The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the largest ethnic medical organization in the country, representing the interests of over 120,000 physicians of Indian origin, has been focusing on ways to help AAPI members, who have been in the forefront helping millions of patients around the nation, to take care of self and find satisfaction and happiness in the challenging situations they are in, while serving hundreds of patients everyday of their dedicated and noble profession, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI said.
In this context, The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), in collaboration with Heartfulness Meditation and the American Heart Association, embarked on a mission to educate and train its members and provide opportunities to promote self-care, improve physician wellness, and reduce burnout, with focus on lifestyle modifications in the treatment of chronic diseases, including cancer, at Kanha Shanti Vanam in Hyderabad, Telangana, India on January 19, 2025.
“Our physician members work very hard everyday, providing the best healthcare to their patients across the United States. The Heartfulness Meditation has allowed AAPI to serve these hard working members, who have dedicated their lives to the cause of healing. It is a perfect time to heal the healers with a special focus on wellness as we rejuvenate and relax,” said Dr. Satheesh Kathula, who, along with several AAPI members visited and experienced Heartfulness Meditation at the Kanha Shantivanam on the outskirts of Hyderabad, during the Indo-US Scientific Convention organized by AAPI in January this year.
The event began with a meditation session led by Daaji, followed by Dr. Murthy Gokula’s presentation on “8 Habits for Highly Effective Health and Happiness.” Dr. Satheesh Kathula then led a session on “Cancer and Lifestyle Modification.” Approximately 400 attendees, including several AAPI leaders, participated in the seminar.
During the event, four AEDs were donated to the Heartfulness Medical Center, with funds raised by a group of AAPI members. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between AAPI and Heartfulness, launching the “HAAPI” project (Heartfulness and AAPI), aimed at fostering mutual benefits in education, research, and clinical work.
Practicing yoga and meditation has been shown to decrease stress, fatigue, and alleviate chronic pains, as well as improving physical fitness.
CPR training was also provided to over 300 individuals, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, AP, India.
The event was conceived and organized by Dr. Satheesh Kathula, the Heartfulness Meditation Center, Daaji and his associates, Drs. Vemuri Murthy, Ranga Reddy, AIIMS-Mangalagiri, Dr. Murthy Gokula, and Dr. Dwarakanatha Reddy, President of the Indian Medical Association, Telangana.