When the country went under lockdown in early 2020 to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the Divine Shakti Foundation, the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and Parmarth Niketan were immediately engaged in helping in every way possible, to immediately serve all those in need within the ashram as well as those under lockdown in the surrounding area with ensuring access to essential resources and information and awareness to keep people and their communities safe during that challenging and unprecedented time.
Divine Services During Second Wave of COVID-19 in India
100-Bed COVID Care Centre Established
Parmarth’s Yoga Centre and Yoga Hall in addition the Parmarth Charitable Hospital are being established as a 100 bed COVID-Care Centre, with fully-equipped oxygen concentrators/cylinders, essential medical supplies and dedicated medical team.
Free Ambulance Services
Two Ambulances have been deployed to provide free door-to-door services such as transporting patients to hospitals and providing oxygen cylinders to places in need. They also reach out to remote villages in rural regions of the Himalayas, in which the villagers have little to no access to a hospital and/or medical care.
Life-Giving Oxygen Supplies
In addition, 100 Oxygen Concentrators have been ordered, the first 25 arrived this week, to provide much needed oxygen to local government hospitals and medical centres which are in dire shortage.
Free Vaccination Services
The Parmarth Charitable Hospital is already being utilised for testing and vaccinations under the supervision of a professional Medical Team provided by the State Government.
Free Medical Kits & Supplies
Medical kits and essentials such as oxymeters, steam machines, etc are being provided to many patients who either cannot afford them or do not have access. These kits are also being provided to local hospitals who are in need of them.
Services for Rural Villages
We are supporting several Rural Villages in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh with provision of essential medicines and supplies for Covid-positive patients. So far villages in Ayodhya have been supplied this week and as more supplies come in we plan to reach out to more villages in need.
Free Meals & Shelter
Free meals and shelter have been given to those in need during this state of lockdown and extended curfews to ensure nobody goes hungry near and around Swargashram, Rishikesh. Every day hundreds of people are being fed a hot, sattvic and nutritious meal daily.
Promoting Hope, Health & Healing
Special prayers are being offered from the banks of Maa Ganga for those who have lost their lives to bring peace and solace to their soul and to their families during this time of grief. For the health and the continued strength of Corona Warriors and Healthcare Providers across the globe, prayers & yagna are also being offered daily.
Inspiring talks, Meditation, Satsang, Sharing Circles, Interfaith Prayer Circles, Pranayama and Yoga Classes continue to be offered online to ensure that those at home globally can be uplifted, connected and stay healthy from the comfort and safety of their homes.