There are a kind of green chillies which are very small in size by their nature, but very spicy. They are called as "Seema Mirapakaya" in Telugu. Small & Short they are, but very powerful. So also is the Dallas Team. Small and Short they may be, they are the sweetest of all. We had a very good time in Dallas for the 5th anniversary of TARANGINI. VT Seva Dallas team showcased all the service activities not only in an exemplary manner at the event but also provided opportunity and guidance to the children and youth to volunteer for the causes. The very purpose of VT Seva and all the activities we do is to uncover hidden talent in youth and dormant generosity in the hearts of people. Our VT Seva Dallas was able to identify and engage such people with low profile, but high values. That is why TARANGINI became an inspiring event for the last 5 years in not only showcasing the activities, but also by exceeding the targets by leaps and bounds.
As all of us know well, Education, Health Care and Environmental protection are main service pillars of the organization. One of these pillars is taken as a goal to conduct events like this on an annual basis. This year, VT Seva Dallas took the goal of supporting the complete education of visually challenged children studying at Netra Vidyalaya school and colleges through TARANGINI. The team reached out to one and all in the community to seek support and on the day of event, showcased service activities in an effective manner. Because of commitment and embracing nature of the core team, all the participants and attendees have been realizing the importance and showing the support on a consistent basis.
Just before our trip to US, a mega health camp was conducted in Hyderabad for three days, commemorating the first anniversary of Jeeyar Integrative Medical Services (JIMS) Hospital. It was a comprehensive camp with Homeopathic, Allopathic and Ayurvedic choices for the patients based on their ailments. More than 15,500 people participated and availed the free services. A day was totally dedicated to care for 5,500 children studying at various Government schools from villages around JIMS Hospital. JIMS partnered with a few corporate hospitals for this health camp. Very encouraging part is that they responded in our goal to serve the needy people by identifying health issues and providing medical assistance along with preventive care. During theses 3 days, as many as 50,000 people accompanying patients were provided food for free. As many as 350 doctors along with 400 paramedical staff took part in the camp. The health checkups were done in a very systematic order. All cases were recorded, analyzed and computerized for follow up to make sure patients are provided good healthcare. The doctors will take care of these patients in hospital and special attention will be provided to them. The results were amazing. Almost 70 cases were registered for heart surgery and also as many as 80 cases were recorded for Cancer. Yashoda Hospitals partnered with us at mega camp and generously came forward to treat heart and Cancer cases for free. Maxivision provided services for eye checkups and eye care. Dr. Parthasaradhi Reddy's Dental hospital provided dental checkups and services for free. Our JIMS Hospital is in the process of coordinating with all these hospitals and segregating cases to them for appropriate care.
The most encouraging part is as many as 8,000 people expressed interest to go through homeopathic treatments at JIMS. Now the process is going on at JIMS to inform people based on the addresses we gathered during the health camp and they are being channelized to the appropriate doctors. We believe that the follow up action is as important as the initial health camp. Not only the patients, but also the doctors said that this camp is first of its kind in all respects. Many expressed that this is the model of its kind to be followed. This added fragrance to our VT Seva activities. These two activities in Hyderabad and Dallas are giving a great hope to us. We also visited Florida during our US trip; the arrangements are going well. Though people around us may appear private and reserved, they are very much interested in taking part in service activities; if done properly. It is up to us to involve them wholeheartedly. The TARANGINI event in Dallas is a role model in involving one and all. The convention in May is a grand event, where we will experience the magnanimity of various activities conducted under the umbrella of our organizations, right from us coming into the service hood of 'Jeeyar'. We love to recollect the various service activities done by our friends and supporters in the 34 years of us becoming 'Jeeyar' and 20 years of our arrival in US.
Most of us talk about corruption, lawlessness, possessiveness and unethical practices that we observe in the society. People sometimes become depressed worrying about these. On the contrary, this is only a small part of the world. We really need to appreciate how great the world is by realizing the goodness around us and results produced by generous people and committed volunteers. The services and time spent by volunteers to care for others must be seen by us. It will make us optimistic than being pessimistic. The world is great to live and we have tremendous hope and belief that things are good and they will be better. Life is a mix of light & darkness and sorrow & joy. The truth is that there is more joy and less sorrow. Unfortunately, man forgets about joy but only remembers sorrow. We should have hope and live with joy. The fact is unless we experience spice, we can't really appreciate sweetness. As some unknown poet wrote -
I'M FINE
I live out in Brighton close to BC
And I'm just as healthy as I can be.
I have arthritis in both my knees
And when I must speak, then I talk with a wheeze.
My pulse is weak and my blood is quite thin
I need arch supporters to strengthen my feet,
But I'm awfully well for the shape that I'm in.
My ankles are swollen; I'm white as a sheet,
I toss in my bed without sleep every night,
No wonder each morning I look like a sight.
My memory is failing, my head's in a spin,
But I'm awfully well for the shape that I'm in.
Diverticulitis is a word hard to spell
But it's a disease from which I'll never get well.
Ulcers that keep me on a diet with Maalox
Prevent me from resting in a funeral box.
The length of sermons brings yawns or a grin,
But I'm awfully well for the shape that I'm in.
The moral is, friends, as this tale is unfold,
That for you and for me who are fast growing old
It's better to say, "I'm fine" with a grin
Than to let people know of the shape that we're in.
The grace in thinking positively and living happily gives us great hope for a brighter future. Kudos to all the volunteers for making the TARANGINI a grand success! It was very well led by the Dallas team.
=Chinnajeeyar=
