Bhaktivedanta Manor was abuzz with enthusiasm and inspiration as the Devotee Care Office, in collaboration with the Bhaktivedanta Medical Association, hosted the second annual Devotee Care Fest.
This event aimed to increase awareness of the importance of looking after our physical bodies in order to serve well. This brought together congregation members for a day dedicated to body, mind and soul health.
There were special talks, presentations and videos, children’s activities, cookery workshops and competitions designed to promote physical activity and healthy eating. There was even a world-renowned magician – – Magic Singh!
–
The fest also served as a platform to connect our congregation with vital resources and services provided by our valued local charities and statutory organisations as well as internal departments within the Bhaktivedanta Manor. They included:
* NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research)
* SMILE Dental Clinics
* Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Friends
* One Vision and MacMillan Cancer Support
* Hertfordshire Age UK and Herts Help
* Carers in Herts
* Mind Hertfordshire Network
* Hertfordshire County Council and Gateway to Adult Care Services
* Devi Project
* Karuna Care
* The School of Bhakti Team
* Volunteers Care Council and Vanasprastha Sanga, Friendship group
* Mentorship Team and Sanga
* The Bhakti Recovery Group
The Bhaktivedanta Medical Association (BMA) – under the leadership of Sundarananda das, offered free health screenings, hosted informative talks on medical topics and ran workshops.
“This year’s Health and Wellbeing Fest was a true testament to the spirit of community and the power of collaboration,” explained Hemangi dasi, Director of the Devotee Care Office (DCO). “All the activities were very well appreciated and attended. Special thanks to all the volunteers from VCC, Communication team, Krishna’s Helper’s and everyone who made the event a success! Stay tuned for more events and initiatives from the Devotee Care Office as we journey together towards a healthier and more harmonious and enthusiastic service mood in 2025”.
“It is important to keep the body fit and healthy so that we will not meet the obstacle of ill health while serving Krishna”
Srila Prabhupada, letter, June 1975
–
