������

UNAIR NEWS – A few days before the commemoration of 72^nd Independence Day to  Republic of Indonesia, Rector of ������  from 1984 to 1993 Prof. Dr. HR Soedarso Djojonegoro, dr., AIF got a special award from the government of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Governor of East Java, on behalf of the President of Indonesian Republic, pinned the Guerrilla Star to Prof. Darso- Professor of Physiology Sciences Faculty of Medicine UNAIR.

The award was given directly by Soekarwo in the ceremony of Guerrilla Star of Honor and Satya Lencana Karya Satya, which was held at Grahadi Building Surabaya on Tuesday, August 15.

At the age of 85, Prof. Darso had no idea if he was awarded the Guerilla Star. “Thanks to the Indonesian government as a bit of my struggle to maintain independence was recognized,” he said.

History recorded that Prof. Darso had participated in an open war with the volunteer army of DBP Indonesian Army Yon Asembagus in 1946.

“Before the Dutch invasion, I was still in junior high school, was following a KKN and sent to the regions. Apparently, Malang where I was sent for KKN,  was invaded by the Dutch, so my friends and I finally took part in the guerilla war,” he recalled.

It never occurred to him that his struggle that time was administratively qualified to receive a Guerilla Star. Prof. Darso received a Charter of Guerrilla Star Award of Honor with the rank of Sergeant Major (Ret.) as a member of the East Java Red Anchor Battalion TRIP.

“I received the decree from President in August 2016 and then, but because it has missed the Independence Day moment, it is then held for August 15, 2017. It is the right moment as it welcomes the Indonesian proclamation of independence anniversary,” he said.

Preparing for the Afterlife

Although he has been retired long, Prof. Darso is not absent from any activity. The man who had studied Physiology at Buffalo State University, New York, USA in 1962-1963 still actively gives guidance to doctoral degree students in the department of Physiology UNAIR or at State University of Surabaya (UNESA).

Alumnus of Faculty of Medicine UNAIR class 51 is also active in a number of foundations, such as being the Chairman of Blind Children’s Education Foundation (YPAB). The world of children with special needs is always attracted his attention all this time.

Since 2001, Prof. Darso was trusted to continue the management of YPAB by Bu Soetopo who is none other than the wife of Prof. Soetopo, former Health Minister and founder of YPAB. At that time, Prof. Darso has just returned to Indonesia after serving in Paris as Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization since 1995.

“I directly accepted the offer from Mrs. Soetopo, because at that time Prof. Soetopo has long died. And more, I did intend to change the mindset of the people about the fate of these blind children. I’m grateful as until now still believed to be chairman, and this is my savings for the afterlife, ” he explained.

The man born on December 8th is really determined to improve the fate of hundreds of his foster children. Through the foundation he led for over 15 years, Prof. Darso has strived for them as well as determined to change society’s view.

“Do not judge a blind man unable to do anything. They should be given the opportunity to develop themselves. That way they can be independent and if they can to excel, “he explained.

Long Life Tips

According to research by the World Health Organization, 20 percent of a person’s health is affected by genetic factors, 15 percent influenced by external factors, while the rest is determined by internal factors. Therefore, Prof. Darso strives to maintain the balance of his life by living the principle of BNI (Limit, Enjoy, Balance).

Healthy tips from Prof Darso is not grandiose. The principle is dare to limit yourself. “Eat when hungry, stop before full. But it should be enjoyed, so do not let us stress about it. We must be able to manage ourselves, “he said.

To balance the physical health, grandfather of 17 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren is still taking time to do light exercise, like walking.

So, what is the food to avoid in old age? “Just enjoy eating any food, why not In fact if you do not enjoy it causes stress. But after that balance it with fasting, “he said.

Not only appropriate for dietary affairs alone, according to him, the formula is also suitable for other aspects, including in terms of managing emotions. “In terms of emotion too, limit your anger to subordinates, if you must be angry, it is okay but limit yourselves. After that balance with more istighfar, asking for forgiveness, “he concluded.

Author: Sefya H. Istighfarica

Editor: Defrina Sukma S