Social Service Programs in Lama

In Service of Distressed Humanity

In addition to the Shishu Kanon School, Quantum has undertaken some other social services in the areas adjacent to the Meditation Resort to address the needs of the local people.

Qurbani (Sacrificial Feast) in Lama

Quantum Foundation's Chairman Shahid El Bukhari Mahajataq in a warm kulakuli (embrace) with a local Murong

Eid Ul Azha or Qurbani Eid is the second most important religious festival for Muslims. On this day, all Muslim families who are able sacrifice an animal, honoring Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) readiness to sacrifice his own son for God. The meat of the sacrificed animal is then distributed amongst family, relatives and the destitute.

Celebrating Eid Ul Azha in Lama is unique among the various Quantum Service Programs. Quantum Foundation’s Chairman Shahid El Bukhari Mahajataq has been celebrating Qurbani Eid in Lama since 2002. Many destitute people from the surrounding area, who had never been able to afford meat, tasted it for the first time that year. Since then, more and more people– from within and outside of Quantum– have been participating in Lama Qurbani. In 2006, a total of 232 people participated and 4,000 kilograms of meat were distributed among 1,700 local families: almost 10 thousand people. Quantum also arranges an open feast on Eid day, and in 2006 some 700 people were treated to rice, daal (lentils) and meat at the resort. Participants in Lama Qurbani not only enjoy themselves but through their contributions to those less fortunate, share their happiness and fulfillment.  In doing so, they bring alive the true spirit of Eid.

You can participate in Qurbani in Lama too. You and your family are welcome to celebrate your Qurbani Eid in the resort with hundreds of others. You can also contribute financially for the sacrifice of an animal. For details, please contact the Quantum center, cell or branch nearest to you.

Lama Medical Service Center

Dr. Muniruzzaman with a Murong family

Lama medical service center provides free medical service and medicine to indigenous people and Bengali settlers of various ages. The center has been operating since 2000, when Dr. Muniruzzaman, a dedicated young physician from the Quantum family, first carried out a 50-day medical camp for common diseases. Since then a number of expert physicians have organized medical camps from time to time, including camps for eye, tooth, pediatric, and gynecological diseases.

Neem Square– an area in the resort where several hundred neem trees have been planted for malaria eradication

Malaria Eradication Drive

Malaria reaches epidemic state in the Chittagong Hill Tracts during monsoon. Every monsoon, Quantum organizes a 40-day malaria prevention drive in the areas adjacent to the resort. The program includes malaria treatment as well as instant diagnosis and preventive measures. As a natural method of malaria control, almost 40 thousand Neem plants, along with other plants have been distributed among the local people. The severity of the malaria epidemic in this area during monsoon has decreased significantly in the recent years as a result of these efforts.

Fateha and Doa (Prayer) Mahfil

Lama center organizes Fatehas and Doa Mahfils (collective prayer sessions) every month to pray for the sick and distressed and the overall development of the area. Local people eagerly wait for the feast following the prayer session since it is the only time many of them get to have meat.

Saffron plants: one of the many rare varieties of plants in the resort

Forestation

Hot and rough Lama has now turned into a green and cool oasis due to consistent forestation programs. Various types of plants, trees and herbs have been planted in roughly 32-acre area since 2000. Neem square, guava orchard, amlocki and pineapple orchards were created alongside the plantation of the numerous rare varieties of herbs and fruits. Plants have been brought from around the country– and are also grown in the resort’s own nursery.

Safe Drinking Water

More than a 100 tube wells have been set up in the area surrounding the Meditation Resort to provide safe drinking water to local people. Most of the tube-wells have spontaneously turned into natural springs

Distribution of Warm Clothes, Burials, and Financial Help

In 2006, clothes were distributed among 3,460 people. 5 deadbodies were buried. Financial help was given to 55 people for purposes such as building houses, organizing weddings and medical treatment.