Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare Camp 2015

Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare Camp 2015

Hari Om

I was very fortunate to be a part of Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare camp with the blessings of Sadguru (Dr.) Aniruddha Bapu under Sadguru Aniruddha Upasana Foundation which was held in February 2015 at Pendakhale village, Shahuwadi taluka in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra state, India. We were 8 Shraddhavans from Dubai Upasana Centre who were all excited about this camp as we heard so much about it and wanted to witness the distribution in villages, meeting Shraddhavan friends from all over the globe, sharing experiences, Satsang, meeting students of all age group from the schools in Kolhapur district etc.

Not far from the rich and modern city of Kolhapur, there are number of villagers who are starved for even basic amenities of life. Here people find it very hard even to make up for couple of meals per day. Other basic amenities like clothing, shelter, electricity, education, etc are far to even think of. Thirteen years ago when Dilasa Medical Trust & Rehabilitation Centre had conducted its first medical camp in this area, the overall situation was unfavorable. Girls and women were suffering from conditions like matted hair formation which may ultimately lead them to work as ‘Devdasi’. Children had to travel 5-6 kilometers barefoot to attend primary schools, and on top of that the basic hygiene was not to be seen anywhere in the villages. As a result the villagers were constantly plagued with various diseases. In year 2015, 7402 families from 240 villages were benefitted with the help of 151 doctors, 176 paramedical staff and 2443 volunteers.

Like every year it was a 2 days camp on the 1^st and 2^ndFebruary. We all started from Mumbai around 8 am. We were given a leaflet with details of Bus numbers, coordinators information, allotted seva, distribution village details and our accommodation arrangements in Kolhapur City. After taking a tea with the blessings and Lalkari of our Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu we got in the bus, I reside in Dombivali when I am on a trip to India so me and my wife Shrutiveera left early morning from our place to be on time and couldn’t take supper and rightly after getting in the bus we were given a packed breakfast, Our Sadguru looks after his children was evident! The journey started with Ahnik (daily prayer), Gajars and singing Abhangas of our Bapu, Aai and Dada followed by meeting other shraddhavans in the bus introducing each other and sharing experiences. Around 11.30am took a first halt for tea/coffee, waving hands to other almost 17 buses with altogether almost 2000 volunteers we started again towards Kolhapur. With Bhaktimay samvad and watching CD’s of Satsang on the television in the bus we reached Satara for lunch and then again towards Kolhapur, when we reached Kolhapur dinner was organized with the help of local volunteers and satsang took place, there were some volunteers tying Pheta and welcoming us to Kolhapur, after listening to songs performed by Veera’s and Sinh’s we then left for accommodation, since morning we were pampered what else anyone want! The accommodation arranged was brilliant and we all slept looking forward for the next day -our actual visit to camp site.

 

