Dr. Tetsu Nakamura is a Hero
Dr. Tetsu Nakamura is a Hero
Unsung heroes abound, but no one really hears about them and their altruistic deeds.
Why are these people’s noble deeds for the betterment of humanity unreported and unnoticed by the greater world?
These unheralded saints do not do this honourable work for fame or glory, but as the deepest inner calling to something higher than self.
One would have never know of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, if he had not been assassinated in Afghanistan.
This is where he dedicated his precious life to improve the living conditions our long-suffering Afghani brothers and sisters.
This is the distressful headline which brought this Japanese martyr to one’s attention:
‘He Showed Us Life’: Japanese Doctor Who Brought Water to Afghans Is Killed
Dr. Nakamura was a physician and honorary Afghan citizen who headed Peace Japan Medical Services (PMS), an aid group.
First arriving in the region in 1984 as a volunteer at a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan he treat patients with leprosy and Afghan refugees fleeing the Soviet–Afghan War.
Through his time spent there, Dr. Nakamura identified malnutrition as a root cause for the health issues in the region, and from then onward broadened the scope of his work into agriculture and irrigation, and focused on building canal projects in eastern Afghanistan.
He drew inspiration from the irrigation canals built in his native Fukuoka more than 200 years ago without the aid of modern equipment.
Philosophically he stated, “One irrigation canal will do more good than 100 doctors.”
He also said: “A hospital treats patients one by one, but this helps an entire village. I love seeing a village that’s been brought back to life.”
Moreover, he also wisely declared: “Weapons and tanks don’t solve problems. The revival of farming is the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s recovery.”
No doubt true to his Japanese agrarian heart along with the humanitarian living within him, he understood the incredible power of unity when a community comes together for the good of all and work to produce food.
Sadly, Dr. Nakamura was fatally shot in a targeted killing on December 4, 2019 in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
These attackers also killed five others of their own Afghani brothers and sisters.
One can not fathom the devastation brought upon the affected families losing their bread winner, along with the dreams of a better life for their family on the way out of poverty.
Indeed this was senseless act of violence against a man who dedicated much of his life to helping the most vulnerable Afghans.
One can never know the darkness and evil residing inside the hearts of the assailants to carry out such a despicable act.
Is it a deep seated believe in a medieval dogma, indoctrinated from childhood, teaching hatred towards other because they are different?
Who knows, perhaps this vile act was simply carried out in exchange for one of the most powerful motivators of this material world; money.
Regardless, Dr. Nakamura’s incredible gift to the Afghani people, and the countless strangers’ live he touch with his divine work will far outlast any faceless and nameless assassins.
Dr. Nakamura was laid to rest in his hometown Fukuoka on December 11, 2019.
April 12, 2021
Archive center in Fukuoka passes down lessons of Tetsu Nakamura