39th Annual AAPI Convention Keynote Address

Sadhvi Bhagawatiji gave the keynote address yesterday at the annual convention of the prestigious American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), the 80,000 member strong organization of Indian doctors practicing in the United States. Sadhviji was joined by numerous other dignitaries including Congresswoman Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux, Congressman Buddy Carter , Chairman of the American Medical Association (AMA) Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, ISKON leader Gauranga Das and many others.

She explained that “As doctors you have two beautiful gifts which you share with your patients: teachings and touch. You have the teachings of your medical school, of your experience and expertise in your field. But you also have the beautiful touch of the heart of who you are – your caring touch, love and compassion which also is very healing. And as Indian doctors you really have 3 gifts — the teachings, the touch and also the transformation which Indian culture gives us, which I experienced so profoundly 25 years ago. You share these 3 gifts with all your patients.”

She went on to share that these days there is so much stress, tension and depression among doctors, especially since Covid times and it was time for doctors to also take care of themselves, their own spiritual and emotional immunity. She offered an answer to that stress and depression with the anagram CURED. C stands for Connection, connection to the Divine, which keeps us grounded and anchored and keeps our internal battery charged. U stands for Understanding that you are only an instrument in God’s hands. R stands for Reconnection all day long. E stands for Equanimity – finding balance and management of our own minds. D stands for Dhanyavad – the practice of gratitude, and also stands for Devotion, love for God.

Following the keynote address she also led a 2-hour question-answer session where she answered all the audiences questions on living a spiritual life.