Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashrama in Bangalore, in association with Vagdevi Trust conducted "International Day for the Disabled and Free Speech and Hearing Camp" on Saturday, the 2nd December 2000.
The camp commenced at 9 a.m. with Ashram Prayer and lighting the lamp. The camp was inaugurated by Lion R.Prabhu, District Governor, Lions Club of Bangalore.

A team of specialists conducted free investigation for 150 patients suffering from the following problems/disabilities.

1. Stutter or stammer
2. Difficulty in pronouncing
3. Loss of speech, difficulty in understanding others’ and one’s own speech, difficulty in remembering appropriate words due to stroke or any other brain related diseases.
4. Deteriorating speech/language skills.
5. Voice problems/nasal speech
6. Inability to speak or start speaking even at the age of 2 years.
7. Difficulty in chewing/swallowing food.
8. Learning difficulties

Arrangements were also made for free distribution of Hearing Aids for the needy and economically backward patients. Food was served to all the patients and volunteers.

On the whole the camp was a humble venture and was a grand success by the grace of Pujya Sri Swamiji. Enquiries about the next camp have started pouring in. We are planning to conduct camps for the benefit of economically backward rural people.

(report by Sri C.S.Narasimha, Executive Trustee)