News
from Abroad
Nairobi
Nairobi Centre of Sri Aurobindo Society presented forty sets
of booklets in twelve different titles to Securex Ltd., on
11 January 2008 at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Riverside Drive.
The marketing manager of Securex Ltd. received the booklets
on behalf of the company.
Surat
(Gujarat) - Installation of Relics and Centenary Celebrations
of Sri Aurobindo's Visit to Surat
Savitaben, carrying the relics for installation
The enshrinement of the holy Relics of Sri Aurobindo and the
centenary celebrations of Sri Aurobindo's visit to Surat took
place at the Surat branch on 25 and 26 December 2007.
Centenary Celebrations of Sri Aurobindo's visit to Surat were
organised on a large scale and on all India level, on 24, 25
and 26 of December 2007. About 200 active workers from 50 different
Centres and Branches from of India and about 200 devotees from
Surat participated in the event. In the town hall in the evening
the audience numbered to about 600.
The devotees at the Installation ceremony
at Surat
24 Dec. '07: Holy Relics of Sri Aurobindo were received
with full dignity at the Surat Branch. There was meditation
with the Ashram music and then the members of the Branch chanted
Sri Aravindopanishad in Sanskrit.
The Surat Centre
25 Dec. '07: In the morning all gathered at the Centre
and the Relics were enshrined in complete silence, collectively
by Shri Vijaybhai, Tara-didi, Shri Manoj Das and Shri Aniruddha
Smart. There was collective meditation with Ashram music before
and after enshrinement.
Shri Manoj Das, speaking to the audience about
Sri Aurobindo's historic visit to Surat
After the enshrinement all went to the "French Garden"
area, the place where the historic Annual Convention of the
Indian National Congress was held 100 years ago and for which
Sri Aurobindo had specially come to Surat. Shri Manoj Das (Puducherry)
and Shri Vijaybhai (Puducherry) addressed the audience and transported
everyone back into the history. There was collective singing
of Vande Mataram, led by Shri Mohanbhai Mistri (Puducherry).
In the evening in the town hall Shri Vijaybhai (Puducherry)
was the main speaker and talked on Resurgent India. Shri Manoj
Das talked on "Indian Spirit and the World Today".
26 Dec. '07: Delegates' Conference was held in the morning
and the topic was "Our Work Ahead". Shri S. C. Tyagi
(Saharanpur), Shri Sharad Joshi (Vadodara), Shri Thiruvenkatam
(Coimbatore), Shri Kireet Thakkar (Vadodara), Shri J. P. Sing
(Sultanpur) expressed their ideas. Shri Vijay K Poddar (Delhi),
Shri Hanskumar Mankad (Vadodara), Shri Ajit Sabnis (Bangalore)
and Shri Vijaybhai (Puducherry) Summed up and concluded.
Visit to a diamond factory of a devotee was arranged in the
afternoon. Sri Aurobindo's full life size statue (same as that
of the Parliament House) is installed at the factory and there
is also a beautiful meditation hall where full size oil painted
portraits of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother are installed. There
was collective meditation in the meditation hall.
In the evening in the town hall Shri Manoj Das (Puducherry)
was the main speaker. He talked on "Sri Aurobindo in Surat".
Shri Aniruddha Smart gave a talk on "The Eternal Religion".
A book titled "Sri Aurobindo in Surat" was released
and introduced by the author Ms. Hiranmayi Smart (Surat). The
function concluded with a dramatic recreation of "Sri Aurobindo
in Surat" in Gujarati, managed by Shri Hitesh Jariwala
and directed-acted by Shri Shailendra Vadnere and group.
