The Government hospital at Royapettah in Chennai is entering its 100th year of service catering to the deprived and needy people of the area. RSS, South Chennai coordinators approached the management of the hospital for taking up a cleaning drive in the premises, for which they readily supported the effort.
As planned on May 13, over 180 volunteers from various sections of the society like sports group, IT professionals, auditors, teachers and students assembled in the morning at the hospital from different parts of Chennai. There was a brief inaugural session presided by Sanghachalak Shri Durai Shankar, famous actor Shri Damu, Hospital Sergeants Shri Thirumal and Shri Khaleelullah Rahman. Shri Durai Shankar said the Sangh inculcates the spirit of sewa through Shakha.
Actor Damu delivered a motivating speech. He was highly impressed by the young disciplined crowd assembled there, while others of that age are taking it easy. He said, “India is a unique country in the world which cannot be compared with others. I would like to salute the parents of such blessed youth.” He also emphasised the need for taking care of body and mind. “There are 12 vital organs in the body. I know the importance of them and take adequate care. I appeal to you not to spoil the health by getting into habits such as smoking. Do not get carried away by the movie scenes. Some of the scenes may be good but the majority are bad.” He exhorted the volunteers to continue serving the society.
Six groups were formed to clean a huge sump of 48,000 litres capacity, five overhead tanks, two wards, open space around the hospital and a little temple. Among the other areas planned for cleaning was the abandoned godown in the old hospital premises, area which was filled with food packets probably dumped over many weeks, was also cleared.
This sewa activity was covered by leading dailies and media. One of the cameramen who came to shoot the event said “Sir, as a common man I am telling you, you are doing a great job. People come to a hospital to get cured of diseases but it is a pity that the unhygienic condition in the hospital creates more health issues for patients and attendants. I really appreciate your work.” Similarly, a patient near the tea shop sincerely thanked the swayamsevaks for the service.
At the end of the programme, Sewa Pramukh Shri Raman asked the swayamsevaks to take the efforts to Shakha level. The RMO who went round the hospital to survey the work carried out was very impressed and said, “Only RSS can do such a work with a cohesive team of people from different walks of life.”
(VSK, Chennai)
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