Ahmedabad doctors wield the mike in fight against diabetes

Regular evening walkers at the Vastrapur Lake were taken by surprise as the big amphitheatre, overlooking the lake, was decked up with high-end music speakers and fancy lights circling the open hall. 

The occasion was a musical concert, aimed at spreading awareness. It was organised by Diabetes Care India under its project Kadam. The performers were busy flipping their lyrics' notes and simultaneously checking the mike for its effectiveness.

One could have easily mistaken the singers as professionals but that's exactly why the concert was special. The group of singers also happened to be doctors, for whom singing was a part-time hobby that they wanted to use to spread awareness about the disease.They called it 'musical therapy.'

For Dr.Jayesh Trivedi, singing helps in relieving stress. "Often when I have to rush to hospitals for emergencies, I sing while driving. This helps in keeping the stress under control."

Dr Trivedi has found like minded doctors, who have collectively formed 'Surtal', a musical group dedicated exclusively for entertainment of doctors and their family.

The group performs every three months at town hall.  At 52, Dina Patel has even found her forte through Surtal.

"I spent most of my life in Detroit, USA. I always loved singing but due to family commitments, never found enough time to pursue my hobby. Many people started appreciating my singing after I began performing with Surtal."

A host of dignitaries from the state government also attended the event to lend their support.

"Gujarat is the diabetes capital of the country. Such efforts are highly commendable," said Rajesh Kishore, principal secretary, health.