Aarogydham

SARVE SANTU NIRAMAYAHA
(Life Long Health for All)
Man's physical body is the abode of man's soul. Though perishable, it must be kept healthy and in good repair in order to be able to achieve the purpose of life. It was appreciation of this dictum that gave rise to the body to the organismic whole, uniting body and soul. Ayurveda is the science of life and its longevity, of which curative medicine is but one part.
To live, man has to sustain his body, and in this respect shares certain traits with members of the animal world. The most coomon are the needs to ingest food and drink and to sllep. He also shares the tendency to take fright which ensures survival and the compulsion to procreate which facilities perpetuation of the species.
In animals, the basic physical functions are instinctual and wholly geverned by nature. Animals cannot trangress nature's design. So long as they remain within their normal habitat, they are unlikely to lose their health and vigour.
On the other hand, man is blessed with mind, intellect and soul along with the body. Perception and imagination are mental faculities; reason, inventiveness and creativity stem from the intellect, and within the soul is enshrined the emotional and ethical substance of man. Man is also endowed with creativity as well as with conscience-the power to discriminate between right and wrong. All these attributes make man unique.
Man, however, is prey to the temptations of greed and lust. Disreagrding the essence of being human, and discarding his power of discrimination, man becomes slave to unrestrained sensual pleasures. Consumeristic economies are rooted in this unfortunate human disposition, resulting in unnatural life styles, causing imbalances in the physical-phychological-intellectual-spiritual entity of an individual. Over-indulgence in any form induces ill-health, sometimes to the extent of endangering life itself. This has resulted in a big increase in durgs, remedies, clinics and hospitals. Some of the advances in medicine and surgery have led to almost miraculous results. Yet, despite such qualitative and quantitative increase in health care, many diseases remain resistant to drugs and consequently new strains of diseases continue to appear. Failure to arrest the spread of some killer diseases, leads to anxiety and helplessness. Without a radical new approach to the subject, therefore, it does not seam possible to eradicate such diseases, let alone ensure life-long health for all. This situation has engaged the attention of many perceptive minds.
The world Health Organisation (WHO) has latey adopted the slogan, "Health for all by 2000 A.D." But if medicine is to continue on the course and methodology it has pursued so far, it is difficult to visualise the realisation of this very commendable goal.
Hence the necessity of renewal of the legacy of India's two ancient shastras (Science) Yoga and Ayurveda. They provide an alternative path to the goal of maintaining life-long health. These shastras do not treat the body in isolation, but treat it as part of psychosomatic-intellectual-spiritual whole.
The key to life-long health lies in maintaining a subtle balance between body, mind, intellect and soul-the four basic elements of human life. To achieve this, it is important to rediscover and revive a system of health and its application. In pursuance of this goal, the DEENDAYAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE has established AROGYADHAM at a scenic location at Chitrakoot in Satna District of Madhya Pradesh on the banks of the holy Manadakini river. This spot is hallowed as the site of Shri Rama's austerities.
OBJECTIVES:
(1) To review and suggest an alternative way of living for realisation of life-long health, including life styles contributing to healthy living is contemplated here. Man is a social animal. He is not born of his own will. He is the child of mother and father's will. To sustain his life, he has to depend upon parents, family, locality and environment. The milieu around him, determines the way he has to adopt and sustain his or her health. Even in the modern age of technology, finding out ways and means to enable human beings to achieve life long health is a must.
(2) Number of diseases are being considered as hereditary. If this malady is allowed to continue, the future generation may suffer from one or the other prospective disease. This frightening trend needs to be forestalled. Ayurveda and Yoga Sciences are capable of checkmating it and Arogyadham is determined to move in this direction.
(3) Along with the above research, Arogyadham has set up out-door patient treatment facility to provide cheapest possible medical services to the poor and neglected sections of the population.
ARRANGEMENTS:
Nidan Sadan (O.P.D. and Diagnostic Lab):
Ayurveda does not merely aim at curative treatment of diseases. It aims at providing life-long health. For this, it is necessary to find out the root causes of these ailmetns. Only then would it be possible to provide not only eradication of diseases but maintainance of life-long health. The Nidan Sadan has been established for this purpose.
There are two ways of diagnosing the root causes:
     (1) Ayurvedic (2) Allopathic
Ayurvedic Diagnostic System:
There are various methods of diagnosing in this system just as feeling the pulse, observing facial expression, texure of the skin, the look of nails, eyes, togue etc. This methodology, exercised by a trained and experienced Vaidya or Hakim, correctly diagnose the causes of the disease.
