They walked nearly two kilometers for something many of us take for granted: a dental checkup. Children from Gothu, accompanied by their teacher and several mothers, traveled on foot to the new remedial education center in Nema, Gaya, where nearly 150 children and mothers received free dental care. Organized by alumni of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in the Gaya area and dental professionals connected to Nazareth Academy, the camp offered examinations, oral health education, referrals, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. This is what is possible when compassion moves people from the center to the margins.
Sister Roselyn Karakattu, the director of social outreach for Gaya Nazareth Academy, shares the following.
From Centre to the Periphery: Selfless Service
A free dental checkup camp was held at the newly opened Remedial Education Centre in Nema, Gaya, Bihar, for children with limited access to dental care. Nearly 150 children from Nema and Gothu, another remedial education centre, and some of their mothers benefited from the camp. The children from Gothu walked almost 2 kilometers, accompanied by their teacher and several mothers, to participate.
The Nazareth Old Students’ Association, or NOSA, organized the dental checkup camp Aug. 1, 2026, in collaboration with a team of dental professionals. Two of the dental professionals were former students of Nazareth Academy, and all five were parents of children at the academy.
The camp began at 3 p.m. with the goal of promoting oral health awareness and providing dental care to children and community members.
The children welcomed the visiting dentists and volunteers with songs and showers of flowers.
The dental team conducted examinations and identified common oral health concerns, including tooth decay, gum infections and cavities. Each participant received advice on good oral hygiene, proper brushing techniques and healthy dietary habits to help prevent dental problems.
The camp received an encouraging response from the local community. Children enthusiastically participated in the awareness session and learned about the importance of regular dental checkups. Those requiring additional medical attention received referrals for further treatment.
At the end of the program, each child received a toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste, a samosa and a piece of candy.
The event was made possible through the efforts of NOSA members, volunteers and dental professionals, whose service reflected their commitment to the community. Their cooperation helped ensure the successful completion of the program.
Reflecting on the event, I felt good that, with a bit of encouragement, NOSA members could be inspired to reach out with generosity to the Mahadalit community, which faces social and economic discrimination. “The love of God impels us,” the motto of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, could be seen in the actions of our former students.
Such initiatives reaffirm NOSA’s mission of serving society through meaningful outreach programs and making health care accessible to those in need.