Memories relived: Present and past Rishikumars reunion in the presence of Pujya Bhaishri at Sandipani
It is said that the past never returns. Hence, what does one do about one’s memories of school and college days? Those years of infinite hopes and colourful aspirations? Doesn’t one yearn to relive those glorious times at least for a few moments, or perhaps a few hours if possible? Memories would gush in like a tsunami. Countless incidents, innumerable inconclusive debates and disputes. Every individual dreaming an exclusive colourful future. The singing together of prayers in a unified harmonious tone, the joys of winning contests and the sadness of losing out or coming second in some of them. The immense happiness, though transient, at being allowed to leave just two periods early. The sudden seriousness that gripped you when the exams approached. A lot of such memories would seize you if you got to recall those bitter-sweet memories, may it be for just a few hours.
The rishikumars of Sandipani gained such a golden opportunity on 18 October and 19 October 2014 when Pujya Bhaishri organised a reunion of the past students of Sandipani. Not just the rishikumars, but even the teachers of Sandipani and Pujya Bhaishri himself eagerly waited for this occasion.
This was the first reunion event of all thirty years of Rishikumars of Babadeshwar Sanskrit MahaVidyalaya in the presence of Param Pujya Bhaishri, Guruji Shri Hariprasad Bobdeji (Gruhpatih), Guruji Shri Srikrishnashankar Mishra (Pra-Acharya BSM), Guruji Shri Gaurishankar Joshiji (Acharya-BSM) and all teachers of BSM. Over 600 past and current Rishikumar Students attended this milestone two-day event.
Early morning on 18 October, the rishikumars performed their morning sandhya vandan (prayers) to coincide with the morning worship of the deities in Shri Hari Mandir where bells rang and the conch shells were blown, imparting the whole atmosphere a hallowed touch of divinity.
After that the Rishikumars had breakfast between 7:45am and 8:30am. The unregistered rishikumars got their names registered under the guidance of Rishikumars Hirenbhai Bodhi and Pareshbhai Joshi. At 9:30 am, all past rishikumars assembled near Pujya Bhaishri’s residence to accord him a warm welcome. Thereafter, Pujya Bhaishri and the rishikumars entered the basement auditorium of Shri Hari Mandir with Vedic mantra chants. The sight was truly mesmerising.
The auspicious lamp was kindled at 10am followed by worship of Maa Saraswati and the adoration – worshipping of Pujya Bhaishri and other teachers. It would certainly be a matter of immense pride for anyone to be teaching in the same school where he had studied. Amongst the present teachers at Sandipani, most of them are the past students who have studied here. The present Principal Dr. Gaurishankar Joshi and teachers Nandlalbhai Pathak, Falgunbhai Modha, Ashwinbhai Joshi and Hiteshbhai Pathak are all ex-students of Sandipani. The prayer to Maa Saraswati sung in Bhimpalasi tune touched the hearts of all students. Forgetting their present, occupations, posts, medals, status, everyone went down their memory lanes feeling they had once again become the students of Sandipani. The image of Goddess Saraswati painted by the melodious voice of Shri Hardikbhai Joshi made everyone feel that they had returned to the heavenly days of the past.
Rishikumar Prafulbhai delivered a very touching welcome speech. Explaining the concept of this get-together in very simple words, Shyambhai said that we should never feel that we are separate from this institute. All should come with a feeling of being a member of a family and we must not just meet, but this is also a unique effort to discuss the expectations of Pujya Bhaishri, make and execute these plans.
Thereafter Dr. Gaurishankar Joshi (History, Sandipani) spoke about the history of Sandipani, beginning with the modest Sanskrit school at Babada village which still has the name of Shri Babadeshwar Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, the tough struggle that the students and the teachers had to face in the past, the guidance provided by Pujya Bhaishri and the present situation.
Explaining the meaning of Sandipanitva, Rishikumar Chetanbhai Sharma said that Pujya Bhaishri wishes that the education the rishikumars imbibe during their student days should not be allowed to fade, their behaviour should conform to that of a Rishi and their personality should inspire others to live a noble life.
The seating arrangement of the students was arranged in the batches of groups beginning from 1984 till 2006. Each group was allotted a time of 10 minutes to select a student who would present a brief introduction of the group to Pujya Bhaishri.
At 3 pm, a discussion about foreign tours was conducted which was presided by Rishikumar Rajeshbhai Joshi. Then the assembled rishikumars took an oath of service activities like Jai Yagya, tree plantation, blood donation and helping needy students. At 6pm, a group photo of all rishikumars along with teachers and Pujya Bhaishri was taken on the vast foreground of Shri Hari Mandir followed by a grand aarati at Shri Hari Mandir at 7pm.
In a cultural programme organised at 9pm, the rishikumars presented their individual artistic skills. In the opening presentation, the present students of Sandipani presented a slideshow of self-composed musical hymn. Thereafter, ex-rishikumar Gauravbhai Pathak who holds the Guinness Book World record of playing the violin continuously for 54 hours presented his violin presentation accompanied by Hardikbhai Joshi on drums. This was followed by vocal classical singing, ghazals, light music, recitation of self composed poems, singing of Sandipani-gatha gaan and folk songs. The programme concluded with Pujya Bhaishri honouring everyone individually.
The morrow of 19 October witnessed a procession of Rishikumars going round Sandipani whilst singing the Mahamantra, led by Girishbhai Purohit.
The programme in auditorium began again with the chanting of Ved mantras by the present students of Sandipani. Rishikumars Yogeshbhai Trivedi and Rameshbhai Joshi spoke about their experiences in the field of education. Then followed the brief introduction of students who had been left from the previous day. Pujya Bhaishri and assembled teachers enjoyed being reminded of the mischievous activities of some of the past students. In a seminar at 3pm the team of Rishikumar Hiteshbhai Pathak provided guidance and directions about the requirements in the field of religious rituals. The team of Shyambhai Thaker gave guidance about requirements in the field of katha narrations. Video interviews of many rishikumars were also conducted during this programme. Messages of rishikumars living abroad, who could not attend, were also read out.
After the speeches of Guruji Bobdeji and Acharya Gyanendraji, Pujya Bhaishri delivered his concluding speech. He first conveyed his blessings to all and thanked the teachers. He also paid homage to Late Shri Gangaramji Acharya and Ushakantji. Finally, an oath of firm resolve was delivered to all assembled rishikumars and Hardikbhai Joshi delivered his thanksgiving speech.
