Anwar (name changed), a humble tea seller, rises with the sun every Thursday, his heart brimming with hope and enthusiasm. Positioned at his small kiosk near the Prasad Joo Khan Heart Centre (PJKHC) in Hawl, he eagerly awaits the arrival of patients and their attendants, knowing that Thursdays are special. Despite the bitter cold of winter, Anwar’s warm smile accompanies the hot tea he offers to patients who begin streaming in from early morning.
Amidst the routine of the day, Anwar’s anticipation peaks when he spots a familiar sight – a black SUV pulling up beside his kiosk. This SUV belongs to none other than Dr. Upendra Kaul, fondly known as Dr. U Kaul, who flies all the way from Delhi each week to conduct his OPD at PJKHC. The sight of the renowned cardiologist attending to the sick and marginalized patients in the village of Hawl is a rarity and a source of awe for all who witness it.
For Anwar, Thursdays hold a significance beyond just a day of business. They represent a beacon of hope and relief for the patients who flock to PJKHC from distant corners of South Kashmir, Poonch, and Rajouri. These patients, often facing cardiac ailments, would otherwise have to endure the arduous journey to seek state-of-the-art cardiac care in far-flung places.
As Anwar continues to serve his tea, he witnesses moments of healing and compassion unfold before him. Dr. U Kaul’s presence not only brings medical expertise but also a sense of solace and accessibility to those in need. Through his selfless dedication, Dr. U Kaul embodies the spirit of service and community that touches the lives of all who cross his path at PJKHC.
In Anwar’s eyes, the weekly arrival of Dr. U Kaul symbolizes more than just a doctor’s visit; it represents a lifeline for the underserved and a proof to the power of compassion in healthcare. And as he watches the patients depart with renewed hope and gratitude, Anwar knows that his humble kiosk plays a small but vital role in the larger healing and humanity woven at PJKHC.