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Health Movement in India

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 2, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 48.

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Health Movement in India

By H. C. Menkel

RECENTLY the writer made an extensive lecturing tour throughout India and Burma. In several places Good Health Leagues were organized among Buddhists, Mohammedans, and Hindus. These people are following many wrong practises, which are bringing disease and premature death upon them. They receive instruction with a keen interest, and take hold of the Good Health League movement with an enthusiasm that bids fair to effect quite a reformation.
The following extracts from letters received will give some idea of the interest awakened:—
“I have received the temperance papers from you, by which I have learned much that Western nations are doing for men, bringing them out to a better path. As I am a vegetarian by birth, I am deeply interested in this subject.”
“Mr. ——, of Junagadh, has asked me to address you on the matter of starting a Good Health League in Calcutta. He informs me that you have already started one or two. I would be very thankful for any advice or help in this matter. He particularly desires that the Calcutta League should be on a large scale. Hoping that you will kindly excuse the trouble, I remain,” etc.
“My friends here were very much pleased with the promise of your sending a course of study to be regularly held here, and you may be sure that though I have several irons in the fire, and I shall do all I can in the matter of these meetings, and in the advance of the interests of the Good Health League. The Buddhists and Brahmans whom I have come in contact with are in great praise of the work, as it coincides with their views and the tenets of their religion, and several who did not observe heretofore are now eschewing drink, meats, etc. Let us hope that they will gradually come to know and worship the only true and living God, and let us ceaselessly pray to this end.”
“I have just returned from Myingyan, where I have, with the Lord’s help, created an interest in the health work. The Buddhists, Hindus, and Mohammedans are equally surprised at the reformation brought about by us. A high-caste Brahman is so loud in praise of this work that he tells everybody that we are all higher caste than they. He calls me by some name which I never could catch, and as long as it is in praise of the Lord, I will not try even to hear it.”
H. C. MENKEL, M. D.