Cultivating the community insights

Author- Aayushi Piludaria

Jan 31, 2024

“जब लोगों की आँखों से देखें हम दुनिया को
तब-तब नजर आए अलग दुनिया हमको,
याद रखें अलग इंसान, अलग विचार
तो जाओ इन लोगों के बीच, देख आओ हर दुनिया को...”
“When through the eyes of others, the world we see,
A unique world unfolds, just for you and me.
Remember, different folks, different thoughts,
Step amidst them, and witness every kind of world among them”

- Aayushi Piludaria

In the beginning of my BHMS course, I always had one thought in mind: ‘I don’t want to learn only from books and assigned subjects but from my experiences. I wanted to do something that would enhance my inner self. When it came to choosing my research interest for a short-term studentship, the idea of community came to mind. I always wondered about the understanding of the rural community regarding the homoeopathic mode of treatment. I was curious about the statistics in terms of the rural population. Are they aware of how it works? Can they differentiate it from other modes of treatment? Do they have faith in this mode?

I chose to do a survey on the ‘awareness, beliefs, and practices about homoeopathy among the rural population of Miyagam, Karjan.’ I anticipated a few challenges in terms of its execution, especially balancing my academic studies and doing a real-time survey. But to my surprise, it turned out to be something else, which I was not prepared for.

First and foremost was the ‘Communication.’ The questions I was asking them and the answers they were giving were not related. Our language was the same; are they perceiving it differently? or am I not able to frame it in such a way that they will understand easily? So, after a few responses, I realised something that was missing was a ‘good rapport.’ So, I started informal and casual talks and shared my thoughts. I had to first understand their views and thoughts, and according to them, I moulded the framing of questions without changing their literal meaning. It was a real-time challenge that I was not prepared for. I have learned that ‘In building rapport, a strong connection is sculpted, thus the path to reaching grassroots emerges.’

The next learning milestone was ‘time management.' While planning a survey for 100, I thought getting responses from 100 was not that difficult. But while executing and working with precision, I was draining my allocated time. The task, which seemed to me like a pea, has started appearing like a huge mountain now. To overcome this, I have built up strategies with the help of my guide, and we have decided to form a team. We all gathered with the same goal in mind, made plans, and began work on the ground. I have learned this time that we do not consciously think of logistical issues. There is a gap between our thinking and execution. I have learned a lesson about time management and the importance of teamwork.

Balancing responsibilities and passion: when we pursue something that we love to do, we cannot withhold those things that we are bound to do. I have learned skills for managing my studies, classes, and my community-based survey.

Empathy and handling various temperaments: since childhood, we have heard the saying, “Not all five fingers are the same," which applies to people. While few were so welcoming and humble and have served us with heartwarming hospitality, and few were those who were ignorant, non-supportive, and uncooperative in their gestures and expressions. Initially, it somehow impacted me, but I kept going as I had to complete a task. When I see it retrospectively today, I understand there may be many reasons, such as unwillingness due to literacy or any pre-occupied work. We should not stop and keep going.

Art of convincing: While getting informed consent, a few participants were unwilling and reluctant; initially, I had difficulty, but I learned to convince them, through soft skills.

I have discovered all these things in me that I never knew. I felt energetic and accepting of any situation that I encountered! The community is full of surprises and learning.

My survey demonstrates significant level of awareness about homeopathy with 75% being familiar with the term “Homoeopathy”. Regardless of educational background, individuals engaged in farming and homemakers demonstrated substantial awareness. The research emphasizes the impact of peripheral homeopathic OPDs, as evidenced by 83% correctly identifying their locations and 69% being aware of operational days and timings. However, there is limited awareness among rural respondents regarding the use of homeopathic as adjuvant with allopathic medicines.