CANACONA: In the quaint village of Dabel in Poinguinim village, Gangi Varak, a beloved matronly figure, is in high demand whenever a local family announces a joyous new arrival.
At 63, Gangi Varak has spent 35 years of her life extending a nurturing hand to generations of infants born in the surrounding villages, providing oil massages to stretch and strengthen their little limbs. Gargi reminisces about her journey that began in 1980’s. “Those were times when modern conveniences were not available, nor was there access to proper markets,” she says.
As coconut oil was the only thing available in those days for the sacred art of massaging an infant, she went on to master this art and through her care for the newborns, earning the trust and gratitude of numerous families.
Babies she massaged in the 1980’s have now turned mothers themselves and call upon her to attend to their children too, making her the affectionate ‘vaijeen’ who has nursed generations of the same family.
Besides providing massages, she also bathes newborns and shares her valuable knowledge in looking after these tiny tots. She attends to only two newborns per day at present and commits to providing the child her special kind of physical therapy until they are 14 months old.
Gangi’s journey into this noble endeavour began as a personal passion, devoid of any expectations of compensation.
Gradually, the community recognised her services, leading them to compensate her for her tireless efforts. However, she still refrains from setting a fixed price for her invaluable service, relying on voluntary donations from the families she assists.
Besides her remarkable massage services, Gangi Varak also imparts wisdom about traditional Ayurvedic medicine for common ailments of infants such as colds, fevers, and digestive troubles and many have benefitted from her care.
Every household graced by her presence, dotes on her and honours her as a vital part of the family.
Beyond her nurturing touch, Gangi Varak also cultivates traditional fruits, providing a wholesome and nutritious diet for infants once they reach the age of one.
“I am very happy to provide my services to the community and the respect they bestow upon me is my greatest reward.” Her day begins early, spending the morning hours tending to newborns, ensuring that they are fed and bathed before they drift into peaceful slumber.
In an era where selfless acts of service are increasingly rare, Gangi Varak stands as an epitome of devotion and a symbol of the unwavering human spirit dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our youngest generation.
