Cuttack Student Abinas Nayak Champions Social Service for Humans and Animals
In the bustling city of Cuttack, a young undergraduate student is making a significant impact through selfless service. Abinas Nayak, aged 20 and residing in Alisha Bazaar, has dedicated himself to helping those in need, balancing his academic pursuits with a profound commitment to social welfare. Alongside a dedicated group of friends, Nayak has been actively involved in various charitable activities for over one and a half years, demonstrating that compassion knows no bounds.
Comprehensive Assistance for Hospital Patients and Attendants
Nayak and his team focus extensively on supporting patients and their families at major government healthcare facilities in Cuttack, including SCB Medical College and Hospital, Sishu Bhawan, and the Acharya Harihar PG Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC). Their efforts are multifaceted, addressing critical needs that often go unmet.
Blood Donation Drives: One of their primary initiatives involves organizing blood donations for impoverished patients who travel from across Odisha and beyond. "If any patient or their attendant requests us for blood, we arrange a donor from our group or our friend circle. It is the most important part of our work," Nayak explains. This timely assistance can be life-saving for many who struggle to find compatible donors.
Food Distribution: Recognizing the financial hardships faced by many, the group provides meals to needy attendants at these hospitals. "Many poor people come to SCB, AHPGIC and Sishu Bhawan, and they do not have money to purchase food. When we get requests from these people, we arrange food for them," says Nayak. This simple act of kindness alleviates hunger and stress during difficult times.
Rescuing and Treating Stray Animals
Beyond human aid, Nayak's compassion extends to animals. His informal group, named after Baba Saheb Ambedkar, has rescued at least 50 stray animals, including bulls, from the streets of Cuttack and facilitated their medical treatment. "Nobody thinks about these animals as they do not have any owner. Whenever we get any information regarding a wounded stray animal, we go there and help the animal to get proper care," he states. This initiative highlights their holistic approach to welfare.
Exposing Corruption and Advocating for Justice
In a notable incident from October last year, the group uncovered corruption involving a contractual staff member at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (Sishu Bhawan). This individual was diverting a patient to a private hospital for commission, exploiting a tribal family from Jajpur district. "After we got this information, we convinced the patient to file FIR against the middleman and helped police arrest the person. This became an example for other middlemen," Nayak recounts. Their vigilance has helped protect vulnerable patients from such malpractices.
Environmental and Community Initiatives
The group's activities also encompass environmental stewardship and community support. They engage in tree planting drives and set up drinking water arrangements for passersby during the scorching summer months. Funding for these endeavors comes from friends and well-wishers, as Nayak notes, "Our friends and well-wishers help us get little fund to do such work."
Reflecting on his motivation, Nayak shares, "I always wanted to do something meaningful in life, that's why I chose this work to help humans, animals and environment." As a student at Netaji Subhas Memorial City College in Cuttack, he exemplifies how youth can drive positive change through dedication and teamwork.
