World Rabies Day 2009
With 24 hours before D-Day, Indian Trustees, Deepak and Kamoo came to the hospital to discuss final arrangements for TOLFA’s Rabies Awareness Campaign Day.
Despite the office now having an actual desk and 6 chairs, in true eclectic TOLFA style, the meeting had to take place in the Cattle Shade as Dr Ashok was mid-way through saving a cow. It was also mostly in Hindi, so I was none the wiser as to whether all would progress smoothly the next day….
Promoting World Rabies Day 2009
“Meet by the Sikh temple at 8.00” were Dr Ashok’s parting words to me.. 8.15, no-one, 8.45 not a single child in school uniform, or any staff from TOLFA. Anxiety is rising. Then bang on ‘Indian Time’ Dr Ashok arrives, his car bursting with staff.
Snakes of children with their smart uniforms appear from nowhere, well behaved and serious and soon the dusty road is filled with 800 children, 2 a breast representing 8 local schools. Banners in Hindi and English are unfurled proclaiming “Make Rabies History!” sponsored by Intervet.
School children parade through Pushkar promoting World Rabies Day 2009
Caps bearing the World Rabies Day logo were supplied by Indian Immunological. The rally sets off in the morning heat through the bustling main artery of Pushkar.
TOLFA staff wear World Rabies Day caps
TOLFA staff distribute leaflets on what to do if you’re bitten – wash wounds thoroughly and seek medical attention. We pass the world famous Hindu Brahma Temple and the local media snap away.
World Rabies Day 2009 parade in Pushkar
We all assemble in a vast room and the sea of expectant faces are sitting cross legged on the green baize floor. A white robed guru from the Animal Welfare Board, Dr Swami spoke eloquently about kindness to animals.
The microphone was being temperamental, I watched nervously as the overhead projector man pushed bare wires with matchsticks into the socket, coaxing the machine into life, just moments before Dr Sachin was due to take the stage. Phew, the bulb blinked encouragingly and first image glowed on the screen.
The witty WSPA power point presentation on rabies prevention, full of cartoons, captured the childrens imagination. Dr Sachin is a natural communicator and the children sat in rapt attention.
A pile of beautifully wrapped gifts glinted temptingly. Dr Ashok’s quiz which followed, was designed to ensure the vital message had been absorbed and many arms shot up keen to claim a prize. The children even learned the emergency TOLFA mobile number by heart, so that if they saw an animal in distress they could be responsible for ensuring it went to our hospital for treatment.
School children take part in our rabies awareness and animal kindness quiz
The TOLFA staff, in their crisp uniforms served a delicious breakfast to the guests of honour, provided by Kamlesh Khatri, and we felt satisfied that another group of children were equipped with the knowledge on how to avoid rabies, and how they should help and care for the animals around them whilst sharing their new found respect for them with their families and communities.
The children in Ajmer are being targeted in the coming months with our lively lecture as we have so much hope in the next generation.