India Development and Relief Fund (IDRF) is a 501 (c) (3) public charity in the US that supports vulnerable communities in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Since its establishment in 1988 by Dr. Vinod Prakash, IDRF has formed collaborations with various reliable and trustworthy NGOs. Today, we discuss IDRF's remarkable partnership, with the renowned Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana University (S-VYASA) since 2002.
With its establishment in 1986 in Bengaluru, S-VYASA has risen to prominence as the foremost charitable educational institution in the field of Yoga. From basic courses to graduate and doctoral programs, this remarkable Yoga University encompasses a broad range of offerings. It prides itself on embodying the wisdom and teachings of Swami Vivekanand, integrating them seamlessly into its academic higher education program. S-VYASA has been accorded the distinction of being the first ISO 2001:2008 certified Yoga University. It became the world’s first university that offered graduate, master, and Ph.D. degree courses for Yoga and Vedic Therapy.
More than two decades ago, Dr. H R Nagendra, the visionary behind S-VYASA, reached out to Dr. Prakash with an appeal for the construction of Eknath Center –City Clinic in Bengaluru city. Dr. Nagendra, a former scientist at NASA, cherished a vision of establishing a revolutionary yoga center in Bengaluru. He acquired a vast expanse of 8 acres of land to bring his dream to life. This remarkable endeavor was made possible with the invaluable assistance of Dr. Prakash, who wholeheartedly understood the significance of Dr. Nagendra's noble mission. In 2010 and 2011, IDRF helped with the construction of a Naturopathy and Ayurveda Center and a four-floor women’s hostel to accommodate 500 students on the campus in Bengaluru. Since 2017, IDRF has been supporting the construction for the expansion of this hostel.
In 2015, S-VYASA organized Stop Diabetes Movement (SDM) camps to inspire and transform lives across India. Many people in the country were unaware of the devastating effects of diabetes and camps were organized to spread awareness and prevent diabetes by using the ancient holistic approach of Yoga. 1,400+ camps were conducted in 21 states in India. The participants received CDs and booklets and, availed of the benefits of Yoga therapy in the management of diabetes. Blood samples were collected for laboratory tests (sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India) and participants were monitored for one year to continue Yoga therapy. Laboratory tests were repeated at the end of the third, sixth, and twelfth months. Thus, IDRF had the opportunity to play a pivotal role in this significant national movement.
The collaboration between IDRF and S-VYASA is a noteworthy alliance that deserves recognition.
Your support for continuing IDRF’s development programs is very essential. Please contact us at admin@idrf.org or call 1-855-INDIA-HELP to donate to a cause dear to your heart.
