Sri Sri Ravishankar Praises The Sacrifices Of Indian American Physicians, Hoping For End to Covid in 2021
Our Bureau
New York
“Let me congratulate the great work done by the physicians around the world, and especially the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) members,” said Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishnakar in a live message via Zoom from his home in India to the members of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) at a colorful New Year 2021 Welcome Event organized by AAPI on Friday, January 1st. Recognizing the leadership of AAPI, led by Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda and the executive committee, he commented them “for their service to humanity, putting their own life at risk, doing so much for the society.”
Acknowledging that the past year 2020 has been a period of immense challenges for Humanity, Sri Sri Ravishnakar acknowledged the sacrifices and heroic efforts and contributions of physicians of Indian origin. “Healthcare professionals, particularly the Physicians of Indian Origin have put their life at risk, and have served humanity well,” he said.
“I wish you all a brighter and happier New Year in 2021,” hoping that “we will find answers for the problem of covid-19.” Stressing that “What matter is the need for Inner Strength,” Sri Sri told Indian American physicians that “I’m sure you all recognize the value of mental health and Inner Strength. May all you be very strong physically and mentally.” Showering his spiritual blessings on each of them, he said, “I want to wish you all a very happy new year and lots of blessings for you to continue to serve the society the way you have been doing.”
In his New Year message, Dr. Jonnalagadda, President of AAPI said, “All across the world, people are looking forward to welcoming 2021 and bidding goodbye to the challenging year that was 2020, which will be a year seared in all our memories. It’s been a year that has fundamentally challenged long established certainties about what we think is safe and what we believe is healthy in all areas of our lives.”
Pointing to the record time in which healthcare professionals and leaders have been able to make, distribute and administer vaccines around the world in order to combat and mitigate the deadly virus, he said, “The innovative ways healthcare professionals have learnt and begun to practice Medicine gives humanity HOPE. A New Year is a powerful occasion: It’s a time when we reflect on our gratitude for the past and our hopes for the future. And it’s a chance to welcome a fresh start to reinvigorate our enthusiasm for chasing goals and dreams. As we wave goodbye to the old and embrace the New Year with hope, dreams, and ambition. A Very Happy New Year full of Blessings, Happiness, Health and Prosperity!”
The event was coordinated and presented by Dr. Anajana Samaddar, Chair of AAPI’s Women’s Forum and Dr. Udaya Shivangi, Event Chair.
The celebrations included contemporary and classic music live from India by a talented and much acclaimed team of artists led by Gautham Bharadwaj & Niranjana, who were the only band chosen from India to perform at the 2012 London Olympics. The team performed live to the delight of a large audience from across the US with melodies in several Indian languages.
