It takes the right kind of human beings to do things on many levels. If you think you’re the right kind, you should make it happen, because we can bring a different dimension to human health and wellbeing.

– Sadhguru

With all the excitement surrounding the technical advancements of the twenty-first century, a relevant question to consider is, “What percent of the population is actually benefitting from these advancements?” There are villages in Tamil Nadu where people are deprived of even the most basic amenities like drinking water, medical facilities and basic awareness about health and hygiene.

Isha Outreach has been actively involved in improving the overall health and quality of life of the rural poor. In the domain of healthcare, Isha Outreach has been changing the lives of millions of people across Tamil Nadu through its initiative Action for Rural Rejuvenation (ARR). Reaching more than 4600 villages and serving a population of over 7 million people, Isha Outreach has set up various initiatives such as Isha Rural Health Clinics (IRHCs), Community Care Centers for people with HIV/AIDS and Mobile Health Clinics (MHCs).

Over the last couple of months, the Isha Outreach MHCs visited various villages in and around Chennai, Salem, Madurai, Gobichettipalayam, Coimbatore, and Karur to provide free treatment and to spread awareness about health and proper hygiene. The Mobile Health Clinics also conducted Multi-Specialty Medical and Awareness Camps, which have benefited over 100,000 people since June this year.

Sadhguru recently introduced the simple but powerful yogic practice Isha Kriya, a tool for self-transformation that is offered free to ensure that every individual receives at least ‘one drop of spirituality’ in their life. Isha Outreach has begun offering this potent practice to the rural people during their MHC rounds, to help improve people’s physical and mental health.

A rural woman speaks of the changes in her life:

“I am a weaver, and I work nearly 8 to 9 hours every day. I was suffering from severe hand pain, so I came to the mobile hospital and received free medicine. I have been wanting to learn yoga since childhood, but we women were not allowed to go out of the house. Even after marriage, I have kids to take care of, so I rarely get any free time. This longing in my heart has now turned into a reality that came to my doorstep, free of cost.”

Following the success of the Isha Kriya classes during their MHC rounds, Isha volunteers decided to offer Isha Kriya to larger numbers of people through medical camps and Arokiya Alai (Wave of Health) Awareness Campaigns.

Arokiya Alai is a medical camp organized by Isha Outreach to spread awareness on nutrition, disease prevention and symptoms, hygiene, and sanitation to the rural. The Arokiya Alai project also provides cost-free, simple, and healthy dietary solutions to help eradicate malnutrition in villagers.

A few of the awareness campaigns in schools included Isha Kriya programs for the students. One such program was conducted in Sivanthi Adhithanar High School, Manali, Chennai, where nearly 400 students benefitted from the Isha Kriya program.

One student shares:

“I feel fresh after attending the yoga class. I am sure Isha Kriya will make me fit and help me study better. I will practice this daily.”

Many Isha volunteers have taken it up to turn Sadhguru’s wish and vision of offering at least one drop of spirituality to every human being into a reality.

One of the Isha Kriya teachers shares his overwhelming experience:

“I wanted to be an Isha Yoga Teacher, but I did not have the opportunity earlier. Recently I had the chance to teach Isha Kriya during the Nasiyanur camp. One participant shared that the practice had brought him calm and peace, while another one told me that it was making her feel light and relaxed. I could feel the joy within the participants and I could see their faces turning peaceful and happy. It was truly satisfying to share Isha Kriya with all these people.”

Many more Isha Kriya programs are being planned in the upcoming camps. Offering this ‘one drop spirituality’ to people in rural areas will surely elevate their lives.