With the support of global devotees committed to the various service activities of Sandipani Vidyaniketan, a 20,000 litre cryogenic tank, which stores liquid medical oxygen, has been delivered and installed at Bhavsinhji General Hospital in Porbandar, and officially commissioned at a ceremony by Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza and the virtual attendance of Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani.
The tank has been connected with a vaporizer to convert oxygen from liquid to gas form, ready to be directed through copper piping to the 200 beds in the hospital. The tank will offer life-saving support to hundreds of patients and has now become a permanent fixture at the hospital, which is offering free medical treatment to all local citizens.
The ceremony, which began with Vedic mantras chanted by Rishikumars from Sandipani Vidyaniketan, took place on Sunday 25th July 2021, and was attended by local dignitaries, local community representatives, hospital officials, and a virtual audience of over 2,500 people.
From the start of the project, Pujya Bhaishri had expressed his desire to ensure the work is carried out with professionalism, care and speed so that maximum lives can be saved, not just now, but for future possible Covid19 waves. “We can all hope that there’s no 3rd wave, however we can see it coming on the horizon and hence we must be ready for it … I can only pray for two things to the Lord. Firstly, that MINIMUM number of people require this oxygen and secondly, if needed, MAXIMUM number of people receive the oxygen” said Pujya Bhaishri.
Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani attended the entire event via video call. He wholeheartedly appreciated the efforts in making this project come to fruition. “Gujarat is ready to face the possible third wave of Corona. By the inspiration of Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza, the oxygen tank installed in Porbandar Bhavsinhji Hospital will offer relief in getting oxygen for the treatment of patients. Corona has not gone yet. Let us continue to follow Corona protocol, wearing masks, maintaining social distance rules, and defeat Corona. Gujarat has succeeded in fighting Corona and taking the second wave under control. With the cooperation of Government of India, Government of Gujarat and service institutions, we are planning to meet the potential need of oxygen as a precautionary measure against the third wave of Corona” said Shri Vijaybhai.
In his welcome address, Porbandar’s Collector Shri Ashokbhai Sharma provided an updated on some of the preparatory measures that are being undertaken to prepare for a possible 3rd wave. “We have procured another 1,000 Covid19 beds for hospitals in Porbandar, and a PSA plant will soon be installed where people can be availed oxygen. In addition, pediatric ventilators are being identified to help younger people effected by Covid19. Staff and volunteers (Covid warriors), including 350 young volunteers from Porbandar, are being trained and be fully prepared for a 3rd wave.”
The tank was ceremoniously ‘turned on’ by Pujya Bhaishri on behalf of Sandipani Vidyaniketan, along with sister charities Shri Bharatiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust, Sanskruti Foundation UK, Sanskruti Foundation USA, Sanskruti Foundation Canada and Vidya Vikas Charitable Trust USA.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included MLA Shri Babubhai Bokhiriya, President of Porbandar Municipality Shri Sarjubhai Kariya, District Development Officer Shri Atvaani and Dr Shri Bharatbhai Gadhvi – Senior Medical Officer at Bhavsinhji General Hospital. Major donors of the project include Shri T. A. Goyani of Surat, Shri Bajranglalji Taparia of Mumbai, Shri Tusharbhai Jani of Mumbai, Shri Pankajbhai and Smt. Radhikaben Oswal from Switzerland, and Shri Bhupendrabhai Kansagra of London.
“The project is a milestone for the humanitarian efforts of Sandipani Vidyaniketan, and will remain a life-saving asset to protect the people of Porbandar and nearby areas. Observing the heartbreaking effects of the pandemic in India, many NRI’s in UK, USA, Africa and around the world have been able to offer their seva, time and money to a relief effort that won’t just help people now, but for the foreseeable future” said Shri Bhupendrabhai.
Key information about the tank:
Earlier during the 2nd wave, 50 Oxygen concentrator units were also distributed by Sanskruti Foundation in Sandipani. In addition, over 3,000 – 20kg food kits have also been distributed in areas around Porbandar, Devka and Saputara, and also in areas in Gujarat that were affected by the recent cyclone. The preparation and distribution of food kits will continue. Each kit comes at a cost of Rupees 1,100 (or GBP £11 / USD $15), and can support a family of four for a fortnight. They contain: Wheat, rice, moong, sugar, oil, salt, chickpeas, tea leaves, chutney, ground cumin, turmeric and mustard seeds.
All funds received from our generous donors from India and around the world have been used for the Covid relief efforts, with 0% or NO admin costs.
Though Sandipani Vidyaniketan is primarily an educational and spiritual organisation, humanitarian relief is at the core of its values. With the motto, “Gyanarth Pravesh, Sevarth Prasthan”, the students, devotees and well-wishers of the institute have offered their service at the lotus of ShriHari, under the guidance of Pujya Bhaishri.
Report by Bhavitbhai Mehta (Trustee, Sanskruti Foundation UK)
To watch the full event, click below:
