The Healing Touch of Baru Sahib

Since 1982, the free medical camps at Akal Charitable Hospital, Baru Sahib have been more than just healthcare initiatives—they have been a lifeline for the underserved, a testament to the power of seva (selfless service) and the spirit of compassion.

What began in the summer of 1982 with a surgical eye camp led by Dr. Dhanwant Singh Ji, under the divine benevolence of Honourable Saint Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, grew into a movement. Regular screenings, medical camps, vaccination campaigns, and eye check-up and refraction services were conducted 3-4 times each year, steadily expanding with time.

Destiny blessed us to be part of this divine service under the patronage of our spiritual mentor, Sant Baba Iqbal Singh Ji, a 'Mahapurakh' with a heart full of compassion from which the welfare of humanity flows. I was fortunate to join this unique platform of giving that Baru Sahib offers, alongside my life partner, Dr. Davinder Singh Ji. I vividly recall the eye surgeries performed by us in a makeshift operation theatre set up in the basement. At that time, there were no roads in the remote Himalayan Region. Villagers in need of surgery or medical attention were carried on the shoulders of volunteers through rugged mountain terrain. What once seemed impossible was made possible through faith and the belief that every life is worth saving—a realization of true commitment that began with taking the Hippocratic Oath as a medical graduate.

Soon, the core team was joined by Dr. Gautam Singh Sikand and later Dr. G.P. Singh, who, along with their team of doctors and paramedical staff from Jalandhar, made these camps a biannual feature every spring and fall. A little while later, medical professionals from Patiala and Delhi began holding two additional camps in summer and winter. Motivated by these pioneering efforts, Mr. Dave Mann from Vancouver brought a team of medics, code-named Operation Rainbow, from Canada. They performed plastic surgeries for the needy patients in this remote part of Himachal Pradesh.

From surgeries like cataract removals, cholecystectomies, hysterectomies, cleft palate repairs, contracture surgeries, and uterine prolapse corrections, to routine check-ups and diagnostics, no one is ever turned away. The healing goes beyond medical care—every patient receives free lodging, food, and follow-up services. Every step, from surgery to recovery, is handled with love and dignity, ensuring that the healing touch of Baru Sahib reaches everyone who comes to us. We are deeply grateful to the Almighty, "Waheguru."

As we prepare for our next free medical and surgical camp—the second such camp this year—we invite all compassionate souls to join us in this sacred endeavour as volunteers, mentors, and professionals.

The upcoming camp will once again bring together the best of humanity—people dedicated to healing, giving, and serving at Baru Sahib.