There is no intention here to judge people or question anyone’s character. I myself am part of this society, and like every other society in the world, ours too has its flaws. No society is perfect whether it is the much developed America or Europe, disciplined Japan or highly industrious China. Every society has its strengths and its shortcomings. None is free from human imperfections.
Then what prompted me to write these lines? Perhaps because we live in deeply materialistic times. Greed has silently seeped into almost every section of society, sparing no profession and no social class. In such an environment, when you unexpectedly come across someone whose heart still beats with compassion, whose actions are guided more by humanity than by money, it deserves to be acknowledged. Appreciating goodness should never be mistaken for hero worship; it is simply giving credit where it is due. It is our duty to eulogise it for its impact is far and wide.
People like these emit positive energy. They quietly restore our faith in humanity. They make us believe that goodness still exists and accentuates its value in real life. But nature has its own mysterious way of making our paths cross with such souls exactly when we need them the most.
That is exactly what happened to me in a day that was hardest yet beautiful for me. Few days back my wife had to be admitted to a private hospital in Srinagar for the delivery of our second child, much before her expected due date. Everything happened so suddenly that I found myself completely unprepared. Travelling from the southern corner of the valley to Srinagar was never part of my original plan. Anxiety, uncertainty and helplessness had taken over every thought.
But nature has its own script to unravel. I travelled to Srinagar searching for my second life, my newborn son. I returned not only with him but also with a renewed appreciation for the life I already had. I came back carrying immense gratitude, not just because my child survived, but because I witnessed humanity at its zenith.
Our son was born prematurely and was immediately shifted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). That is where I met Dr. Mir Inam-ul-Haq, a super-specialist neonatologist.
Ironically, I had spent nearly nine months chasing another doctor, our gynaecologist, whose consultations eventually led us to this premium private hospital. Yet, the person who left the deepest imprint on my heart was someone I had never met before nevertheless both these had an important role to play.
Dr. Mir Inam-ul-Haq practices exclusively in the private sector, a place often perceived as being driven more by economics than emotions. Yet, he seems to stand a little above such material constraints. His foremost concern is not how much a patient can pay, but whether the patient leaves healthy, reassured and with hope.
The good thing about this person is that he not only treat diseases but aks you about your limitations too. He patiently listens and then sincerely looks for ways to address them. In my case, he went far beyond what anyone could reasonably expect. He used every bit of his goodwill and professional influence to ensure that my hospital bill defattens to remain affordable to some extent. Where many simply quote rules and limitations, he quietly builds bridges.
That, however, is only one part of his personality. The other is his remarkable professional excellence. His knowledge and expertise are equally excellent, but what impressed me even more was his work ethic. He arrives early and often leaves late spending most of his time with his patients. He mentors his staff towards excellence and personally ensures that every newborn under his care receives the best possible treatment.
At a time when many senior doctors have become increasingly inaccessible, he remains approachable, responsive and reassuring. One never feels that you are disturbing him. Instead, you feel that your child’s wellbeing genuinely matters to him.
In today’s world, where we often complain about the erosion of values in medical profession, people like Dr. Inam become quiet reminders that humanity has not disappeared. It still exists, sometimes behind a stethoscope, sometimes inside an intensive care unit, and sometimes in the reassuring smile of a doctor who genuinely cares.
Dr. Inam, I vow that whenever the word humanity appears before my eyes, your face inevitably comes to my mind. It is not that I had been a direct beneficiary of your benevolence but I had never witnessed a person who irrespective of any consideration shares his goodwill with all. Your parents could not have chosen a more fitting name for you. Inam literally means “a gift,” and you truly are one, not merely to your profession, but to the human race.
You may or may not accumulate extraordinary wealth in this life, but you have already earned something infinitely more valuable, the heartfelt prayers of countless parents whose children you have healed and whose hope you have restored. Those prayers will remain with you long after hospital bills are forgotten.
The world may remember great men for their achievements, but families like ours will remember the hope you gave us when we were at our most vulnerable. Wealth may fade and accolades may be forgotten, but the silent prayers of grateful parents endure. As long as there are people like you, humanity will always emerge the true winner.
The writer is PG, Mass Communication & Journalism from MERC, University of Kashmir.
