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Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
A Sunday lifeline: Meet Chhapra doc who treats rural poor for free
1 2 Chhapra: In an age where healthcare often comes with a heavy price, one doctor in Saran is rewriting that script by offering affordable, compassionate treatment to the most vulnerable. Dr Ravi Shankar Singh, a 66-year-old paediatrician based in Chhapra, has spent the last 22 years dedicating his Sundays to treating poor patients in remote villages entirely free of charge. His approach is not only patient-centric but deeply rooted in a philosophy of service inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda. "Service to man is service to God" is a way of life for Dr Ravi. Every Sunday, without fail, he travels to rural outreach centres affiliated with the Ramakrishna Ashrama in Chhapra. These include the villages of Kohbarwa (under Sadar block), Matkaua (under Garkha block) and Salempur (in Manjhi block), where hundreds of patients, mostly from impoverished backgrounds, line up for free consultation and treatment. "I treat the patients considering them as my own family members. I avoid sending them for costly pathological investigations. Most of my patients are poor. I cannot treat them like they are in Delhi, Mumbai or other metro cities," Dr Ravi said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Serbia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House Search Now Undo Patients and locals often compare his prescribing style to that of the late Dr Sheo Narayan Singh, a Patna doctor known for his minimalist, cost-conscious prescriptions. Dr Ravi follows the same ethos – fewer medicines and always affordable ones. His commitment to service originates from a turning point in 2003 when the Chhapra branch of the Ramakrishna Mission was taken over by its Belur headquarters. During one evening prayer at the ashram, he was moved by a particular Sanskrit verse – Khandan Bhavabandhan, Jagavandan, Vandi Tomay – which translates to, "You are able to liberate a person from the bondage of the world, I offer my respect to you." "After understanding the meaning of that prayer, I became a dedicated follower of Sri Ramakrishna and committed myself to serve the people," he said. In 2020, shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr Ravi took voluntary retirement from govt service. Yet, his dedication to the underserved has not diminished. Healthcare runs in the family. Dr Ravi's wife, Dr Kalpana Sharma, is a well-known gynaecologist in Chhapra. Their only son, Dr Pratyush Chandrayan, is a doctor of medicine at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College and Hospital at Bihta in Patna while his daughter-in-law, Dr Priyanka Basu Bal, is a biochemist. Together, the family forms a quiet medical powerhouse with a shared commitment to care. Born in Nalanda's Bahadurpur village under the Sare police station area, Dr Ravi is the second of four brothers. His father, the late Shambhu Sharan Singh, was a respected figure in the community. Though deeply engaged with the world, Dr Ravi has a message for today's youth – resist the distractions of the digital age. "In this era of electronics and artificial intelligence, I never keep a cellphone," he said – a quiet protest against the noise of modern life and a reminder that some healing does not require screens, apps or AI. Just presence, empathy and service.
News18
04-07-2025
- Health
- News18
How Did Swami Vivekananda Die? The Story Behind His Final Moments
Last Updated: Swami Vivekananda died in 1902 at age 39. More than 120 years later, his teachings on youth, service, and spiritual strength continue to inspire across the world More than 120 years since his passing, Swami Vivekananda remains a beacon of wisdom, courage, and spiritual awakening. Though his life was short, his impact was immeasurable. Swami Vivekananda passed away on July 4, 1902, at the age of just 39. In his final days, despite suffering from asthma, diabetes, and insomnia, he remained committed to meditation, teaching, and service. He is believed to have attained Mahasamadhi during meditation at Belur Math, near Kolkata, West Bengal. Early Life And Global Recognition Swami Vivekananda was an exceptional individual, known for his brilliant intellect and profound spiritual insight. He rose to international prominence following his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he represented India and Hindu philosophy on a global platform. Regrettably, due to poor health, he was unable to attend the 1901 Parliament of the World's Religions held in Japan. As detailed in Gopal Srinivas Banhatti's biography, Swami Vivekananda suffered from chronic illnesses in his later years, including asthma, diabetes, and insomnia. Yet, in spite of his deteriorating condition, he continued to meditate, write extensively, and actively support the work of the Ramakrishna Mission. Final Hours Of Swami Vivekananda The final moments of Swami Vivekananda's life are described in Rajagopal Chattopadhyay's work Swami Vivekananda in India: A Corrective Biography. He spent his last days at Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. On the day of his passing, he maintained his usual spiritual discipline, beginning with three hours of meditation. As evening drew near, he entered meditation once more, instructing those around him not to disturb him. According to an account, he had asked for complete silence during this