By Our Staff Reporter
Rishikesh, 9 Jul: Sadhvi Bhagawati of Parmarth Niketan gave the keynote address today at the annual convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI).
Founded in 1982, AAPI represents a conglomeration of more than 80,000 practicing doctors in the United States. In addition, it also serves as a platform for more than 40,000 medical students, residents and fellows of Indian origin in this country.
This year’s convention, the first after the Covid pandemic, was attended by numerous dignitaries and VIPs. Sadhv Bhagwati was joined at the prestigious convention by several dignitaries including Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chairperson of the American Medical Association, Dr Bobby Mukkamala, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, ISKCON leader Gauranga Das and many others.
In the keynote address today, she shared, “You are all truly the heroes. You are the ones who have kept the country safe and secure. Usually we think about the army as the protectors of the country but this year it has been YOU – the doctors!”
She further explained, “As doctors you have two beautiful gifts which you share with your patients: teachings and touch. You have the teachings of your medical school, of your experience and expertise in your field. But you also have the beautiful touch of the heart of who you are – your caring touch, love and compassion which also is very healing. And as Indian doctors you really have 3 gifts — the teachings, the touch and also the transformation which Indian culture gives us, which I experienced so profoundly 25 years ago. You share these 3 gifts with all your patients.”
She went on to share that these days there is so much stress, tension and depression among doctors, especially since Covid times and it was time for doctors to also take care of themselves, their own spiritual and emotional immunity. She offered an answer to that stress and depression with the anagram CURED. “C stands for Connection, connection to the Divine, which keeps us grounded and anchored and keeps our internal battery charged. U stands for Understanding that you are only an instrument in God’s hands. R stands for Reconnection all day long. E stands for Equanimity – finding balance and management of our own minds. D stands for Dhanyavad – the practice of gratitude, and also stands for Devotion, love for God.”
When she was felicitated with a shawl and bouquet of flowers after her address by AAPI leaders, the current President of AAPI, Dr Sudhakar Jonnalgadda, President Elect Dr Ravi Kolli, Convention Chair Dr Sreeni Gangasani, and Dr Prasad Garimella, she offered the bouquet to the women leaders, the Shakti of AAPI: Chair of the Board of AAPI Dr Sajani Shah, Incoming President of AAPI Dr Anupama Gotimukula and Incoming Chair of the Board Dr Kusum Punjabi.
