Medical Team Departs for Free Surgical Camp in Barabanki Forest

Udaipur: A medical team from Udaipur departed on Wednesday from the BN Campus for a **free surgical camp** at **Shri Ram Van Kutir Ashram, Handiyakol**, located in the forest area of **Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh**. The team left in two buses, which were flagged off by **Dr. Anand Gupta**, in the presence of several eminent citizens.

Camp coordinator **Dr. J. K. Chhaparwal** informed that inspired by the late saint **Swami Ramdas Maharaj**, this medical camp is being organized for the **46th consecutive year**, with a medical team from Udaipur providing voluntary services. The team includes **40 doctors**, **40 nursing staff**, and **30 ward boys, ward girls, and support staff** from Udaipur, Chittorgarh, and nearby regions. In addition to the buses, some members also traveled by train. During the camp, **thousands of surgeries**—including hernia, hydrocele, hysterectomy, piles, and cataract operations—will be performed for people from extremely backward areas of Barabanki.

### A Mission That Began with a Saint’s Appeal

Dr. Chhaparwal recalled that in **1982**, Swami Ramdas Maharaj visited Udaipur and delivered discourses at venues such as Oswal Bhavan and RNT College, drawing large crowds, particularly for his sermons on the Ram–Ravana war. During a special meeting at Champalal Dharamshala, Swami Ramdas Maharaj appealed to doctors and nursing professionals to serve people in villages deprived of medical facilities.

That meeting was attended by renowned medical professionals of the time, including **Dr. Shoorveer Singh, Dr. S. P. Mathur, Dr. R. K. Agrawal, Dr. Vinaya Pandse, Dr. Anil Kothari**, and **Dr. J. K. Chhaparwal**. Dr. Chhaparwal shared that he was **27 years old at the time and is now 73**, and has been participating continuously in the annual surgical camp for the past **45 years**, experiencing deep satisfaction in serving suffering humanity.

Although **Swami Ramdas Maharaj** and **Swami Ramgyan Ji Maharaj** have attained samadhi, the ashram is currently managed by **Swami Bhagwan Das** and **Swami Vishnudas**. Owing to the saint’s inspiration, the camp has continued uninterrupted even after his passing.

### Ashram Located on the Banks of the Reth River Amid Dense Forest

**Shri Ram Van Kutir Ashram** is situated about **7 kilometers from Barabanki Railway Station**, deep inside a forest along the banks of the **Reth River**. There is no primary health center in the surrounding area. During the camp, modern medical equipment is used to perform surgeries such as hernia, hydrocele, hysterectomy, piles, and cataract operations. The medical team carries all necessary equipment and medicines with them.

There is no direct or indirect commercial transaction between patients and organizers. Team members of all age groups participate and stay under simple conditions, sleeping on mats laid out on grass during the camp.

### Even COVID-19 Could Not Break the Chain of Service

Dr. Chhaparwal emphasized that even the **COVID-19 pandemic** could not dampen the spirit of these dedicated healthcare professionals. With special permission, the team traveled to Barabanki during the pandemic and served patients affected by COVID-19.

What began as a noble initiative **45 years ago** has now become a sustained mission. In earlier years, patients often had to wait long periods for surgery. However, now **Dr. Neelabh** and **Dr. Archana Agrawal** from Lucknow regularly organize surgical camps in the area, ensuring that local residents no longer have to endure long waits for treatment.