During Mahakumbh 2025 at Prayagraj, I had the privilege of serving the devotees at Nandparayag Hospital, Sector 16, from February 10th to February 16th. This experience has been overwhelming and transformative for me. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Annarao Kulkarni, Sir, National President IAPSM, the Uttar Pradesh Government, and Shri Sai Madhusudan Institute of Medical Sciences for entrusting me with this responsibility. Despite its remote location, the hospital management was highly appreciative of our efforts to provide continuous, high-quality medical care.
Nandprayag Hospital, though temporary, maintained round-the-clock OPD and IPD services, ensuring that essential medicines were always available. I had the honor of working alongside experienced doctors from various specialties like medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and plastic surgery from different parts of our country, all functioning cohesively as a unit. Their dedication and teamwork were inspiring, echoing the ancient wisdom from the Mahabharata:
“Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma Phaleshu Kadachana”
(You have the right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.)
This verse reminded me that our focus was on the service itself, regardless of the outcome, a principle that was central to our work during these challenging times.
Every day presented its own challenges, the hospital managed an influx of around 1,000 patients in the OPD and an average of 6-8 patients in the IPD. Many sought help for symptoms like breathlessness, weakness, and diarrhea—ailments often exacerbated by sand, prolonged fasting, and poor hygiene. While the government had taken impressive measures such as continuous water sprinkling to control dust, free RO water every 500 meters, and strategically placed urinals and latrines for both males and females. Additionally, there was a quick referral system in place that allowed us to transfer critical cases swiftly to higher centres through 24×7 available ambulances, ensuring that no patient was left without timely and advanced care. The dedication of the government in managing the massive crowd was remarkable. Numerous crowd control strategies were in place, ensuring that pilgrims could move safely between sites. The tent city, set up for the mela was nothing short of a temporary yet vibrant community. It wasn’t just a shelte, it was a place where people came together, their spirits lifted by the continuous echo of aartis and bhajans that filed the air with positive energy. I found myself swept up in that atmosphere, where even the mundane moments felt sacred.
One of the most uplifting aspects of my experience was witnessing the spiritual fervor that permeated the air. Many pilgrims took the opportunity to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga River, a ritual believed to cleanse sins and rejuvenate the soul. Participating in these moments of devotion made the experience deeply transformative. I found that the simple act of immersing oneself in the river’s gentle flow had a profound effect, it instilled a deep sense of inner peace and renewal. Observing the serene expressions of the devotees and feeling the energy of hope and gratitude around me, I experienced a personal awakening. The sight of breathtaking sunrises and sunsets coupled with an AQI that consistently remained below 80 further heightened the sense of rejuvenation and spiritual connection.
Throughout my duty, I encountered many individuals who demonstrated extraordinary determination. I met several devotees who had been fasting for five days, resolute in completing their fast, even if it meant risking their own health. Their unwavering faith, combined with the supportive and disciplined efforts of our team, reminded me of the steadfast commitment of heroes in the Ramayana, who faced insurmountable challenges with courage and resilience.
This week of duty tested our resilience and adaptability while deepening my appreciation for the vital role of healthcare during large public gatherings. Serving at Mahakumbh 2025 not only reinforced the importance of teamwork and coordinated care but also offered a unique glimpse into the powerful confluence of devotion, community, and state-of-the-art health services. It was a privilege to serve amidst such an environment, where every act of care contributed to a larger narrative of hope, unity, and compassion.
In the spirit of the timeless words from our epics, this experience has taught me that duty, compassion, and faith together can overcome any obstacle, echoing the eternal wisdom:
“Yato Dharma Tato Jayah”
(Where there is righteousness, there is victory.)
This journey will forever remain imprinted in my memory as a testament to the power of service, the strength of unity, and the enduring influence of ancient wisdom in modern times.
