For over 50 years, Dr. Prakash has tirelessly served his motherland, leaving an enduring mark on uncountable lives. Today, we are pleased to share inspiring insights from Dr. Prakash himself in his incredible journey of IDRF.

• One of the most remarkable experiences for Dr. Vinod Prakash and his wife Sarla, was their visit to the magnificent Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, India. Fascinated by its beauty and serenity, they considered themselves truly privileged to have experienced this awe-inspiring place of Swami Vivekananda.
• It all started in 1989 when Dr. Prakash and Sarla embarked on a journey through the enchanting state of Kerala and eventually arrived in Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India. During their time there, they had the opportunity to stay at the guest house of Vivekananda Kendra, an NGO. With great passion, they approached Dr. Prakash and requested to provide funds for the construction of two rooms in their guest house to which he agreed. This was the beginning of a strong bond between IDRF and Vivekananda Kendra.
• Over the years, IDRF has proudly supported the remarkable endeavors of the Vivekananda Kendra intending to give healthcare support, medical facilities, education, and empowering communities.
• In the pursuit of lasting impact, IDRF has backed the transformative ARUN Jyoti Program, bringing rays of hope to the neglected regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Amidst the harsh realities of underdevelopment, where even the district headquarters face broken and treacherous road conditions, IDRF recognized the pressing need to extend quality healthcare services to the underserved populace. Through the invaluable collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra, IDRF offers medical vans to provide primary health services to remote and hilly areas, free medical camps, nutritious meals, and supplements to severely malnourished children and anemic mothers.
• Aiming to provide exemplary healthcare services to the rural population in the Tinsukia district of Assam, IDRF extended its support to a devoted doctor who has selflessly volunteered his services. With this unwavering dedication, he established a small clinic and pathological laboratory, with the joint efforts of Vivekananda Kendra and IDRF.
• As the program progressed successfully, IDRF provided funding to include an outpatient department (OPD) and a small hospital. Moreover, a generous donor from IDRF expressed interest in contributing towards commencing a surgical ward within this hospital. Consequently, IDRF provided the necessary funds to enhance the facilities available.
• Through consistent efforts and the support of IDRF, the hospital was enhanced with multiple healthcare facilities, helpful for the lives of the rural people.
• In 2000, IDRF funded the construction of an entire floor of the Vivekananda Regional office at Guwahati, Assam.
• On December 1, 2009, a special event took place where Dr. Prakash and his wife Sarla, representing IDRF, were invited as esteemed guests. The occasion marked the inauguration of the Vivekananda International Foundation in Chanakyapuri, Delhi. This foundation held immense significance as it offered an opportunity for those tourists unable to visit Kanyakumari's Rock Memorial or Belur Math in Kolkata to gain insight into Swami Vivekananda's life journey and his profound messages.
• During this inaugural ceremony, Dr. Prakash and Sarla were bestowed with an honor by the renowned Amma- Mata Amritanandamayi Devi from Kerala, fondly known as “the hugging saint." It was a remarkable moment that turned out to be Dr. Prakash's final trip to India, as his visual abilities completely diminished in mid-2010 due to medical negligence.
• IDRF funded the Vivekananda International Foundation with two guest rooms, a library, and functional furniture.
• Vivekananda Kendra recently initiated a special program in the Andaman Nicobar Islands, with the invaluable support of IDRF, to fund the construction of a school building. Late Baldev Sachdeva, a compassionate donor, generously contributed $40,000 from his retirement fund, which became 50% of the construction cost of the school building. As a token of gratitude, the school building has been named after him.
• Meanwhile, the remaining 50% of the construction cost was provided by IDRF. Currently, the construction work for the school building is in progress, representing a significant step towards providing quality education in the region.

Hence, for many years, IDRF has established a highly fruitful and enduring partnership with Vivekananda Kendra. Throughout this time, IDRF has consistently extended financial support and aided various projects and initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty in India.

Let us continue this journey of compassion and join hands to build a better future for all.

Contact us at admin@idrf.org to donate to India to help the rural poor by providing better healthcare, education, and empowerment programs for women in India.