A unique katha for a divine cause, Sanskruti Parivar Vyaara, Gujarat, India
The Vyaara branch of Sanskruti Parivar in collaberation with Shri Sadvichaar Parivar Ahmedabad has initiated a novel and noble activity of sending at intervals the ‘asthis’ (ashes) of people cremated at Shri Mankameshwar crematorium of Vyaara to Allahabad for visarjan (emersion) in the Triveni Sangam.
To ensure the salvation of such departed souls, Sanskruti Parivar Vyaara organised a Bhagwat Katha Saptah from 5th May to 11th May 2001. The unique feature of this session was that Kum. Narayani Pandya of Sanskruti Parivar, Rajpipala, Gujarat occupied the Vyaspeeth. She is merely 18 years of age and has appeared for her twelfth standard exams. Yet this was her tenth katha session in which she was occupying the Vyaspeeth.
Pujya Bhaishri specially came from Navsari, Gujarat to bless this session on its inaugural day. Speaking on the occasion, Pujya Bhaishri said ‘Organizing Bhagwat Katha sessions is like arranging water huts in the summer season. It revives and gives new life to tired travellers by quenching their thirst and offering relief from the summer heat. Shrimad Bhagwat katha is the life giving nectar that quenches the thirst of God loving devotees. This noble endeavour was initiated by sage Vyasa and continues till this day. Today Kumari Narayani Pandya will perform this ritual.’
He further said, ‘Thirst is a secular phenomenon. It knows no differences of race, religion, caste or creed. People with thirst for God, knowledge, salvation and other spiritual attainments come to such sessions and quench this thirst. People who are devoid of such thirst will develop it within themselves by coming to such sessions. These sessions not only satiate our spiritual cravings but also kindle it in our hearts. Thus Shrimad Bhagwat katha not only satisfies our thirst, our love for God but also kindles it in our heart and nurtures it and stimulates its growth. I have had the good fortune of listening to Narayani ben’s bhajans. Today the wish to hear her narration of the Bhagwat katha is being fulfilled.
About 10-12 Rishikumars of our Sandipani Vidyaniketan have also taken up this activity, which is a source of great satisfaction for us. I congratulate the members of Sanskruti Parivar, Vyaara, Girish bhai Dave and his colleagues for making Sanskruti Parivar, Vyaara one of the most active branches of the world.’
The other programs organised by Sanskruti Parivar, Vyaara included: Competitions for- a) Drawing pictures of Gods and Goddesses for students studying in Primary and Secondary classes. b) Aarti decoration for ladies. c) Small children dressing up as various Gods and Goddesses.
In addition they distributed biscuits to the patients of about 25 local hospitals and they also honoured people with outstanding contribution in the field of social service, education, religious activity, etc. The photographs of the 800 people whose asthis have been sent to Allahabad till today were also exhibited in the katha mandap. Kudos to Sanskruti Parivar Vyaara!
