A Family Away From Home
AN INTENSIVE CARE MODEL UNIQUE IN THE COUNTRY
80 Infirm Mothers and sadhus Housed in 4 Ashrams
Food, Bedding and Clothing
Complete free Medical Care
Physical Activities and Game
Kirtan, Meditation and Scripture Studies
Bedside Care and 24/7 Assistance
Funeral Rites
A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY!
Providing Comprehensive Care At Yogananda Trust, we firmly believe in providing personalized care to every mother under our wing. Our team of 21 full-time trained staff members treats each mother like family, catering to their unique needs and preferences. From daily activities like eating, dressing, bathing, to walking and managing medications, we ensure that their well-being is our top priority. Going beyond physical care, we offer tailored 15-minute daily massages and engaging recreational activities. Our active aging program is designed to keep them involved and enhance their overall quality of life. With our dedicated focus on personalized care, we currently look after 78 mothers who require round-the-clock assistance. Since 2015, the Trust has extended its support to a total of 250 mothers, ensuring their happiness and thriving experience.
Physical Well-being Above all else, our ashrams are devoted to safeguarding the physical well-being of our cherished residents—Mothers who have journeyed through life’s challenges. Our dedicated staff go above and beyond to ensure that each mother receives the utmost care, nutrition, appropriate clothing, and medications to address their individual medical needs. Every day, our mothers receive soothing massages that not only relieve their physical discomfort but also improve their blood flow and create a profound feeling of calmness and relaxation. We strive to create a supportive environment where our mothers can thrive, living comfortably and with dignity.
Fostering Emotional and Mental Well-being We understand that emotional and spiritual well-being are vital components of a fulfilling life. That’s why at the Yogananda Trust, we go beyond physical care and create a sense of belonging and community among our residents. Our compassionate staff provides personalized attention to every mother, creating a warm and nurturing atmosphere where they can freely express themselves. We organize regular recreational activities and games to encourage social interaction and stimulate their cognitive abilities. Our program encourages physical activities, mental challenges, and creativity like painting. Regular Kirtan sessions bring joy and togetherness amongst mothers, uplifting spirits and fostering a strong sense of togetherness. These practices not only bring joy and comfort but also provide a sense of meaning to their lives.
Nurturing Spiritual Well-being We are devoted to nurture the spiritual essence of every mother in our care. Through regular meditation, yoga sessions and readings of Bhagavad-gītā and Bhāgavata Purāṇa, we guide them on a journey of self-exploration, finding solace, and cultivating inner peace. Inspired by the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, we share spiritual wisdom that provides a deeper understanding of one’s life’s purpose. We recognize that spiritual well-being is important for a holistic approach to care, offering the mothers a profound source of – Comfort, Strength, and Meaning.
Rekindling Family-Ties At the Paramhansa Yogananda Public Charitable Trust, we are deeply committed to restoring and strengthening connections that have been lost. One of our remarkable initiatives focuses on reuniting abandoned mothers with their families. We understand how crucial familial bonds are, and work tirelessly as mediators to help reconnect these mothers with their children. Our mission goes beyond just reuniting families; it is also about conveying a heartfelt message to these mothers that – their children still care for them. We strive to ensure that these mothers receive the emotional support they deserve, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
At the heart of our mission lies the belief that restoring these connections is essential for the overall happiness and fulfillment of every individual involved. Together, we can rebuild the ties that bind us and create a world where family connections are cherished and celebrated.
Celebrating Their Journey: Honoring the Departed Our dedication extends far beyond the lifetime of our cherished residents. As they embark on their final journey, we embrace the responsibility of conducting their last rites with utmost care. When these beloved elders pass away, we conduct their last rites in accordance with Vedic rituals, paying utmost respect to their spiritual traditions. At the Paramhansa Yogananda Public Charitable Trust, we believe in celebrating the remarkable lives that were lived. Every aspect of their existence is acknowledged and cherished, even in their passing. We ensure that these beloved elders are laid to rest with the dignity they deserve. As we celebrate their journey beyond this realm, we recognize the enduring legacy they leave behind and the indelible mark they have made on our hearts and souls.
The Conclusion: Embracing Care, Love, and Respect for the Elderly The Paramhansa Yogananda Public Charitable Trust’s ashrams stand as shining examples of compassion and reverence for the elderly. With our holistic approach, we address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of abandoned mothers. Through our comprehensive efforts of reconnecting them with their families and conducting their final rites with utmost respect, we have become the devoted sons and daughters these elders yearn for, providing the love and support they desperately need. Together, let us continue to extend the care that truly makes a difference! By upholding the values of humanity, we can carve the path towards a more compassionate society, where every individual is cherished and valued.
LIFE AT THE YOGANANDA TRUST ASHRAMS
The Yogananda Trust has provided the mothers with a home they can call our own. Right from clothing, bedding, sanitation, food to regular facilitation of exercises and activities, we take care of them like family.
*Please click on the image to enlarge it.
