Gayatri Parivar and Ramakrishna Mission Unite for a New Model of Faith-Based Rural Healthcare
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh — In a rare and powerful convergence of health, spirituality, and community empowerment, World Health Day 2025 was observed today at the sacred campus of Gayatri Shaktipeeth, Bakshi Ka Talab (BKT), Lucknow, through a collaborative initiative between two nationally respected institutions:
- Shriram Samagra Swasthya Prabandhan Sansthan (Arunodaya Netra Kendra), the health outreach arm of GayatriParivar
- Vivekanand Polyclinic & Institute of Medical Sciences (VPIMS), under the Ramakrishna Mission, Lucknow
This initiative represents an emerging model of integrated, community-centric, and spiritually aligned healthcare delivery for India’s underserved regions.
Ceremonial Highlights
The event began with the auspicious Shakti Sanvardhan Gayatri Mahayagya, a spiritually charged deep-yagya invoking divine energies for collective well-being, harmony, and inner balance. The flames symbolized the commitment of both institutions to burn away ignorance, disease, and division through knowledge, service, and faith.
Distinguished Guests and Their Messages:
- Chief Guest: Swami Muktinathanand Ji Maharaj
President, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram, Lucknow
In his address (Abhivadan), Swamiji emphasized the Vedantic ideal that “Service to man is service to God.” He spoke of the importance of reaching the last mile with compassionate service, blending modern healthcare with timeless spiritual values. - Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jimmy Mittal
Head, Department of Ophthalmology, VPIMS
In his keynote address (Abhinandan), Dr. Mittal highlighted the strategic need for faith-based health infrastructure to serve as bridges between tertiary care and rural communities. He presented the YUVA (Youth United for Voluntary Action) model as a sustainable approach for scaling eye care, health education, and preventive outreach through local leadership and spiritual institutions. - Program Chairman: Major V. K. Khare (Retd.)
Veteran Officer and Philanthropic Leader
Delivering the Chairperson’s Address (AdhyakshiyeBhashan), Major Khare focused on national service through grassroots empowerment and called for a “Jan Andolan” (people’s movement) where every temple, ashram, and spiritual center becomes a micro health center.
Program Features
The day-long celebration included:
- Free Eye and General Health Screening Camp – Providing early detection and referrals for cataract, refractive errors, and chronic diseases
- Interactive Health Stalls – AYUSH therapies, yoga demonstrations, nutrition awareness, and eye care counseling
- Launch of YUVA Campaign – Mobilizing rural youth for health volunteering, digital telemedicine facilitation, and behavior change communication
- Joint Vision for Mobile Eye Units and Tele-Ophthalmology Services – Presented as scalable, community-owned infrastructure supported by both institutions
- Rural Faith-Health Dialogue – A multi-stakeholder discussion on integrating healthcare into spiritual and educational institutions in rural India
About Arunodaya Netra Kendra &ShriramSamagraSwasthyaPrabandhanSansthan
Arunodaya Netra Kendra is the dedicated eye care wing of Shriram Samagra Swasthya Prabandhan Sansthan, a holistic health initiative inspired by the vision of Gayatri Shaktipeeth, BKT. Focused on preventive ophthalmology, tele-consultation, and grassroots outreach, the centre serves as a spiritual-healthcare bridge for marginalized communities. Through initiatives in AYUSH integration, value-based health education, and mobile care, it empowers local youth and connects them to meaningful service.
About Vivekanand Polyclinic & Institute of Medical Sciences (VPIMS)
Established in 1970 under the auspices of the Ramakrishna Mission, VPIMS is a 500-bed charitable super-specialty hospital guided by the motto: “Serve the Jiva as Shiva.” Located in Lucknow, VPIMS is a leader in affordable and ethical healthcare delivery. Its Department of Ophthalmology runs one of the region’s most advanced diagnostic and surgical units and offers formal training through DNB Ophthalmology and Diploma in Optometry. The institute is deeply invested in rural outreach, preventive health camps, and socially conscious youth engagement.
A National Model Rooted in Dharma and Seva
This joint initiative represents a nationally replicable model of healthcare delivery that:
- Aligns spiritual institutions with public health goals
- Empowers local youth for voluntary service and community leadership
- Promotes a hybrid approach to telemedicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, and modern medicine
- Bridges the urban-rural health divide through technology, trust, and tradition
