Integrated Holistic Healthcare at the Dayalbagh Medical Camp

A few weeks back, I had the opportunity to attend one of Dayalbagh Educational Institute's events TEDxDEI; an excellently organized event with so much of knowledge, learning and best practices being shared. One of the best talks at the event was by Dr. Anjoo Bhatnagar. She shared with us details of the excellent work being carried out by a pan-India team of Doctors and Super-Specialists, Doctors who follow the Hippocratic Oath and then do some more by including selfless service in their work.

Dr Anjoo Bhatnagar after completing her MBBS with honors and medals in almost all subjects of medicine and receiving President’s medal for her outstanding meritorious performance specialized in Pediatrics. After devoting half of her professional life in Leadership positions in Corporate Hospitals and in leading high-end intensive care pediatrics, she started participating in free medical camps at Dayalbagh and Rajaborari, starting from the inception of these camps around 8-9 years ago. While treating tribal and village children she realized that it’s here that her services are most needed. In her full-time role as a honorary consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Saran Ashram Hospital at Dayalbagh she now uses her qualification and vast experience to treat children coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Connecting to this needy segment of children has given her immense professional satisfaction. For her, this selfless service phase has been personally fulfilling and enriching and has been so very different from a world of gold medals, money and corporate hierarchies.

Dr. Anjoo Bhatnagar has put together a photo-essay this week explaining the genesis and working of this great initiative, sharing her experience of Dayalbagh multi-specialty medical and village assistance camps which have a mission to relieve the suffering of mankind by providing access to holistic Medical Healthcare Services to those who need it the most.

Remain Healthy,

Anurag

Dr. Anjoo writes...

Let me take you for a visit to a Dayalbagh multi-specialty medical camp.

It’s 7 AM on a Sunday morning, and with the sunrise, the sound of folk music has started resounding on the banks of river Yamuna, filling the entire village environment with new energy that has started catching everyone’s attention.

Children from nearby villages start running towards the camp site, with a broad  smile on their faces, eager to enjoy activities they love for the next 3 hours, ending their 14 day wait, an event that has happened again and again for last many years, and continues to give their lives a new momentum.

This little girl knows where to look for the child specialist for her fever and cold and has come straight to my desk with her sister. Children don’t even need their parents to accompany them for the doctor’s consultation as they feel so confident and familiar with us.

This girls parents believe in the Ayurvedic system for treatment and want "Desi Davai"  for her ailment, 

while this grandmother has brought her little one for nebulization as a quick fix for her wheezy chest for which she is otherwise undergoing homeopathic treatment.

She is a tall young girl, a frequent visitor to the camp and is happy to have tried her hands today on block printing and this is her creation.

While these girls are learning to make soft toys and 

she is so engrossed in thread work and will not like to be disturbed by anything else.

This young boy is now an expert in chess as he has been playing it for the last many years here at ‘hole in the wall’ computer counter and is now guiding other children to develop basic computer skills. This hole in the wall activity, is the most popular amongst the deprived village children who flock this counter in increasing number of more than 1,200 and in their over 8,000 visits in these years have become sharper than ever. They  frequently surprise us by their computer skills which they have developed on their own  while navigating  through and helping each other if they get stuck at any point.

This is a diverse scenario from our free multi-specialty camps which is organized under the aegis of Dayalbagh medical relief and social welfare charitable societies. 

These camps have become extremely popular not only around Dayalbagh but at several other places all over India including Rajaborari, the remote tribal area of Madhya Pradesh where it was conceived in the summer tour of 2010 by Revered Prof Prem Saran Satsangi Sahab.

In these multi-specialty camps the patients are treated in an integrated manner according to their needs and are given a tailor made prescription to suit their unique requirement, constitution and choice.

Keeping with government directives patients are given generic medicines and that too free of cost and not samples.