On the first day of the camp i.e. 1^stFebruary we gathered at the bus around 6am, yess and it was really cold for people like us who stays in the deserts of Middle East! We reached at the campsite and to our surprise P.P. Nandai and P.P. Suchit dada were welcoming us at the entrance, with Nandai saying “Hari Om Bala” and they were asking us to go for breakfast and have some tea, blessed we are! After going ahead I saw the ground was huge and stage was big, right in front of the stage all the distribution material sorted according to villages and its statistics were kept ready. Superbly managed! 90% of work was already done by nearby uapasana centre’s volunteers and we were there just to be part of this Ananda Sohala :-)After grabbing breakfast we were waiting in line for our turn to load the distribution material in the truck and leave. After few minutes we started loading the material for allotted villages. The boxes were made separately for each family and the headcounts, including Water purifier, comb, soap, washing powder, clothing materials (collected under Old is Gold yojana), new sarees, godhadi, sweaters (under Mayechi Uub yojana) sports material, tooth powder etc. Now, we started for our journey in the truck, what better way singing the glory of our Sadguru our Bapu. The villagers gathered at one of the Pramukh Sevaks house and they were all smiling, kids were singing the glory of AaI and Bapuraya, after the distribution we had our lunch at the same place and served with the cold water from well J we then headed for the next village, this time the journey took about an hour, looking at the greenery and all waving hands on the road and everyones greeting Hari Om, we reached the school of that village, people came from far off places to this school as we had limited possibility to commute along with the truck, some of the volunteer from our group left for other village and distributing materials, I noticed that even pen cap means a lot for the kids in the villages to play. Sports material was distributed amongst the kids, I had writing pad in my hand, all the school goers were excited, that who will get it and all were deciding amongst themselves who should get it? What an understanding that they decided to give it to the teenager who was about to appear for his board exam, I got tears in my eyes, looking at their bhakti, the way they sing the glory of sadguru without even seeing him in person, I went away, couldn’t control myself. They were far ahead in their Bhakti and Seva J We left from villages and started our journey back to the campsite, as we reached the camp Satsang was already started and more than 4000 villagers with volunteers took part in this satsang sohala, all were dancing with joy, couple of Abhangas were written in a way that they are calling their Sadguru our Bapuraya to come and visit them, some of the wording of songs were asking Nandai to convince P.P. Bapu to come over. We were amazed and went with the flow of Bhakti. After this we returned to our accommodation, atmosphere was so pure and we were singing the Abhangas without realizing when we slept taking our Sadguru’s name.

2^ndday, day of a camp- we left at the same time with our bags and checked out of the accommodation and headed to the campsite, I got Seva at Opthalmic section, the most crowded section of camp! Villagers started queuing up for the medical camp, at first they had to register at the counter, volunteers filled up their personal details and mentioned if any particular health concern they had. After that they were sent to GP for checkup and from that point they were directed to specialty wards. We were given a permission to take a tour of the whole medical camp and understand the facilities provided. From ECG to X-ray machines all was organized by sanstha, even in Ophthalmic section after noticing that the villager required to use specs, villager was given the exact number of spec with eye drops, volunteers were explaining at each point the number of dosage and way of taking the medicine in proper way, at times with correct body language because some of the elderly people were only able to speak their native language. While taking a tour I noticed that Annapurna Prasadam which was arranged for all children and villagers who attends the medical camp was crowded as well, Nandai and Dada were serving food to the kids. While leaving, kids were also given a tonic bottle, 2 sets of new uniform, sleepers, caps, candles under Vidya Prakash Yojana.

Param Poojya Suchitdada and Param Poojya Nandai along with Samirsinh Dattopadhye attended the medical camp and worked with all the volunteers to serving and nursing the attendants and patients. All the major newspaper in the region acknowledged this outstanding work that Sadguru Aniruddha Upasana Foundation had put up.

 

After witnessing such a well-organized well managed camp, we all started our return journey to Mumbai. After getting back to Dubai, we organized session with other Bapu Bhaktas from Dubai Upsana Kendra who weren’t able to attend the camp in 2015, where all the volunteers shared and narrated their personal experiences of this camp.

As Samirsinh mentioned on his personal blog, It is indeed the vision of Parampoojya Bapu that has provided these poor and needy villagers multiple new rays of hope and the touch of healing which is blossoming just every day and every year! I sincerely wish at the lotus feet of Bapu and Mothi Aai that this hope and the betterment of the thousands of lives should only keep growing in years to come.

By Bapu’s grace, I together with 18 other shraddhavans from Dubai Upasana Kendra (Highest number of shraddhavans ever from our centre) would be attending the Kolhapur Medical & Healthcare Camp this year as well on 21^st and 22^nd February :-)

Please see below statistics which were announced by Param Pujya Bapu during his discourse of Thursday, 12th February 2015.

Hari Om! ShreeRam! Ambadnya!

Narration of personal experience- My Sadguru Aniruddha Bapu

Hari Om! Ambadnya! ShreeRam!

