Mahavir Foundation 1997 11 London 10th Anniversary

Author(s): Mahavir Foundation
Publisher: Mahavir Foundation

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VEERAYATAN
COMPASSION IN ACTION
Veerayatan is a social welfare institution in the north eastern state of Bihar in India. The institution, formed in 1972, has become well renowned for its community service to the local population ameliorating poverty, overcoming superstition, providing education and employment, and most of all vital medical facilities.
It is not the physical ravages of war, nor the harsh torture of oppression that destroys the lives of millions of people in Bihar, the poorest state in India. Their fate is worse, for theirs is a mental torture that touches men, women and children indiscriminately. It is a more humiliating and constant form of torture - known simply as BLINDNESS. Blindness leads to loss of confidence, status and usefulness. It completes destruction with dependency for every need and fear of every movement. It steals the faces of new grandchildren and old friends. Every day is the same-a world of total darkness. For the tribal population of Bihar, blindness is a living form of death.
Love and devotion, which are the foundation of Veerayatan are manifested through the hundred bed charitable eye hospital, located in the grounds of the institution. To date, Veerayatan Eye Hospital has performed over 70,000 cataract extractions. This simple, relatively inexpensive eye surgery is the most successful means of restoring eyesight and therefore the quality of life.
Each year the demand for eye operations in the poverty stricken state of Bihar is growing. The root of the problem lies with malnutrition, lack of any education system, lack of sanitation, and primary health care riddled with the prevalent superstitions. Unfortunately blindness is not a life-threatening condition, and therefore not a State priority. Thus the scope of humanitarian work is unlimited as Veerayatan is the only medical centre for hundreds of miles.
Veerayatan has given unflinching service in the field of community health, and education without discriminating between cast or creed. By doing so it has created a social transformation in the locality.
The Veerayatan site is rich in its historical heritage, where undercurrents of Jainism, Buddhism and Vedic religion meet. This glorious place is blessed with the fourteen Chaturmas of Lord Mahaveer, the nirvan of his eleven Ganadhars, and the composition of some of the most significant Jain scriptures.
Today, through the untiring efforts of Acharya Chandanaji, Veerayatan stands as a divine miracle that embodies an eloquent alliance of intellect, courage, devotion and determination.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
We welcome you to visit Veerayatan and experience the joy of a unique spiritual 'journey'. You will have the opportunity to witness the true spirit of 'compassion in action', and if you wish, participate in the multitude of humanitarian activities. For students it is an ideal place to start for anyone taking a year out'. Veerayatan can accommodate hundreds of visitors in clean and comfortable guest-houses.
For more details on how to visit Veerayatan, please contact: Mahendrabhai Mehta (Veerayatan UK), Pitcullen, Pinner Hill, Pinner, Midd'x, HA5 3XU Tel: 0181 866 2828 Fax: 0181 868 1647 E-mail: info@veerayatan.org
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