Kesai (on the right) and Boodi (on the left) are the two of the doctors at Barefoot College, specifically the two dentists. Our group was able to hear about Kesai and her story about coming to Barefoot and being trained by Italian doctors for 6 months. Kesai is illiterate and cannot speak English or Italian, so they communicated through a created sign language. Eventually she was able to learn some of the English words common in dentistry such as mirror, plaque, gloves, blood, etc. She has been able to treat over 1500 patients at Barefoot since she first started in 2011. While working as a dentist during the day, she is also a wife and mother in the morning and nights. She is a classic example of the empowerment women experience while at Barefoot. She was able to develop a skill and make a name for herself at the college.
Kesai’s Story:
An Australian working for the government of India doing a geological survey landed at Barefoot. He was given a tour. During his stay, he developed a toothache and did not have time to go to a dentist in the city. He was brought to the Barefoot dentist, Kesai and was treated. He was so impressed with the work that he wanted to pay 500 rupees, but she would only accept 50. He tried multiple times to pay her more, but she always refused. A few days later, he came back and brought her to his helicopter, strapped her in and flew her above the village that she grew up in allowing her to see a completely different view of the place she calls home. Kesai loved the ride and could not stop smiling as she was flown around.
Kesai was so gracious when we asked for her picture for this project even going as far as putting Alison in the dentist chair and staging a picture!
Everyone we encountered at Barefoot were incredibly welcoming and nice, allowing us to interview them and take pictures. This project would not have been possible without their cooperation.