Dhari
(Gujarat)
The enshrinement of the sacred Relics of Sri Aurobindo took
place at the Dhari branch on 13 Jan 2008, at 9.00 a.m. The Mother's
flag was hoisted. Sadhaks and devotees from various Centres
and Branches were warmly welcomed by the "Unmilan"
Parivar. Prof. Jyotiben Thanki gave talk regarding "Relics
and its importance". Other guest speakers also addressed
the gathering. The Gujarati version of Chapter 5 of "The
Mother" in Sundarm-ji's recorded voice was played. The
Relics were taken from meditation hall with great respect and
honour to the shrine unit. At about 11 am the Relics were enshrined
in the newly constructed shrine by Sri Hanskumar Mankad, the
Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Society - Vadodara. During the
ceremony, the Mother's organ music was played. All the Sadhaks
and devotees present offered flowers and Pranam to the sacred
relics. All took Bhojan-Prasad with great joy at lunch break.
In the evening Prof. Jyotiben Thanki gave a second talk, on
"Sri Aurobindo's Purna Yoga". The ceremony ended with
prayer and meditation and there was " Dhwaj avataran".
This was indeed a great golden historical moment for Dhari branch
and for this whole area.
Amravati
(Maharashtra) - Centenary of Amravati Aagman
Sri Aurobindo Society, Amravati Branch, celebrated the centenary
of Sri Aurobindo Aagaman Diwas on 27th, 28th and 29th of January
2008. Sri Aurobindo visited this place during his Maharashtra
tour and delivered his inspiring speech on the topic "Vande
Mataram" on 28th January 1908.
Lighting of Lamp by Smt. Mandatai Gandhe
The opening session started at 9:30 am on 27 Jan. 2008 with
traditional Lamp lighting by Shri Kaivalya Smart from Surat
and Mandatai Gandhe from Amravati. Meditation and talks followed.
Shri Kaivalyabhai, speaking on the occasion
The Second session was held at Vidya Bharati college, amphitheatre
in the form of workshop for personality development. Shri Kaivalyabhai's
address and guidance to the young participants was a novel experience
for all who were present in the hall. Third session was a feast
of musical programmes, rendered by Surmani Prof. Kamaltai Bhande,
HoD, Music Dept. of Mahila Mahavidyalaya.
The second day of the celebrations began with the Sanskrit
stavan sung by Mira Ganorkar and talks by various speakers followed.
In the afternoon all the participants visited the place where
Sri Aurobindo's speech was delivered 100 year's ago. The place
is now known as Joshi Hall. 'Vande Mataram' cassette sung by
sadhaks of Puducherry was played there and about 40 people meditated.
A view of the audience
Celebrations concluded at Sri Aurobindo Yoga Center, Gadgenagar,
Amravati, where a full day's programme was organised. In the
morning the function started with hoisting of Mother's flag.
Prof. Uttara Huddar (Nagpur), Dr. Sarla Nagraj (Amravati) and
Shri Kaivalyabhai (Surat) spoke on different aspects of Sri
Aurobindo's philosophy, Divya Jivan and Supramental Yoga. Delegates
from the Centre of Vidarbha region such as Walgaon, Chandur
Railway, Narkhed, Moshi, Yeotmal, Wardha, Bhatkuli, Nagpur and
Nashik also attended the session.
Noida
(U.P.) - February 2008 Programmes
Programme of devotional songs and bhajans
5 Feb. 2008: A programme of Devotional Songs and Bhajans by
Shri Ajoy Chakraborty and Mrs. Kuntala Dasgupta was held at
Sri Aurobindo Bhavan on 5th February 2008 from 6:00 to 7:30
pm. The Programme started with Prayers to the Mother. Mrs. Kuntala
Dasgupta sang Bhajans on the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. About
40 devotees and their families participated in the programme.
21 Feb. 2008: The Mother's 130th Birth Anniversary was celebrated
at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida, by organising Collective Meditation
from 7 to 7:30 pm. About 35 devotees and their families attended
the Collective Meditation. In the morning, free stationary and
sweets were distributed to the students of the school being
run by Sri Aurobindo Society, Noida Branch.
Discourses
Shri O.P.Dani, Cahirman Noida Branch welcoming
the dignitaries.
On the dais : Prof. Sidheswar Prasad, Former Governor of Tripura;
Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari (AVM Retd.); Shri T.N. Chaturvedi,
Former Governor of Karnataka; and Shri S.C. Gupta, Jt. Secretary,
Noida Branch.