time. He passed away during meditation at approximately 9:20 PM. His disciples believed he had attained Mahasamadhi, the yogic act of consciously leaving the body. Swami Vivekananda's Cause Of Death According to Swami Virajananda, a senior disciple, the cause of Swami Vivekananda's death was the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. His followers, however, believed this physical event was spiritually significant, associated with the Brahmarandhra, the crown of the head in yogic tradition. Remarkably, Swami Vivekananda had long predicted that he would not live beyond the age of 40, a prophecy that came true. He was cremated on the banks of the Ganges at Belur, at the same spot where his revered guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, had been cremated 16 years earlier. Legacy And Achievements The circumstances of Swami Vivekananda's death remain a subject of reflection, some attributing it to his long-term health conditions, others to the intense rigour of meditation. His disciples were firm in their belief that he consciously left his body in the highest state of spiritual attainment. In the days before his passing, Swami Vivekananda declared that he had fulfilled his life's purpose: to awaken spiritual consciousness, serve humanity, and instil strength and confidence in the youth of India and the world. He departed this world at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions. Swami Vivekananda's Enduring Contributions Swami Vivekananda's influence stretches far beyond his short life, and his ideas continue to shape modern India's intellectual, social, and spiritual landscape: Parliament of the World's Religions, Chicago (1893): His opening words, 'My American brothers and sisters," won him instant admiration and showcased India's spiritual wealth to the world. Founding of the Ramakrishna Mission and Belur Math: Established in Kolkata, these institutions remain pillars of education, humanitarian service, and spiritual growth. Educational Reform: He championed education that builds character, promotes self-reliance, and equips individuals to face life's challenges. He valued practical knowledge over rote learning. Service to Humanity: Declaring 'Service to man is service to God," he urged people to serve the poor and marginalised as the highest form of worship. Revival of Indian Culture and National Pride: He inspired Indians to embrace their heritage and culture with confidence, laying the spiritual foundation for the national freedom movement. Religious Harmony and Inclusiveness: Advocating unity among faiths, he popularised the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world as one family. Promotion of Yoga and Meditation: He played a key role in introducing the philosophical and practical aspects of yoga and meditation to the West. Youth Inspiration: His timeless message, 'Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached," continues to motivate generations of young minds. Major Works: Notable among his writings are Raja Yoga (1896), Vedanta philosophy: lectures on Jnana Yoga (1902), and various compilations of his speeches and letters, all of which remain widely read and revered. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : belur math death anniversary Kolkata Ramkrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 04, 2025, 10:40 IST News india How Did Swami Vivekananda Die? The Story Behind His Final Moments
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Business Standard
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
PM Modi pays tribute to Swami Vivekananda on 123rd death anniversary
The founder of Ramakrishna Mission, whose treatise on Vedanta and Hindu philosophy in general won him a large following, was born in modern-day Kolkata and died at the age of 39 Press Trust of India New Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda, a monk and spiritual leader, on his 123rd death anniversary. "I bow to Swami Vivekananda Ji on his Punya Tithi. His thoughts and vision for our society remains our guiding light. He ignited a sense of pride and confidence in our history and cultural heritage. He also emphasised on walking the path of service and compassion," Modi said on X. The founder of Ramakrishna Mission, whose treatise on Vedanta and Hindu philosophy in general won him a large following, was born in modern-day Kolkata and died at the age of 39. His spiritual and philosophical output has been a source of inspiration for many, with Modi often citing him as a major influence for him. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Swami Vivekananda ignited sense of pride, confidence in history and cultural heritage: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid heartfelt homage to Swami Vivekananda on his death anniversary. Taking to his X handle, PM Modi, who is on a five-nation tour, paid tributes to the revered Hindu monk. He said that Swami Vivekananda's thoughts and vision for our society remain our guiding light. 