Father Gabriel chose Camilo to attend Maharishi University of Management to study Maharishi Ayurveda, and after Camilo graduates, he plans to return to Colombia and create Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centers for the children in Father Gabriel’s rehabilitation centers.

From the streets of Colombia to MUM
by Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, Achievements
23 October 2012

Just a few years ago, 12-year-old Camilo Estrada was living on the streets of Medellin, addicted to drugs, one of many thousands of displaced children in Colombia’s second-largest city. Then he heard about Father Gabriel Mejía’s Fundación Hogares Claret, which provides shelter for homeless children.

There, as part of his therapy, he learned the Transcendental Meditation technique and later the TM-Sidhi program. He became a Boy Scout and finished high school. After successfully completing his rehabilitation program, he became a certified addictions counselor and therapeutic community operator. “I don’t know if I would be alive if I hadn’t gotten into the Foundation,” he said.

He stayed with the Foundation for the next three years, working in the various therapeutic communities, counseling children and leading scouting activities. “I experienced how powerful Transcendental Meditation was, especially the way we apply it for treatment,” he said. “TM makes it easier to recover from addictions. Those who meditate have more success in treatment and in life.”

Father Gabriel wants to add Maharishi Ayurveda to his treatment program and establish Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centers for the children under his care. Camilo had always been interested in learning more about Maharishi’s knowledge, so Father Gabriel chose Camilo to attend MUM to study Maharishi Ayurveda. Two years ago, Camilo enrolled at Maharishi University of Management (MUM), supported in large part by a Sam McIlhenny Scholarship from the University.

“The biggest thing I learned in life is that there are always opportunities,” Camilo said. “If you are aware of them, you can catch them.” In addition to studying health and physiology, Camilo completed a 5-weekend Maharishi Ayurveda Wellness Consultant Training program at MUM.

After he graduates, Camilo plans to return to Colombia and create Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centers for the children in Father Gabriel’s rehabilitation centers. “I’ve seen and felt the pain of addiction,” he said, “and I strongly believe that with Maharishi Ayurveda that pain can cease.”

“Camilo is an inspiring student,” said Paul Morehead, professor of health and physiology. “When Camilo writes a paper, it is usually twice as long as I requested. His enthusiasm and dedication to knowledge is stirring to all of us. Colombia will have a great leader in the field of Consciousness-Based Health Care.”

© Copyright 2012, Maharishi University of Management