Cleaning drive by RSS volunteers at Royapettah General Hospital Chennai

The Government hospital at Royapettah in Chennai is entering its 100^th year of service catering to the poor and needy. RSS, South Chennai coordinators approached the management for taking up a cleaning drive in the premises, for which they readily supported the effort.

As planned on 13 May, 2012 over 180 volunteers of various teams like sports group, IT professionals, auditors, teachers and students assembled in the morning at the hospital from different parts of Chennai. 

There was a brief inaugural session presided by Ma. Sanghachalak Durai Shankar ji, famous actor Damu, Hospital Sergeants Thirumal and Khaleelullah Rahman. Shri Durai Shankar said that sangha inculcates spirit of Sewa through Shakha.

Actor Damu delivered a motivating speech to the audience. He was highly impressed by the young disciplined crowd assembled there while others of that age are taking it easy. He said that, “India is a unique country in the world which cannot be compared with others. I would like to salute the parents of such blessed youth”. He also emphasized on the need for taking care of body and mind. “There are 12 vital organs in the body. I know the importance of them and take adequate care. I appeal to you not to spoil the health by getting into habits such as smoking. Do not get carried away by the movie scenes. Some of the scenes may be good but the majority is bad”. He exhorted the volunteers to continue serving the society.

Six groups were formed to clean a huge sump of 48,000 litres capacity, 5 Over head tanks, 2 wards, open space around the hospital and a little temple.

Among the other areas planned for cleaning was abandoned godown in the old hospital premises, area which was filled with food packets probably dumped many weeks was also cleared.

This Sewa activity was covered by leading dailies and media. One of the camera men who came to shoot the event said “Sir, as a common man I am telling you. You are doing a great job. People come to a hospital to get cured of diseases but it is a pity that the unhygienic condition in the hospital creates more health issues for patients and attendants. I really appreciate your work.”

A patient near the tea shop sincerely thanked the swayamsewaks for the service.

At the end of the programme Prantha Sewa Pramukh Mohan ji briefly spoke appreciating the effort of swayamsewaks and asked them to take the efforts to Shakha level. The RMO who went round the hospital to survey the work carried out was very impressed and said “Only RSS can do such a work with a cohesive team of people from different walks of life”.