God, Please Save Her - V.P.Rathi
In the calm, green fields between Achampatti and Thirali villages in Tamil Nadu, a one-week NSS camp was being held. Around a hundred volunteers had gathered there. Under the guidance of their energetic NSS Programme Officer, Professor Aarthi, they cleaned the village streets, planted saplings, and conducted awareness events with great enthusiasm.
But for one volunteer, Priya, this camp turned into a deeply personal journey.
On the third day, while she was cleaning the school campus under the hot sun, she received shocking news. Her mother, Lakshmi, who had been working in the fields, had been bitten by a poisonous snake and was fighting for her life at the Madurai Government Hospital.
Hearing this, Priya collapsed to the ground, crying uncontrollably. Her whole world suddenly felt dark, and her hands began to tremble.
Hearing this news, all the young volunteers started crying, thinking about their dear mother at home, nostalgic, longing to return to their native place. A tinge of remorse was felt in Aarthi's heart.
Seeing their pain, Professor Aarthi gathered all the volunteers under a large banyan tree. Her voice was calm but firm, bringing everyone together. It was very difficult to console all the children.
“Life tests us when we least expect it,” she began. “Priya’s mother is in the hospital because of a snake bite. This is not a time for despair. This is a time for hope i.e., hope in ourselves, in medical care, and in faith. God protects us, but He also works through us.”
Aarthi shared a story about a relative who had survived a similar situation.
“Snake bites are dangerous, but with timely treatment, people will be recovered. Priya, you are not alone—we are with you,” she assured.
Her words created a strong sense of unity among the volunteers. They immediately prayed for Lakshmi’s treatment and immediate recovery. Aarthi, a few senior volunteers Lekha, Sathya accompanied Priya to the hospital.
It was 10.15 at night. There was no bus facility and they took an auto where as the auto-driver seemed to be a rowdy in appearance but gentle and soft in heart. They were thrilled to see him with his long, dishevelled hair. He dropped and charged Rs1200 for Thirumangalam Bus stand. In the mean time Aarthi called her brother Mayilvahanan over phone who is also an auto-driver. Immediately he took them to Madurai Rajaji Government Hospital. They reached the hospital at 11.25 p.m.
At the Madurai Government Hospital, Lakshmi lay in the ICU, stabilised after receiving anti-venom. Priya held her mother’s hand and whispered, “God, You are my protector.” She applied holy ashes and turmeric powder by praying to Goddess Jai Bhavani Amman. "Soon you will be enjoying with your dear daughter". Aarthi’s encouraging words slowly planted hope in her heart.
The doctors, moved by the NSS group’s support, reassured them that Lakshmi was showing good signs of recovery.
Back at the camp, the volunteers continued their work with renewed dedication, offering each effort as a prayer for Lakshmi’s recovery. They held a prayer meeting at the village temple, lighting candles and singing devotional songs.
Professor Aarthi spoke again:
“When we stand together, we become instruments of God. Your support has given Priya courage and her mother a chance to live.”
On the final day of the camp, good news arrived—Lakshmi was out of danger. Priya returned to Achampatti, her heart filled with gratitude. She hugged Aarthi and the volunteers, who now felt like her second family.
That night, the camp ended with a peaceful meditation under the stars. Priya shared her mother’s words:
“God saved me, but He worked through all of you.”
In that moment, the volunteers understood something deeply—
their NSS camp was not just service.
It was a living example of faith, unity, and the truth that God, the ultimate protector, often works through human hearts filled with love and purpose.
