• This photo feature tells about the RKM Hospital at Kankhal, Haridwar – the Bhavna (feeling) behind it, facilities offered to patients and for free, residential facility for devotees and the Swami Vivekananda Ghat.

The road from Dehradun to Haridwar, once a winding journey, now unfolds in a smooth, 75-minute drive from Rajpur Road. As we left the bustling city behind, the landscape softened, and the promise of spiritual solace hung in the air. Our destination was not the crowded banks of Haridwar's main ghats, but a place of quiet, profound purpose: the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama in Kankhal. For those traveling from Haridwar, it's an even shorter trip, a mere 4-5 kilometers that brings you to a haven of healing and devotion.

Stepping into the Sevashrama is like entering a different world. The gentle hum of the city fades, replaced by a profound sense of peace. This isn't just a hospital; it's a testament to over a century of selfless service. 

Founded in 1901 by Swami Kalyanananda, a direct disciple of Swami Vivekananda, the institution began as a humble medical relief centre. The ashram's journey continued, and in 1911, it proudly became a branch of the Ramakrishna Mission, aligning its purpose with the mission's core tenets of "Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva" (serving living beings as Shiva himself).

Today, the Sevashrama stands as a beacon of hope for thousands. Its red-and-white buildings, with their clean lines and serene courtyards, exude a sense of calm efficiency. The spirit of its founder, Swami Kalyanananda, known for his compassionate and tireless work, seems to linger in every corner.

This legacy of unwavering dedication is still very much alive, evident in the exemplary healthcare services that are a model of accessibility. The hospital itself is a substantial 190-bed facility, with a wide array of specialized departments including medicine, surgery, TB, gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, diabetes, and ENT, as well as a dedicated physiotherapy unit. The diagnostic capabilities are equally impressive, featuring X-ray, ECG, USG, and CT scan, supported by a well-equipped pathology and microbiology laboratory.

In addition to its inpatient services, the hospital offers a comprehensive outpatient department, which includes a dentistry clinic and specialized services in physiotherapy and ophthalmology. The ashram also extends its reach beyond its campus through a mobile medical unit, bringing essential healthcare to remote communities. A specialized diabetes clinic caters to both children and adults, highlighting the institution’s focus on prevalent health issues.

Beyond its medical services, the Sevashrama is a vibrant spiritual and community hub. The sprawling campus, a blend of functionality and tranquillity, includes a beautiful Ramakrishna Temple where residents and guests can find solace and engage in worship. The monastery, a place of quiet contemplation and discipline, is home to the resident monks who dedicate their lives to service and spiritual practice.

The campus also extends a warm welcome to families seeking a peaceful retreat. The excellent staying blocks are a testament to the ashram's hospitality, offering a range of accommodations from air-conditioned rooms for summer to rooms equipped with heaters for the colder winters. Families can stay comfortably, with all basic needs thoughtfully met.

A specific schedule is followed for meals, with delicious and simple breakfast, lunch, and dinner served at designated times, along with afternoon tea. The generosity of the institution is reflected in its no-charge policy for accommodation; guests are simply asked to apply in advance and are free to leave a donation of their choosing upon departure. The commitment to hygiene is paramount, with block bathrooms meticulously maintained, and fresh bed linen and towels provided. RO water is available throughout the campus, ensuring health and well-being.

The grounds themselves are a sight to behold. Vast, verdant paddy fields and a rich tapestry of greenery, including towering jackfruit trees and a variety of flowers, create a tranquil and natural environment. This connection to nature adds to the overall sense of peace. Parking is generous, with specific areas designated for each living block, making it convenient for guests with their own vehicles.

A unique feature of this place is the exclusive Swami Vivekananda Ganga Ghat, accessible only to the ashram's residents and guests. This private ghat offers a serene and contemplative space, a place to connect with the sacred Ganga in quiet reflection, away from the bustling crowds. This detail truly captures the essence of the ashram—a blend of practical service and deep spirituality.

Leaving the Sevashrama, one carries a feeling of profound gratitude. It's more than just a hospital or an ashram; it’s a living monument to the power of selfless service, a place where compassion is the most potent medicine and every act of kindness is a step towards a better world. The ashram’s welfare activities, which include providing food, winter clothes, and medical help to those in need, underscore this mission, ensuring that its legacy of compassion continues to touch lives in every possible way.

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