AS India battles its second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, a leading Indian spiritual leader has initiated projects to provide help for Covid-19 patients in Uttarakhand, north India. His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (HH Pujya Swamiji) is president of the Parmarth Niketan Ashram, in Rishikesh. Under his leadership, the Parmarth Charitable Hospital is being established as a 100-bed Covid-Care Centre, with fully equipped oxygen concentrators/cylinders and essential medical supplies, in order to help the sick and the needy.

Two ambulances have also been deployed to provide door-to-door services such as transporting patients to hospitals and oxygen cylinders.,The Parmarth Charitable Hospital is already being used for testing and vaccination under the supervision of a professional medical team provided by the state government. Medical kits have been provided free of cost to hospitals across the region to address the shortage of medicines. Free of charge meals and shelter have also been provided to those in need during lockdown.

In addition, 150 oxygen concentrators have been ordered. Yagna therapy, Vedic chanting, prayer and meditation are being offered daily by the Parmarth Rishikumars. Special prayers for those who have lost their loves ones are being offered to bring solace to families who struggle to heal from the loss. Inspiring talks, online meditation, satsang, interfaith prayers and yoga classes continue to be offered.