Inauguration of ‘Aarogyawari’ Initiative by Samarth Yuva Foundation in Collaboration with Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited

Pune: The tradition of the Wari pilgrimage is over 700 years old. In Maharashtra, there are lakhs of Warkaris (devotees) for whom not participating in the Wari feels like the year is incomplete. Among them, women form a significant number. However, while shouldering many responsibilities in life, they often neglect their own health. Many times, due to shyness or hesitation, they avoid medical check-ups. Hence, such healthcare services must reach right at their doorstep, said Maharashtra’s Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil.

The ‘Aarogyawari’ initiative, organized by Samarth Yuva Foundation with support from Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL), was inaugurated by Minister Chandrakant Patil. The event was flagged off at Ranade Institute on Ferguson College Road. Present on the occasion were Rajesh Pande, President of Samarth Yuva Foundation; Kumar Shankar, Managing Director of MNGL; Sanjay Kulkarni, President of Fleetguard Filters; Shankar Karjagi, Director of Commerce; and Independent Director Bageshree Manthalkar.

Rajesh Pande stated that through Aarogyawari, 1.21 lakh patients have received medical treatment so far, and over 4 lakh health check-ups have been conducted. The initiative bridges devotion and health. The foundation has actively involved youth in providing healthcare services.

Shankar Karjagi praised the significant and heartfelt participation of young women in this initiative. He stated that serving the Warkaris earns spiritual merit, which he believes is the greatest reward.

With the aim of expanding medical services for Warkaris and those in need, two mobile medical vans will remain operational throughout the initiative. Through the Aarogyawari campaign, the foundation has pledged to provide healthcare services to 5,000 Warkaris on the Pune to Pandharpur pilgrimage route.

All walking Warkaris will receive free health check-ups under this initiative. The services will include breast cancer screening, eye check-ups, oral cancer screening, dental exams, blood pressure monitoring, blood profile tests, cholesterol checks, and blood sugar testing. The vote of thanks was delivered by Bageshree Manthalkar.