At a time when most young medics are reluctant to serve in rural parts of the state, a middle-aged doctor, who has been practising in the US for 22 years, has pledged to return to his native village, Shahganj, in the district in January 2013.

Dr Prabhat Ranjan Das, the founder of Dr Prabhat Das Foundation, a non-government organisation promoting education, health, and women empowerment in Darbhanga, has decided to provide medical assistance to the masses free of cost.

After obtaining MBBS degree from Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Dr Das went to serve patients in the US and other countries. At present in town, Dr Das told The Telegraph on Friday: “I always wanted to serve my district, but it was the need of the time to groom my career and earn money. Now, Darbhanga needs me more than the US and even I am satisfied with the money. I have decided to come back in 2013 to serve my people. Later, my wife, Dr Saumya, will also join me.”

The foundation organises free sewing camps to make rural women economically independent. It also holds quiz contests, health camps, afforestation programmes, road clean-up and computer education. The group also runs over 300 small libraries in the district.