By Radhika Nagrath
Haridwar, 5 Dec: The centenary celebrations of All World Gayatri Parivar kicked off with the ‘Vasudha Vandan’ ceremony at Bairagi Camp in Kankhal here. The ceremony was started by the Governor of Uttarakhand and youth representative of Gayatri Parivar, Dr Chinmaya Pandya, by worshiping the sacred soil and water collected from 51 pilgrimage places in the presence of thousands of volunteers, saints and enlightened people. A wide confluence of spirituality, culture and service was seen at the ceremony.
The ceremony marked the occasion of 100 years of the birth of Param Vandanya Mataji, 100 years of lighting the Akhand lamp and 100 years of penance of the Pt Shriram Sharma Acharya. On the occasion, the guests took a pledge of universal brotherhood, environmental purification and cultural unity.
Chief Guest, Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) said that Akhand Jyoti is not just a lamp. It is a living symbol of the spirit of united India, the consciousness of religious awakening and the spiritual element of India. Its light gives us the message of truth, morality and unity. He said that ‘We will change, the era will change’ is not just a slogan but an inspiring mantra to transform the society starting from within one’s own self. Gayatri Parivar’s service-oriented working style is an ideal model for Haridwar and Uttarakhand, he said. The Governor added that the culture of moral upliftment, service and cleanliness that the Gayatri family has developed in society is an important contribution towards nation-building.
In his presidential address, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Rajrajeshwarashram said that the roots of Indian culture lie in the Guru-disciple tradition. The Guru is a potter and the disciple an unshaped clay pot. Guru shapes his life by tapping it from outside and supporting it from within. Parents, Guru and God – these are the same stream of Sanatan culture. He said that Gayatri Parivar has worked to bring these values into daily life, which empowers social and spiritual consciousness. “I have myself experienced the role of Mother in this great work of respected Gurudev,” he declared.
The team leader of the centennial celebrations Dr Chinmay Pandya said that the centenary year has brought a wonderful confluence of trinity of good fortune for the world community. He said that Mata Bhagwati Devi was the driving force of women’s awakening and women’s self-respect in society. She saw women as the cornerstone of family and society and empowered them through values, service and education. Dr Chinmaya Pandya added that this event is the time to express the debt towards the land of India, Pujya Gurudev and Vandanya Mataji. “For a month thousands of volunteers were busy in preparations related to venue arrangement, road decoration, cleanliness and infrastructure and today this has formally begun with Vasudha Poojan.”
Dr Chinmay Pandya honoured all the guests present by giving them Gayatri Mantra shawl, Rudraksha rosary and the scriptures of Gurudev. Dr Chinmay Pandya also released the book, Karyakarta Patheya. On this occasion, MLA Madan Kaushik, Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh, National Co-Organisation General Secretary Shivprakash and others expressed their views. During the program, administrator Yogendra Giri, BJP Uttarakhand State General Secretary Aditya Kothari, educationists, many officials of the district administration, social workers and journalists were among those present.
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