INTERDEPENDENCE—A LAW OF NATURE

pay at a discounted price. The rest of their well-being, including mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, is taken care of by “BUTTERFLY: The Age Young Wellness Centre”. This is a free, once-a-week programme that runs for 3 to 4 hours. It includes registration, a welcome drink, prayer, memory games, a guest lecture, sharing sessions, crosswords, puzzles, and a topicbased impromptu talk. There’s also yoga, Scripture reading, some games, and national anthem. The event ends with tea. The programme is open to people aged 60 to 80 and it is free. Also I believe that the elderly carry a lifetime of experience and wisdom. When we give them a space to share—through discussions, games, or storytelling—it not only uplifts them but also teaches the young how to live meaningfully. Programmes at our wellness centre are designed to encourage exactly this kind of sharing. Old age is a very special phase of life. It comes with its own set of challenges—physical, emotional, social, and even financial. Many elderly people live alone, feel insecure, or go through anxiety and depression. That’s why I believe their care must be holistic—not just medical, but also mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. How did you balance your family life and work as a doctor? I’m blessed to have had supportive parents who helped me with the children. My children are also very mature and understand the need for patient care, even at times when I’m working around the clock. I did have to make sacrifices from my family life due to work, but my priority is work since it’s the healthcare industry. There have been times when I couldn’t go out with my children or missed movie shows. I usually join them late or leave in between the show, or I don’t turn up altogether. I also attend family occasions as a representative, but I miss them if it gets too late. I’ve missed holiday vacations because of a known patient in the ICU or on a ventilator who needs constant monitoring and medication adjustments. However, I believe that a very understanding family is a definite requirement for good work in the healthcare industry. Without it, I can only deliver a modest level of care. But if a doctor is dedicated to providing 24-hour patient care, hardworking, and conscientious, they can only do so with the