Skip to content 
In the heart of the remote village of Chilandavadi, nestled within the reserve forest area of Kanakapura Taluk, lives Jayamma, a resilient 60-year-old woman with Guligowda, her husband. Their life, once filled with simple joys, took a tragic turn when they lost their son in a car accident. Struggling to make ends meet, Jayamma and Guligowda sacrificed their basic needs to support their daughter, who faced her own challenges as a single mother of two children. Living in a village devoid of medical facilities and limited transportation, the couple faced numerous hurdles in accessing healthcare. However, their lives were about to change when they discovered Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam, a haven of high-quality and free healthcare.
The Struggle for Accessible Healthcare
Chilandavadi and its surrounding villages faced many challenges due to their remote location. Lack of transportation and the exorbitant cost of reaching the nearest medical facility deterred many individuals from seeking the care they desperately needed. As a result, illnesses often worsened, causing unnecessary suffering and deepening the cycle of poverty. Jayamma’s own experience with illness and the financial burden it brought exemplified this struggle.
A Glimmer of Hope
Fortunately, amidst the adversity, a group of volunteers from the Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation arrived in Chilandavadi. Their mission was clear: understand the villagers’ problems and spread awareness about the free healthcare and nutrition services offered at Sri Sathya Sai Vaidyalayam on the premises of the Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam. When Jayamma learned about this opportunity, she was elated. But she was also slightly apprehensive about affording the cost of travel to the hospital. Her concerns about the cost of transportation, however, were met with warm smiles from the volunteers. They assured her that they would not only transport her to the facility for free but also arrange for her return journey.
A Life-Changing Experience
Accompanied by her granddaughter, Jayamma embarked on a journey to Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam, filled with hope and anticipation. Upon arrival, she was greeted with open arms and offered a nourishing and hot lunch, at no cost —an unexpected gesture of kindness. Meeting the resident doctor, Jayamma received the necessary medical attention she urgently required. To her surprise, the doctor handed her a package containing all the prescribed medicines, eliminating any concerns about their availability.
The doctor at Sri Sathya Sai Vaidyalayam giving free consultation to one of the villagers
A Blessing in Disguise
As Jayamma prepared to return home, the volunteers had yet another surprise for her. Moved by the family’s difficulties, the Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation offered to sponsor the education of both Jayamma’s grandchildren. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jayamma couldn’t hold back her tears. She knew her family’s future had suddenly turned positive, thanks to the love and warmth she experienced at the facility. Determined to share her experience, she pledged to spread the word about the Foundation’s free services to her entire village, hoping that others too would benefit from this incredible opportunity.
The Power of Service
Jayamma’s story is just one among many that the Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation has had the privilege of scripting. Guided by the motto “Live to Serve and Live to Love,” the Foundation strives to create a sustainable platform for like-minded individuals to come together and selflessly serve the underserved.
Housed in Uyyaballi, Kanakapura, the Foundation offers a range of services, including a community kitchen providing thousands of free meals, a state-of-the-art free rural hospital, a community hall for engagement and education, and dining and accommodation facilities for volunteers and visitors alike.
Spreading Love Beyond Borders
In addition to their local efforts, the Foundation also offers scholarships to deserving students and funds house renovations on a need basis.
Looking Towards the Future
With a vision to expand their impact, the Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation plans to provide free nutritious breakfast and a ragi-based protein mix to government school students in nearby villages. The Foundation firmly believes that as more individuals join their noble cause, the potential to serve and uplift lives will only grow.
Conclusion
Jayamma’s journey from despair to hope symbolizes the transformative power of compassion and selfless service. The Sri Sathya Sai Premaarpitham Foundation is a lifeline for these underserved rural villages, providing its residents with much-needed healthcare, nutrition, education, and compassion.
Sri Sathya Sai Vaatsalyam
