Shri Jagannath Temple, Garoi Ashram

Volunteering doctors and people waiting for a consultation

Volunteering doctors and people waiting outside for a consultation

Health camp: organizer (Shri Aditya Narayan Das & volunteers), kind doctors

Health camp: Volunteering doctors ensuring resources, Pt A. Mishra present

4th month summary: 85 people were attended to

Volunteering doctors attending to people who wish a consultation

Volunteers checking the list of resources and keeping things well-organized

Medical practitioners and organizer Shri Aditya Narayan Das

Medical practitioners, organizers and people waiting for a consultation

People waiting inside the Temple premises, under shade, for a consultation

5th month summary: 135 people were attended to

Shri Aditya Narayan Das, organizer and Garoi Ashram Pithadheesha

A saying by Baba Buddhanath Das

Sevā, according to the scriptures, wise-men, Yogis, social workers, responsible people and good humans in general, is a virtue and is one of our responsibilities, of course within one's means. However, it is also not a mindless work and must be done with care and accountability, throughout. The word has its origin from Sānskrit and refers to services which are performed for helping or improving the quality of lives of others who need it, without any expectation of result or award for the person performing it. If one is doing Sevā, let not the ego-of-doer dilute its importance. Fortunate are those who get a chance and have the capacity to offer Sevā. It is not truly a Sevā to feed the one who is well-fed and able, to treat well one who is already well-treated and resourceful - these good actions are at best some acts of kindness but the true meaning of Sevā is reached when it reaches those who really need it - the disadvantaged, distressed or vulnerable beings - whose quality of lives will otherwise be compromised.

There are many forms of Seva: providing education, healthcare support, environmental protection, disaster relief, helping overcome trauma, taking care of the parents and elderly people and many more ... to the extend that its not just limited to humans but all living beings! and the nature that sustains us.

Offering free medical services to the people who cannot afford is a relatively new initiative at Garoi, since the third quarter of 2014. This is done by a few medical practioners who volunteer and it takes place on the last Sunday of each month at Garoi Ashram. We have started it small and hope to be able to continue for the nearby villagers. Medical facilities are still not easily accessible in this area and this Sevā is performed by a coalition of the willing without any benefits, who drive from nearby city in their free time.

With wishes and support from like-minded human beings, one day, these small steps will make a significant difference.
Thank you to all those who are doing this selflessly.

Important notice: Since Jan-2015, the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha has issued guidelines and legal requirements for organizing health camps and we are aware of this development. This step by the Government is to ensure "Patient Safety" and is a valid and required step. This again shows that Sevā is not just helping but performing the act with Care and Accountability. While our volunteering doctors are licensed medical practioners who regularly treat patients, we have put the Health Camp on a brief hold, so that we properly follow the legal requirements as responsible citizens. Once the requirements are met with, the services will be ensued and we will keep it posted here.

Have a question, meanwhile?: please send an e-mail at garoiashram@gmail.com or info@garoiashram.org or call Shri Aditya Narayan Das at +91-70777-71717

Work is underway to expand this page further with more succinct and relevant information; please check back in 3 months - Notification date: 2-Apr-2015