A community centre in Ram Nagar colony in the town of Roorkee was chosen as the site for the 13^th eye camp – Oct. 6^th, 2005.  The day was doubly auspicious being Thursday (Guruwar) as well as respected Gurudev Nityananda’s birthday.  Under the overall supervision of Sh. Madan Gopal Sharmaji, volunteers from Shanti Mandir reached the designated campsite around 9 a.m. to assist the old and partly blind patients as well as render other seva.  Sh. Gupta of Pensioners welfare organization was already there with his team and around 200 patients had assembled.  Shortly thereafter, Sh. O.P. Bansal, Secretary, G.M.C.E. Hospital, also arrived with his team of doctors and other paramedical staff.  In his inaugural address to the patients, Sh. Gupta extended his warm and respectful wishes to Gurudev Nityanandaji Maharaj on his birthday and prayed to God for his long life.  He also lauded the efforts of Shanti Mandir and Gurudev in particular, for his selfless zeal and devotion in pursuit of his mission. He complemented the devotees of Shanti Mandir who have come to these camps with sincere “Guruseva Bhav.” Sh. O.P. Bansal reiterated his unflinching commitment to Shanti Mandir in extending whole hearted support of the Ganga Mata Hospital.  Afterwards Sh. Madan Gopal Sharmaji spoke on behalf of Shanti Mandir and shared Gurudev’s message of love and compassion to all.  He said that it is Gurudev’s penchant desire that a maximum member of people receive the benefit of these free eye camps. With these words, the eye camp was inaugurated and soon the registration began, continuing until 2 p.m.  Approximately 525 patients were registered out of which about 100 were diagnosed as cataract blind and identified for IOL transplant.

One marked difference in this camp was the participation of patients from urban families who are otherwise economically better placed and could perhaps, even afford to pay for their treatment. Such families usually do not participate in free eye camps as they fear the quality of medical care may be inferior.  Now the name of Shanti Mandir commands such respect and trust that even these urban families chose to participate. Out of the 100 patients diagnosed as cataract blind, about 50 were shifted by ambulance to the hospital on the day of the camp to receive the operation.  The other 425 patients were treated at the eye campsite and provided free medicines.  Approximately 125 patients had their eyesight tested for refraction.

Conditions involving high blood pressure or diabetes are obstacles for patients who may otherwise qualify for the IOL surgery.  Due to these health determents, of the 100 patients brought to the hospital, 73 were able to receive the surgery. Those patients who did receive the surgery, also received a full regiment of post operative care, including boarding and lodging completely free of cost.

Gurudev’s mission is now in full swing and expanding. Remembering that all of the financial support for this mission comes from Shanti Mandir, donations from perspective donors are continuously solicited and always appreciated.

Let us work together with Shanti Mandir in this selfless purpose of helping restore the vision of so many people who would other wise need live out their life unable to see.

All donations can be sent directly to Shanti Mandir.

Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jai