Doctors from different specialty and systems of medicine have been working in collaboration now for last so many years. They are so easily approachable to the patients and also to each other that they don’t even need to get out of their seat for this. The in- charge Dayalbagh Medical Relief Society helps in organizing the camp along with NSS scheme of Dayalbagh Educational Institute.

Besides giving health advantage through an integrated approach to the financially weaker sections of society, for the multifaceted development of their children, the camp provides Recreation facilities. Children are provided with the material to engage their attention and are encouraged to explore. They are given freedom to choose according to their interest and then are left to do things themselves. They form their own groups, change groups if they want. Kids teach themselves and learn what they want to learn.

All this has surprisingly transformed not only the life of these children but also of their families because there is something of interest for everyone, every age and every aptitude.

For housewives there is food preservation counter, for villagers there is Assistance Services at Chaupal for understanding their problems related with Agriculture, Dairying, Water, Power, Sanitation etc. and to help or offer most feasible solution to them.

And then there is the live interactive commentary on "Bhagvad Geeta Ke Updesh". This helps to give ethical and spiritual values among people of this Neighborhood Community, through discussion. By giving simple explanation of its verses which continues to resound in the background, and inculcates moral values while the camp is on. The concept is imbibed by  everyone  including subconscious mind of children, that  can sprout at time of need when life demands tough decisions to be taken while making  distinction between right and wrong, in a universal perspective.

Education & Career Counselling Services are offered to guide youth about education options/ centres  and employment opportunities and to counsel school dropouts. A counter for spoken English helps develop basic conversational skills is also in place.

One of the girls who started coming and playing here since the camp started, has evolved and with career guidance from the camp, gotten herself enrolled in college and is now completing her BA. She has helped 3 other girls from her village to get admission into Dayalbagh Educational Institute. Education and learning is happening through induction at the camp.

Initially when we started, children were hesitant to admit that they have started liking these activities and when I asked one of the boys that how do you like the camp he turned his face and looked away from me saying ‘buro kya hai’ meaning ‘not bad’. But now over the years our relationship has strengthened and the children have developed trust and interest and now when they are asked the same question they out rightly appreciate it and say ‘bahut badhia’, ‘bahut kuch seekha’, its excellent/ superb, we have learnt a lot here.

In the tribal area of Rajaborari in Madhya Pradesh, 9 years ago at the inception of the camp few basic medicines were distributed but gradually with inclusion of other systems of medicine like Homeopathy and  Ayurveda, the camp has evolved into a holistic health camp with additional facility of tele-medicine for taking expert advice in complicated cases for this unapproachable remote area so that proper referral follows. The villagers are happy to take advantage of it and many tribal women have also taken to soft toy manufacturing, food preservation and stitching as their profession learning these activities at the camp.

To summarize, the most important factor is that these Medical camps are based on an integrated holistic theme.

Second is the consistency of the team and regular follow up. It’s not like a single mobile camp which has been conducted for one day and the team never returns for follow up after the publicity has been achieved!

Third is that the cooperation and closeness amongst doctors of different specialties and systems of medicine without clash of ego and interest is very rare, where patient’s benefit is the only consideration and the team members are all highly motivated to provide voluntary selfless service to mankind.

Starting from its installation to its winding up everything is done on voluntary basis by a team of Dayalbagh Educational Institute students, teachers, staff, and doctors from Saran Ashram Hospital and even village children are happy to help. This has brought about a sea change in overall health of all its beneficiaries including the health of doctors; by adding this dimension to their personality i.e. with ‘selfless service’ they themselves are now enjoying holistic health!

Toy Story: You are never too Old to be Young

Which is your favourite toy? Are you a “Mechano” kind or love the “Remote controlled cars”, or your favourites are “Stuffed Toys”?

“Stuffed Toys” provide so much comfort to a child, a “hand” or a “paw” she can reach out to in the middle of the night to transport her to dreamland again. To quote Peter Gray, “In a world where everyone seems to be larger and louder than yourself, it is very comforting to have a small, quiet companion”.