Allopathic Diagnostic System:
In this system, different equipment are utilised for diagnosis. Continuous improvement is taking place in this field of diagnostics. Arogyadham is after procuring essential equipment. X-ray and Sonography machines, along with pathology laboratory which have already been installed.
Naturopathy:
Naturopathy treatment starts with purification of the body. A similar process, described as Pancha-Karma, is also practised in Ayurveda. That is why the Panchkarma and the cleaning process of Naturopathy are clubbed together in Arogyadham.
Chitrakoot Rasashala (Pharmacy):
After diagnosis it is essential to provide proper medicines to the patients. All such medicines administered by Arogyadham are Ayurvedic, alongwith suitable treatment of Yoga and Naturopathy. This not only facilities the patient's speedy recovery but also helps in regaining vitality for life-long health. Ayurvedic medicines avialble in the market are not prepared with strict adherence to Ayurvedic prescription. To save time and energy and to gain more and more profit, some pharmaceatical companies adopt modern methods of distillation which detracts the quality of that medicine. That is why Arogyadham has started its own RASASHALA. Here all medicines are manufactured according to the prescribed Ayurvedic process. The raw material of herbs is avialable in surrounding forests and in our own herbal garden. Fresh raw materials and the indigenous process of preparation helps to enhance the quality of the madicine and the medicines so prepared become more effective.
Ayurveda Sadan:
In this Sadan (house) Ayurvedic treatment and research takes place to find out ways and means of life-long health.
Yoga Vigyan Sadan:
Yogic treatment is becoming more and more popular throughout the world. Generally people follow only physical exercises pertaining to Asanas. These exercise are only a part of Yoga Science and not the complete process. Asanas by themselves cannot ensure life-long health. Pranayama and Dhyana (Meditation) ought to be practiced along with Asanas for life-long health. Arogyadham is providing this integrated Yoga treatment for life-long health with amazing results.                                                                                          
Matru Sadan (Woman and Child Care arrangement):                                             
It is necessary to arrange independent health care facility for women and children. The constitution and psychology of women are different. It is their God given privilege to bear children. This feature is not only physical but psychological also. Arogyadham has, therefore, arranged special facilities for this purpose in Matru Sadan.
Swasthya Sadan (Indoor Accommodation):
The advancement of Science and Technology is also polluting the environment, increasing consumerism and promoting artificial life-styles in the name of progressiveness. As a result it is becoming difficult to find perfectly healthy persons. Nobody seems to be free from some sorts of pills or drugs. Though everybody hankers after health, one is unable to achieve it. The need of this age is to provide a way of life style for life long health and freedom from hereditary disorders. Arogyadham has been established to fulfil these twin tasks.
For research, it is necessary to keep selected chronic indoor patients suffering from different types of diseases. Arogyadham is making arrangements for 100 such indoor patients. This will help Arofyadham to study the treatment to keep full data for research. As the aim is to provide life-long health even for these patients, Arogyadham promotes an atmosphere more of a Health Resort than a hospital. Arogyadham has not arranged wards of 50-60 beds. These rooms accomodate a maximum of 8 and a minimum of 4 beds each. Arogyadham provides one nurse and oneattendant all the time for every 16 beds. This arrangement is not merely for administering medicines but for recording all the necessary information of each and every patient for research alongwith efficient service.
 In Arogyadham it is not expected that the patients admitted should remain all the while in bed. Rather, they are encouraged to participate in gardering and other recreational activities so that they get over their patient psychosis.
Ahar-Vihar sadan (Canteen and Recreation Centre):
Generally, indoor patients have to enjoy their prescribed break-fast and meals in Ahar-Vihar Sadan. Patients who are unable to move, will be served breakfast and meals on beds. No drinks or estables are allowed from outside for the patients. Indoor patients will engage themselves in recreational activities to keep themselves cheerful.
Vindhya Kunj (Residential Complex):
Research for life-long health is a continuous process. Round-the-clock monitoring of indoor patients is essential for documentation. Hence, residential accommodation is being provided for all the health care personal in Arogyadham premises.
Research Scholars' Hostel:
There are different aspects of research in life-long health. Specialisatation in these aspects is the increasing need of the people. The novel approach of life-long health is going to be more and more popular throughout the world. Hence, more and more experts in life-long health guidance would be in demand in the days to come. To fulfil this need, Arogyadham is arranging for Doctoral Research (Ph.D.). Suitable accommodation for such research scholars is being provided.
