Keeping the beat going

Three children suffering from congenital heart disorders got a new life after successful treatment at the C K Birla Hospital in Jaipur. Their families are so poor that they could not afford the treatment cost. Rotary came to their rescue.

Narendra Mal Mathur, a charter member of RC Jaipur Bapunagar, RID 3054, has signed an MoU with DG Neeraj Sogani at a CSR seminar organised by the district in January this year for sponsoring paediatric cardiac surgeries for 4–5 needy patients every year.

The treatment cost of ₹4 lakh for each child is being taken care of by Mathur who himself has undergone two cardiac surgeries. “The fact that I survived these surgeries is sign that God wants me here for a purpose and that would be to save little children’s lives,” he says, adding that that is what has inspired him to sponsor generously and “Rotary has given me the platform for doing that.”

Mathur retired three years ago as the CMD of Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan, Department of Energy, Rajasthan Government. He lost his wife in 2016, and is living with his son. “I don’t have any commitment now and am free to spend my earnings for the cause of helping others. Nothing can beat the joy of seeing a child come back alive and healthy after surgery,” he smiles.

Cardiac surgeon Dr Alok Mathur who treats children with CHD at the hospital has also waived his fees for this cause. When he identifies a child requiring treatment, he immediately contacts Mathur for help.

“Rotary is meant to implement bigger projects, beyond distributing school bags and stationery or organising blood donation camps. It’s time we start delivering bigger projects and Jaipur Rotarians have the means to do so,” says Mathur who is the club’s vice president.