A Big Dream, Realised
8 November 2025 was a truly beautiful day. For the past few years, I have carried a dream of conducting a palliative care awareness class for the people of my own neighbourhood. To make this dream come true, I needed a space. I approached many people, but nothing seemed to work out.
One day, when I went to the local Urban Primary Health Centre for a consultation, I met a very friendly doctor there. Remembering the saying, “even a single word can bring you an elephant, if spoken at the right time,” I shared my wish with Dr Bismi, the Medical Officer. I told her that I would bring both the local people and the team to conduct the session, and all I needed was her help in arranging the venue.
The required permissions were arranged by the doctor and Junior Health Inspector Chinchu.
The Pallium India team arrived.
The team had thoughtfully arranged the sound system, chairs, juice, and snacks needed for the programme. Dr Sangeetha, Community Social Officers Shijo and Gokul, PCA Yadu, and Nurse Shanifa were all present. More people turned up at the UPHC, Beemapally, than I had expected. ASHA workers were present, and as per the information shared by me and a like-minded brother, Khaleem, local residents also came. Even people who had come for consultations joined in.
It was a truly beautiful moment.
I can only describe this as a day of happiness that time itself had been saving for me. I was the one who delivered the welcome address, and to stand in front of my own people gave me immense joy. Since it is a coastal area, Dr Sangeetha conducted the session in a simple and relatable way, using language that ordinary people could easily understand. More than a formal class, it felt like a heartfelt conversation in which she explained what palliative care is and when and for whom it is needed.
Shijo spoke in detail about the volunteer training programme and the need for it, and Gokul explained the role of the volunteers.
If a desire burns strongly enough within you, time itself will create a way to fulfil it. That is what this day reaffirmed in my heart. What happened was only a first step, a preparation for a beautiful journey ahead. There is still a long road to travel.
One thing that amazes me is that many dreams can only become reality when there are people who give value to our words.
There is still so much more to be done. Bringing the people around us together is not just our duty, but also our responsibility. In the same way, I hope that one day even the women who have been confined to their homes will find a skill of their own and, through that, an independent source of income. This programme is just a tiny spark of that dream.
With immense love and gratitude to the Urban Primary Health Centre and the Pallium India team for gifting us such a beautiful day. Thank you so much to everyone. My heart is full of happiness.
– Sanna Saleena
Volunteer, Pallium India
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