Day 2

The Medical camp commences on the second day. The villagers and students begin to arrive at the Pendakhale village quite early in the morning. Students from several local schools, attend the medical camp along with their teachers in large numbers. Thereafter, school uniforms are distributed among the students free of cost. Sadguru Shree Aniruddha's Shraddhavan friends prepare hanks under the Charkha Project by spinning the charkha, used for weaving the fabric from which uniforms are then made, and distributed at no cost among the school children. Time and again, it has been experienced at the Kolhapur Medical and Healthcare Camp, that the school uniforms which are a product of such devotional services, have the potential of giving a significant turn in building the future of the school children. Additionally, free footwear is distributed among the school children. Previously, many villagers would walk on bare feet, before the camp was initiated in the region. The young children had never used any foot wear prior to the camp. Thus, one could notice the joy and astonishment off the children's faces on receiving their first-ever new and unused slippers.       

Free caps are distributed among the children attending the camp. A registration of the visiting schools and each of its students is carried out, after which they receive a free medical check-up. Free vitamin supplements and packets of dry fruits are then distributed among the children to provide them the required nutrition. Apart from this, they also receive free candles and match boxes to help them study, even after sunset in the regions which lack an adequate power supply. The distribution of candles and match boxes is carried out under the  Vidya Prakash Yojna (Light of Knowledge project), one initiative from the 13-point programme of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha. 

Schools attending the camp are given sports equipment sets such as those required for playing cricket, skipping ropes, rings, footballs, Frisbees, and the like. The educational aspect of the camp proves to be important for the children, to develop a physically and mentally strong future generation for the country by imparting basic education to them. Two of the beneficiaries of this camp have now completed their medical education, which is evidence enough to reveal the grand success of the camp.  

A lot of thought is put  into selecting the items to be distributed. For instance, you may consider the distribution of combs and lice medication. The non-availability of combs used for combing hair regularly, increases the risk of developing matted hair. As per an incorrect old custom, young girls who developed such a hair condition were sent away to serve as a ‘Devadasi’. Matted hair is actually a result of unclean hair and lack of proper combing. The distribution of combs and lice medication has saved many young girls from becoming a victim of such wrong beliefs. It highlights the critical nature of even seemingly simple and trivial things. 

Several villagers from the neighbouring villages visit the camp. Every year, nearly ten to twelve thousand people in need of medical attention, are registered here where they receive free medical check-ups, consultation and treatment. A provision that facilitates to offer a range of services from just a simple physical examination to the facility for an X-ray is made. People who are in need of glasses, receive an eye examination and free spectacles accordingly. ECG facilities are also made available in the medical section. Additionally, dental check-ups and treatments are provided as well. In 2018, more than 14,000 people were examined at the camp free of cost. Whereas, a total of 8,073 school children from 130 schools availed of the medical check-up facilities.