India, a land of rich diversity, has made significant strides over the years, but it still grapples with deep-rooted issues, including social inequality, environmental concerns, and economic challenges. In the backdrop of these challenges, women often find themselves bearing the brunt of a deeply ingrained misogyny that persists in our society.
Amid these difficulties, small cities have emerged as hotbeds of change and progress. Dr. Rakhi Anand Agarwal is a shining example of an individual who has embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation. Upon meeting her, one immediately senses her boundless energy and unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of those who have been marginalized for far too long.
Born on August 3, 1974, and raised in the bustling metropolis of New Delhi, Dr. Rakhi's story is one of determination and resilience. Her pursuit of higher education in Medical Science at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College in Bangalore laid the foundation for a remarkable journey that would lead her to Najibabad, District Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh). Najibabad, like many small towns across India, grappled with a patriarchal mindset that was new to Dr. Rakhi, who had grown up in a family that eschewed orthodox values.
Dr. Rakhi always harboured aspirations of blazing a different trail, one dedicated to empowering people, especially the women in her vicinity. When she relocated to Najibabad from a city like New Delhi where she was born and brought up, the situation was reflective of numerous small towns in India, plagued by the rampant issue of female foeticide. The birth of a girl was often seen as an ill omen, perpetuating the regressive belief that a baby boy was the preferred gender.
Determined to bring about change, Dr. Rakhi emerged as a beacon of hope in this conservative town. Her medical background and expertise in handling obstetric emergencies empowered her to become the first woman in Bijnor to employ ultrasound technology, which was often associated with the practice of female foeticide. Dr. Rakhi's strong feminist principles and her unwavering commitment to addressing this issue paved the way for her to become an exemplary entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist.
In 2008, she launched an awareness campaign against these malpractices. From that point onwards, her life's mission became to empower girls and combat gender bias, patriarchy, and female foeticide. Her relentless efforts to bring this issue to the forefront led her to explore various media forms to efficiently disseminate the message. She produced a short film titled 'Badhai Ho Beti Hui Hai,' which aired on Doordarshan, and created music videos such as 'Bhrun Hatya Rukwani Hogi' on YouTube. Since 2008, her significant strides towards eradicating this issue have transformed countless lives.
Yet, Dr. Rakhi views this as only a partial victory. In her pursuit of empowering women, she organized awareness campaigns and founded the Sakhi Welfare Foundation which offers free skill-based training to women, enabling them to achieve financial independence. The NGO successfully has trained more than 3 thousand women in various sectors, including hairdressing, sewing, pickle-making, and sanitary pad production. The tangible impact of her awareness campaigns is reflected in an improved sex ratio in the Bijnor district, where girls are increasingly seen as assets to society rather than burdens. Dr. Rakhi's dedication to women's issues earned the Sakhi Welfare Foundation recognition from Hon. Governor Madam Anandi Behen Patel in Raj Bhawan Lucknow.
When the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the nation, Dr. Rakhi and her husband, Dr. Sandeep Agarwal, established the first 24x7 emergency clinic, "Pooja Hospital," in Najibabad. It has since become the district's first heart and angioplasty centre, providing critical medical care to patients. They continued their tireless work, accommodating COVID-positive patients and making arrangements for oxygen supply. The Sakhi Welfare Foundation also joined the fight by producing 50,000 masks, offering employment opportunities to underprivileged women.
In 2018, Dr. Rakhi turned her attention to the deplorable condition of the sacred Malan River. She initiated a campaign to clean the river with the assistance of her hospital staff and others, spreading awareness through social media. The press soon covered this initiative, leading to the involvement of various organizations, NGOs, the Kisan union, and eventually the Chief Minister himself, Yogi Adityanath. Her relentless efforts to pursue the administration and the government to provide good sports facility and a mini stadium for Najibabad which is already seeing the light of the day thanks to the Khel Utsav that was organized in 2022 by Amar Ujala and Sakhi Welfare Foundation. She is also starting a rehabilitation of a pond (area 56) in Amrit Sarovar which will likely take shape next year 2024. All of this besides being a busy Doctor.
Dr. Rakhi Anand Agarwal is a true multitasker, consistently excelling in every endeavour she undertakes. She even shared the screen with Bollywood actors Sanjay Mishra and Bijender Kala in a movie and was featured in numerous commercials for renowned companies like Amazon and Microtek. Her appearances on TV shows, including Doordarshan and the History Channel, further reflect her versatility and widespread influence.
When you ask Dr. Rakhi about her roots, she proudly declares, "Najibabad, Uttar Pradesh." Her journey serves as a testament to the transformational power of individuals who dedicate themselves to empowering others and reshaping the landscape of a diverse and dynamic India.
