Nestled in Bodh Gaya, India, the village of Silaunja is marked by bamboo fences, thatched huts, and mud walls adorned with cow dung cakes. In these modest homes, villagers face hardships shaped by poverty and limited healthcare access.
On April 14, 2025, a group of Tzu Chi volunteers, including local and overseas supporters, arrived to invite residents to an upcoming health seminar conducted by Dr. Suwen Kumar. Alongside their outreach, they handed out masala tea to encourage residents to replace alcohol with a healthier alternative.
Choosing Tea Over Alcohol
Volunteer Endrajeet Paswan visited Arun Kumar, a resident who had struggled with alcohol consumption. With a shy smile, Arun shared, “Ever since Tzu Chi gave me two packets of Masala Tea, I stopped drinking alcohol. I didn't go to work today as I'm not feeling well.”
Recognizing his progress, volunteers encouraged him to attend the seminar for medical advice. As a sign of care, local volunteer Akash Raj Pandey respectfully handed Arun two more packets of tea.
The Cost of Poverty and Alcoholism
During their visit, volunteers met an elderly man dressed in a red shirt and plaid shorts. He crouched low to the ground, seemingly unable to stand. Later, they saw him struggle to rise, revealing his severe weakness. His small mud-and-straw house contained minimal possessions, and his wife, suffering from cataracts, leaned against the doorway.
Nurse volunteer Alice Lee recalled their initial meeting. “When we first saw him, he had severe leg wounds and couldn’t walk. He had been sick for over a year but never received treatment.”
After taking him to the doctor, tests revealed heart complications, lung fluid buildup, and extreme swelling in his legs. Over the following month, volunteers ensured he received medical care, and his condition improved. “His swelling reduced, his blood pressure stabilized, and he could finally walk. He even started cooking meals for his wife,” Alice Lee shared.
Sadly, his case is one of many, where illness results from poverty and alcoholism, exacerbated by lack of access to healthcare.
Ancient Dental Traditions
While visiting homes, volunteers noticed women brushing their teeth with tree branches. Jayanti Kumari, a village contact, explained, “This is a tradition dating back to the Buddha’s time. The branches have a fresh minty taste and can even be ground into powder for herbal medicine.”
Silaunja villagers rely on neem tree branches for oral hygiene. These natural toothbrushes have antibacterial properties and cost nothing, making them an essential part of daily life in impoverished communities.
By Shu-Chen Yuan
