Barely coming out of the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what path to take after successfully concluding a major patient-centric healthcare initiative. As the world slowly regained its footing, I felt a deep calling to make a difference – to be of help to my aging mother back in India and to continue my late father’s legacy of community health service. Simultaneously, my quest to intensify my spiritual experiences led me to a life-changing 10-day Vipassana silent retreat in early 2021. Little did I know this transformative experience would set the stage for an incredible journey.
The retreat opened my eyes and my heart to new possibilities. I knew I had to put my skills and gifts to use for the greater good of society, expressing gratitude to all those who played a part in shaping who I am today. It was during this time that fate stepped in and brought me face to face with my dear friend Suresh Challa. As we shared our dreams and aspirations, we discovered a common goal – to serve people less fortunate than us, particularly those living in remote and underserved regions.
Our minds abuzz with ideas, we embarked on a series of brainstorming sessions, seeking a solution to a pressing challenge faced by countless individuals worldwide – the lack of basic healthcare services in remote rural areas. Traditional medical facilities were sparse, located about 25 km to 50 km away, and doctors were reluctant to venture into these distant regions. Furthermore, people who sought out care at these traditional medical facilities were pushed into poverty because of high staggering healthcare costs. We knew that if we wanted to make a real impact, we needed to think innovatively to bridge the delivery gap of healthcare accessibility, availability, and affordability.
Thus, Dava Cana, “medicine house”, a charitable service organization was born, representing our beacon of hope for those deprived of access to primary care centers in their villages and neighborhoods.
The idea was simple yet revolutionary: to bring medical expertise to remote communities through the power of telemedicine and mobile clinics. Together, Suresh and I crafted a vision of creating a global platform for providing medical access to underserved populations worldwide.
The journey with Dava Cana has been nothing short of extraordinary. Each step we take is a testament to our commitment to serve and to bring healthcare to those who need it the most. The challenges have been real, but so have the victories. Through the ups and downs, we remain driven by a shared sense of purpose and an unyielding determination to create lasting change.
Dava Cana Inc became a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in July 2021, a milestone that solidified our dedication to our mission. As our team grew, our network of supporters expanded, all bound by a common passion for making a difference.
In India, we proudly operate as Aarogya Vahini Mobile Clinics, working in collaboration with the EPICS Trust to serve the medical needs of remote communities. Witnessing the impact of our efforts firsthand has been profoundly humbling. The joy on the faces of those we reach and the gratitude in their eyes reaffirms that we are on the right path.
The road ahead is long, and we know there will be hurdles to overcome. Yet, every day, we take another step forward, driven by the knowledge that we are building something much more significant than ourselves.
Today, I am not just a spectator in my life; I am an active participant in the pursuit of purpose. Dava Cana has become an integral part of my identity, reminding me of the power that lies within us to effect change. This journey has shown me that our lives have a profound impact on others, and it is up to us to choose the legacy we leave behind.
To anyone out there who feels the call to make a difference – take that step. Embrace your purpose, and let it guide you towards a life of meaning and fulfillment. Together, we can bridge the healthcare divide and create a world where compassion and care know no boundaries.
Milestones Achieved:
As we tread on this transformative journey with Dava Cana, we have celebrated several significant milestones that fill our hearts with pride and reaffirm our commitment to making a lasting impact on the lives of underserved communities. These achievements stand as a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated team, generous supporters, and the resilient communities we serve.
These milestones are not just numbers; they represent lives touched, smiles brought, and hope instilled. Dava Cana’s impact is a testament to the power of collective action and compassion. We celebrate these achievements with deep gratitude for our supporters, partners, and the resilient communities that inspire us every day.
As we continue this extraordinary path, our vision of creating a global healthcare model becomes ever more attainable. Together, we continue making strides towards a world where everyone has access to quality medical care, regardless of their circumstances.
Join us in this journey of hope, healing, and transformation, as we strive to leave a legacy of sustainable change and lasting impact.
