Radha Soami Satsang Beas - Administration

Administration

RSSB’s main centre is Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, named after its founder who settled there in the late 1800’s. Located in Punjab, India, the ‘Dera’ is a self-contained community with both administrative and residential facilities. Although the centres throughout the world are affiliated with RSSB India, each country's administration is autonomous with a Board of Management that operates under a standard constitution modified to comply with local laws and conditions. Administration is handled entirely by volunteers, and operations are funded through unsolicited donations. The organization does not engage in any fundraising activities.

RSSB centres are located throughout India, and internationally RSSB affiliated organizations hold meetings in more than 90 countries. Meetings are held in rented halls, community centres or RSSB-owned properties. The purpose of these gatherings is to explain the RSSB philosophy. The meetings are non-denominational and open to the public. No fees are charged and there is no advertising or proselytizing.

RSSB has a publishing department that has produced more than 70 original titles on spirituality. Volunteers have translated a large selection of these books into 35 languages. A recently constructed 20,000 square-metre library at the main centre in India will eventually house a collection of nearly 500,000 volumes concentrating on world religions, mysticism, philosophy and related subjects. The library will be open to scholars and researchers of all faiths.

As a responsible member of the community, RSSB has conducted blood donation drives and has participated in relief efforts providing assistance for earthquake and tsunami victims. In addition, RSSB’s sister organization, Maharaj Jagat Singh Medical Relief Society, operates three rural charitable hospitals: in Beas, Punjab; Sikanderpur, Haryana; and in Bhota, Himachal Pradesh. All three hospitals function as primary care facilities with fully functioning medical departments such as: Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, ENT, Surgery & Anaesthesia, Paediatrics, Radiology, and Dental. All medical services, including medicine and in-patient care are provided free of charge. The Beas Hospital is the largest hospital with 260 beds and treats on average 1,200 patients each day through its Out Patient Department. The Sikanderpur Hospital has 50 beds, the Bhota Hospital has 75 beds, and each treats about 450 patients each day through their Out Patient Departments. The large number of OPD patients is a reflection of the limited number of medical facilities in these rural farming communities. It also speaks to the generally poor economic conditions of this population that is not in the position to pay for expensive medical treatment. No distinction is made as to the background of the patients, either in regard to their economic status, social standing, or religious affiliation.