Today's story will bring a smile onto your lips. This is a story by Mrs. Shobha Dhir, who a couple of decades ago set out to put a smile onto the lips of every child. Mrs. Shobha Dhir has spent the last 40 years in Dayalbagh, loves children and has been a part of and led many activities to make them happier.

Revered Prof. Satsangi blessing the exhibition

So, sit back, relax, put your specs on, and as “Happy, the Dwarf”, intended to sing in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (the Song that did not quite make it into the movie 😢), “You are never too old to be young”. Read on and enjoy the photographs.

Best,
Anurag
---------------

Mrs. Dhir writes...

I am a person who does not have big degrees but have always felt immense Grace, with my simple human efforts always getting crowned.

Revered Dr. Lal Sahab's car waiting outside the Toy Exhibition Centre

Revered Dr. M B Lal Sahab was pleased to have a unit formed of a group of Ladies by the name of “Vidyut Nagar Handicraft Mahila S.S.W.S” in which I was the Secretary for 24 years.

My children, as all children, were very fond of toys. But the sticker shock at the Toy Shops always made me think, how common people would afford these for their children. So, we thought it will be a good idea if we can make high quality toys at affordable rates that will enable ALL children to buy these.

Toys waiting for Children to arrive

We made our first sample of a “Teddy Bear” and a “Doggie” in 1992 and showed it to Revered Dr. Lal Sahab for His approval. We were asked to make as many as possible at the earliest, so I, my elder sister-in-law (Mrs. Shashi Munjal) and a team of girls with a group of ladies managed to create the first production batch. The Toys were made with left-over pieces of fur and cloth from Ludhiana to keep the costs low. The team worked day and night and in no time, we had the first batch of 60-70 pieces ready for selling for the first time.

The Eager Beavers at the Exhibition Complex Entry

Thereafter came the visit of the President of India to Dayalbagh, Shri. R. Venkatraman with his wife. An exhibition was organized where Dayalbagh goods were displayed. In the exhibition there was one stall of “Soft Fur Toys”. Both the President and his wife were all praise for both the Quality and Affordability of the Toys, with the costliest toy selling at Rs. 10. This was just unbelievable for someone coming from the world outside of Dayalbagh. They compared the prices with what they had bought for their Grandchildren.

Why are we on the Roof?

The first sale of these “Soft Fur Toys” was held in 1992 with the Sabha members and the manufacturing team the beneficiaries. After this the variety of toys being produced increased steadily and included various animals like Teddies, varieties of Doggies, Elephants, Squirrels, Ponies, Giraffes, Lions, Monkeys, Rabbits, Tortoises and other toys like Balls, Toy bags, Toy pillows, Clowns etc. ranging from a selling price of Rs. 1 to Rs. 15. Each time we had enough to sell, we held exhibitions where only Children were allowed into the compound with a maximum of Rs. 15 in hand. The child could choose a toy of his/ her choice. Each child had the opportunity to show his/ her choice of Toy to Revered Dr. Lal Sahab and was given Prasad.

Can we come in now?

We had other dignitaries including the Governor of UP, Mr. Bhandari visit, examine and appreciate the quality and affordability.

Which One? Which One?

After holding multiple exhibitions with an increasing variety of soft toys, there was a gap of a few years. We restarted with inspiration from Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi, with 16-17 different types of toys including beautiful dolls. My daughter in law, Dr. Bani Dayal Dhir also joined the unit and was a great help and support, conceptualising and making a beautiful variety of dolls, which became a favourite of children, especially girls. We were permitted to organize an exhibition for children in the unit premises and after short intervals at various venues within Dayalbagh. Revered Prof. Prem Saran Satsangi graced the exhibitions, where Children studying in Nursery and Primary School of Dayalbagh could select a Toy of their choice.

The Squirrel that got away

The Toys saw a spike of price to a range of Rs. 1 to Rs. 25 and now have been brought down within the range of Rs. 1 to Rs. 20.