A view of the audience
9 Feb. 2008, 5:30 to7:30 pm: Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari, Air
Vice Marshal (Retd.), gave a talk on 'India of 21st Century
- Challenges of Old Age' followed by Question - Answer session
at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida. Shri Tiwari made references
to Sri Aurobindo's teachings in this context. Shri T.N. Chaturvedi,
Former Governor of Karnataka & Prof. Sidheswar Prasad, Former
Governor of Tripura also graced the occasion. The talk was attended
by about 50 persons.
22 to 24 Feb. 2008: As in the last year, the Noida Branch participated
in a 3-day Flower Show organised by NOIDA Authority jointly
with Floriculture Society of Noida. The theme of the Noida Branch
Stall was 'Spiritual Significance Of Flowers' (Phoolon Kaa Aadhyaatmik
Mahatva). The Video CD of Sri Aurobindo Society on Spiritual
Significance of Flowers was continuously played on Television
which was installed at the Stall.
The Stall had products of Ashram for sale e.g. various books,
agarbatties, CDs, cassettes etc. which were bought by the visitors.
About 2,250 copies of booklets on the Mother and Sri Aurobindo
were distributed to the visitors. About 5,000 people visited
the Stall and many of them evinced their interest to participate
in the future activities of Sri Aurobindo Society.
Education
Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan:
11 Feb. 2008: The students of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan
participated in the Play - 'Aisa Bhee Hota Hai' organised by
Lioness Club, Noida, at KRIBHCO Auditorium. The children enjoyed
the same very much.
7, 14 & 21 Feb. 2008: On every Thursdays in February 2008,
Shri Vishwa Mohan Tiwari, Air Vice Marshal (retd.) and Dr. Keshav
Rattan came to Sri Aurobindo Bhavan and interacted for two hours
with the children of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan. Poems, stories,
good manners and discipline are taught to children. Impact of
their visit is being felt on the behaviour of the children.
The visiting dignitaries along with the children also visited
the Holy Shrine and paid tributes to the Mother and Sri Aurobindo.
Health
Free Eye Check-up/Consultation on every Sunday at Sri Aurobindo
Bhavan: Free Eye Check-up/ Consultation on every Sunday for
two hours from 11 am to 1 pm by Dr. P.S. Chauhan, Eye Specialist
and Project Director, National Blindness Control Programe, Govt.
of India, at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida, is going on very well.
In the month of February '08, thirty one individuals got benefited
by the above.
Treatment by Acupressure Therapy & Third Acupressure Therapy
Training Camp: Acupressure Treatment for two hours daily from
Monday to Friday by Mrs. Sudha Kesharwani at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan
is going on well. While giving treatment, she is also using
the relevant quotations of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, and
the persons coming for acupressure treatment are evincing keen
interest in them.
The third Acupressure Therapy Training Camp by Mrs. Sudha Kesharwani,
Acupressure Therapist, in association with 'Acupressure Shodh,
Prashikshan Evam Upachar Sansthan, Allahabad' is scheduled at
Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida, from 10 to 14 March 2008.
Development of Women:
Agarbatties, Candle, Chalk and Toys Making Classes: Agarbatties,
Candle, Chalk and Toys Making Classes at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan
are going on well and currently about 20 girls are learning
these activities.
Sewing & Tailoring Classes: Sewing & Tailoring Classes
are being conducted daily from Monday to Friday at Sri Aurobindo
Bhavan by Smt. Jaya Nigam and currently about twenty ladies/girls
are learning the same.
Other Activities:
Besides above, regular activities of Meditation with the Mother's
music daily in the morning and evening, library, Playing of
spiritual audio-video CDs etc. are being held regularly. 'Savitri'
is being read daily at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan from 5 to 5:30 pm.
New
Delhi Branch
The participants of the drawing activity programme
The 130th Birth Anniversary of the Mother was celebrated by
holding a Drawing Activity programme for school children between
the age group 4-12 at Delhi branch on 21 February 2008. Letters
of invitation were sent to 80 schools. 200 students participated,
including children from Delhi Public School, Blue Bells Public
school, Army Public school, Kendriya Vidayala and APJ School.
