Prayagraj, 18 July (HS): A six-member team from the St. John

Ambulance Brigade, North Central Railway (NCR), Prayagraj, presented a unique

example of human service through their outstanding relief work at the 36th

National Service Camp and the world-famous Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra–2026 held

in Puri, Odisha. During the deployment from July 15 to July 17, 2026, the team

provided emergency medical assistance to devotees, embodying the core

philosophy of Service to Mankind is Service to God.

The service campaign commenced on July 15 with a grand

opening ceremony of the 36th National Service Camp at the Town Hall in Puri,

which was attended by the Honorable Governor of Odisha, the Health Minister,

and several other dignitaries. The North Central Railway team actively assisted

in managing the event arrangements to ensure its smooth execution. Following

this, during the main Rath Yatra from July 15 to 17, the team took charge at

highly congested and critical locations, including Grand Trunk Road and the

Medical College area, where massive crowds had gathered. Despite continuous

heavy rainfall, the volunteers maintained their duties with utmost dedication

and enthusiasm. Amid the heavy rush, brigade members provided immediate

first aid to devotees suffering from injuries, fractures, fainting spells, and

other medical emergencies.

Over the three-day demanding service period, the team

treated more than 300 patients. Navigating ambulances safely through the dense

crowds and swiftly shifting critical patients to the hospital posed a major

challenge, which the team successfully managed using their prior experience and

efficient coordination. Acknowledging the exceptional work of the Prayagraj

team, the St. John Ambulance Odisha Brigade honored all the team members with

appreciation certificates.

The volunteer team was led by Corporal Amit Kumar Maurya,

alongside Sergeant Vijay Prakash Ram, Sergeant Mahesh Kumar, Member Sonu Kumar,

Member Sunil Kumar, and Member Ram Sajeevan Patel, who all demonstrated

exemplary teamwork. Volunteers from St. John Ambulance Brigades of various

other states, the Red Cross Society, Civil Defence, and Scouts & Guides

also participated in this National Service Camp, sharing their experiences in

disaster management and public service with the Prayagraj team. By

demonstrating courage, discipline, and a spirit of service amidst adverse

weather, continuous rain, and millions of devotees, the team has brought

laurels to the North Central Railway at the national level.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi