Newsletter – January to December 2013Newsletter – January to December 2013

Vol. 13 swajapa@yahoo.com www.vivekaseva.org Ph.08136 – 244548 / 244290 Hos.Ph. 244030 / 244716

Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health CentreShree Sharadadevi Eye Hospital & Research Centre

Sri Ramakrishna Heart Care Clinic

Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health CentreShree Sharadadevi Eye Hospital & Research Centre

Sri Ramakrishna Heart Care Clinic(Units of Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama)Co-sponsored by : Damien Foundation(Units of Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama)Co-sponsored by : Damien Foundation

Swami Vivekananda Nagar, Pavagada – 561 202

(Units of Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama)Co-sponsored by : Damien Foundation

“I am getting detailed reports of you and becoming more and more delighted. It is that sort of work which can conquer the world… Bravo! Accept a hundred thousand embraces and blessings from me. Work, Work, Work – I care for nothing else. Work, Work, Work, even unto death! Those who are weak must make themselves great workers, great heroes – never mind money, it will drop from the heavens… If in the attempt to carry morsels of food to starving mouths, name and possession and all be doomed even, thrice blessed are thou! It is the heart, the heart that conquers, not the brain.”

th– Swami Vivekananda, in his letter to his brother monk Swami Akhandanandaji, 15 June 1897

SVIRHC-DFIT Association Breaks New Ground

The function was inaugurated by Justice Sri M N Venakatachalaiah,

former Chief Justice of India and former Chairperson, NHRC, Chief

Patron of Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health Centre,

Pavagada.

RCS Unit at Leprosy Hospital, Magadi Road, Bangalore

As another tribute to Swami Vivekananda during his 150th birth year celebrations, our institution started a new RCS service centre at Leprosy Hospital, Magadi Road, Bangalore. This major and prestigious project was taken up jointly with the full support of Karnataka government's HFW dept and Damien Foundation. This being only the second such facility in the entire Karnataka State (after our Pavagada unit), it provides invaluable help to the Leprosy-affected through surgery, followed by physiotherapy.

Need for Reconstructive Surgeries (RCS)

Despite the tremendous progress in leprosy control in India during the last two decades, as many as 1,27,295 new leprosy cases were detected in 2011, which was 58% of the global numbers. Of them, 3834 had visible deformity at the time of diagnosis. The corresponding figures for Karnataka state were 3718 and 125.

Indeed, these numbers make for distressing reading, but they make our resolve to fight the scourge, even stronger.

Leprosy is a disease feared and abhorred by people. Those affected are largely dealt by the society as outcasts, which adds to their misery. They are detested even by their own family members, and denied employment. It is mainly because of the deformities like clawing of hands and ulcers in the feet, caused in the advanced stages of the disease,

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that they are discriminated against. However, deformities due to leprosy can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment.

If the deformity is detected early, it can be managed with medicines and regular exercises. If later, exercise and self care can prevent the worsening of deformity. Those with deformities can benefit from RCS to restore the functionality of the limbs and physical appearance. However, RCS is an advanced and demanding procedure, and there are very few specialists in this field.

Eligibility and Process

For a patient to undergo RCS, the joints should be mobile and the limb to be operated must be free

from an ulcer or blister. The patients will need to spend one week for exercise before and three weeks in plaster cast after surgery, and later be admitted for four weeks for exercise.

RCS Centres in Karnataka

At present, these are being performed mostly at our Centre, Pavagada, with the kind cooperation of Damien Foundation and HFW Services, Govt. of Karnataka. As of 31-5-2014, the institution has successfully treated over 3720 cases of leprosy and 379 RCS have been performed.

dation and HFW Services, Govt. of Karnataka. As of

31-5-2014, the institution has successfully treated

over 3720 cases of leprosy and 379 RCS have been

performed.

RCS by Dr. Pramod at SVIRHC

In the meanwhile, the RCS project is running in full

force at our own centre at Pavagada with support

from Damien Foundation. So far 379 cases have

been handled, 49 new in 2013. The Central govt

provides an assistance of Rs. 8,000 to each patient

for family maintenance during hospital stay.

We wish to specially acknowledge with gratitude the service being rendered by Dr. Pramod Mahesh, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, DFIT, with assistance from Dr. Chandrakala G.R., CMO/MOTC.

Inauguration of State Reconstructive Surgery Centre at Bangalore

On 27.02.2013 the inaugural function started

promptly at 11 AM, at the premises of HFW

Department's training centre, Magadi Road.

Swami Japananadaji in his welcome speech, with his

long involvement in the cause of Leprosy, dwelt on

the importance of surgical correction of Leprosy-

caused disabilities. He briefed about SVIRHC/ DFIT's

gamut of activities at Pavagada, and expressed

pleasure in being part of the second surgical unit

being set up in Bangalore. He praised the

cooperation being extended by the State H&F

Department, and the complete support from Damien

Foundation India Trust.

It was an enlightening speech by the hon'ble justice,

coming from a man with insight into the world of

leprosy and a deep humanitarian concern. A few of

his thoughts were: “A doctor treating a leper will be

rewarded neither with money nor credit in the

society; he must go on about his work driven purely

by his compassion. Such a doctor who treats this

deadly disease verily is God. There are some

excellent doctors in the government; we must fully

credit these medical personnel for any success seen

in the treatment of leprosy, rather than the

government schemes and machinery. Fortunately,

the cost of medicines in India is much lower than

abroad. And the society must develop a more

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The following festivals, Jayantis and special days

were celebrated at the Sri Ramakrishna

Sevashrama, Pavagada, during the year on the

respective dates. They were marked by puja, special

prayer and discourse, followed by prasada

distribution.

1-1-13 – Kalpataru Day: Ushah Kirtan including

Arati, Suprabhata and Vedic chanting marked the

auspicious beginning to the New Year at the

Sevashrama. Through his mellifluous Bhajans and

talk (in the evening), Rev Swami Japanandaji

invoked Sri Ramakrishna, the divine wish-fulfilling

tree for everyone, and the devotees joined him in

the prayers for the welfare of all.

th4-1-13 – 160 Jayanti of Holy Mother Sri Sharadadevist3-2-13 – 151 Jayanti of Swami Vivekananda

10-3-13 – Mahashivaratrith

13-3-13 – 178 Jayanti of Sri Ramakrishna

Paramahamsa

19-4-13 – Sri Ramanavami

13-5-13 – Sri Basaveshwara Jayanti

14-5-13 – Sri Ramanuja Jayanti

15-5-13 – Sri Shankara Jayanti

25-5-13 – Sri Buddha Jayanti

22-7-13 – Sri Gurupoornima

th nd20 to 22 September

Sri Gokulashtami and Srikrishna Jayanti were

colourfully celebrated at the Sevashrama over three

Sri Krishna Jayanti

Spiritual Events

days. Ritual worship of the Lord and prayer sessions

including Sri Krishna Nama Sankeertan and singing

of hymns were held.

On 21 September, 22 adorable kids, from eight

months to ten years of age, took part in a parade of

Bala Krishnas and Bala Radhas and enthralled the

devotees. The children dressed in a variety of eye

catching attires, along with their proud parents,

created a festive atmosphere in the Ashrama. While

the most striking of them (one each in three age

groups) was given a special prize, all other

participants were also rewarded. Master Achyuta's

depiction of Vishwaroopa Darshana and Kalinga

Mardana was greatly appreciated. So was the

makeup of Chi. Gangotri as Neela Megha Shyam.

The 'icing' on the cake was when an eight-month old

child crawled forward on all four, most naturally, to

seize a bowl of butter.

Congratulating the participants and their parents,

Swami Japanandaji explained that the Ashram was

hosting such events to encourage the sustenance of

humane attitude towards the sufferers of leprosy;

the wretched practice of forcing lepers into beggary

must be put to an end.”

Dr. M Maiya, Medical Consultant, SVIRHC, Pavagada,

and Dr. P Krishnamurthy, President, Damien

Foundation India Trust, Chennai, were the chief

guests and they presented different and important

perspectives about Leprosy and setting right the

disabilities caused by it.

Dr. A Shanmugam, Joint Director (Leprosy), HFW,

gave out and explained Leprosy statistics for

Karnataka and India. He assured the government's

full backing for the new surgery project under the

leadership of Swami Japananadaji.

Dr. BN Dhanyakumar, Director, HFW, laid stress on

early identification of symptoms in children, and

called for careful examination while conducting

medical tests on school children and follow up

treatment.

Several other dignitaries and officials including Dr.

Parimala S Marur, JD (Lep.), Surveillance Officer Dr.

G Shivaram, Dr. Harshavardhana and Dr. B C Venu,

MO (Admin), Dr. Rajani, Dr. Akbar Ali Khan Joy, Dr.

Poornima and other staff from Leprosy Hospital,

Magadi Road, were present on the important

occasion. Sri Sambasadashiva Reddy, a well wisher

and media in-charge of our institution also

participated.

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our heritage and traditional values in the modern

society. Describing the highlights of Indian religion

and culture, he pointed out that we must look into

the past for guidance for a great future of Indian

traditions and heritage.

10 October : Yakshagana at Tumkur

Rev Swami Japanandaji, as a staunch upholder of

our cultural heritage, makes time not just to

participate in events involving traditional art forms,

but even to promote them actively. As a novel

initiative in this direction, the Sevashrama organized

a Yakshagana performance (a very attractive and

popular form of stage art) in Tumkur. The event held

at the Gubbi Veeranna Rangamandira was

supported by Sri G. K. Srinivas of Yakshagana

Cultural Association, Tumkur. Sri Gopalakrishna

Bhat, a disciple of legendary Dr. Shivarama Karanth,

and his troupe gave a scintillating performance of

'Sri Chamundeshwari Mahima' which was well

enjoyed by art lovers. Earlier, there was an

invocatory Bhajan session by the devotees of the

Ashrama.

11-14 October – Sri Sri Durga Pooja

Celebrations

The Navaratri festivals, especially Sri Sri Durga

Jayanti, were celebrated in the Ashrama with

solemnity and éclat in the traditions of the

Ramakrishna institutions. The beautifully decorated

image of the Divine Mother presented an enchanting

sight. There were sessions of singing of devotional

songs, hymns, Vedic and Sri Saptashati chanting,

and discourse by Sri Swamiji. On the 12th October,

the day of Durgashtami, a Devi-costume show by

children was greatly enjoyed by devotees. Rev

Swamiji blessed the kids and distributed prizes.

15 December – Sri Chandika Homa

To seek the Devi's special grace for the welfare of

the rural community, Sri Chandika Homa (invoking

the three Shakti Goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi

and Mahasaraswati) was performed at Sri th

Ramakrishna Sevashrama on 15 December 2013.

Sri Sathyanarayana Bhat, a disciple of Sri

Narayanashrama Swamiji of Hebbur, performed the

Homa along with his team. A good number of

devotees participated in the programme. Chanting

of Devi Stuti and Soundarya Lahari as well as Bhajan

were performed during the occasion.

24 December: Srimata Sharadadevi Jayanti

stThe 161 birthday of Holy Mother Sharadadevi was

celebrated with devotion at the Ashrama premises.

There was special discourse on the Holy Mother's

life.

Swami Japanandaji on TV – Live Programmes

11 January 13 – During the occasion of Swami

Vivekananda's birthday and the National Youth Day,

Rev Swami Japanandaji was invited to give a talk on

“Swami Vivekananda's contribution to Rebuilding

India” on Chandana/DD1 Kannada channel. The

“Jeevana Darshana” programme aired by these

channels is a very popular one, even among

Kannadigas living abroad. It provides an opportunity

for viewers to listen to eminent personalities in the

social, cultural, religious and spiritual spheres, and

the Q-A exchange makes the discussions even more

relevant.

Rev Swami Japanandaji in this talk highlighted the

contribution of patriot-saint Swami Vivekananda to

the national cause. The other salient points included

his exemplary love for the motherland, regard for its

cultural heritage, as well as the contribution of

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Ramakrishna Movement to the nation and the world

at large. Interestingly, it was youngsters who posed

most of the questions, and brought out inspired

replies.

7 Jun 2013 – At another episode of the same

programme, Rev Swamiji was pleasantly surprised

with a request to speak on Sri Ramakrishna

Vachanaveda (the Kannada version of The Gospel

of Sri Ramakrishna) – a subject very dear to his

heart, and a unique one for a majority of the

audience. It may be mentioned that, for the last 2-3

years Swamiji has been delivering series of lectures

on the same theme in Bangalore at several venues,

and in the process going into greater depths of the

subject, bringing out rare gems of wisdom. For the

benefit of uninitiated listeners on his TV programme,

Swamiji kept his talk simple and lucid, replete with

Sri Ramakrishna's parables, retelling them in a

delightful way.

He focused on the spiritual aspect of Sri

Ramakrishna's teachings, and harped on the

Master's important teaching that man's highest goal

was to attain liberty. The talk seemed to touch the

viewers' heart-chords so well that several of them

called up to say they were indeed blessed to hear

about Bhagwan Sri Ramakrishna's advice, especially

to the householders.

25 October 2013 – Rev Swami Japanandaji,

though he is mostly tucked away in a remote corner

of the state, is increasingly being sought as a

versatile and insightful speaker, and invited to speak

on a variety of subjects in the socio-cultural and

religious realms. As our readers know, his monthly

lectures in Tumkur on the life and philosophy of Dr.

D. V. Gundappa are going on for over two years.

(DVG, as he is known, was a colossal personality

who enriched the mankind, and Kannada literature

in particular; he is highly revered as a spiritual

thinker, a bold journalist, nationalist, humanist,

writer and poet.) The talks being held under the

auspices of Saras Media have attracted the

attention of academicians and thinkers.

In the light of this, the DD TV requested Swami

Japanandaji to deliver a talk on DVG in 'Jeevana

Darshana'. This programme, including the question-

answer session, turned out to be an impressive

exposition by Rev Swamiji.

Other Engagements

A Garland of Talks on Sri Ramakrishna

Sri Ramakrishna as a subject of a spiritual discourse

is always a matter of great bliss for a speaker,

though challenging. Swami Japanandaji deems it a

wonderful privilege to be discussing the life and

teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, about thrice a month,

before ardent devotees in Bangalore. He speaks

twice on the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna – at the

Gokhale Institute auditorium, under the Viveka

Hamsa banner, and at the Sri Ramakrishna Seva

Trust, Girinagar. His passionate exposition of the

Gospel, coupled with his command over the Bengali

language (often reading and describing passages

from the original) and energetic rendition of all the

songs, makes it verily a feast for the audiences.

Rev Swamiji is also continuing his monthly lectures

at Sri Kali Mandir, Chandra Layout, where he

presents the divine and most colourful life story of

the Great Master through Leela Prasanga, penned

by Swami Saradananda, to a large, enthusiastic

group of devotees.

16 February – Sri Thyagaraja Aradhana

Mahothsava

Rev Japanandaji was invited to lend his holy

presence at the Thyagaraja Swami Aradhana

ce lebrat ion by Sr i Anugraha Sangeetha

Mahavidyalaya, Tumkur. The senior students of the

music college offered their homage to the Father of

Carnatic Music through their admirable rendition of

the classical 'kritis'. In his presidential speech

Swamiji pointed out the role that music can play in

every man's life, especially in spiritual life where it

becomes a bridge between Bhakta and Bhagawan.

He strongly advocated that the traditional purity of

classical music must be protected from the influence

of 'modernity'. Rev Swamiji gladdened the assembly

by singing a few bhajans.

27 February: De-addiction Camp

Under the Srikshethra Dharmasthala Rural nd

Development Project, the 572 weeklong

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Commissioner (HFW), Dr. Suresh K Mohammed, IPS,

Project director of KHSDRP, and other senior officials

were seen to have totally dedicated themselves for

the success of this workshop. The health minister Sri

U.T. Khader in his inaugural speech declared that

the government was committed to bring about

radical changes for betterment in the service of the

state health department.

The workshop which was about implementation of

projects for controlling non-communicable diseases,

in partnership with voluntary, governmental and

other organizations, was conducted excellently.

Special invitee Swami Japanandaji shared the gist

of his experiences he has gained over 25 years in

the public health service sector, starting as a

pioneer, which drew plaudits from the participants.

July 22 – Sri Gurupoornima at Sri Baba

Temple, Tumkur

Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama bel ieves in

scrupulously following the important preaching of

the Master: “Jato mat tato path – as many goals

so many paths.” Acceptance of other faiths and

sp i r i t ua l s choo l s i s ve ry impor tan t to

de-addiction camp for alcoholics was held at Guru

Bhavana in Pavagada, in which about 150 people

took part. In a gesture of support to the social

cause, Rev Swamiji as a special invitee drove home

the value of good health and good habits. He made

an impassioned appeal to the villagers to escape the

clutches of drinking and such other vices. Apart from

bringing a new life to the entire family, he explained

how the precious money could be used for

constructive purposes like children's education,

house building etc.

22 June: Taluk Kannada Sahitya Sammelana

It has become customary for local organizations and

the state government administration to request

Swami Japanandaji's august presence at cultural and

spiritual congregations. One such was the Sixth

Kannada Sahitya Sammelana (Pavagada Tk.) held on

a grand scale, which he was invited to inaugurate.

Speaking in his chaste and simple Kannada, Swamiji

went on to elucidate the importance of the mother

tongue, especially for children, and how it plays a

vital role in their understanding of the world. He

stressed that learning through the medium of the

mother tongue has proven to be vastly superior and

effective. Also, anyone who attains proficiency in the

regional language can easily rise to the universal

pedestal, with the nourishment of our rich culture

and tradition, averred Rev Swamiji. He also sang an

invocatory song befitting the occasion which was

heartily enjoyed by the audience.

Later, groups of talented performers provided a

cultural feast for the assembly.

28, 29 June: KHSDRP Meeting at Madikeri

A Worldview on Non-communicable Disease

Control, Urban Health Strategies, and Private

Sector Engagement

This high level workshop was organized jointly by

the Govt of Karnataka (ministry of HFW), the World

Bank and the Karnataka Health System

Development and Reform Project at the famed Taj-

Avanti resort in Madikeri. Rev Swami Japanandaji

was a special invitee to the meet attended by the

chief secretaries (HFW) of and specialists from

various states. There were also experts from far off

nations including from south America, Mexico, the

Philippines, Australia, and Bangladesh. Sri Madan

Gopal, Chief Secretary (HFW), Sri V. B. Patil,

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Sri Ramakrishna's followers. In this spirit, it is quite

common for Rev Swami Japanandaji and his team

to take part in devotional music programmes in

many institutions belonging to other spiritual and

religious heritages. One such occasion was the

Gurupoornima celebration at Shirdi Mandir, Tumkur,

where Rev Swamiji and his team conducted special

bhajan for nearly two hours. It was a big

congregation of around 1500 people. The temple

reverberated with singing of well known hymns of

Guru Stotram, Dakshinamurthy Stotram,

Gurvashtakam, Gurupadukastotram and, later,

several Hindi bhajans, led by Rev Swamiji. The

programme was telecast live on the Sankara TV

channel. In his benedictory talk Rev Swamiji

emphasized the role of Sri Guru in God realization,

illustrating with the examples of Yama-Nachiketha,

Sri Krishna-Arjuna, and finally Sri Ramakrishna-

Vivekananda. The celebration ended in a wonderful

note of bliss and everybody who attended this

programme was moved with the divine sound of

Omkara and the Guru Stotra.

13 Sept.: Jayanti of HH Jagadguru Sri

Shivarathri Mahaswamiji, Mysore

Rev Swami Japanandaji was the chief guest at the t h98 Jayanti celebration of philanthropist,

educationist, and above all, a great spiritual

personality Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra

Mahaswamiji. The function was held in Mysore at

the impressive JSS Medical College auditorium. It

was a striking show of devotion and enthusiasm by

the zea lous devotees . However, Swami

Japanandaji, in his speech sought to turn their

attention inwards – to the spiritual glory of the

great masters. He told the organizers quite bluntly,

but without sounding bitter: “Please don't merely

throw flowers in heaps at the photos of great

teachers, or put garlands around their necks. That

is not the best way to honour the great souls or

show our love and appreciation. Instead, let us try

to follow in their footsteps in our day-to-day lives

by adopting some of their great values and

teachings. That will be a real, wonderful offering at

their Jayanti.”

Coming from a monk invited as the chief guest,

this was quite a revelation for those who tend to

glorify the outer aspects of a sadhu, rather than

his renunciation and spiritual values. Swami

Japanandaji's bold and straight words touched the

audience deep. At the end, he asked them to take

up some social services to commemorate the

Jayantis of great people instead of wasting time,

energy and money on glorifying the name of the

teacher. He pleaded with the organizers to cut

the expenditure and use the money on

better, useful causes.

10-11-13 – Satsangas at Viveka Hamsa and

Kalpataru Satsanga Kendra, Bangalore

'Viveka Hamsa' as our readers know, is an

organization working for the past two decades in

Bangalore dedicated to spread the messages of the

Holy Trio, especially through its Kannada monthly

magazine 'Viveka Hamsa'. Headed by Sri R. Suresh,

it boasts of a number of young men-volunteers

w h o w e r e t r a i n e d u n d e r R e v S w a m i

Purushottamanandaji at the Ramakrishna Math,

Bangalore. This organization is rendering unique

service in the social, religious and spiritual fields. It

regularly hosts many popular programmes for the

youth such as 'Hanate' and 'Viveka Kirana' apart

from conducting Bhajan at various places. Swami

Japanandaji, along with the devotees of our

Ashrama, was invited to the Satsanga held to

inaugurate a newly constructed hall in the premises

of Sri Suresh's residence, dedicated to Rev Swami

Purushothamanandaji. The beautiful hall also has a

pedestal in the name of Sri Sri Kodandashrama

Swamiji of Hebbur. At the request of “Viveka

Hamsa”, the singing troupe of Pavagada Ashrama

conducted a special Bhajan. This was followed by

Rev Swamiji's discourse, in which he highlighted

some wonderful features of the great lives of the

Holy Trio, and urged the audience to study and

imbibe the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. He also

recounted the examples of several senior monks

under whom he served during his stay at the Math

down

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branches. The function was conducted in a most

systematic and disciplined way, which the capacity

crowd enjoyed thoroughly.

Kalpataru Satsanga Kendra, located in Wilson

Garden, Bangalore, is an organization being run by

women devotees, for long associated with the

Ramakrishna Math. It conducts regular spiritual

and religious events in Bangalore. On the same th

day (10 November, Sunday) in the evening, this

Kendra had arranged a spiritual retreat. A sizable

number of devotees from the vicinity made use of

the opportunity. Spiritual discourse and Bhajan lead

by Swami Japanandaji were the highlights. Rev

Swamiji in his speech again focused on the value

of spiritual life to householders as taught by Sri

Ramakrishna. He explained by quoting from the

Gospel where the householders were taught the

value of spirituality in the day-to-day life, and he

touched on the personality of Sri Girishchandra

Ghosh, the great devotee. Rev Swamiji concluded

by calling on the devotees to surrender to Sri

Ramakrishna Deva which surely make their

life most meaningful. Smt. Prabhavathi, the

president of the organization proposed the vote of

thanks.

th14 December: 11 Global Gita Conference at

Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore

The annual Global Gita Conference is an

international event to spread the glory of the

Celestial Song all over the world. It was started by

Dr. P. V. Nath and Smt. Sathya Nath, and Rev Swami

Japanandaji has been closely associated with them

ever since the inception, along with a few other

distinguished Sadhus, providing guidance and

support. And every year Japanandaji is called upon

would

to interpret the Gita as Swami Vivekananda

preached, providing that refreshing, ever-new thunderstanding. The 11 episode of the annual

Global Gita Conference was held at Avadhoota Datta th thPeetham, Mysore, on 13 and 14 December 2013.

It was graced by eminent scholars and many

invitees from abroad. On the second day in the

morning session Swami Japanandaji delivered a talk

on Swami Vivekananda's vision of the sacred text.

Addressing the august audience he analysed in

detail how Vivekananda emphasized on the

practicality of its teachings. He quoted extensively

from Rev Swami Ranganathanandaji's guidance on

putting the Gita into practice in our daily lives. “In

contrast,” he quipped, “there are many of us who

diligently 'worship' the sacred text by anointing it

with flowers and kumkum, and prostrate before it;

and many others who routinely sing the shlokas,

parrot-like. What a mockery of the Gita spirit!”

Two other distinguished pontiffs H.H. Sugunendra

Theertha Swamiji of Udupi, and H.H. Swamiji of

Parakala Math also lent their holy presence to this

occasion, presenting the traditional Dwaita and

Vishishtadwaita respectively.

21-12-13 – JSSMC Alumni CME & MEET - 02,

Mysore

Swami Japanandaji was invited to address the

medical students and graduates at the Alumni CME

& Meet-02 of JSS Medical College Alumni

Association, Mysore, on the subject of “Spirituality in

Stress Management for Doctors”. It was quite an

unorthodox route that Rev Swamiji took in dealing

with this topic. Before coming to stress

management, Rev Swamiji, with his long and

intimate association with medical professionals,

broached on the changing attitude of the doctors

and their way of dealing the patients. He lamented

interpretations

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that human values, human dignity and above all a

humane approach were fast vanishing among the

doctors. “When you start working in the background

of spirituality, the whole equation changes–your

clinic or hospital would be filled with a divine

atmosphere. Then enters this wonderful concept of

Swami Vivekananda—Service of God in Man. He

had this strong message for medical fraternity:

'Never look upon and treat a patient as a mere

patient, as a mortal; treat him as the manifestation

of divinity. Then every deed of yours will turn into

worship.' This approach will lead you to the Goal

Supreme. By adopting this method even an ordinary

human being would change himself into a divine

personality.” Quoting Swami Vivekananda's ideas of

man-making and character building, he succeeded

in impressing on the medical practitioners and

students the importance of a humanistic approach in

their life and profession.

27-12-13 – Sadguru Sri Brahmachaitanya

Aradhana, Tumkur

The followers of Sri Sadguru Brahmachaitanya

Gondavalekar had organized the birth centenary

celebration of Sri Maharaj at Sri Shankara Math,

Tumkur, which Rev Swamiji was requested to

preside over. At the outset, Swamiji led the group

bhajan with his soulful singing. In the talk that

followed, he described the glory of Sri Ramanam,

how it manifested itself in the great life of Sri

Brahmachaitanya Maharaj, and the episode of his

meeting Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa at

Dakshineshwar during his Akhanda Bharata Yatra.

Finally, by quoting the examples of Sri Hanuman, Sri

Ramakrishna and others, he emphasized that for an

overwhelming majority of people in this Kaliyuga,

the path of devotion is the best way to achieve their

spiritual goal.

The “DVG Nenapu” (DVG Remembrance)

Series

It is indeed remarkable that Rev Swami

Japanandaji's monthly lectures on DVG in Tumkur

under the auspices of Saras Madhyama have gone

on for two years in a row. The talks attract a sizable

gathering of scholars, educationists, officials and

senior citizens. And it is for the first time in

Karnataka that such a regular, long series on DVG's

life and philosophy is being carried out. At every

episode, a distinguished academic, medical or a

political figure (ex-minister Sri S. Suresh Kumar, for

instance, who is also a respected thinker, writer),

would share the dais as a special invitee. The

following were the honorable personalities who

graced the occasion on different days (with episode

number):

th12 – 24 Jan: Sri G.S. Natesh, MA (Sanskrit),

Lecturer

th13 – 16 Feb: Sri S. Kumaraswamy, Principal,

Vidyavahini PU college, Tumkur

th14 – 23 March: Dr. B. N. Nirvani Rao, Chaitanya

Hospital, Tumkur

th15 – 27 April: Dr. S. C. Sharma, Vice Chancellor,

Tumkur VV and Dr. S. Ahalya, Professor,

Govt. Ayurveda Maha Vidyalaya,

Bangalore

th16 – 30 May: Sri S. Suresh Kumar, Hon'ble MLA and

former minister

th17 – 24 June: Sri G. S. Phanibhushan, Personality

Development trainer

th18 – 20 August: Sri T. S. Ramashesha, AEE, Tiptur

Corporation

th19 – 28 Sept: Dr. Durgadas Asranna, MD, Director,

Kasturba Hospital, Tumkur and Sri

Narasegowda, Contractor & Social

Worker, Tumkur

th20 – 25 Oct: Sri S. Suresh Kumar, Hon'ble MLA and

Former Minister; Dr. Inthiyaz Ahmed,

Founder Secretary, Sufa Educational

Society, Gulur and Former Syndicate

Member, Tumkur University; Sri V. S.

Ramachandran, Freedom Fighter,

Tumkur.

st21 – 17 Nov: Sri R. Vasudevamurthy, Principal, Core

PU College, Tumkur

nd22 – 30 Dec: Dr. R. S. Suryanarayana Setty, MBE

UK, England

10

PMDT meetings, Vikasa Soudha

5 April: The unique credentials of SVIRHC in

the field of health services are well

acknowledged by the hon'ble Govt of

Karnataka, which makes it a point to involve us

at important meetings on policy making and

reviewing. At the government's invitation, Rev

Swamiji, aided by Dr. Babitha, our chief medical

consultant, took active part at the PMDT

(Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant

Tuberculosis) Conference held at Vikasa

Soudha, Bangalore. It was chaired by the

principal secretary, HFW. In the course of his

talk, Swami Japanandaji made a PowerPoint

presentation about the success of one of our

specialities – the GeneXpert machine used in

the diagnosis and treatment of TB – being

India's only NGO equipped with it. The

technicalities and clinical aspects were handled

by Rev Swamiji and supported by Dr. Babitha.

Explaining the innovative methodology adopted

by our institution, Rev Swamiji made an

important point by suggesting that the quality

of the government's service in the handling of

MDR and XMDR cases must be bettered, which

was wholeheartedly accepted by the authorities.

5 Sep: It was our pride to delegate Dr.

Chandrakala G.R., our Chief Medical Officer, to

the Sixth PMDT conference held at Vikasa

Soudha, who did a good job of presenting

SVIRHC's progress in the implementation of

RNTCP through the adoption of new and

scientific methodologies like GeneXpert. The

meet was attended among others by the

Principal Secretary, Project Administrator,

KHSDRP, Commissioner, Director, STDC Director,

and WHO consultants.

Inter Dist./State RNTCP meet - 29 Nov:

Our institution hosted an inter State / District

meeting to review the Tuberculosis programme

under the chairmanship of District TB Control

Officer, Dr. Sanath Kumar. Officials from

neighbouring Anantapur and Chitradurga

districts attended the review programme. Dr.

MEETINGS

Chandrakala G.R. and her team coordinated the

event.

3 February: Mega Health camp

stTo commemorate Swami Vivekananda's 151

birthday SVIRHC organized a mega medical

camp on Sunday, 3rd February under the expert

direction of Dr. Mahabaleshwara Maiya, who is

also our medical advisor. About 25 doctors from

different fields including renowned specialists

like Dr. Vasudha Naresh - Narayana Nethralaya,

Dr. P. Krishnamurthy - President, DFIT, Dr. B. S.

Srinath - Sri Sankara Cancer Foundation,

Bangalore, Dr. Nirvani Rao, Dr. B. N. Prashanth -

Chaitanya Vikram Hospital, Tumkur, Dr. M. S.

Arunkumar - orthopedician, Deeksha Hospital,

team of cardiologists from Narayana

Hrudayalaya, as well as senior consultants

Dr. G. Venkataramaiah, Dr. V. K. Shivakumar,

Dr. Sudhir, Dr. Satish, and Dr. K. R. Govinda lent

invaluable service. Our own dedicated team of

Drs. Chandrakala, Babitha, Sowmya and

Medical camps

11

Subramanya coordinated the camp very well.

Over 1000 patients from far and near benefited

from this special 'mela' by way of consultation

and medication. The event was inaugurated by

the lighting of a lamp by Dr. Maiya and other

dignitaries. Speaking on behalf of the

specialists, Dr. Maiya exemplified their humility

by thanking the institution for the opportunity

provided to serve the community deprived of

basic health facilities. Swami Japanandaji in his

address said that this indeed was the right way

of celebrating the birthday of the patriotic monk

Swami Vivekananda, and would surely make his

dream come true. Later, accompanied by the

bhajan group of Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama,

Rev Swamiji rendered the rousing song

"Sannyasi geethe" ('Song of the Sannyasin' of

Swami Vivekananda; into Kannada by

Sri Kuvempu).

Pediatric Eye Camps - Courtesy Narayana

Nethralaya

It's a heartening matter that our Sharadadevi

Eye Hospital & Research Centre has specialized

in handling Pediatric Opthalmic cases - thanks

to a great extent to the unflinching support of

Dr. Vasudha Naresh and her team of Narayana

translated

Nethralaya. Since ours is the only such facility

available for the community spread over a large

area, we have prioritized this service and

geared up for it. Under this programme two

special Pediatric ophthalmic eye camps were

held under the auspices of Narayana

Nethralaya.

The first one on 5th April was conducted under

Pediatric Eye Specialists Dr. Hemanth Anaspure

and Dr. Rashmi. Surgeries were performed on

two children who were badly in need of

immediate treatment, resulting in their restored

vision by means of hi-tech clinical services

provided by the Narayana nethralaya.

Sri Buddha Poornima Celebration takes

the form of an Eye Camp

The second Pediatric Eye Camp was organized

at our hospital complex on 25th May on the

occasion of Buddha Poornima in association

with the District Health and Family Welfare

Services Dept, and was managed by Dr.

Vasudha Naresh along with her Narayana

Nethralaya team. A large number of children

including students from different schools and

hostels benefited from this special initiative.

12

The camp was inaugurated by Dr. (Mrs.) Moola

Anuradha, JD (Ophthal), HFW, Karnataka. The

lineup of our special guests included Dr. G.

Venakataramaiah, Pavagada; Dr. Venkatesh R,

Program Officer, District Blindness Control

Society and DLO, Tumkur; Dr. Venkatesh and

Dr. Subramanya, eye specialists, Narayana

Netralaya, Bangalore; Dr. Chennakeshava, Taluk

Health Officer and Dr. Mahesh JB, eye specialist,

Pavagada.

Rev Swami Japanandaji in his welcome speech

said: "The best way to remember great men is

not through poojas, rituals or worship, but

through service to mankind. That is why our

institution is celebrating Buddha Jayanti through

this camp." It was indeed a very special and

appropriate way to pay homage to Buddha, the

most compassionate and benevolent. Rev

Swamiji thanked wholeheartedly the doctors

from Narayana Netralaya and the staff of

District HFW Services Dept for their

cooperation.

Swamiji that they would be operated upon at

SSDEH&RC within a week. The children would

be operated at no cost, they were told.

Delivering inaugural address Dr. Moola

Anuradha spoke about the scope of eye health

care, and spoke highly of Rev Swamiji for his

initiative in organizing this camp on the

auspicious day of Buddha Purnima. By early

detection of eye problems like glaucoma

resulting from diabetes, squint eyes etc,

suitable treatment may be given promptly.

People with cataract come to hospital with

darkness and go back with light, she said.

About 200 people from Pavagada, Tumkur,

Madhugiri and surrounding places (about 10

children) with various eye problems attended

the camp and got suitable treatment and

advice. Another 90 persons and 4 children were

advised surgery who was assured by Rev

24-11-13 - Free Eye Camp at Medigeshi,

Madhugiri Taluk

Medigeshi is a small town in the neighbouring

backward taluk of Madhugiri. Ever willing to

reach our specialized eye care facility beyond

Pavagada Taluk to the needy, our institution

accepted a request from the local Kanaka Yuva

Sangha to hold a camp with their cooperation.

Our medical team lead by Dr. B. K. Suma

successfully ran the camp benefiting more than

500 patients of whom nearly 60 were advised

surgeries, and later followed up at our hospital.

The programme was compered and managed

by Dr. Chandrakala G R, CMO, SVIRHC. Dr. Syed

Ali Akbar thanked all concerned.

13

Some of the eminent personalities, as well as

staunch supporters/devotees who came calling to

our institutions during the last year included:

lDr. Santhosh Kumar, Medical Advisor, DFIT (8-

11 Jan.), who also visited our DMC/PHCs.

lSmt. Prema Mahalingappa, President, Tumkur

Zilla Panchayat (21 Jan.)

lMr. Ramakrishna Mudugal and family (26

Jan.)

lDr. Shubhangi, FIND (11-14 Feb.) reviewed

GeneXpert activities

lDTO (14 Feb.) visited and discussed the

Genexpert project

lDr. S. C. Sharma,

V ice Chancel lor,

Tumkur University,

a l ong w i th the

Registrar and other

officials. (8 April)

lDr. (Smt) Ahalya

Sharma (w/o Dr. S. C. Sharma) also visited and

observed the activities at SVIRHC. (8 April)

lTumkur University officials visited SVIRHC in

connection with the sanctioning of Biochemistry

and Microbiology research units at the hospital

complex. (12th April)

lSrimat Swami Veerabhadranandaji,

President, Ramakrishna Math, Haripad, Kerala,

visited and witnessed the service activities; in the

evening he conducted a Satsang at our

Sevashrama for the benefit of devotees. (23

April)

lSmt. Prabhavathi, Sri Venugopala Reddy

and Sri R. Shankara Reddy (15 May).

lDr. Shubhangi Kulsange, Project Coordinator-

CBNAAT, and Sri Jayasimha, Sr. LT, JD TB,

reviewed GeneXpert project. (3 June)

lSri D. V. Premkumar Velu, CFO and Sri

Rajkumar Camillus, CAO, Damien Foundation

India Trust, Chennai, reviewed project activities.

(12-14 June)

DISTINGUISHED VISITORS

lMr. Narayan, Auditor, M/s Gowtham & Co.,

Bangalore (22 June)

lDr. Patrick Van Der Stuyft, MD, MPH, PhD,

Professor of Epidemiology, and Dr. Pierre Lefèvre,

S r . S c i e n t i f i c

Collaborator, Unit of

E p i d e m i o l o g y &

Disease Contro l ,

D e p t o f P u b l i c

Hea l t h , I n s t o f

Tropical Medicine,

Antwerp, Belgium;

and Dr. Vijayashree H.Y., Faculty and Fellow, Inst.

of Public Health, Bangalore. (26 June)

lDr. Jacob Mathew, MA, DPMR, DFIT 3, visited

our Bangalore RCS project, the K. C. General

Hospital, and Leprosy Hospital, Magadi Road,

Bangalore. (11 July)

lDr. Sanath Kumar, DTO and Dr. Venkatesh,

DLO (20 July)

lSri Govind Madhavji, Program Officer - Health,

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai (19-20 Aug)

lDr. Karur Badari Vishal, Addl Project Director

and Dr. Leela Sampige, Jt. Director, IEC,

Karnataka State AIDS Prevention society,

Bangalore (10 Sept.)

lDr. Renuka, JSS Medical College, Mysore. (10

Sept.)

lDr. A. H. Shivayogi Swami, Hon'ble MLC, and

Chief Whip of the ruling party in the Karnataka

Legislative Council (19 Oct.)

lDr. Ashwin M. C. of Narayana Nethralaya and

Dr. Ellse Heon MD FRCS, The Hospital for SICIC

Children, Toronto, Canada. (22 Oct.)

lSmt. Parvathi Pradeep Kumar, Australia,

Smt. Rajyashree Satish, Advisor, Rehabilitation

Project, Smt. Pallavi and Sri Anand Joshi,

Director, Samaira Advanced Innovations, Mumbai

visited and conducted special puja of Shirdi Sai

Baba. (31 Oct.)

lDr. Shobha Ekka, Coordinator and Mr.

Dayanand, Site Coordinator, CBNAAT Project.

(5 Nov.)

lDr. Deepak K.G., WHO Consultant, Dr. Sanath

Kumar, DTO Tumkur. (7 Nov.)

lDr. Shikha Dhawan and Dr. Meeta Mahar

from Central TB Division, Ministry of HFW, New

Delhi and Dr. Deepak K.G., WHO Consultant

and Dr. Sangeetha, STDC reviewed GeneXpert

project. (22 Nov.)

lSri Jayadeva Kamath, Regional Sarsanchalak,

RSS, with family. (2 Dec.)

lSri H. V. Gowtham, Chartered Accountant, and

Sri Philar Bhavanishanker and their family

members (25 Dec).

14

CME Programmes by SVIRHC / DFIT

Our institution has been successfully carrying

out Continued Medical Education events in

the fields of Leprosy for the benefit of

medical UG and PG students in Karnataka.

So far the events have been held at St.

John's Medical College, Bangalore, Vydehi

Institute of Medical Sciences & Research

Centre, Bangalore, and JSS Medical College

& Hospital, Mysore. The response from the

colleges has been very encouraging. Our

chief speaker at the CME programmes is Dr.

P. Krishnamurthy, President, DFIT, Former

ILEP Coordinator, Member, Technical Advisory

Group, WHO, Member, Technical Resource

Group, Govt. of India. Plans are afoot to

reach other medical institutions in the state

in a phased manner.

The outcome of the CMEs has been very

heartening and the young doctors are

participating with great enthusiasm and

learning a lot about Hansen's disease in the

background of present scenario of our

country. This is really a commendable

achievement. We are greatly beholden to Dr.

Krishnamurthy who is doing a great job of

creating awareness among the young

medicos. We are also thankful to the medical

institutions that are coming forward to make

use of this great opportunity.

VMSVPPS Carries Forward Its

Mission

'Viveka Sanchalana' at NMKRV, 24 Feb 2013

The Vishwa-Manava Swami Vivekananda

Prathima Pratishtapana Samithi Trust, under

the dynamic leadership of Rev Swami Japanandaji

Maharaj, having executed in 2009 the prestigious

project of installing Swamiji's statue in the

foreground of Ramakrishna Math, Basavanagudi,

Bangalore in a glorious way, is continuing to spread

Swamiji's message through activities such as Youth

Conventions and Medical Camps. To commemorate

the 150th birthday of Swami Vivekananda in a

befitting way, the Samithi organized jointly with

Viveka Hamsa, two special events - Viveka

Sanchalana for the youth and Bhaktha

Sammilana for others at Mangala Mantapa

auditorium, NMKRV College, Jayanagar, Bangalore

on 24th February 2013. In the morning, the stage

was lit up by the presence of His Excellency Sri

Hansaraj Bharadwaj, Hon'ble Governor of Karnataka,

who inaugurated the Sanchalana and Sri T. V.

Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Manipal International

Education Group, and former founder member,

Infosys, who was to deliver the keynote address.

The event opened with inspiring Bhajan by the

Viveka Hamsa troupe. Delivering the welcome

address, Rev Swami Japanandaji, Managing Trustee

of the Samithi, described in brief the activities of

Prathima Pratishtapana Samithi. He revealed that

15

ever since the successful installation of Swamiji's

statue, the Samithi had taken up several cultural

and social activities to create awareness, especially

among the Youth. He also gave a glimpse of the

uniqueness of Swamiji's life and teachings. Rev

Japanandaji extended a very warm welcome to the

two luminaries who had agreed to be present at this

occasion, and enhance its value greatly. In his

inaugural lecture H.E. the Governor expressed his

strong faith that the message and teachings of

Swami Vivekananda are still valued and valid in the

creation of a new India. He recalled many anecdotes

from his own life of freedom fight, when he was

privileged to be associated with great heroes like

Sardar Patel and Nehru. Sri Mohandas Pai, in his

keynote address on the subject of "Man-making

education – Swami Vivekananda's Perspective"

brought out the essence of Swamiji's teachings in

respect of education and its system. Himself being

the illustrious head of an international education

group, he had a keen audience latching on to every

word of his, as he the features of the

education system and what needs to be

done best to create an exemplary society in the

present scenario. He called on the youngsters to

analyzed

current

concentrate on their education and also to take the

responsibility for building a new India.

The esteemed Governor sprang a pleasant surprise

on everybody with an offer to face a question-

answer session with the young delegates at the

convention. There were several interesting questions

including on how to bring about a change in the

politicians, and why the system is failing to create

outstanding performers, to which His Excellency

provided most appropriate and satisfactory replies.

Sri T. V. Mohandas Pai also took some of the

questions.

The afternoon session of Bhakta Sammilana,

meant for a broader audience, was graced by many

eminent speakers. The first was Prof. K. B. Prabhu

Prasad, a litterateur, thinker, and a highly regarded

follower of the Ramakrishna Movement. Then there

was a scintillating talk by Sri Govindaraju, CEO of

Tumkur Zilla Panchayath. Dr. V. B. Arathi spoke on

the role and future of Indian Women as perceived

by Swami Vivekananda. Also among the dignitaries

were Rev Mathaji Vivekamayi, Sister Chandrika and

Prof. K. S. Chandra. The grand finale of the day was

a thrilling "Laya Taranga" musical extravaganza by

renowned music director Praveen D. Rao.

Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health Centre

Hospital Activity Report

As on 30-4-2014

2014 Cumulativetotal

General outpatients treated 1918 220981

General Health Campsconducted 2 242

Inpatients treated :

Number 545 2282

Bed-days 18123 87944

Leprosy :

Cases registered for treatment 7 3720

Released from Treatment (Cured) 5 3620

No. of patients on treatment 26 -

No. of Reconstructivesurgeries done -

PAVAGADA 16 357

BANGALORE 14 22

16

Livelihood Enhancement Programme for Leprosy patients:

lFinancial assistance for education : 2

lLive stocks : 17

lPetty Shops : 17

lFinancial assistance for house renovation : 8

Tuberculosis Registered Cured & CompletedTreatment

1993 - 1997Under NationalTuberculosis System 2767 1115

1998 - 2002Under SCC DOTS system 1432 1109

Under Revised NationalTB Control Programme(RNTCP)Pavagada & MadhugiriTaluks From 6-1-2003 6750 4933

GRAND TOTAL 10949 7157

TB cases as on 31-3-2014 496

As of 30-4-2014:

Eye Hospital : 2014 Cumulativetotal

No. of eye camps conducted 30 908

No. of outpatients treated 4533 137028

No. of surgeries done 500 15454

Eye Project : School Survey programme (2002-2008)

No. of Students

Perod/ Schools Screened Treated for Vit. Treated for Other eyeYear Surveyed A deficiency Visual defects problems

2002-2008 560 83609 1659 740 269

485 students provided with free spectacles during this period

No. of Pediatric Cataract, Squint, DCR probing etc Surgeries done since 2002: 143

Children surveyed for eye check-up under Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study

Pavagada Taluk 11678

Madhugiri Taluk 11589

TOTAL 23267

No. of children who underwent treatment/surgery at Narayana Hrudayalaya, Bangalore, for their heart problems – 80

Primary Health Centre, Venkatapura 2013-14 Cumulative total

General outpatients treated 22042 293541

No. of Institutional Deliveries 208 1232

MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC 2013-14 Cumulative total

Outpatients treated 23195 85681

Mother & Child project - sponsored by Rotary Club of Oldham Metro and Dr. Vathsala Ramamurthy, UK.

The following numbers of patients have benefitted.

Antenatal cases : 75

Postnatal cases : 30

Children : 434

Others : 365

Citizen Help Desk, District Hospital, Tumkur : In the year 2013 - 56231 patients benefited by this project.

Providing food grains to TB / Leprosy / HIV/AIDS pediatric cases on weekly basis: Five kgs per week.

17

Rev Swamiji in Europe

UK - 24th July to 10th August 2013

At the Youth Convention, Birmingham

Swami Japananadaji was a special invitee to the

26th Youth Convention, during the special

occasion of Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth

anniversary celebrations, at the famous Sri Balaji

Temple, Birmingham, England. Over 1500 students

of Indian origin participated in this seven-day

residential convention.

Inaugurating the convention, Rev Swamiji impressed

on the youth the greatness of Indian religion,

culture and heritage. He passionately appealed to

them to preserve and spread the culture of their

mother land , ex tens ive ly quot ing swami

Vivekananda's life and message.

During this convention Swami Japanandaji gave four

lectures followed by question and answer sessions.

Apart from the campers many other nonresident

Indians also followed the lectures.

At the Hindu Convention, London "Hindu

Dharma - A cultural beacon to the world"

Sri Swami Japananadaji was called upon by the

Hindu Svayamsevak Sangha and Hindu Sevika

Samiti in England to grace a 'Teachers' Convention'

in London and deliver the valedictory talk.

Addressing the over 1500 students who had come

from various European countries Rev Swamiji said

that Hindu Religion and Hindu culture have been the

leading lights to the entire world and gave

illustrations.

In his keynote address he echoed the call given by

Swami Vivekananda to the youth. By reminding of

the great heroes like Shivaji Maharaj who

championed the cause of Hinduism, Netaji Subhas

Chandra Bose, Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh

and other revolutionaries who fought against the

British for freedom, Japanandaji called Hindus

settled abroad to preserve and spread their original

culture.

Swami Japanandaji was the principal speaker at the

Bhagavad-Gita convention organized by the Hindu

Council at Shakti Kendra, London. Bhagavad-Gita

has an eternal message which can be applied to the

whole of humanity, he said. Citing the most

important points of Bhagavad-Gita he explained how

they are relevant even today. Many prominent

persons attended both the programmes.

Belgium, France - 25th August to 6th

September 2013

After the eventful England visit, next on Revered

Swamiji's schedule was Brussels in Belgium, where

he was to meet the top officials of the Damien

Foundation – the chief sponsor of our several

medical projects. The meeting took place at the

central office of the Damien Foundation where

Japanandaji briefed the top officials of the action

plan for the coming years at Pavagada and

Madhugiri. The secretary and president of the

Foundation expressed their immense happiness at

the plans, especially at the fact that the SVIRHC has

extended its reach to Bangalore also, and assured of

continued help and support for this new project.

Leprosy-

disabled patients had only one rehabilitation centre

with surgery facilities in Karnataka - in Pavagada. To

offer this service to the large number of patients

from other parts of the state, a rehabilitation centre

with surgical facilities was opened by the Leprosy

Prevention Centre, Magadi Road, Bangalore in active

association with the SVRHC and the HFW

Department on Reconstructive surgery.

As

mentioned earlier in this newsletter,

18

Having completed this important annual meet, Rev

Swamiji next flew to Paris, France. There he visited

many important placese including Ramakrishna

Vedantique Centre, Gretz.

Swami Japanandaji's presence at the Youth Camp held at Sri Balaji Temple, Birmingham, UK from 25th Aug to 6th Sept 2013 - In the words of a participant - Kisan Sockalingam

At the Balaji Youth Camp this year, we were greatly blessed with the presence of Swami JapanandaJi. Like the many Swamis that have been present at this camp in the previous years, Japanandaji is a great speaker and

teacher to us all, as well as a gifted musician. His bhajans displayed his appealing musical talent and provided great entertainment. However, with the theme of this year's camp being "Swami Vivekananda and other role models", he primarily opened up our eyes to the great teachings and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, and how as Hindu youths today in Britain, it would do good to us merely as great human beings to uphold these values. Of course, none of us are going to try and become swamis in order to do this! In fact, there were many cases in Swamiji's talks during the week where each individual could relate to what was being preached - and I can truly say, it has inspired us to carry these principles forward in the future.

One of Swamiji's talks focused on the importance of helping our motherland (India). For many of us, this was where either we or our parents / grandparents were born - and though we are here in the UK, it is vital that we help our people receive as good a service as they can, which for us can be a form of Seva in order to uphold our Dharma. Nevertheless, many campers and

devotees who know me in the temple will know that I hail from a different motherland-from the little teardrop island of Sri Lanka. Being the only Sri Lankan in the room whilst the talk was happening. I felt obliged to eventually ask what I could do as a youth, with the subtle differences that India and Sri Lanka have, not only as part of service - but bring about a change.

This inevitably is the bigger picture. Swamiji had told me, 'As for whatever Seva you do for the people of your motherland, it is to bring about the greater change which all youths must be seeking to do.' It was truly inspirational to find that regardless of one's background or where you take yourself in the future, it is the duty of Hindu youths of Britain today to act as role models to bring about that change through Seva-whatever it may be. As Swami Vivekananda said, "By doing well the duty which is nearest to us, the duty which is in our hands now, we make ourselves stronger; and improving our strength in this manner step by step, we may reach a state in which it shall be our privilege to do the most coveted and honoured duties in life and in society".

What truly inspired us towards the end of camp was Swamiji's own work that he carries out in India; being the chairman of "Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health Centre", Pavagada, Karnataka, and offering the necessary medical service to those in the area (and around areas of Andhra Pradesh) who do not have the financial capability - yet as part of our duty, it is a form of Seva. The way he has dedicated his life for the service of others to those in the motherland encompasses all the values which the great Swami Vivekananda has taught to the world, and definitely plays its role in us being great human beings. We were shown examples of eye surgery-which if done in the UK would have been very expensive-whilst Swamiji's did most cases for free, stressing the importance of our duty to those who need help the most.

“

19

Frankly, Swami Japananda's drive in Balaji Youth Camp this year was fantastic, in ensuring that not only do we learn and uphold the values from the great models, but that we strive to pursue these values when we become the next generation of role models for the future. Once again, on behalf of the temple trustees,

devotees and organizers of the camp, we would like to thank Swamiji for taking time off his efforts to come from India and spend the week with us, which I can truly say was very worthwhile to all campers individually. Thank you.

Free Medical Camp for Leprosy patients by SVIRHC, Pavagadaat Leprosy Hospital, Magadi Road, Bangalore in association with

H&FW Services, Govt of Karnataka, andDamien Foundation India Trust, Chennai

thOn 25 January 2014, Swami Vivekananda Integrated Rural Health Centre, Pavagada, conducted a free

ndmedical camp at Leprosy Hospital, Bangalore in commemoration of the 152 birth anniversary of Sri Swami

Vivekananda, in coordination with Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Services, Bangalore, the Joint Director (Leprosy) and Damien Foundation India Trust, Chennai. Experienced doctors from the department of Dermatology, Medicine, Orthopaedics, ENT and Ophthalmology examined the patients and drugs were distributed free of cost. Many cases of Hansen's with deformity were selected for RCS.

At the ou t se t , S r i Swami Japanandaji, Chairman, SVIRHC welcomed Sri Dinesh Gundurao, the honourable Minister for Food & Civil

Supplies, who inaugurated the camp, and all the dignitaries and visitors. Sri Dinesh Gundurao assured of an assistance of Rs.10 lakhs for the set up of an

OT for RCS at the Leprosy Hospital, and free ration cards for all the leprosy affected in the State. Dr. G. Shivaram, Surveillance Officer, JD Leprosy office thanked the audience.

An impressive line up of medical specialists who offered their service at the camp included Doctors M. Maiya,

Physician, P. Krishnamurthy, President, DFIT; R.S. Suryanarayana Setty, MBE and R. S. Rajarathnam Setty (both from UK); K.R. Govinda, B.C. Venu, AMO, Rajani, L. Raju, B.N. Rajani, L.K. Rajeev, Ayub Ali Khan Zai (from Leprosy Hospital, Magadi road); Mahesh J.B., Eye Surgeon and Chandrakala G.R., CMO (from SVIRHC) and T.R. Mohan. Sri R.P. Sambasadashiva Reddy and Sri Paramesh Naik efficiently coordinated the entire programme.

Nearly 350 patients from all over Karnataka, including several who were treated long ago but had discontinued due to many reasons, took advantage of this special camp. Patients from Leprosy colonies, as well as a large number of general patients also availed of medical exams and free medicines.

ndFood and clothes were also distributed to all the patients in remembrance of Swami Vivekananda's 152 birthday.

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20

Dr. Chandrakala G.R. ,MBBS DLO DNB

CMO/MOTC, SVIRHC

Dr. Subramanya K MBBS MS Ophthal

Fellowship in Paediatric Ophthal & Strabismology Ophthalmologist, Shree Sharadadevi Eye

Hospital & Research Centre

R. SrikantanAdmn. & Fin.

K. Jayashree Project OfficerSSDEH & RCK. Shobha

Admn. & Fin

Dr. G. N. MaruthiMO - Swami Vivekananda

PHC, Venkatapura

M. S. NagarajuProject Officer

Dr. Vasudha Naresh Dr. M. C. Ashwin

Dr. NarendraDr. Subashchandra

Visiting Ophthalmologists Narayana Nethralaya, Bangalore

K.V. Sudarshan KumarProject Implementing Officer

Edited by :H. V. Vishwanath

152nd Birthday Celebrations of Swami VivekanandaYouth Convention on Wednesday, 12th March 2014 at Jain Global Campus, Bangalore

Organized byVishwa-Manava Swami Vivekananda Prathima Pratishtapana Samiti Trust,

Jain University and the Jain Group of Institutions

The Youth Convention was inaugurated by Justice Sri N Santosh Hegde, Former Lokayuktha of Karnataka and

Former Solicitor General of India. Dr. N Sunderarajan, Vice Chancellor, Jain University, Dr Krishna Venkatesh,

Director–School of Engineering, Mr. M. S. Nanjundaiah, Former Sr. Advisor, World Bank and Sr. Trustee, SVPPS

Trust were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion in which 1500 college students took part. The function

was supported by Dr. Chenraj Roychand, Chairman, Jain Group of Institutions & President, Jain University Trust,

Dr. B T Venkatesh, Controller of Examinations, Jain University and the Viveka Hamsa team of headed by Mr. R.

Suresh.