The Manufacturers

To further scale the program, we started training DEI Girls and the Teachers of Recreation Centre, with the Girl students coming in large numbers and getting trained in manufacture of some type of toy. This was further taught to Ladies and Girls in rural areas helping them start micro units and increase their family earnings.

Can you hear their chatter?

This is how through immense Grace every child could enjoy having a soft toy to play with and we got a chance to serve humanity’s young.

I would like to thank my family members, my husband Prem Prasad Dhir and Arsh & Bani and Binti & Dheeraj for their unstinting support and cooperation.

Five Years of Learning at Rajaborari - the “Forest of the Merciful”

The Radhasoami Satsang Sabha has been engaged in development and uplift of Adivasis in the Rajaborari Forest Estate in Madhya Pradesh comprising of the villages Rajaborari, Salai and Temrubahar since 1924, when the Estate was gifted by Revered Sir Anand Sarup ji to the Sabha.

Many a dedicated individuals have offered their services for this cause. One amongst them is the young and dynamic D. Sumir, a Director’s Medal holder from DEI (Dayalbagh Educational Institute). Five years back, he left his high flying job at American Express and with his wife plunged headlong in this service of humanity at Rajaborari and is currently a Honorary Teaching Faculty at the DEI ICT Centre there.

Remain Happy,
Anurag
-------------

Sumir writes...

Five Years of Learning at Rajaborari - the “Forest of the Merciful”.

After serving for four years in the concrete jungles of Manhattan, New York, completion of five years service at Rajaborari- the “Forest of the Merciful”, is a Godsend and a value-added experience of life.

The Rajaborari Estate is a cluster of 10 hamlets located in the dense forests of Harda district of Madhya Pradesh. The area is mainly populated by Korku and Gond tribal communities, numbering around six thousand people.  

The foundation of formal education was laid at Rajaborari with the establishment of Radhasoami Adivasi Primary School in 1937. Afterwards, several primary schools were started in phased manner. The middle school education was started in 1979. The high school was started in 1982-83 which was upgraded to higher secondary school in 1996.

Most Revered Dr. M. B. Lal Sahab, the Founder Director of DEI, inspecting the foundation work of the High School building in 1983 (Presently the DEI ICT Centre - Rajaborari) 

“ऐसी संस्थाएं जो हमारे परम गुरुओं की छ्त्रछाया में जन्म लेतीं हैं, उनके आदर्शों का पालन करतीं हैं वे प्रगति के मार्ग पर अग्रसर होतीं हैं। ... जो परिवेश हमारे परम गुरुओं के संरक्षण में इन संस्थाओं में प्राप्त हो सकता है वह बाहर की संस्थाओं में कदापि कदापि नहीं हो सकता।”      

-       परम पूज्य हुज़ूर सतसंगी साहब

A series of land mark events took place between 2008 and 2009. DEI took over the academic and administrative control of all the primary, middle and higher secondary schools operating in the Rajaborari Estate area (vide the Governing Body resolutions dated 09-08-2008 and 25-04-2009). The "Open and Distance Learning" program was also started at Rajaborari on 01-01-2008 to disseminate the vocational and higher education in unique blended distance education mode. The Children Recreation Centres (CRCs) were also established as an integral part of the education system.  At present, there are over 1200 students at Rajaborari from primary to higher education level (43% Girls) who are receiving the education under the academic umbrella of DEI. B.Com (Hons.), Office Assistant cum Computer Operator, Cutting & Sewing and Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) are being successfully offered at the Center.

A historic 21 days visit of the Most Revered Chairman, Advisory Committee on Education, Dayalbagh Educational Institutions (ACE) to Rajaborari in 2009 had set a five year Vision Plan for Rajaborari.

