Sugandh India | ‘Asha Kiran’ for the poor and the needy

Interviews March 2023

‘Asha Kiran’ for the poor and the needy

March 3, 2023

by sugandh

-1000+ patients had dialysis in six months at ‘Asha Kiran’ hospital, Bengaluru

COVID was the learning curve! It almost destroyed the world with its spike protein. Living during a pandemic created a feeling of cooperation among people from all walks of life. People were doing their best in the need of the hour. The agarbatti industry also decided to do good to the people around them. They dedicated a hospital to recompense invaluable human loss and suffering during the pandemic. The chairman of Mysore Oodabathi Manufacturers Charitable Trust and head of Parimal Mandir Agarbatti, Shri S Jagannath shared with Sugandh India how Asha Kiran Dialysis center became a reality.

Mysore oodabathi manufacturers charitable trust was was established 50 years back in 1973 by B.V. Rathnaiah Setty (B.V. Aswathaiah & Bros) Shri Sunku Gundaiah Setty, Shri B.N. Krishnaiah Setty, Shri S.R.Laxminarasimhaiah, Shri H S Rao, Shri B.S. Venkatesha Sastry in association with Shri K Ramanandam. The trust, set up by the members of the All India Agarbatti Manufacturers’ Association, aimed to provide medical aid and improve the welfare of workers who were not covered by the Employees’ State Insurance.

In a conversation with Sugandh India, chairman of the trust, Shri S Jagannath told that when everyone was engulfed by the pandemic be it the poor or the affluent, that was the time when the members of the trust decided that a COVID Centre must be set up. A building owned by ‘Mysore Oodabathi Manufacturers Charitable Trust’ was vacant and available. Unfortunately, the 6,500 square feet carpet area building didn’t have a lift. The doctors said that a hospital without a lift is not possible. It will take two to three months to have one. Feeling disappointed! The plan was put on halt. As the Covid declined, with a strong will it was decided to resume the project, Jagannath ji informed. The trust used to donate two lakh rupees to St. Johns Hospital for dialysis of economically challenged patients. And so it was decided that the hospital will be brought to reality no matter what. Bhoomi Pujan was done in 2022 and within ten months of dedicated efforts, the most awaited hospital was ready.

Jagannath ji told that the trust had a fund of 50 Lakhs. This fund was dedicated to help children in their education, and people in illness and distress. Unfortunately, this wasnt enough to run a hospital. An average daily cost of ₹2000 was calculated for 28 patients. This disappointed the members but Jagannath ji as he told had a firm belief that the day a poor and needy would get a free dialysis done, that day our life’s purpose would be fulfilled. This was the dream of B V Rathnaiah Setty that has become a reality now. Team Sugandha India visited this hospital and found how special it is for the economically challenged. German-made dialysis machines are installed and equipped with trained staff.

Jagannath ji informed that those donating towards this noble cause get the benefit of exemption in income tax. Well-wishers and the general public can also donate generously on; birthdays, marriages, anniversaries, festivals and other significant occasions.

Around six medical doctors are available 24×7 along with medical staff and attendants. Around 14 dialysis patients get medical services in a single shift. More dialysis machines have been ordered. By April more patients shall enjoy benefits reported Jagannath ji.

A kidney transplant facility is planned and very shortly patients will also get transplants. Moreover some doctors have also come forward to provide their services for free for this. Speaking more on this he informed us; A transplant will cost us six lakh rupees per patient. The Trust is in talks with companies for funds under their CSR. Some have pledged to release funds by March-April.

The trust sends expense details periodically to donors. Jagannth ji tells that the patients that come here dont have much time in their hands and their lives are harsh so we try to make the best of whatever their life remains.

In order to encourage the welfare of the community the Income Tax Department vide its letter dated 28th September 2007 recognized the Trust under 80G(vi) of the Income Tax Act and provided tax relief.

Key contributors and managers of the ‘Asha Kiran Hospital Dialysis Centre’ are Mr. B S Amarnath (BV Aswathaiah & Bros), Mr. Hiten Wadhar (Shashi Industries Bengaluru), Mr. Arjun M Ranga (NR Group Mysore), Mr. K. L. Ramesh (Vijayalakshmi Agarbatti Co.), Mr. N. S. Srinivasa Murthy (N. K. Subbiah Setty & Sons), Mr. Hussain Salman (Mysore Agarbatti & Perfumery), Mr. B.V. Ramachandra (Chaitanya Perfumery Works), Mr. P. L. Nagaraj (Orkay Fragrances), Mr. T.V. Venu Gopal (Aashika Incense Inc.), Shri KR Ravi (Shri Balakrishna Perfumery Works) besides Dr. D. Shivanna (Dialysis Centre, Rajarajeshwari Hospital), Shri Rammohan (Director, Shankar Cancer Hospital), Shri Abhinav R (Trustee Shankar Cancer Hospital, Advocates (Kumar & Kumar Advocates) and Legal Advisor), Dr. Sanjay Gururaj (Shanti Hospital & Research Centre), Sh. KG Subbaraj (Vice Chairman of Vasavi Hospital and Chairman of Kandla Group), Sh. Suresh Laxmikant (Vice Chairman of Vasavi Trust & Trustee Vasavi Hospital and Chairman of Suraj Group) and Mr. Ankit Agarwal (Director MDPH Indore).