I am so fortunate to be at the lotus feet of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu, that i get resolve for all my worries.

Bapu, you are my Friend, my Dad, my Mentor, Karta-Karvita, my Sadguru, I love you forever!!!!

Swapnilsinh Patrikar

Highly recommended places to visit in Dubai

I have been staying and working in Dubai from last eight years, here are few places that I recommend on my personal experiences that you must try to visit during your trip :-)

Visiting Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa:

One of the biggest mall in the world with the tallest tower ( Burj Khalifa) is worth to visit for shopping and dining experience, music fountain and aquarium in Dubai mall are very famous.
At The top- Burj Khalifa (Viewing only) from the observation desk located on the 124^th floor and newly opened 148th floor with lounge access. There is a possibility of purchasing/reserving these tickets online from a month prior to actual day and fixed time of visit.
There's an international restaurant located on 122^nd floor known as At.mosphere where I recommend to have window table reservation for lunch, afternoon tea, drinks only or dinner (minimum spend applies on these bookings)

Visiting Gold, Spice and old Souks:

It’s a place where you can experience the traditional style of shopping and the wooden boat tour known as Abra by the creek – visiting Al Bastakiyah, it would take approximately 35 minutes depending on traffic to reach by the Old Dubai.

Visiting Most Luxurious Hotel Burj Al Arab:

Experience the luxury of Burj Al Arab by visiting one of their restaurant or bar will be a different experience Al Mahara Restaurant is the one located below ground level with the Aquarium view or Al Muntaha on the top level for fabulous view of Sky, please check the link for more information www.burjalarab.com

Dessert Safari:

The mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out– an adventure you’ll never forget. Safari guides will transport you by four wheel drive vehicles for a thrilling journey over rolling dunes, deep into the heart of the desert. On route, you will stop to see camels resting at their camp- sand boarding, and then, from the crest of a high dune, watch the sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all around you as it sets. Relax on comfortable low cushions in ‘Bedu’ tents. Enjoy a traditional BBQ, with soft drinks, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, experience a short camel ride or just enjoy the aromatic shisha (hubbly-bubbly) with belly dancing show.

4x4 Dubai Desert Safari pick up time between 15:30 to 16:30 approximately 6 hours program, can be arranged during the day as well.

SUV’s accommodate 6 people generally- approx. price for sharing basis with good desert safari company (sharing car with other people) AED 290 /Person, Exclusive for AED-1400 (car will be Just for you and your partner) There are number of tour operators,choose the right one ;-)

Visiting Souk Madinat Jumeirah

One of the Arabic themed venue where you can find deferent cuisine restaurants & bars and souvenir shops.

Quad Bike and Dune Buggy

A sport that is very popular with the younger crowd. It is an activity that comes as part of the desert safari trip in Dubai. Since ATV comes in various configurations of engine power, it can be ridden by anyone depending upon age

Helicopter Tour

Helicopter Tour Dubai is Providing Private and Sharing helicopter flights in Dubai as well as precision helicopter aerial filming and helicopter aerial photography.

Dolphin Show and Swimming with Dolphin

It is nice to see the dolphins dancing on the water to show all the movement and get a once in a life time experience to swim and play with these incredible mammals all under the supervision of our expert trainers. Swimmers are briefed prior to the experience and the trainers guide them through the session and answer any questions. You can either interact with Dolphins in shallow or deep water in or visit Dolphinarium-keep your cameras ready!

Dhow Cruise Dinner

Cruising down Dubai Creek and Marina is a novel experience, one which you cannot miss when in Dubai. Imagine yourself on having dinner on a Dhow Cruise with the fascinating lights of Dubai Creek and with Music and Tanura Dance show with a sip of your favorite drink and BBQ buffet dinner . Romance for never so easy to find.

