In 2012, Dr. H N Bajaj had the vision of creating the Bhikteshwar Foundation, with the avowed aim of charity. The objective was simple: Be a human, and help people as much as possible.
The idea of the Foundation was discussed with Dr. Sunil Katoch and Dr. Sameer Anand. They were supportive and said that it was a good idea in principle, but the feasibility seemed remote. For one, there was no money in the kitty for this project. Secondly, we needed to learn how to go about executing it. Like so many good ideas, this too had every chance of being relegated to the background and being forgotten as impractical.
Dr. Bajaj persisted with it. He met Mr. Vinod Kila and Mr. Vikas Gogasaria, who were strongly supportive, and without their support, this idea may never have been fructified. Both of them continue to remain so. A society was formed and was registered. There are seven founding members. They are all doctors – Dr. H N Bajaj, Dr. Sameer Anand, Dr. Sunil Katoch, Dr. Ritabh Kumar, Dr. Pushkar Chawla, Dr. Zahir Shah, and Dr. S S Jha. No founding member is paid for his work for the Foundation. They are all voluntary workers. They advise, plan, and guide on strategy and policy.
Dr. Zahir Shah migrated to Germany, and the void was filled by Dr. Pawan Mangla.
The raison d’etre for creating the Foundation lies in making a difference in healthcare, particularly in the rural sector, in improving the conditions of women and children, and lastly constructing a temple devoted to Lord Shiva.
The approach that is employed in these activities is always humanist - respect and regard for all men, women, and children. It is motivated by concern for the alleviation of suffering.
Why build a temple? Nobody knows if God exists. But the belief in His existence offers hope to survive in a ruthlessly materialistic world. And we should never take away hope. A temple is a crutch that props up that hope. Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, Ganesha, Devi, Jesus, Allah, call him what you will, we are all connected to that One Supreme Being.
