This year’s RDI Foundation Day celebration embodied the vision of H.H. Swami Rama, emphasizing community service through outreach initiatives. Central to the event was a 40-day campaign built on the theme of “Involvement of All.” Across all operational areas, the campaign engaged beneficiaries, stakeholders, providers, partners, and institutions, encouraging the adoption of best practices in health, education, livelihood, water and sanitation, and relief efforts.
In the health sector, a life-cycle approach was adopted to involve all community groups in outreach activities, including health camps, orientation sessions, training programs, advocacy workshops, and hygiene awareness campaigns. The WATSAN (Water and Sanitation) team revisited previous villages and emphasized five key interventions through their Punch Plan. Beneficiaries were engaged to assess the impact of past schemes, ensuring sustained community-level participation.
Educational initiatives involved school children in personality development and self-awareness programs. Scholarships, school bags, stationery, and uniforms were distributed. Two workshops addressed daily living activities for people with disabilities, their caregivers, and stakeholders. The campaign also facilitated linkages with government departments, making social security schemes more accessible to the community. Livelihood initiatives expanded to new villages, focusing on agriculture, horticulture, and aromatic plantations. The handloom and wastepaper recycling units also commenced production, contributing to community empowerment.
On 17th September, Padma Bhushan Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt addressed RDI staff and university students, highlighting the Himalayan biodiversity and the pressing challenges posed by climate change and development. His inspiring talk emphasized the need for environmental protection, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
The campaign’s unique feature was direct interaction between RDI staff and the elderly, allowing for the sharing of life experiences and addressing community concerns on the spot. Special care was extended to tuberculosis patients, with continuous support and the distribution of protein-rich food kits over the last year, underscoring the emotional and practical support extended to vulnerable populations. This campaign not only strengthened community ties but also promoted sustainable development practices across all sectors.
