Nagpur: A routine education survey in 2003 in Nagpur division revealed a gap that textbooks and policies failed to address — many children were leaving school not only due to poverty and poor academics, but also because of physical deformities that impacted mobility, but could be corrected through surgery. This led to a unique charitable collaboration between the education dept and Nagpur-based orthopaedic surgeon Dr Sushrut Babhulkar starting the same year which benefited over 4,000 Vidarbha kids who after surgery were able to return to school.Back then, education official Mahesh Karajgaonkar, who retired as Maharashtra’s in-charge of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA), was looking for a way to ensure that these kids’ treatable physical issues do not become an impediment in education. “Under SSA, the govt’s goal was clear that education must reach all sections of the society. If some kids are unable to attend school, then it is our responsibility to find out why and resolve it,” said Karajgaonkar.Armed with a list of students whose physical deformities were orthopaedic in nature, Karajgaonkar, in 2003, knocked the doors of Dr Babhulkar, who had returned to Nagpur after practicing in the UK a decade ago. Dr Babhulkar suggested that they start screening students to identify those needing surgery, rehabilitation etc. “During screening, we saw that a majority of them had post-polio deformities and cerebral palsy contractures, among other issues,” said Dr Babhulkar. These issues meant students were not able to walk properly or had stiffness in their muscles which appeared like a ‘disability’. Karajgaonkar said, “Students and their parents told us about other kids mocking such deformities. Despite teachers sensitising kids about such issues, we really cannot control what happens outside in their neighbourhood where the taunts would continue. Eventually, such kids dropped out of school.”Surgery can release tight muscles, helping children move more easily. This improves walking and daily activities, though full strength may not always return and therapy is needed after. Karajgaonkar said, “A start was needed and Dr Babhulkar not only agreed, but also charged nothing for surgeries.” The state govt took care of expenses related to post-surgery care, medication and rehabilitation.Dr Babhulkar started conducting screening camps in govt schools or at his hospital. Between 2003 and 2010, Dr Babhulkar and the SSA initiative had already benefited around 3,000 students. The education dept continued to coordinate with Dr Babhulkar even after Karajgaonkar’s promotion-transfer, with new in-charge PP Nikas taking the initiative forward.It was in 2010 that Matru Sewa Sangh (MSS) came into the picture through its initiative called Snehangan. The over a century-old MSS took Dr Babhulkar’s initiative under its wings, helping students to receive better care. Dr Babhulkar said, “Earlier I was there for screening and surgery, while afterwards everything was looked after by the SSA team and others. But MSS provided us that wide umbrella where students would not only get operated upon by me, but their post-surgery care was taken up by professionals coordinated by MSS.“At Matru Sewa Sangh’s Snehangan centre, children undergoing multiple procedures are supported with continued learning during recovery, ensuring they do not lose academic years. In wards that double up as classrooms, children who once stayed away from school slowly rebuild both mobility and routine. For many families, the programme has meant not just treatment, but a second chance at education.From 2010 onwards, another 1,000 such kids were screened and operated. The speed was hampered by a long Covid break, changes in the education dept’s funding patterns for post-operative care and other logistical issues. But the surgeries still continue ensuring that Vidarbha students do not lose out on education just because of issues which can be improved through surgery.
