TRAI Regulates, People React: The Santideva Effect of 'Wellbeing'
(By Appu Jacob John, Kochi, October 7-9, 2011)

Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, Former Kalon Tripa or the Chairman of the Cabinet of the Tibetan government-in-exile in India is being received by Friends of Tibet Campaigners and Kochi local Tibetans on his arrival at Kochi International Airport on October 5, 2011. Martin, VJ Jose, Sethu Das, Abdul Nassar and Yeldho Mathew are seen. (Photo: Anand V)

Kochi: Amid the high SMS security measures raised up by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the 13th Tibetan Medical Camp was organised jointly by Friends of Tibet (Kerala) and the Bangalore unit of Men-Tsee-Khang. TRAI had recently passed a regulation directing the mobile companies to allow only 100 short messages a day from one SIM card. This might be an early precaution regarding the fear of a Jasmine Revolution in India. Team Anna had done it to a great extent. This had also affected the Wellbeing Tibetan medical camp in Kochi. Since short messages have been further cut short, information sharing to the thousand-odd patients has now become a great difficulty to Friends of Tibet Campaigners who work tirelessly to make the camp happen in the city every month since September 2010. The regulation turned out to be an obstacle in conducting of the 13th Wellbeing camp. Perhaps it was the same fear of the mysterious number — 13. However most of the patients also understood the matter and were able to react a rather positive way.

The Wellbeing camp was held under the healing ministry of Dr Dorjee Rapten Neshar and Dr Tamdin Sangmo and the nursing superintends of Men-Tsee-Khang Bangalore unit. Dr Tamdin was the first female Tibetan doctor who had come to the medical camp. Many of the patients have come with a number of new problems. It is indeed a great pleasure to be part of this healing ministry. As Shantideva had said it is the unique experience of being the medicine, nurse and doctor to the suffering many. A good number of cases have come up from far away places such as Ottappalam and Palakkad. One might wonder how this is possible. It is possible when you are able to work like Shantideva; being a sanctum sanctorum for all the needy. But can one be like that!

Yes, people can if they wish to do so. An elegant example for this cannot be limited to one or two persons; it is an ever-widening circle starting from Sethu Das, Founder of Friends of Tibet (India) who was ready to bear with the 'burden' of healing others. Soft-spoken, artistic, he is ready to organise the Wellbeing camps in the best possible way each time even when the number of participants have increased tremendously. It should also be brought to the notice of two others who have turned out to be his trusted lieutenants — VJ Jose; not just an activist but more than anything an environmental enthusiast; is a bubbling presence of active participation that is ready to help anyone at any time. A polymath he is able to attract the attention of people of all ages and all places. And Yeldho T Mathew, an senior executive who somehow finds time to participate in all activities in spite of his busy schedule. Another person who has been influenced by Shantideva is Tharanath AK who comes all the way from Trichur to volunteer for the Kochi Wellbeing camps. This soft-spoken; elegant retired Bank Manager is an efficient coordinator who is able to talk gentle as well as be stern as and when need arises. In the midst of all these he is ready to coordinate every needy patient to their well being. Many others have become similar to the same cause. In fact Shantideva was percolating through the hearts of many as they have turned themselves to be the vehicle of the wellbeing of others-those who are in need.

Shantideva is not a one-minute remedy or a panacea but an experience of life through which one should go through. It is a transforming experience like a lens which transforms light into seven different colours. It occurs when we understand the experience of life. It is when you are aware of the 'Well Being' of others — those who are in need...!

More about Friends of Tibet Wellbeing Programme: www.friendsoftibet.org/wellbeing/

Dr Tamdin Sangmo of Men-Tsee-Khang does a pulse diagnosis with a Wellbeing participant during the 13th Tibetan Medical Camp held at Ashirbhavan, Kacherippadi, Kochi from November 7-8, 2011. (Photo: vj.jose@friendsoftibet.org)