- 3.30/ 4 am
- 6.30/ 7 am
- 8.30 am
- 10.00 am
- 12.30 am
- 1 pm
- 4/4.30 pm
- 5.00 pm
- 6.30 pm
- 8.30 pm
- Waking up + Personal Spiritual practices
- Morning tea with biscuits + getting ready
- Breakfast
- Activities: Energization Exercise. Gayatri mantra chanting, short meditation
- Lunch is served
- Mothers take a break to rest and freshen up for the evening
- Evening tea Is served with some light snack
- Kirtan followed by Mantra Chanting & short meditation
- Mothers get free time to pursue their interests
- Dinner is served after which the mothers retire for the night
This is followed by the active ageing activities for the next 1 hour carried out by the active ageing coordinator
Monday
Antakshari
Wednesday
Drama
Friday
Painting/ Rangoli
Tuesday
EE + Meditation Board Games
Thursday
Pass the parcel
Saturday
Book Reading
DAILY HOSPITAL SCHEDULE FOR THE MOTHERS
Our Hospital Assistants collect the Mothers who need to see the doctor from their assigned localities of Vrindavan and Radhakund in the Yogananda Trust-owned ambulance and/or E- rickshaw. They are brought to the OPD section where our Hospital coordinator is ready with the appointments.
There are some Mothers who come to the hospital on their own and the coordinator guides them and helps them. The tasks of the Hospital Assistants are – Registration of the patients at the OPD counter, and taking the Mother to see the doctor as per the token given. As per diagnosis tests are done and medicines are collected, or hospital admission is done.
Hospital Assistants collect the medicines as per the prescription and explain the dosage to the Mothers. If required the Hospital Assistants deliver the medicine to the mother’s homes as well. The Mothers who are admitted to the hospital for any procedure or any serious issue are looked after by the Yogananda Trust appointed 24 hours Bedside Care Attendants for the entire duration of their stay at the hospital without whom the hospital will not allow any patient admission.
KEY INITIATIVES UNDER THE PROGRAM
Care Homes for the Infirm
- Currently provides highly intensive personalised core to 96 Mothers requiring 24X7 assistance. more than 250 have been supported since inception.
- For very aged (average age 75 years) and Bed ridden. Infirm Mothers suffering from ailments like Dementia, Arthritis. Parkinson, Blindness. Paralysis. Cancer. Organ failure etc.
- Helping with personal chores like diaper changing, eating. bathing. moving & medication
- Free Food, shelter, clothing & medical care
- Activities for spiritual, mental and emotional well being
- Complete Medical Care including bedside and pre-post-operative care
Free Medical Care
- Includes OPD. Hospitalization. surgeries. transplants. eye care, physiotherapy. treatment for life threatening diseases like cancer. heart ailments, organ failure etc.
- Provides training beside attendants to the homeless. hospitalized Mothers
- Weekly surveys of the community conducted to check on the mothers' health and medical requirements
- 2 ambulances ore on 24X7 duty to transport mothers to the hospital
- Complete assistance at Hospital right from registration. documentation to discharge
Active aging Initiative
- Yoga & energization exercises
- Brain Games for active cognitive function
- Daily prayers and Sotsangs
- Breathing exercises
- Scripture reading. Chanting and meditation
- Painting and Antakshari
- Group tea and getting together
IMPACT
IMPACT
STORIES OF CHANGE
"My husband became a sadhu & left me alone. I came to Vrindavan, rented a place & started living with the blessing of my 'Thakur' (God)"-Pushpa Daasi Maa
I had unofficially adopted a child who acted like a loving son. But he cheated me out of my property by getting me to sign the papers and then threw me out. I lived on the streets, ate whatever I could get by begging. One day I felt sick, vomited & passed out on the floor.
"My husband died early and left me with two young children and a blind mother-in-law "-Annapurna Maa
I used to clean houses and go hungry to run my household and take care of the family. My mother-in-law passed away soon after and left me all alone. When my children grew up, they started abusing me. When I met the Sevaks of the Yogananda Trust, I begged them to take me with them. They are my family, my everything. I have found peace and happiness, which I never thought I could have in this lifetime.
"After my husband threw me out, I returned to my brother’s house. The community shunned me and asked me."- Bhakti Manaa Maa
With the blessings of Guruji and Radha Rani, I came straight to the care home of the Yogananda Trust. “My brother and sister don’t call me, and neither do I. I want to forget that life and those connections. I am very happy here, and I am going to be here till I die. I feel blessed that the Yogananda Trust will do my death rites with utmost sincerity, love, and compassion.
STORIES OF CHANGE
"My husband became a sadhu & left me alone. I came to Vrindavan, rented a place & started living with the blessing of my 'Thakur' (God)"-Pushpa Daasi Maa
I had unofficially adopted a child who acted like a loving son. But he cheated me out of my property by getting me to sign the papers and then threw me out. I lived on the streets, ate whatever I could get by begging. One day I felt sick, vomited & passed out on the floor.
"My husband died early and left me with two young children and a blind mother-in-law "-Annapurna Maa
I used to clean houses and go hungry to run my household and take care of the family. My mother-in-law passed away soon after and left me all alone. When my children grew up, they started abusing me. When I met the Sevaks of the Yogananda Trust, I begged them to take me with them. They are my family, my everything. I have found peace and happiness, which I never thought I could have in this lifetime.
"After my husband threw me out, I returned to my brother’s house. The community shunned me and asked me."- Bhakti Manaa Maa
With the blessings of Guruji and Radha Rani, I came straight to the care home of the Yogananda Trust. “My brother and sister don’t call me, and neither do I. I want to forget that life and those connections. I am very happy here, and I am going to be here till I die. I feel blessed that the Yogananda Trust will do my death rites with utmost sincerity, love, and compassion.
FAQ
Ashram Seva is available to Infirm Elderly widow mothers above the age of 60 who have been abandoned by society & are subject to inhuman living conditions.
Our field sevaks visit widow mothers in & around Vrindavan and Radhakund daily. Ashram Seva is provided to those widow mothers who have special needs or pass certain eligibility criterias.