IN a powerful display of courage, compassion and commitment, a team of veterinarians from Kondagaon district ventured deep into the forests of Maoist-affected Padnar village to save the life of a cow battling for survival. With no operating theatre, no sterile environment — only their skill and their will — they performed a cesarean operation in the middle of the wilderness, scripting a story of hope against all odds. Located around 45 km from the district headquarters, Padnar is notoriously difficult to access due to dense forests, poor roads and the looming threat of extremism.

 

Yet, when word reached the Veterinary Department about the cow of Lakhmu Ram Madavi, suffering for two days in labour, there was no hesitation. Senior veterinarian Dr Dhaleshwari of the District Veterinary Hospital, accompanied by Dr Krishna Koram, Dr Anil and Dr Chandana, set out immediately. Braving treacherous paths and the remote terrain, they reached the village and examined the animal, only to find that the calf had already died and the cow’s life was hanging by a thread. With no time to waste, and with the owner's consent, the team prepared for surgery on-site — under the open sky, using whatever minimal resources were available.

 

In an extraordinary feat of skill and determination, they successfully performed a cesarean operation, removed the deceased calf and saved the cow. Throughout the procedure, villagers and veterinary staff including AVFO Alok Netam, Sanjeet, and Khemraj provided crucial assistance. This rare act of service under extreme conditions has moved many across the district, highlighting that true doctors — whether for humans or animals — carry their oath into the farthest, most forgotten corners of the land.