Sky Dive

Nothing can ever beat or be more thrilling than the amazing, breathtaking and mind blowing experience of SkyDive Dubai where you will be skydiving over the beautiful Dubai and The Palm of Jumeirah, a view you can never experience anywhere else.

Balloon Ride

So close, yet so far from the glitz and the glamour of the city of Dubai. Enjoy a magic carpet ride over an endless ocean of sand dunes, emerald green oases, oryx, gazelles and wandering camels. Witness a breathtaking sunrise with the backdrop of the majestic Hajjar Mountains and be welcomed by the warmth of the desert people we chance to meet on landing.

Boat and Yacht Tour

Experience Dubai. Experience the pleasures of yachting in the calm Arabian waters. With Yacht rental in Dubai, Pamper yourself as you travel and sightsee in style. Feast your eyes on the picturesque Dubai seascape. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, yachting is the way to go! Yachts charter service guarantees the fun, relaxation and enjoyment.

Waterparks

Get the adrenaline pumping with record breaking rides and slides, Come and get your thrills, spills and divine relaxation at Waterpark in Dubai. There are several waterparks in Dubai, my favorite The Atlantis-Aquaventure!!

City Tour

The Emirate of Dubai is the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates but has the biggest population at over 2.1 million inhabitants. Size has been synonymous with Dubai as it continues to build the first, largest and the biggest constructions in the world. Dubai's dynamics are always transient and ever-changing with its constant urge to construct something better and bigger than the previous. If there was a Palm Island, Nakheel thought of the World Island. Burj Al Arab seemed too timid when Burj Khalifa cropped up, distancing itself to being a loner in the crowd. Dubai constantly dwells in a suppressive competition with itself trying to magnetize tourists to a dreamy world of attractions and unheard of luxuries. The emirate's scoring points lie in its entrepreneurial abilities to create the inconceivable found in its tourist attractions, landmarks, shopping center, nightlife and hotels. Although it strictly safeguards its traditional practices, it allows space for other religions to breathe, a rare quality amongst the conservative Arab world.

Big bus tour: By using this double décor bus you can visit all the attractions in Dubai and its hop on and hop off service, please follow the link for detailed information's : www.bigbustours.com

Heritage Village and Mosque Tour

Dubai’s Heritage and Diving Village may look fake and touristy, but it provides about as close a glimpse as you will get of the days when pearl-trading and smuggling were the tiny emirate’s main revenues. The center flat, sand colored houses with traditional Bastikiya (wind-towers) provide startling contrast to the ultra-modern buildings along Dubai Creek

Ski Dubai

Discover the ultimate indoor snow resort at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East! With an amazing mountain-themed wintery setting, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, or just playing in the snow. Plus you can now meet and play with Ski Dubai's newest residents; the Snow Penguins!

SMCCU

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a non-profit organization to increase awareness established and understanding between the various cultures that live in Dubai. Operating under the banner “Open Doors. Open Minds.” the SMCCU strives to remove barriers between people of different nationalities and raise awareness of the local culture,customs and religion of the United Arab Emirates. Visit http://www.cultures.ae/

Also, I would recommend to visit Abudhabi (Day trip) one of the days, it would be great visiting The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferarri World and Cornische, also Al Ain not to miss Jabel Hafeet Mountains- a great road trip.

 

Take a look on the below video showcasing Dubai from a unique perspective :-)

 

 

Achievements

 

Awarded Middle East’s Ambassador of the Year 2014-15 from UNICEF in partnership with Starwood for contribution towards the education of the children in under developed countries.

Awarded 2015 Global "Best in Class Managers" by Starwood Group of companies.

Nominated as a “Best Employee of the Year 2009 and 2011” in One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Achieved awards in the field of dramatics.

Secured disctinction in February and August 2015 Sai Satcharitra examination conducted by Sai Samartha Vidnyan Prabodhini under the patronage of "Aniruddha Upasana Trust, Mumbai"

Awarded certification from Government of Dubai and Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing-UAE as Concierge.