Most Revered Chairman, ACE at Five Year Vision Plan Seminar (Rajaborari-2009)

Towards the completion of the fifth year of the Vision Plan, a significant initiative was taken by DEI in November 2014 when a team of experts and professionals visited Rajaborari under the stewardship of Prof. Prem Kumar Kalra, the Hon’ble Director of the Institute. The rural entrepreneurial incubation centers were opened at Rajaborari by launching three programs: ATMA (Apparel and Toys Manufacturing Association), ADyNaM Foods (Agro &  Dairy Nano Multiprocessing) and AAM (Automotive And Multi-skill) Karkhana.

As the foundation of Rural Economic Zone (REZ) at Rajaborari is strongly in place, it is now progressing towards the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) as some of the products are in the process of being exported abroad.

“मुझको ऐसा ख़याल होता है कि राजाबरारी में कभी बड़ी भारी इंडस्ट्री क़ायम होगी।”

परम गुरु हुज़ूर साहबजी महाराज (१४ जनवरी १९२५)

High quality garments being produced at DEI ATMA Centres by Tribal Ladies

Some of the Designs

Multi-skill AAM Karkhana at Rajaborari

Skilled Individuals at the AAM Karkhana

Community Impact

It is clearly evident that the DEI has an innovative education model at Rajaborari which ranges from Primary Education to Higher Education under one common academic umbrella. The unique blend of academic, vocational and entrepreneurship programmes coupled with the support of the developmental schemes of Radhasoami Satsang Sabha is gradually transforming the Rajaborari Estate into a Smart Village Cluster.

Socio-Economic Transformation

The DEI and Radhasoami Satsang Sabha have been working in full cooperation to transform Rajaborari - the “Forest of the Merciful” into the unique Sigma Six Q Way of Life.

Alumni Speak

“Whatever I have been able to do with my career is all because of what I learnt at DEI. I belong to a small village Magardha which is 80 km. far from Rajaborari. I stayed at the Boys Hostel and cooked food for myself for 5 years of intermediate and B.Com education at Rajaborari. I truly feel that it was worth making that effort.”

- Mr. Ganesh Meena, B.Com 2013, Tribal Student, Village Magardha, Working at ICICI Bank, Indore

“I am thankful to my parents who despite of the fact that I am a girl permitted me to receive the education. I am thankful to DEI for providing me the opportunity to get a graduate degree at my village. My parents are proud of my brother and myself who are now working at respectable companies at Gurgaon.”

- Ms. Surat Pyari Verma, B.Com 2016, Working at Kleeto Document Management, Gurgaon

“My father who works as a daily wage labourer is very proud to see me working in a government scale job at DEI.”

-  Mr. Tulsiram Bhalavi, B.Com 2015, Tribal Student, Permanent Accountant at DEI

“I belong to a very poor adivasi family of village Buddhudhana. My father passed away last year. I am the only male member left in the family. Due to a snake bite incident, it took me eight months to recover the activity in my left leg completely. After completion of my Diploma in MOM&SP from DEI Rajaborari, I have joined Spencer’s at Gurgaon as Store Keeper. I have now been able to provide financial support to my family.”

-  Mr. Arjun Parte, Tribal Youth, MOM&SP 2017, Spencer’s Retail (Gurgaon)

 “I have undergone six month two-wheeler automobile repair training at AAM Karkhana Rajaborari. The DEI Technical College has also arranged and sponsored twenty day training for me at Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd, Surajpur (near Noida). I have now started my own Flour Mill cum Automobile Repair shop in my village which is providing livelihood to my family.”

-   Mr. Ashok Uikey, Self-employed Tribal Youth

“I belong to village Temrubahar (a Korku tribal village) in district Harda. I am using the welding equipment and infrastructure of AAM Karkhana Rajaborari for my self-employment purposes. I was working in a factory at Bhopal as welder but now I have relocated back to my village and started my own welding services by using AAM Karkhana equipment (Welding Machine, Cutter, Power Backup etc.). I am simultaneously managing my agriculture operations as well. I have earned Rs. 50,000 in past six months from my welding works without making any investment in the costly equipment and power back-up in this rural area”

-  Mr. Sukhdev Bhusare, Self-employed Tribal Youth

Senior women of Dayalbagh तेरह छप्पर leading an enriching & socially fulfilling life

Aldous Huxley, the English writer, novelist, philosopher said,

“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.”

