Humanitarian Projects

The work of Yoga in Daily Life does not focus only on teaching and spreading of yoga, but on the humanitarian activities as well.

Shree Vishwa Deep Gurukul Maheshwaranand Ashram, Jadan, Rajasthan, India

Established in the Indian State of Rajasthan is the international epicentre for the Yoga in Daily Life organization and many of its humanitarian projects. The main projects in detail:

Paramhans Swami Madhavanand Austria Hospital

The construction of a naturopathic and allopathic hospital began in September 2002. On completion, this facility will provide residential health care to neighbouring districts. Until the hospital is complete, the Jadan Ashram continues to provide a free mobile ambulance service to the surrounding rural area.

Swami Madhavanand Sarovar (Rainwater Harvesting Project)

In order to provide water for the projects of the Ashram, including the hospital, the Fellowship constructed an extensive dam and water-catchment system, to contain the run-off of rainwater. The unique geographical position of the Ashram is on the region’s natural watercourse, which means that in the monsoon season a large surge of water passes through the catchment’s system. Apart from servicing the abovementioned facilities and projects, the dam water is also purified and used to supply clean, safe drinking water to drought-stricken villages in the surrounding area.

Shree Vishwa Deep Gurukul Prathmik Vidyalaya (Primary & Secondary School)

Established in 2002, this rural school has a total of 350 students with classes ranging from Kindergarten till the 12th Grade. Registered by the Government of Rajasthan as an ‘English-medium’ school, education is based on the government syllabus with a parallel syllabus that teaches traditional Indian-Vedic culture. School fees are kept to a minimum, with 70% of students receiving free education. All girls are exempt from school fees. The school receives funding from international donors and also derives an income from the hostel which runs parallel to the school.

Gyan Putra

Gyan Putra is a scheme to sponsor local children from underprivileged families that they may continue their education. Students of this scheme attend government schools in the region. This scheme has been established since 1998 and today supports more than 250 students. Students are supplied with text books, fees, uniforms and stationery.

Education Programs for Women

In collaboration with the Indian Government, the Fellowship conducts residential training seminars for women on the topics of health, hygiene and child welfare. Graduates from the program act in an advisory capacity within their local community on matters of child development, sanitation and on the education and development of girls.

Reforestation and Environmental Programs

In 2002, Jadan Ashram began its long-term commitment to reforestation with the planting of 5,000 trees. Since then more than 200,000 trees have successfully been planted in this area. The Ashram’s organic farm acts as a ‘sustainable development model’ coaching local farmers in alternatives to pesticide. The Ashram produces organic vegetables, wheat, corn, barley and various seeds and spices. In addition to the above environmental programs, research is ongoing for the production of natural pesticides from the indigenous Neem tree.

Gaushala (Animal Refuge)

A large animal refuge has been constructed within Jadan Ashram to provide humane, veterinary care for over 400 abandoned, aged and sick animals. One of the outcomes of the reforestation project is to produce fresh fodder for the animals since this increased nutrition enhances an animal’s recovery to good health.

Drought Relief

As severe droughts continue to afflict the Pali district, the Fellowship is active in supplying drinking water by tanker to deprived villages during emergency periods. During the drought of 2003 the Fellowship delivered 80,000 litres of drinking water per day, to villages up to 45 kilometres away.

Immediate Aid for Victims of Natural Disasters

On many occasions the Fellowship has provided emergency aid, both material and financial, to disaster areas after earthquakes, floods and droughts.