We were all under the banner of Rotary dist. 3060, under the able leadership of PDG Rtn. Kulbandhu Sharma. The Riversiders includes Rtn. IPP Dr. Ajay Bhardwaj & Ann Rashika, Rtn. Dr. Kuldeep Desai (thats me), & Rtn. Dr. Nitin Garg.

We reached Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia and were soon set to plan & focus on our purpose of visit. We were divided into 2 teams. The 1st group comprised of 4 Ophthalmologist & the 2nd group contained Orthopaedics, ENT, Plastic Surgeon & Anaesthetists.

Our 1st team of ophthalmologists moved to Debre-Berhan (place of light), a small town 130 kms. north of Addis Ababa. The mere sight of nature & reality bestowed on Earth was the first impression that crossed my mind. We, as eye surgeons were treated & welcomed very warmly by local Ethiopians & Rotarians of dist 9200.

We used to start early morning at 8:00am and accomplish our job at 8:00pm in the evening. Rest of the evening was utilised for the preparation of the next schedule, & also in pleasure to know the local dialect, culture & history of the local town and Ethiopia.

The other team comprising of Orthopaedics, ENT, Plastic Surgeon & an Anaesthetist exhibited their talent by performing more than 68 polio reconstructive surgeries, many more club feet operations, more than 20 ENT surgeries & cleft palate. A whole lot of volunteers including Ann Rashika Bhardwaj were a great help.

We donated all the instruments, other equipments & medicine carried by us to respective hospitals to reduce the back log of work. As an eye specialist I have been very proud to be a part of this project, which has made me realise the value of being a Rotarian.

Rtn. Dr. Kuldeep desai