Respecting our elders is a value and quality that should be ingrained in everyone. In today’s rapidly evolving world and with the meaning of family unit shrinking, elders are no longer treated with respect.

Today, I bring you a story of these amazing senior women in Dayalbagh, living an active and socially useful life, a story (and the photographs) that will bring cheer to your hearts. The story of the

Senior women of Dayalbagh Terah Chappar (तेरह छप्पर) leading an enriching & socially active and useful life

This story is written by Dr. Gur Pyari Satsangi, In-charge of Terah Chappar (तेरह छप्पर) and Professor in the Faculty of Education at Dayalbagh Educational Institute (DEI), assisted by our regular contributor Prof. Sarla Paul, Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education at DEI.

Let your hearts glow,
Anurag
----------------

Dr. Gur Pyari and Prof. Sarla Paul write...

Complementing old age Robert Browning a Victorian poet remarked:

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made.

Our times are in His hands who saith,

A whole I planned, youth shows but half;

Trust God: See all, nor be afraid.”

People are generally apprehensive of the repercussions of old age. Their apprehensions are based on the prevailing scene in society where there is a loss of compassion and respect for the old and debilitated members of the family. We have become desensitized towards our core values which are an indispensable part of our culture. It is regretful to see that parents and grand parents who willingly helped their offspring and willingly endured extreme hardships with a sense of pleasure in bringing up their children and grand children, are neglected and ill treated by their own kith and kin in return when they grow old and are in dire need of help and support from them.

Getting old is an inevitable process. With advancement of age, the physical strength and vigour are no doubt affected but, on the other hand, with old age comes maturity, wisdom and insight, which should be utilized by the younger generation for their well being. There is an Italian proverb which says ‘If nothing is going well, call your grandmother.’

The older generations needs society's affection and attention. Caring for them benefits us in many ways and prepares us to face life in fulfillment and satisfaction. In bringing up and nurturing children the major role is that of mothers. They must be accorded proper respect and importance in the family and the society at large when they are old.

Emphasizing the need of giving proper status to women in the society, Revered Sir Anand Sarup ji remarked, ‘Let the Indians rise and become conscious of the vital importance of giving liberal and useful education to their women, of behaving towards the fair sex in a manner worthy of them, of according to them the respect and regard which is their right, and with the grace of the Supreme Father, we shall progress and prosper and in the fullness of time become a model society worthy of emulation by other ambitious and progressive communities of India.’

As is expressed in the foregoing lines, due care has been taken for safe, respectful, self dependent and socially useful life of the old ladies of the colony of Dayalbagh. They lead a respectful life together inside the colony. It is designated as Terah Chhappar (तेरह छप्पर - a line of thirteen quarters with thatched roofs, rather tiled roofs). It is an opportunity given to them based on what H. W. Longfellow an American poet stated:

‘For age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in another dress,

And as the evening twilight fades away,

The sky is filled with stars invisible by the day.’  

Inception of Terah Chhappar and its Historical Perspective:

These Quarters were constructed towards the western side of the Community Satsang Hall for the stay of Satsangis in the year 1918 after the foundation of the colony of Dayalbagh in 1915. In the year, 1993 it was converted into an ‘Old Age Home’ and it was meant exclusively for the residence of old ladies of the community. These women are allotted independent accommodation. Their houses consist of one room with an outer enclosed veranda and an attached toilet at present. At the front side is a vast ground enclosed by a boundary wall  which serves the purpose of safety and privacy.

