By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun (Doiwala), 13 Nov: A grand event was held on the 29th Mahasamadhi Day of Dr Swami Rama, the founder of HIHT (Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust). As the Chief Guest, spiritual guru Anandmurti Guru Maa remarked that Dr Swami Rama, the founder of HIHT, is a heritage of the world. He was a true proponent of service to humanity.
At the ceremony on Wednesday, Guru Maa, founder of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, stated that Dr Swami Rama established the Himalayan Institute in 1989 with the guiding principles of “Love, Service, and Remembrance”. She encouraged all students to share ideas and contribute to the growth of society and the nation.
Dr Vijay Dhasmana, member of the Trust’s executive committee, highlighted HIHT’s identity as the place of penance for Guru Swami Rama. He shared that with Swami’s philosophy of “Yogaḥ Karmasu Kauśalam” (Yoga is skill in action) as its guiding light, the institute plays a leading role in social service. He further emphasised that the institute continues to carry forward the legacy of Swami Ram, emphasising welfare of others first.
At the event, Radha Bhatt, President of Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, was honoured with the Swami Rama Humanitarian Award 2024. She received a gold medal, a certificate of honour, and a cash prize of ten lakh rupees. Expressing gratitude, Radha Bhatt said Swami Ram exemplified social service through the power of science and spirituality and has always been and will continue to be an inspiration for society. Receiving an award in his name is an honour for her.
On this occasion, 35 employees associated with the Trust were recognised with the Best Employee Award. Additionally, Swami Rama’s writings, including Power of Self-Transformation, Empowerment and Transformation – From the Himalayas to the Ocean, as well as the 2025 annual calendar, were released. A community meal followed in the afternoon where attendees received prasad.
Earlier, at the Swami Rama Centre, homage was paid to the late founder of the Trust, Dr Swami Rama.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Vijender Chauhan. The event was attended by Swami Rithwan Bharti, head of the Swami Rama Sadhak Gram Ashram; Vice-Chancellor Dr Rajendra Dobhal; Dr Vijender Chauhan; Dr Prakash Keshaviah; Dr Renu Dhasmana; and hundreds of Swamiji’s disciples from India and abroad.
Radha Bhatt, the president of Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, has been championing the issues of Uttarakhand’s mountains for 60 years. She was born on October 16, 1933, in Dhurka village, Almora. With a love for education, she began her career as a teacher at Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, established by Gandhi’s close disciple Sarla Behn, in the early 1950s. In 1957, she joined the Bhoodan Movement and initiated the first march from Uttarakhand, undertaking two long marches with Vinoba Bhave in Uttar Pradesh and Assam.
Between 1961 and 1965, she was active in village self-reliance, anti-alcohol movements, forest conservation, empowerment of young girls, and other initiatives. She also promoted women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and khadi. In 1975, she led a 75-day foot march to raise awareness about forest conservation, the Chipko movement, alcohol opposition, and village self-reliance. From 2006 to 2010, she surveyed the Himalaya mountains and rivers of Uttarakhand, opposing hydroelectric projects. Her book Himalaya Ki Beti (Daughter of the Himalayas) has been translated into German and Danish. For her work in promoting Gandhian values, she has received several awards, including the Jamnalal Bajaj, Godavari Gaurav, Indira Priyadarshini Environmental Award, Muni Santbal Award, Kumaon Gaurav Award, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Under the SRHU’s Outstanding Employee Awards 2024 the Best Teacher Award went to Dr SS Bisht, Dr Sanjay Gupta; the Best Researcher Award to Dr Geeta Bhandari; Best Clinician Award to Dr Renu Dhasmana; Administrative Award to Dr Anil Juyal, Amrendra Singh and Rishabh Dhasmana. The Nursing Award went to Vipin Kumar, Shagufta Zahoor, Pawan Kumar, Kavita George, Arjun Singh and Rajni SM. The Best Para Clinical Award went to Chandra Prakash Mamgain, Baldev Uniyal, Priyanka Pant, Pramod Singh; the Best Office Staff Award to Amit Agarwal, Sharad Kala, Gurjeet Pal Singh, Sukhvinder Singh, Sudha Kala, Avtar Kaur Saini; the Best Supporting Staff Award to Bhagwan Singh, Virendra Singh, Narendra Singh Negi, Virendra Singh Rawat, Raghuveer Singh Manwal, Baithal Singh Negi, Kuldeep Singh, Shahid Ahmed. The Best Housekeeping Staff Award was given to Surendra, Sanjay, Shiv Kumar and Savitri.
