“Service knows no boundaries and time limit. The service that surpasses these stipulations is the yard stick for humanity” This was the Sri Sri Japanandaji  sentiments about serving man kind.  His opinions are being carried out is the truest essence, where a group of devoted people at the Ramakrishna Sevashrama are carrying out the a quite revolution in health which has been recognised with the prestigious Rotary Award.

The divine life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda have been illuminating the paths of innumerable souls, giving a new meaning to their lives. Thousands of men and women, inspired by those ideals, have dedicated themselves to implementing them and made their lives fully worthy; such individuals have also been the sources of inspiration to millions of others. In the class of such distinguished and eminent men is Swami Japanandaji Maharaj, the founder and Chairman of Sri Ramakrishna Sevashrama, Pavagada.

In 1983, many parts of Karnataka faced severe drought conditions. At that time Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore, took up relief works in Pavagada of Tumkur District, and the surrounding regions bordering Andhra Pradesh. The task of establishing relief centres in about 40 villages and serving thousands of poor, affected people came to Swami Japanandaji. Plunging himself into the job with great fervour, he strived day and night, without a trace of fatigue or lethargy. It was nothing but the Lord's worship for him. He also inspired many volunteers and devotees to come forward to lend a hand. He opened a number of shelters for cows on death throes, arranged for their fodder, water and medical help, and managed the drought relief mission with great success. Rendering such unselfish service based on a spiritual outlook, it was only natural that he endeared himself so much to the villagers.

The saint chose this place to help people given the bleak scenario that faced him. People were poverty stricken and suffered from ill health and had very little resources to fight for a decent living.

It was then that the saint established Sri Swami Vivekananda Intergrated  Rural Health Unit to help these people. It is because of this establishment that Pavagada has made a mark in the world.

Realities

However, Japanandaji knew the ground realities too well. He had understood that temporary relief works would have no long-lasting effect on this backward region for long neglected by the civilized world and that only sustained and intense struggle can bring about any real change.

He was worrying about the enormity work yet to be done to eradicate of leprosy, TB, and blindness, which had played havoc with the wellbeing of the community. He could plainly see the dire need for a permanent institution to achieve an awakening of the masses, and for the preachings of the Holy Trio of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sharada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda to reach them and achieve the desired goals

The Unit took up programmes for eradication of leprosy and TB in 1992 when the numbers were 8.42  which now stands at zero.

It won the acclaim of discerning philanthropists from within the country and abroad who extended their helping hand. The state and central governments have conferred recognition and assistance in many ways, and increasingly sought the Centres cooperation in their own ventures.

The services being rendered by the service are focused under these heads: Eradication of (1) Leprosy, (2) Tuberculosis, and (3) Blindness, and general medical service. Its achievements have been extraordinary in each of the three divisions. This has spurred several governmental and non-governmental organizations to participate and share the profits of its experience.

The hub of all the activities of the Centre is its own hospital complex in Pavagada. The services of this hospitalnow a household name in these backward districts bordering Andhra Pradeshreach out to nearly a thousand villages. Collaborating with the Karnataka health ministry, it has been in the forefront of projects for leprosy, TB and blindness eradication in the Pavagada taluk and the surrounding villages.

Till date (May 2006), 3379 leprosy and 6431 tuberculosis patients, and 4202 visually affected have been cured by svirhc. 79 of the leprosy-cured have benefited from the exclusive reconstructive surgery facility offered by it. The rural hospital has so far treated 1,70,430 outpatients and 5810 inpatients. And the task of visiting every house in every hamlet for identifying leprosy and TB infected goes on, under Swami Japanandajis inspired leadership, on a war footing.

Thus, the institution makes rapid strides absorbing more service-minded individuals, reaching more people; carries on its work with renewed spirit in newer ways. But there is no contentment for Swami Japanandaji, the tireless Karmayogi. Swami Vivekananda declared that he would have no rest until the last worm of his motherland had attained salvation. The same holds good for every one of his true disciples!