Swasthya Kuteer (Health Cottages):
Surrounded by Vindhyachal ranges in the lap of a beautiful natural environment, and situated on the bank of the perennial Mandakini river, Arogyadham is becoming centre of attraction. Couples from all over India and abroad longing for health are keen to spend some days every year in Arogyadham because if the required facilities to gain life long health. For such families, about 15 Health Cottages are being constructed. They are placed either on the bank of river Mandakini or the Vaideshi Sarovar, a beautiful lake. Every health cottage has a front lawn with beds of flowers. A common swimming pool is being constructed. Swimming is a soothing exercise which promotes health and joy. Every cottage has an air-conditioned room alongwith small kitchen just to have tea and coffee. Breakfast and meals would be avialable only in Ahar-Vihar Sadan.
Go-Sadan:
 Milk and milk products of Indian cows are best for promoting health. Arogyadham has managed to have ten good breeds of Indian cows, numbering about 100, to provide fresh milk.
Vaidehi Sarovar:
In the centre of the Arogyadham campus, a beautiful lake has been carved out. Fish and swans add to its beauty and serenity. At the same time, in a corner of the lake lotus flowers of different hues are blooming. Boating facility is also available in the lake.
Nurses Training Centre:
Competent nurses for Ayurveda and Yoga treatment are not easily available. To fill this void, Arogyadham is going to start a training centre for such male and female nurses.
Library:
Arogyadham is essentially a research establishment. Therefore, reference books on Ayurveda, Yoga Science and Naturopathy are a must. Without a rich reference library, no uptodate research is possible. It is heartening that many rare books and manuscripts are being donated by renowned Ayurvedic practitioners. Arogydham is collecting health literature from different parts of the country and abroad. Enriching and updating the library is a continuous precess for which required funds are being arranged.
Traditional health care techniques are well-know in our country. It is a unique feature of our tradition. Written and oral knowledge pertaining to this traditional practice is available in the countryside. Ncessary attention has not been paid to this aspect till date. Arogyadham has set up a team to collect this valuable information from every nook and corner of the country.
Research Assistants:
Just keeping a rich reference library is not enough. It is essential to engage a team of research assistants to come up with references for devising ways and means for life long health. Arogyadham is making arrangements to this effect.
Documentation Centre:
Since a lot of different therapies are being tried at Arogyadham, very soon huge mass of data will become avialable, comprising material on diseases amd diagnostic studies done, medical treatments geven, yogic exercises practised and result obtained from Naturopathy and Ayurvedic treatment. All this data will be collected and standardised, documented and put into the from of a data base. This data base management-system will be used for research and dissemination purposes. For this, it is proposed to set up and establish a computerised Local-Area-Network, initially linking all the facilities available at Arogyadham. In the next stage, this database will be hooked up through district facility of NICNET at district Satna via VSAT to be set up at Arogyadham.
This computerised network will be further augmented to link it to the World-Wide-Web (WWW) through INTERNATE and become globally available to the outside world. Thus the activites and researches being done at Arogyadham will assume an international dimensions. This facility is bound to revolutionise the nation of life-long-health for the mankind in the coming years.
Auditorium:
An air-conditioned auditorium is under construction at the Arogyadham campus. This would be used for holding seminars and workshops at natioanl and international level.
Gardens:
Arogyadham has four major sections of gardening:
(1) Herbal medicines                                                                                          
(2) Orchard                                                                                                 
(3) Vegetable garden
(4) Floriculture section
Efforts are being made to collect rare plant species of medicinal values from all over the world and cultivate them at Arogyadham Campus. A green House is also being developed for the purpose.
The vegetables, fruits, flowers and madicinal plants are grown with organic manure. No chemical fertilizers are allowed to enter the campus. That is necessary for health promotion.
Health Counseling Centre:
Leading a healthy life is not a new concept. But, with lapse of time the indigenous knowledge of keeping fit is getting lost. The new generation is falling prey to numberous diseases due to the prevalent life styles. To reverse this trend is the need of the hour. Parents will have to be educated in this direction. Arogyadham has estalished Counselling Centre for newly married couples also. A special batch of experts is engaged in this task.
Youth of marriageable age will be provided necessary guidance and elderly couples could also avail of this facility.
Extensive Laboratory:
Healthy living is not an individual task. It is essential to develop a healthy family, healthy locality and healthy environment for this purpose. This cannot be avhieved within the four walls of the prevalent concept of laboratory.
