Patanjali Yogpeeth (USA) Raises Funds for Uttarkhand Victims

HOUSTON: On June 15, the tiny Himalayan state of Uttarkhand was caught unaware by flash floods and massive landslides, trapping and killing thousands of locals, tourists and pilgrims and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and property. Horrific images of gushing waters, submerged villages and shock stricken faces flashed across televisions and newspapers across the world sparking an outpouring of support from the national and international community.

The Indian armed and paramilitary forces swung into action spearheading relief operations but two social organizations quickly galvanized relief measures and were the first to reach the calamity stricken areas – Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Yogpeeth and Bharat Swabhiman Trust. Flagged off by Baba Ramdev, truckloads of food, medicines and drinking water traversed inaccessible hilly terrains to rush lifesaving supplies to those who had been evacuated and had lost their homes and livelihoods in the floods. More than 500 able bodied volunteers helmed  by Acharya Balakrishna set up relief camps at railway stations, bus stops and the worst affected areas distributing glucose water, medicines, blankets and food in a calm, organized and efficient way.  Patanjali ambulances took the elderly and the sick to makeshift hospitals for treatment while several volunteers were seen applying medical balm and massaging the bruised feet of the elderly who had to walk several miles to safety! This is the lesson that Swami Ramdev constantly preaches and practices – not just yoga but karma yoga or selfless service.

On a recent visit to Houston in September, Swami Ramdev thanked the individuals and various organizations in the US and Canada who were quick to respond to Patanjali Yogpeeth USA’s plea for donations to support rehabilitation efforts in Uttarkhand. More than $140,000 was raised with the support of the Arya Samaj of Houston and Detroit, the Indian Association of San Joaquin County, CA. and other donors who needed just a simple appeal to give generously!

Apart from helping in long term rehabilitation operations, the money will help support Patanjali Sewashram – which was set up on July 1 and is providing the care to more than 100 orphans and widows at Narayankoti near Kedarnath.  100% of the donations raised are sent to Patanjali Yogpeeth, Haridwar for the Uttarkhand victims.

If you would like to help rebuild the lives of those who have lost all hope and contribute towards the rehabilitation efforts undertaken by Patanjali Yogpeeth, you can visit the website www.pyptusa.org to donate.

Or call Shekhar Agrawal at 281-456-3208 or mail your tax-deductible donation to: 

PYP Yog Foundation Inc. 

323 W. Alkire Lake Dr. 

Sugar Land, TX 77478