London is well known for its terrible weather. On Sunday 4th October, it rained all day, and yet, Ajaybhai Doshi, braved the elements and managed to run 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 42 minutes in the virtual London marathon to raise funds for Sayla’s Civic Health Centre (CHC). He has already raised over £14,000 (over Rs 13 Lakhs). Ajaybhai faced many challenges today, apart from the weather. In a normal marathon, he would have been surrounded by thousands of runners and many thousand spectators to cheer him and others on. Today, he began running alone. During the coronavirus pandemic, everyone is forced to maintain social distancing.
But he was not alone. He was running with the blessings of Param Pujya Bhaishree, in honour of his father, the late, beloved Arunbhai Doshi, and with a noble aim. Many, many friends, family members, and members of the Raj Saubhag family gathered in small groups to cheer him on, and to provide refreshment, if needed. There were toddlers and there were the elderly, all inspired and providing encouragement.
The CHC provides services in rural Saurashtra, in a successful public-private partnership between the State of Gujarat and Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal, Sayla. Certain procedures are offered at a fraction of the price that would be paid in fully private urban hospitals, with some patients even travelling from nearby cities.
Param Pujya Bhaishree expressed his great joy at the energy and efforts of Ajaybhai. He remarked how fresh Ajaybhai looked. He remembered Ajaybhai running at the Ashram and invited him to visit again. Bhaishree stated that many memories were being prompted, including those of Punitben and late Arunbhai, Ajaybhai's parents.
Brahmnishth Vikrambhai remarked that the run was a demonstration of Ajaybhai's great mental strength in addition to his physical strength and training. Vikrambhai told him that his parents were proud of him and showering their blessings.
He told Ajaybhai how the CHC was performing well in many areas, and informed him about the new gynaecologist and new equipment.
Ajaybhai expressed much gratitude for the support he had received from friends, family and the Raj Saubhag community. He described how much detailed planning his nephew Niraj Sanghvi had done and how much he had helped in general. Most of all, Ajaybhai felt the presence of Bhaishree's blessings.
Ajaybhai told Bhaishree that there were many people in search of good causes to fund, and that donations would come wherever good work was being done, as was happening in Sayla. Bhaishree mentioned that things would continue being done well, and that many of the younger members of the Ashram were now engaged in the projects. Vikrambhai had also explained some testimonials from staff and patients to show the value of the work at CHC.
Inspired by Param Pujya Bhaishree, Arunbhai and Punitben Doshi had taken much interest in humanitarian and developmental work in and around Sayla and many other places. This, in turn, had inspired Ajaybhai's commitment to continue this support, as well as successfully to take on the challenge of the 2020 London marathon.
Despite the challenges of the Coronavirus, 4th October 2020 saw a great outpouring of Karuna (compassion) in the midst of London's pouring rain.
If you have been inspired by this story, then you can donate here, or even apply to run the marathon next year here.