The research findings of laboratories will have to be made available to the society at large to ascertain its efficacy. Arogyadham is adopting 100 clusters of villages areound Chitrakoot in phases for this purpose. These centres are named as Gramodaya Centres (GC). Each GC will consist of five localities on an average. Hence, these GCs would cover 500 villages around Chitrakoot. Successful implementation of the philosophy of life-long health on such a large scale would be followed as an achievable ideal by one and all.
Today villagers have no facility of health care. Neither the government machinery nor the affluent class pays any attention to the needs of the villagers. Big industrialists and other rich people establish big hospitals with most modern facilities in big cities. Only the affluent class is able to avail of such expensive treatments. Majority of the population has no access to it.
Through the Gramodaya Centres, Arogyadham is looking after the newborn of 500 villages and develop them as living models of life-long health. Parents are enthusiastic and they are cooperating in the effort to create a healthy environment since it is going to help them for the betterment of their own children. But at the same time, villages in general are expecting treatment for their own ailments also.
Dadi ma ka Batua:
The aspiration of villagers to get medicare for themselves is but natural. They are suffering on a large scale because of innumerable common ailments. Their demand for proper medical aid is fully justified. Arogyadham has, therefore, developed the concept of 'Dadi Ma Ka Batua' (Granny's First Aid Bag) to help them get rid of prevalent in olden days in every family in one form or the other. We have developed a kit of herbal medicines in our own Chitrakoot Rasashala and have termed it as 'Dadi Ma Ka Batua'. These medicines are very simple, indexpensive and effective. A local adult, committed to social service, is selected and trained to utilise 'Dadi Ma Ka Batua'. All the medicines are prepared from herbs and they do not create any side-effect, even if prescribed without correct diagnosis. This experiment of 'Dadi Ma Ka Batua' is becoming very popular in the villages. This is the beginning towards life-long health for the poor and uneducated masses of the rural area.
Training in Obstetrics:
Children are born in every village. This process is as old as life and it will continue as long as their is life on this planet. But no improvement in obstetrics in the countryside has been possible till date.
Because of this callous negligence, lakhs of new-born babies and child bearing mothers are dying every year. Goverment is unable to tackle this widespread problem.
There two basic tasks involed during child birth. One relates to cutting the umbilical chord and the other concerns looking after the child bearing mother. For both of these impotant tasks, our traditional ladies engaged in mid-wifely are not properly trained. For cutting the umbilical chord of the new-born child, no precaution is being taken to sterilise the cutting instrument. As a consequence, many times new born babies fall prey to tetanus and other infections. Same is the condition of child-bearing mothers, because their care is neither hygienical nor adequate.
With a view to tacking the problem relating to child birth and childcare Arogyadham has set up a Training Programme called the "Midwifery Training Camp" for the traditional Dayees of villages. For every five Gramodaya Centres, a Training Camp on child-birth shall be organised every six months. All the traditional dayees from these five centres shall participate in such training camps.
Samaj Swasthya Shilpi (Architects of Social Health):
People in villages are not aware of healthy living conditions. There is the problem of good potable water, hygienic and drainage system. Malnutrition is playing havoc. There is nobody to guide them to get rid of these problems.Although they are blessed with natural surroundings, the unhygienic living is polluting the environment. Arogyadham has started oppointing one couple in every cluster of 5 villages to take care of this situation.
The Samaj Swasthya Shilpi being a couple,they are able toreach both, men and women, in their allocated areas. As this activity is based on study amd research, it is essential that the couple has the urge to serve the rural masses, without which the arduous task of living with the villagers and serving them affectionaly is not possible. Fortunately, Deendayal Research Institute ia able to get such dedicated couples from every section of the society across the country.
It is not possible to take up such a task on such a large scale without subtanial financial help. The hon'ble Chairman of Tata House, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, understands and appreciates the need and importance of this project, and he has, therefore, come forward to render intial financial help for this endeavour. Other business houses are coming forward to help this mission.
As a matter of fact, the concept of life-long-health for all was very much appreciated by Late Shri J.R.D. Tata. During the course of discussions that he had with Deendayal Research Institute, he was convinced that, for achieving Life-Long-Health, Ayurveda and Yoga Sciences could play a vital role. He was overwhelmed by the decision of Deendayal Research Institute to fulfil the task of achieving life-long health for all and decided to extends his full support to this cause. Unfortunately, he is not with us today to withness this pioneering project. Endowed with Bharat Ratna award, Shri J.R.D. Tata was a noble, ideal and unique son ofour motherland. Deendayal Research Institute has dedicated this project of Arogyadham to this memory.
VANDE MATARAM
 

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