Hi All, I have been following the Divena case for over a month and it makes an interesting study for us.
First of all, hats off to Prashanthi, Vani, Arun and others who have been diligently following up on a person who they have no relation to. That does take a lot of commitment, which should be appreciated. But the case does raise a lot of questions. What is the girl's situation if the group members were not able to spend so much time at the hospital? Are we taking up much more responsibility than the family, relatives and friends? To me it seems so. I do want to believe it is a genuine case. But what was the family's plan before they brought her over for surgery? How can anyone be in a situation where they have no money for food a couple of days after the surgery? What if the surgery was further delayed? And what happens if she has to stay in the hospital longer than expected due to complications? I understand Prashanthi's predicament in wanting to contribute, but unable to make a decision on behalf of the group. What is the emotional dependancy once she is discharged from the hospital? What if she does an about turn once Prashanthi is not present as much anymore? This is clearly a girl who is lacking support from within her family and friends circle. Further questions for the group: What is our commitment in such cases in future? How much do we limit per case? what is the time contribution expectation from the group members? Should we get emotionally attached in such cases? Who gets to decide what the criteria are for selection of such cases? Seeing us help in one case, another case which happens to be in the same premises may approach us. What do we do then? What is the empowerment we give to the people on the field? DO we really need a discussion on whether a plate of idli in a govt funded hospital should be Rs 7 or less? I seem to be a person of many questions and no action. But that is exactly my situation in this group. I am not clear on what I should do. Well, let the emotions start flowing. Any brick bats maybe directed at me only and not at the group. Cheers Suresh A
