Sanatana Dharma Swasthya and Samriddhi Board (SDSSB): A Proposal for Community-Led Healthcare and Economic Empowerment

The proposal outlines the creation of the Sanatana Dharma Swasthya and Samriddhi Board (SDSSB), a statutory body dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of Sanatana Dharma followers in India. By utilizing temple resources, charitable donations, and potential government-matching grants, the SDSSB aims to implement initiatives in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Initially, the board seeks to benefit 50,000 individuals in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, guided by the principle of Sarva Bhuta Hita (welfare of all beings). This initiative addresses the community's specific needs, particularly focusing on addressing the prevalent malnutrition among children under 5 and skill gaps in sustainable agriculture, while preserving cultural heritage and promoting ethical values (Srinivasan & Aithal, 2023). The proposal details the governance structure, funding mechanisms, program components, and expected outcomes, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and community participation through the establishment of village-level advisory committees that will provide input on program design and implementation (Ledwith, 2020). By fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem of support, the SDSSB aspires to serve as a model for community-led development and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society, with a projected 15% reduction in poverty in target areas within 5 years (Shaw, 2008).