Sandipani Rishikul (Babadeshwar Sanskrit Mahavidyalay) celebrated its 35th annual function from 8th to 16th January 2019 at Sandipani, Porbandar. The function involved Sanskrit Shastriya competitions, various sports competitions, award ceremony and cultural programmes in the presence of Pujya Bhaishri and other dignitaries.
35th Annual Function at Sandipani Rishikul: Shastriya and Sports Competitions, Awards, Cultural Programmes and more
From 6th to 11th January, Shastriya Sanskrit competitions were held such as debates, śloka antakshari, recitation of Aṣthādhyāyī and Rudrāṣtādhyāyī by heart and discussions on various scriptures, organised by several teachers.
Various sports competitions were held under the guidance of Pujya Hariprasad Bobdeji from 12th to 15th January 2019. These included: cricket, kho-kho, volleyball, 400m, 800m and 1000m races and discus throw.
Pujya Bhaishri, the famous comedian, Shri Sairam Dave and other dignitaries were present in the finals of the cricket match. After the competition, Pujya Bhaishri played a friendly game with the Rishikumars and Shri Sairam Dave.
The winners were awarded with trophies and mementos by Pujya Bhaishree and the dignitaries.
On 16th January 2019, the day began with Rudrābhiṣek in the Shivalay at Shri Hari Mandir and at the Babadeshwar Mandir in Babda village. This was followed by Rudrayāg Yagya in the Sandipani Yagyashala. Pujya Bhaishri and the host of the Yagya, Dr. Gaurishankarbhai Joshi, gave speeches at the end.
In the afternoon of 16th January, a gathering was arranged for the Rishikumars and their parents where talks were presented by the teachers and Shri Bipinbhai Joshi. They expressed their gratitude to the parents, trustees of Sandipani, managers and teachers for the successful progress of Sandipani. Thereafter, awards were presented to those who achieved second and third positions in the competitions held in the previous days.
Finally, a cultural programme was held in the evening in the presence of Pujya Bhaishri and the Chief Guest, the Vice Chancellor of Somnath Sanskrit University, Shri Gopbandhu Mishra. Other guests included the DEO of Porbandar, Shri Kishorbhai Miyani , Shri Mansukhbhai Joshi, Shri Nayer Saheb, Shri Kamalbhai Modha, respected teacher Shri Bobdeji, Shri Bipinbhai Joshi and 465 parents.
Those ranking first in competitions held in the previous days were presented with awards. Dr. Gaurishankarbhai Joshi announced in his speech that the Government of Gujarat has agreed to offer Rs. 272,000 for scholarships in 44 Sanskrit schools of which the Rishikumars of Babadeshwar Sanskrit Mahavidyalay have attained Rs. 167,000 due to their hard work.
Pujya Bhaishri explained the importance of our duties in his speech as well as advised the Rishi Kumars to continue worshipping and serving five mothers in our life as per the tradition for the past 35 years in Sandipani. These five mothers are:
- Mother of Vedas – Gayatri Maa
- Saraswati Mata
- Mother cow
- Mother earth
- Mother organisation.
Selflessly serving them provides us with knowledge, wisdom, wealth, opulence and continuity of our lineage respectively.
Watch a brief video clip of Pujya Bhaishri’s speech on hard work.
The Rishikumars presented a great show on instrumental music. Impressed with their performance the principal said that our life must be sweet like music. We should be careful not to break the harmony of this music in our goal, actions and duties.
The Rishikumars also presented a show on yoga, karate as well as a play on Matādhikār.
The annual function ended successfully with a thank you speech and mantra on peace by Dr. Hiteshbhai Pathak.