13th April 2007 : In a philanthropic spirit, an unusual team of professionals, comprising of govt employees, businessmen, media persons, pharmacist and doctors conducted a free medical camp at a far flung village in Manipur where medic-care facilities are as good as none existent. Although this team of 26 professionals are drawn from varied background they have one thing is common - they are all members of Manipur's Royal Riders Club who motto is 'Serving with Adventure'.
When 26 Royal Enfield riders of Manipur decided to go for one of their usual long rides, they chose to mix it with service, bringing smiles to the villagers of Kuirei, tucked away on the fringe of Ukhrul district in Manipur, 126 kms from Imphal. Over 200 villagers, mostly children and the aged benefited from the noble gestures of royal riders of Manipur.
With a doctor and a pharmacist in team, a free medical camp was what the villagers desperately needed. 'We brought free sample medicines along with us and together with the doctor we're conducting a free medical camp in this far flung village where medical facilities are lacking. We're part of the bullet team who thought it fit to provide medical service.' said Meeren, the pharmacist
Initially planned as a pediatric camp, the medical service covered all ages including the very old. Even though ambitious national rural health scheme are in operation, these villagers who do not enjoy any medi-care facilities appreciate the gesture of the bikers. A mid wife of Kuirei who received medical advice for her abdominal pain said, 'the Doctor had indeed reduced our pain. The sick, both children and the aged are treated and given free medicine for their illness. We feel very happy and thankful.'
Over 200 anxious villagers were examined by the alone doctor who was overwhelmed by the response. While diarrhea and cough frequented the children, back and chest pain dominated the old said Dr. Gautam, the lone doctor in the bullet team
While many may think those who prefer to ride bullets in this age of fast and fuel efficient bikes are a crazy load, they are definitely different in their attitude towards life.
Their love for long rides and adventure are well known. In term of mixing adventure with service, Manipur's Royal riders are now showing the way and are slowly becoming known as angels on wheels.
Sunzu Bachaspatiyum, an Independent filmmaker, contributes to e-pao.net regularly.
He can be contacted at effectivetelevision(at)rediffmail(dot)com
This article was webcasted on April 15th, 2007
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