Terah Chappar was started with two major objectives. Firstly, enabling the old ladies of the colony to participate in Dayalbagh and Satsang Activities independently, with cooperation and sense of social responsibility without any  interference from their family members. Secondly, to take part in the organisation of welfare programme for the old ladies and children of the community. The scope of activities of the residents has developed manifold and at present the activities of Terah Chappar residents include:

Regular and Systematic Routine: 

The women follow a prescribed regular and systematic routine and thus keep themselves busy through the day and are relieved from unnecessary idle talks, loneliness or negative thoughts. Their daily  routine spans from 4:30 AM to 9 PM. The day starts at 4:30 AM, when they get ready to offer prayer in the Community Satsang Hall. This is followed by Physical Training exercises in a group and then taking part in agricultural work which is a fundamental  part of the life within  the colony. After Breakfast, which is provided to them on minimal subscription in which they can also offer assistance turn-wise,  they take part is some other  selfless service activities suited to  their interest and capability. It is both community service and also  keeps  them  engaged. This serves as a means of fulfillment of their earnest inclination and yearning to remain active and useful to the community till their last breath.

After lunch which is served to them in the dining hall, they take  rest for a short while  in the afternoon. There is arrangement for regular visits of a team of doctors who are available to them to keep them mentally and physically fit and healthy. In the evening they attend Satsang in the community Satsang Hall. Their day concludes with an  early dinner followed by collective prayer in their own hall and then they go to bed with a sense of utmost satisfaction, rejuvenating for the next day.

   

Production of Material for Consumption in Dayalbagh:

The Ladies engage themselves in production and supply of articles for Dayalbagh residents or Satsangis which also serves to support their income. The various skill-based activities include weaving mattresses, chairs, stools, table mats, etc. handicrafts i.e. crochet work, embroidery, block printing, assisting in the preparation of baked food items i.e. Nan Khatai etc..

Seva Activities:

The Ladies take part in multiple Seva activities in an organised and formally assigned manner. The various  seva include Pahra duty (watch & ward duty), helping medically unfit and handicapped ladies, assisting in the preparation of breakfasts, lunch and dinner, extending assistance and support in organising various events and functions in their premises, preparation of Aam ka Panna  for the children who give pahra (watch and ward duty) in the day time during summer vacations etc.

Cultural and Personality Development Programmes:

They take part in cultural activities which include singing devotional songs, dancing and dramatisation on current topics etc. Their organisation of annual cultural function is a source of their entertainment and an outlet and expression of their feelings and emotions, and helps in purging from their minds of any strong negative and undesirable emotions. These serve for their wholesome personality development. On such occasions  they are blessed with the presence of Revered Prof. Satsangi.

Games and Sports:

It is an annual feature in which they take part in various games and sports with full  energy and vigour and a cheering audience, re-living their highly active days. It gives them pleasure and makes their minds active and energetic

Organisation of Summer School for Children:

This a novel  feature which started from the year 2003. Since then it is regularly organised for 21 days starting around 5th May and culminating by the first week of June  every year. In it children living in Dayalbagh, studying in classes one to ten, get their names enrolled. They follow a regular routine, get coaching in various school subjects and take part in physical exercises, cultural, literary and dramatic activities. Certain competitions are organised in which all the children participate with full zeal. The main purpose is to help children utilize their summer time fruitfully and for the ladies, it is an additional avenue for rendering  selfless service where the women of Terah Chappar actively participate.

Organising Literacy Classes:

Education is the basic need of all especially of women folk as has been emphatically pronounced by Sir Anand Sarup ji, the August Founder of Dayalbagh, ‘The Indian women have begun to show signs of an awakening, taking the foremost  part in the varied public activities, suffering extreme hardships most cheerfully, adapting themselves to new and novel conditions in a splendid manner and generally showing to the world that, given suitable opportunities, they will not be found lacking grit, determination and enthusiasm.’ These classes are arranged with the support of literate ladies for the benefit of those who remained deprived of this facility during their formative years. It is never too late to learn.

My deep respect for this great example of Community Living!