OM NAMO NARAYANI
SRI NARAYANI HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTER
THIRUMALAIKODI, VELLORE – 632 055

COLLABORATION WITH SANKARA NETHRALAYA FOR QUALITY EYE CARE

Clapping with one hand does not produce any sound. Only if two or more hands clap, bursting sound fills the air. This is true for any effort to bear fruit. Fortunately, two institutions with the same objective joined hands to provide quality eye care to rural communities in Vellore District in the State of Tamil Nadu , India . Sankara Nethralaya, a twenty-five (25) year-old eye institute rated by some the leading institution in eye care management in India , and Sri Narayani Hospital & Research Centre have formed collaboration in order to cater to the ophthalmic needs of this rural area.

The inaugural function of the Eye Department and the beginning of the collaboration were held on January 20, 2006 with the blessings of our beloved Sri Sakthi Amma. Below ArulThiru Sakthi Amma lights the Kuthuvilakku, or festive lamp, and blesses the Hospital's new Eye O.P.D., the Eye ward, and the new ophthalmic operation theatre.

Mr. N.Balaji, the Executive Director of Sri Narayani Hospital & Research Centre, welcomed the assemblage and explained the benefits of this collaborative effort with Sankara Nethralaya. He also gratefully remembered the earnestness of His Holiness ArulThiru Sakthi Amma for allowing this program and the kindness of Dr. Badrinath of Sankara Nethralaya for accepting the proposal.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr.Vijayaraghavan (CEO of SITAR Company in Bangalaore) explained the necessity for collaboration in any venture by sighting a few examples. He mentioned the computer chip production industry, and that it is not possible for any company to take up the business on its own, as this business involves a heavy financial commitment and the involvement of advanced technological exchanges. He expressed his happiness that Sri Narayani Hospital & Research Centre had joined hands with Sankara Nethralaya for a noble cause. He also invited Sri Narayani Hospital to participate in the PURA project. He also mentioned that the Honorable President of India , Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, who recently visited Sakthi Amma was so fascinated by the Sripuram Project of Sri Narayani Peedam that he recently mentioned this project when he addressed a group of foreign dignitaries.

Dr. Badri Rickhi from Canada also addressed the group and recalled the miraculous achievements of His Holiness. He referred to the initial Hospital Plan which was ready within two days. He also mentioned that whatever Amma wishes happens in reality. On behalf of all the foreign devotees, he expressed solidarity with Sri Narayani Peedam.

As part of the ceremony, Sakthi Narayani Amma delivered a discourse on service and using one's resources, both material and inner, for the benefit of others. Sakthi Narayani Amma began the ceremony with the following Sanskrit chant:

“SARVA MANGALA MANGALYE SIVE SARVATHA SATHIKE SARANYE THRAYAMBAGE GOWRI NARAYANI NAMO STHUTHE.

AMMA's Discourse

There is a phrase in Sanskrit, ‘Narajenmam Dhurlabam.' which means human birth is special and unique. Of all the life beings, the human being is unique because only human beings can think of others and can do good. Feelings such as hunger, sleep, and the like are common to all life beings including human, but to love and do good to others is possible only by human beings. One can satisfy oneself only by applying one's skill to the maximum capacity. All other wealth cannot be fully utilized. Even if a man owns ten houses, he can sleep in only one house. He cannot sleep in all ten houses at the same time. If a man has a lot of money, he can spend only a portion of it, and the rest has to be kept at home or be deposited in a bank. He cannot consume all the money he possesses.

Whenever you get a chance to do good, do it immediately without delay or waiting for a time to come. That time may never come again because man's mind is always changing. To illustrate this point here is a small story. A wealthy man wanted to offer Rs.20/- during a holy procession. Some people before him worshipped God and offered only Rs.10/- each. This man thought that while every other person offers only Rs.10/, why should I offer Rs.20/? Hence he took Rs.10/- out of his hand and put it into his pocket. A little later some poor people came and offered Rs.5/- each. Thoughtfully this man withdrew Rs.5/- from his hand and put it into his pocket. A little while later, a few beggars came and offered some change that they had collected through begging. Now, this man thought that his contribution might not be of any significance, and he offered nothing. So, whenever there is a chance to do good, do it then and there.

Always think that you have all that you need and think that you are born to give. Then you will have everything in abundance so that you will be able to give to the have-nots. The talents within you are your wealth. Make full use of your talents to help others. When Amma came to this place in Thirumalaikodi, it was a barren land filled with all kinds of wild and thorny plants. It was felt impossible to walk without footwear. But now you see the towering temples, greenish lawns, air-conditioned dwellings, beaming lights and so on. How is it possible that such a drastic and heartening change happened? It's all because of the love our Divine Mother showers on us and the faithful love reciprocated from us. Hence, serve with love. You doctors and staff of this hospital are considered to be next to God. Man turns up to God only when all his efforts prove futile. If a patient comes to you, he feels that you are his final rescue. The greatest chance is given to all of you for serving in this hospital. Use this opportunity and serve humanity with love and concern.

AMMA BLESSES THAT ALL THE LIFE BEINGS ON THIS UNIVERSE SHALL LIVE WITH ALL THE VIRTUES, PEACE AND HAPPINESS”