A transformative encounter My story with Sister Bindu

– Anu Savio Thelly, Pondicherry

In 2010, I crossed paths with Sister Bindu during a seemingly routine hospice visit, a syllabus requirement for my nursing education. That fleeting moment would profoundly impact my journey. I met her in the corridors of Karunashraya.  As fellow Malayalis, our connection was instantaneous. I introduced myself, anticipating her valuable insights as a seasoned palliative care nurse. Instead, she smiled gently and asked, “Are you enjoying your hospice visit?” Her words lingered, resonating deeply.

At the time, I was a post-graduate nursing student at Narayana Hrudayalaya, specializing in cardiothoracic care. My career was planned and secure; palliative care wasn’t something I had deeply considered.  However, Sister Bindu began shifting my perspective. Upon completing my dissertation on end-of-life care, I felt an inexplicable sense of peace, perhaps because I knew I would spend more time at the hospice, learning from her.

As I delved into data collection at Karunashraya, what began as an academic exercise transformed into a life-altering experience. Each day, I witnessed the harsh realities of suffering, guilt, and shattered hopes. Yet, amidst pain, I saw resilience, love, and tenderness. Sister Bindu moved gracefully from patient to patient, bringing calm to despair.  I saw how her presence changed patients. After speaking with her, their faces softened, their burdens lightened. It wasn’t just her nursing skills—recognizing dying signs and managing symptoms—but her deep understanding of the human experience of dying that struck me. She taught me to honour dignity in final days.

She helped me overcome fears—fear of death, fear of the unknown, fear of being unable to help. Her quiet strength showed me nursing is about walking alongside people in vulnerable moments, not just treatment.

Over time, my carefully constructed cardiothoracic nursing career plan unravelled. Something inside me shifted. I realized sacred moments with patients in final days held weight I could no longer ignore. I wanted to be there—not just for medical interventions but to offer comfort, help people transition with dignity and peace. This was the calling I hadn’t anticipated.

 By 2012, I was at a crossroads, confused and uncertain about leaving my faculty role and stepping into palliative care’s unknown world. It wasn’t easy, but the Universe, in its mysterious ways, connected me with passionate advocates: Penny Johnson, Dr. M. R. Rajagopal, Dr. Nagesh Simha, and Dr. Prabha Seshachar. They emboldened me to embark on this path.

Even now, after years in the field and meeting inspiring nurses, no one compares to Sister Bindu. Her grace, helping patients reclaim peace in final days, inspires me. She showed that palliative care alleviates physical pain and helps people find meaning, resolve struggles, reconnect with families and faith in vulnerable moments.

My encounter with Sister Bindu not only altered my career but transformed my life. It deepened my understanding of life, death, and the human experience, leading me to uncharted paths. For that, I remain eternally grateful.

Today, I firmly believe in the Universe’s mysterious workings.  It connects us with destined people—sometimes briefly, sometimes lifelong, or even across lifetimes. These people come unexpectedly, and their impact reveals itself with time. Sister Bindu was one; her presence guided me to discover unknown purposes. I firmly believe we don’t meet people by accident; each person helps grow, teaches lessons, or connects to something larger.

Some may no longer be present, but their impact lasts. Knowing they were part of my story, I carry forward their light, lessons, and connections.

About the Author:

Ms Anu Savio Thelly is a Nurse Consultant at the Department of Palliative Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry. She has been active in Palliative Care for the past fourteen years.

Ms Anu has also been featured as a ‘Pioneering Nurse from around the world’ and ‘Global Champion’ by St. Christopher’s Hospice, UK.

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