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Showing posts from November, 2011

My inspiration: Dr. Ida Scudder

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." — Mark Twain Have I ever mentioned Dr. Ida Scudder? She was the daughter of a missionary who became a doctor and worked in Vellore, Tamil Nadu all her life. She dedicated herself to the people of India. This book that I had been reading was first published in 1984. I first read it in 2004. What a long time! I would be lying or not be true to myself if I say I did not cry my heart out while reading it. Do you imagine a young American woman settling in India in 1900 and giving not just medical treatment but hope to the people of Vellore? She continued working till 1960. 60 long years.... She founded the Vellore Medical College and Hospital through endless struggle and she also encouraged and educated young Indian women to study medicine and become doctors, nurses. How inspiring! When I look around the dearth of goodness today, I wonder how and why wo