The bad is outnumbering the good. To curb incidents like that of Kathua or Unnao, the students of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS) have decided to bring about a change in the society. The Students’ wing of Indian Program of the International Network of UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, Hafia shall be soon launching a three-faced National Campaign. The Bioethics Unit of MGIMS acts as a role model for many colleges throughout the nation.
Dr. Shiv Joshi, National Head of Students' Wing, Indian program of the International Network of UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, Haifa along with the Students' Wing of MGIMS Bioethics Unit and the students from different states of the country have come together for this campaign. This National movement will be carried out under the guidance of Dr. Russel D'souza, (Chairman, Asia- Pacific, The UNESCO Chair in Bioethics Haifa), Dr. Mary Mathew (National Head, Indian program of the International Network of UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, Haifa) and Dr. Ved Prakash Mishra ( Academic Head, Indian program of the International Network of UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, Haifa).
The campaign shall be carried out in three phases -
Phase 1 - "National Survey". Under national survey, a set of questionnaire shall be given to different age groups across the rural and urban population to assess the reasons behind the occurrence of such incidents. Also the survey shall gather viewpoint of different sections of the society over such incidents. This survey will be taken both online as well as offline and an official report will be made and put forth in front of everyone.
Phase 2 – “Mass campaign”. This will be carried out on social media, where report of the national survey will be highlighted and an emphasis on the increasing need of ethics and morality shall be discussed . This will in turn act as an appeal for other students of the country to join the movement.
Phase 3: "Nationwide Education Drive". Under this drive various schools and colleges shall be approached with moral education on topic of Ethics, Morality and Intent. This drive shall also throw light on the topic - ‘Respect for Women’.
As a pilot study of the mass movement, the Students' Wing MGIMS Bioethics unit visited Gandhi Public school at Wardha on 27th April 2018 to understand the difficulties and challenges which may crop up during the education drive. The students divided themselves into two groups and educated boys and girls separately. They started with some ice breaking exercises so that the students of ninth and tenth standard can feel comfortable in discussing the sensitive issue.
The boys were told about the natural physiological changes that may affect their behavior during their adolescence phase. In addition, an emphasis on having good values in life was made. "Respect is the biggest thing which can be gifted to women", the students were reinforced.
While in the girls’ group, the medical students focused on the aspect of ‘Okay and Non-Okay touch’. Lessons on identifying the ill intent such as misbehavior or harassment and how to save oneself from any unfortunate incident were given.
“We are not blaming you. We are just preparing you to make a better nation, and you can also work with us by acting against any injustice if you see'', said one of the team members before the start of the session.
The team handled the queries well. The Vice-Principal of the school appreciated the efforts taken by the medical students.
Akshay Yadav, Shreya Namjoshi, Prachi Kamble, Mehul Dhabaliya and Atharva Kokaje were the key participants involved.