Since 1989,without missing a single Wednesday,this 59-year-old medical practitioner has been administering vaccines to children,free of cost These words of Jesus Christ: Whatever you do to the least of my brethren,you do it to Me are perhaps the driving force for this 59-year-old doctor who made a national record by immunising 20,302 infants since 1989. Dr Alan Davis Alappat,who started an immunisation centre at his clinic in Kurar Village,Malad,has the distinction of administering vaccines every single Wednesday,without a break since January 11,1989. He is now in the Limca Book of National Records,2009. For Alappat,who has been providing free vaccines,the aim is to eradicate polio by ensuring vaccination especially for children in slums. He believes that his noble profession teaches to heal,relieving peoples pain and suffering. After 20 years of tireless service he says,It gives me a sense of achievement,which probably wouldnt have got if I would have charged for vaccines like private clinics. I wouldnt see broad smiles of the parents when they bring their kids for immunisation. He adds,Ive even worked on Christmas but had to shut the clinic during the 1992-93 riots due to the curfew. Alappat says that the idea of sending his details for the records occurred to him after a common friend whos also a Limca Book record holder recommended him. He told me to try it he said you should get some recognition for the work you are doing,so I tried it and got lucky, he recalls. However,it wasnt an easy task. He says,I had almost lost hope of getting the name in the record book as they took over eight months to scrutinise and categorise it. Then finally two weeks back I got a call and received the letter. Dr Alappats healing touch doesnt stop here; he has been involved in proving free medical treatment to tribals in Talwada near Dahanu for the last 15 years. He religiously visits Talwada every alternate Sunday without having missed a single appointment in 15 years,he stresses. He is also associated with eye donation camps and the rehabilitation of HIV+ children in Asangaon. The continuous service to humanity does leave little time for his family and friends. Everything comes at a price,but I manage to devote time to my family. My friends have also been generous with monetary help for all my projects. They have been very supportive, he beams. This man who is on a mission to serve humanity says,I have a principle that is in Gods teachings. Whatever you do to the least of my brethren,you do it to me. I live life with this attitude.
