While some people pave their careers, do well in life and while working hard to fulfil their dreams, don't get enough time to help the needy, there are others who despite having all these challenges, have the will and time to help others in need. No, don't get me wrong. There is no judgement here but we do have a living example of hope and goodwill living amidst us and we should take our time and talk about this honorary gentleman.

Yogi Aeron, an 82-year-old plastic surgeon from Malsi, Dehradun was recently awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for treating patients who are below poverty lines with burns and disfigured faces, for free, for the past 25 years! According to a report by India Today, 118 people are awarded the Padma Shri this year, who've contributed in various fields such as arts, music, medicine, social work, sports and education. But what Yogi Aeron is getting the award for is definitely worth a mention.

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Yogi Aeron, a dignified and established plastic surgeon, has been conducting a two week camp, twice a year since 2006, in which patients below the poverty line are treated for disfigured faces, lips, cheeks, nose and any other part which needs treatment from major or minor burns. The man conducts almost 500 surgeries for free for these patients, with the help of 15 other US-based doctors. His list of patients sometimes exceeds 10,000 but even so, he makes an effort and time for each and every name on the list.

Yogi graduated from King George Medical College in Lucknow and then went on to specialise in plastic surgery in the United States. We all know how lucrative a field plastic surgery really is but to use the advantage for the downtrodden is another, completely different aspect of it and we're really grateful Yogi does his best to help those in need. He seeks help from different NGOs and his friends from the United States and India for funding the plastic surgeries he does for people who can't afford them otherwise. Along with that, he's also established a 4-acre campus, which he has turned into a 'science park', which is practically a learning space for children of all age-groups. He's now looking to convert it into a treatment facility for people below poverty lines, for whom he performs the plastic surgeries.

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There are people who live through life with severe burn marks and disfigured faces and body parts. Acid attack victims especially, who are mostly from the lower strata of society have to live with a constant reminder of the attack. If there is someone who can help them overcome their fears of looking into the mirror, then this world is definitely becoming a better place to live in.

We truly hope Yogi Aeron is successful in this benevolent practice and it continues for years to come.

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