The three topics were given on the spot: "Love",
"Earth" and "My Dream" Ms. Nandita Bose
of Navakriti School run by the New Delhi Branch of Sri Aurobindo
Society explained the topics and their endeavour to try and
draw out the inner being of children to explore creativity.
Mr. Jatin Das, Ms. Bulbul Sharma, Ms. Lily Raina, Mrs. Shanta
Sarabjit, all eminent persons from the field of art, were the
judges on the occasion. Cash prizes and art material were given
to the winners. Mrs. Meera Juneja introduced the guests and
spoke on the occasion. The judges distributed the prizes. Mr.
Ranjit Puri, Chairman of Delhi Branch, gave the vote of thanks.
The event received an overwhelming response.
Bhopal
(Madhya Pradesh)
12 Jan. 2008: Sri Aurobindo society Bhopal organised a seminar
in Barkatullah university Bhopal. The subject was "Bhartiya
Sanskriti Aur Bharat Ki Niyati". Shri Manoj Sharma was
the keynote speaker. Shri D.N. Sharma and Shri R.J. Mourya also
spoke on the occasion. Dr Sadhana Dauneria, Head of the Dept.
(Yoga), conducted the function. A large number of students and
staff members attended the program.
29 Feb. 2008, The Golden Day celebrations: The Bhopal branch
organised different programs on the occasion of Golden day.
Talks on Nayi Chetna (New Consciousness): Program began
with rendering of the national song Vande mataram. English translation
done by Sri Aurobindo was read by Smt. Nalini Patel, Principal
of Sri Aurobindo School, Bhopal. Shri K.D. Mishra, member Sahkari
Commission, and Shri D.P. Sharma, Ex-Vice Chancellor of Tirupathi
University, spoke on the occasion. Shri Satish chitwar read
out a few poems of Sri Aurobindo. Dr D.N. Joshi explained the
various aspects of "Poorna Yoga". Shri Manoj Sharma
spoke about "Atimanasik Chetna".
Program ended with Bhajans sung by Smt.Niharika Agrawal and
her group.
Siliguri
(West Bengal)
The Siliguri Branch celebrated the 8th anniversary of the enshrinement
of Sri Aurobindo's holy Relics on 9 January 2008. The celebrations
started by hoisting the Mother's flag followed by invocation
and meditation around the Shrine. Dr. K.D. Sengupta spoke on
"The Political ideal of Sri Aurobindo" and Dr. Usha
Ranjan spoke on "Sri Aurobindo on Divine and Undivine".
The function ended with distribution of Prasad.
Chennai
(Tamil Nadu)
About 900 people attended the collective meditation at the
branch on 1 January 2008.
The Chennai branch conducted the following lectures during
the month of January 2008.
Date Name
of the speaker Subject
01.01.2008 Shri
M.K. Ramaswamy "The
Inscription on the Samadhi"
06.01.2008 Shri
N. Rajagopal "The
Spiritual Significance of 24 Nov. & 5 Dec."
13.01.2008 Shri
S. Venkat
"Deathless Rose (contd.)"
20.01.2008 Shri
M.K. Ramaswamy "Our
Relationships and the Mother"
27.01.2008 Shri
Janagan "Sparks
and Sprincles"
Tirupati
(A.P.)
The Tirupati Branch organised a meeting in collaboration with
the Chittoor District Yoga Association on 10 January 2008 at
the Sri Aurobindo Vidyalaya, Tirupati. Shri M. Balarama Reddy
presided over the meeting. The key-note speaker was Sri Venu
Bhagavan, founder, V. Build Training Services, Hyderabad. He
spoke on "Vyaktitva Vidasa Prerana - Encouragement of Personality
Development", in Telugu. After the speech, Shri Venu Bhagavan
was presented with Sri Aurobindo's book "Synthesis of Yoga".
