Democratic Republic of Union of India.
How can we, as fellow concerned citizens, help the people of Rajghat?
- Please promote #SaveRajghat in whatever possible way you can!
- Only money is not enough, carry forward the Voice of RAJGHAT so that others can hear of their fellow Indians in need.
- As a fellow citizen, strive to give your best, in any way possible, like voluntary free education, health care services.
- Make people aware of their duties (Article 51-A) first, then their rights (Article 14-30).
Let us aim to make the village economy self-sustaining to achieve GandhiJi's dream of the true Independent India, where the villages are the Temples of Economy, Polity and Society.
Authors note:
In the recently concluded event held in Jaipur by Changing Tomorrow aimed to inspire young minds, Ashwani and I were two of the guest speakers of the ChaT Youth Summit.
His inspiring words resonated with audiences young and old who were in awe of the efforts this young man was taking to improve our country. People like him inspire far more faith in the future of India than most of our political leaders and deserve to have their voices reach a larger audience.
I can do that with this blog.
All year, I have been writing about Real Life Heroes of Kindness and Compassion from around the world who changed lives with their selfless gestures and efforts.
On September 1, 2017, I met one in real life.
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