Aarogya Sanyuj (Health Camps on the basis of Bhakti)

Didiji had witnessed firsthand the deterioration of Pujya Dada's health during his last years.  It pained her to see that many of Dadaji's ailments could have been prevented under proper medical guidance.  Despite Dadaji's not deriving the benefit of such prevention, Didiji felt that Dadaji's beloved pariwar ("family") should not be deprived of proper health care.  As a result, a new experiment (Prayog) was initiated in late 2004, known as Aarogya Sanyuj - literally "Health Camp".  Here, physicians and other health care professionals offer their time and expertise as a form of bhakti (devotion); this differentiates such a health volunteer activity from all others, as in Aarogya Sanyuj there is no social agenda or platform.  While society benefits from the activity, it is practiced from a devotional angle as a service to God. Swadhyayees attend these "health camps" and learn about proper hygiene, as well as prevention of common debilitating illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

The first Aarogya Sanyuj took place from August to September 2004, when 1000 doctors and other health care professionals from both India and the US, along with 8000 volunteer Swadhyayees from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh participated in a three-day-long health camp in 262 Amrutalayam villages.  Amrutalayam villages were selected because they are 100% Swadhyayee and hence very dear to Dadaji.

Similarly, 750 doctors and other health care professionals from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, along with 85 health care professionals from North America, participated in a three-day-long Aarogya Sanyuj in more than 53 Matsyagandha villages in January 2006.

Aarogya Sanyuj is a live example of the power of Dadaji's philosophy and Didiji's work.  Villagers and urbanites alike are moved by the devotional spirit of the physician volunteers, who are otherwise extremely busy in their successful practices.  These volunteers are welcomed and venerated, since they are viewed as God-sent by the otherwise healthcare-deprived masses.  There is an obvious thread of humanity, a feeling of "universal brotherhood under the fatherhood of God" that stands as a pillar of this noble volunteerism. Aarogya Sanyuj is proof that Dadaji has eradicated the barriers of caste, class, and creed that divide men and women everywhere else around the world.

The next Aarogya Sanyuj is scheduled for early 2007, and the future includes at least one such Sanyuj per year.  More information is available at local Swadhyay kendras.