'I bow to Swami Vivekananda Ji on his Punya Tithi. His thoughts and vision for our society remains our guiding light. He ignited a sense of pride and confidence in our history and cultural heritage. He also emphasised on walking the path of service and compassion,' wrote PM Modi on X. Swami Vivekananda passed away on this day in 1902. He was a philosopher, monk, and nationalist, and advocated for fearless living and spiritual awakening. His teachings remain deeply relevant in India's socio-political landscape. His words continue to inspire generations, reminding people of the power of togetherness and harmony. Swami Vivekananda, on May 1, 1897, founded the Ramakrishna Mission. The motto was to spread the ideals of his Guru, Sri Ramakrishna. His iconic speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 continues to inspire generations. He introduced India's age-old message of unity, peace and brotherhood to the world. Swamiji's famous quote, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached", remains a powerful call to action meant to encourage individuals, particularly the youth, to be proactive, persistent, and dedicated in pursuing their goals. It emphasises the importance of self-awareness, motivation, and unwavering commitment to achieve success. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while paying his tributes to the Swami, said that he was the pioneer of the renaissance of Indian wisdom, philosophy, and cultural pride. 'On one hand, Swami Ji inspired the countrymen towards spiritual advancement, while on the other, he awakened moral strength and self-confidence in the youth. Swami Vivekananda, who re-established the prestige of Indian knowledge tradition on the global stage, called upon the youth to arise, awake, and not stop until the goal is achieved. The ideas of Swami Vivekananda, who considered education the cornerstone of social development, will always remain guiding lights in the direction of nation-building," wrote HM Shah on X in Hindi (loosely translated). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid his respects to the great Swami. 'He is an inspiration not only for India but for the youth of the entire world. We are all fully committed to fulfilling his dream of building a prosperous and progressive India,' wrote Singh on X. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took the occasion to mention the efforts she has undertaken to preserve the Swamiji's house. She wrote on X, 'The message of universal brotherhood and peace that Swamiji gave remains equally relevant today. The Hinduism that Swamiji believed in is the same one I believe in - and that religion says that the religion of humanity is the greatest. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda's ideals, I wish that the people of Bengal, the people of the country, irrespective of religion, caste, or class, will respect and love one another – this is my desire.'
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
Retd officer in Jabalpur put under digital arrest, loses 60 lakh
Bhopal/Jabalpur: Cybercriminals targeted a retired ordnance factory officer in Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, in a "digital arrest" scam, defrauding him of nearly Rs 60 lakh. The scheme mirrors earlier high-profile cases, including a fraud in Gwalior where a monk from the Ramakrishna Mission was deceived of Rs 2.52 crore. On January 10, Shashi Sharma, 61, from Yadav Colony, Jabalpur, received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an officer of the Delhi Crime Branch. The caller alleged that her SIM card and Aadhaar details had been misused to open fake bank accounts and ATM cards in her name, purportedly used by a person named Naresh Goyal to launder crores of rupees. The caller informed her that a case under the National Security Act had been registered against her and that police would arrive at her residence within two hours to arrest her. Additionally, the fraudster stated that her mobile SIM would be deactivated shortly. Speaking with authority and using official-sounding names, the caller instilled fear in Shashi and her husband, Chandrakesh Sharma, a retired assistant works manager from Khamaria Ordnance Factory. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Believing the threat to be genuine and without consulting family members, the couple visited their bank on the same day and transferred Rs 2 lakh as instructed. The fraudsters maintained regular communication via WhatsApp calls, demanding hourly updates and assuring the couple that the funds were only temporarily held and would be returned once "verification" was complete. Over the next ten days, the Sharmas transferred a total of Rs 59.65 lakh to multiple accounts: Rs 15 lakh on January 14, Rs 32.65 lakh on January 17, and Rs 9.98 lakh on January 20. The scam was uncovered when the calls abruptly stopped. Realising the deception, they informed their daughter in Bengaluru, who recognised the scam and advised them to report the incident to the cybercrime police. The couple lodged a formal complaint on January 22 at the Jabalpur Cyber Crime Police Station. A team led by Cyber Cell and Crime Branch Shailesh Mishra began investigation and using the mobile numbers and bank accounts involved in the transactions, the team traced the suspects to Jaipur, Rajasthan. A raid resulted in the arrest of two suspects, Mukesh Chaudhary and Deepak Kumawat, both postgraduates and members of a larger cybercrime syndicate. Police recovered two mobile phones, a chequebook, an ATM card, and Rs 11,500 in cash from them. During interrogation, the accused confessed to targeting individuals across India using similar tactics, often impersonating high-profile names and official agencies to add credibility to their fabricated stories. Jabalpur Crime Branch CSP Shailesh Mishra told TOI that they are delving deeper into the network and anticipate further arrests soon. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
