Dr. Chitra (right) is an Indian who speaks the local language. When she goes to Ganga Bigha with the Tzu Chi medical team for health checkups, she often interacts with the residents in a friendly manner. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/03)

"This time, I'm a different person. I didn't realize until I came here that I wanted to be a real Buddhist," said Chitra, an Indian doctor.

In September 2023, a Tzu Chi team carried out a mission to Bodhgaya, Bihar state in eastern India, to provide healthcare and enlightenment to local communities. The team was led by Dr. Chitra, an Indian doctor who discovered a profound sense of purpose through her involvement with Tzu Chi.

Born in 1963 in Chennai, India, Dr. Chitra initially pursued a career as a hospice physician in government hospitals in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, after marrying a Malaysian native in 1988. After nearly two decades in hospice care, she moved her focus to diabetes and retired at the age of 58 in 2021.

Dr. Chitra's family is Brahmin, and she is very interested in Buddhism. She recites the Sutra of Infinite Meaning with Tzu Chi volunteers at Maha Bodhi Temple. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue;Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/03)

Dr. Chitra's journey with Tzu Chi began when her neighbor, a Tzu Chi member, introduced her to the organization's activities in Kota Kinabalu. Witnessing Tzu Chi's compassionate care for the terminally ill and marginalized people, she felt drawn to participate. Over 15 years ago, she joined the local Tzu Chi Medical Association and became involved with the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) in Hualien, Taiwan.

During her time with Tzu Chi, Dr. Chitra attended the annual TIMA meeting in Taiwan. She engaged in recycling and viewed environmental protection as a form of spiritual purification. Her experience in Malaysia also included accompanying Tzu Chi volunteers on home care visits, allowing her to gain valuable insights into patients' daily lives and their genuine needs outside the hospital setting.

Tzu Chi Bodhgaya medical team measured the height, weight and blood pressure of the community residents, as well as testing their blood sugar and urine (test strips). The team kept detailed records and made appropriate suggestions and measures for improvement when necessary. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/03)

Dr. Chitra's path took an unexpected turn when she learned about Tzu Chi's presence in Bodhgaya, India. Eager to give back to her homeland and armed with knowledge of the local language and customs, she volunteered for the program.

Upon arrival in Bodhgaya, Dr. Chitra joined the Tzu Chi medical team in providing health check-ups to the community. The team assessed villagers' health through measurements of height, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and urine tests. They recorded the results on "Health Record Forms" and referred those in need of medical attention to the Community Health Clinic.

Additionally, families with a BMI of 16 or less and living in poverty received monthly supplies of beans to improve their nutrition.

Bodhgaya medical team went to Bihar Village in Ganges for health checkups. It targeted people with low BMI and regularly delivered six types of beans (e.g., chickpeas, soybeans, yellow lentils, etc.) to supplement their proteins. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/03)

As Dr. Chitra engaged with the Bodhgaya community, she was deeply moved by the stark contrast in living conditions compared to other parts of India. She felt a strong desire to help improve the residents' lives and their knowledge of healthcare.

During her time in Bodhgaya, Dr. Chitra not only provided healthcare but also shared her experiences with friends and fellow doctors, hoping to inspire more to join Tzu Chi's mission. She recognizes the spiritual growth and transformation that could be achieved through such service.

The opening of Tzu Chi Bodhgaya on September 13, 2023, was a significant milestone. At the ceremony, Dr. Chitra expressed her gratitude for Tzu Chi's presence in India, her homeland, and how witnessing Tzu Chi volunteers "doing Tzu Chi work" had touched her deeply.

At the opening ceremony of Tzu Chi Bodhgaya on September 13, 2023, Dr. Chitra (second from right) said that, when she saw Tzu Chi people giving in the community in Malaysia, she always hoped that they would come to India. Now that she's witnessed Tzu Chi volunteers "doing Tzu Chi" in India, she said: "I'm very grateful that you're here.” (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/13)

Dr. Chitra's journey with Tzu Chi has rekindled her connection to Buddhism, and she now hopes for a chance to meet Tzu Chi's founder, Master Cheng Yen. She plans to return to Bodhgaya in January 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to make an even greater impact.

As Dr. Chitra continues to follow the path illuminated by her experiences with Tzu Chi, she embodies the organization's core principles of compassion, service, and spiritual growth.

A Jing Si Aphorism says: “A person with generous heart and compassion for all beings leads the most blessed life.”

Join Tzu Chi. Let us spread Great Love to the needy.

Tzu Chi Bodhgaya medical team's checkups in Bihar Village, Ganges, served 86 families with a total of 166 visits. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/03)
The Tzu Chi Bodhgaya medical team puts up a number plate at the door of each family interested in receiving medical checkups. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/03)

Tzu Chi Bodhgaya medical team found that many residents had high blood pressure due to alcohol consumption. In addition to advising them to reduce alcohol consumption, the team also reported them to the community clinic. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/03)

On September 14, 2023, at 1:15 p.m., Tzu Chi Bodhgaya Institute prayed for the victims of the earthquake in Morocco and the flooding in Libya, and Dr.Chitra (first from left) was happy to respond. (Photo by Deng Yi Xuan; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/14)
Dr. Chitra (left) said she was glad she was able to come here and follow the Tzu Chi volunteers into the community. Seeing the backwardness of the environment, she felt sad that the people there really need help. (Photo by Chen Li-Xue; Bodhgaya, India; 2023/09/3)

Story by Wei Yu Xian