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Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai at Sadhu Vaswani Mission - August 13, 2019 Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur paid homage to Rev. Dada JP Vaswani at Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune on the sacred day of 13th August 2019. The Masters share a deep bond of love that came alive amidst the impromptu kirtan session held by him at Rev. Dada’s sacred Samadhi.

Sadhu Vaswani Mission serves the flooded areas in Pune August 5, 2019 He who serves his brother best, gets nearer to God than all the rest! —    Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani In August 2019, unrelenting rains led to rivers in spate in the city of Pune. Many areas were flooded and citizens displaced! They were hungry, homeless, distraught and desperate for aid. Their ray of hope came tucked in a van reaching out to them in the form of fresh hot meals. Chapatti, dal, subzi, khichdi, biscuits, upma, toasts and more, the hungry faces lit up at the sight of a filling meal. This van that brought a smile on the faces of the displaced belonged to the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. Volunteers, charged in the spirit of service, distributed freshly prepared meals & eatables at shelters designated by the authorities in the Dhole Patil Road, Vishrant Wadi and Shivaji Nagar areas. 1200 people at six sites were served upma, toast, biscuits and bananas. Later, 1000+ more people were attended to, in the next many days. Several groups inspired by the Mission’s activities, came forward in help and assistance to the displaced people. As the waters receded, the Mission volunteers visited some of the flooded homes to assess the situation and provide rehabilitation help such as cooking aids, and household essentials that would have got washed away. Another 400 children were given cakes, clothes and slippers. Their joy knew no bounds! “I was a student of St. Mira’s College,” said a woman beneficiary. “Rev. Dada Vaswani was the then Principal. It is admirable that the Mission continues to carry out services even after so many years!” And like family, the Mission was there for them again…

Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani’s 101st Birthday | Timely reminder to tread Dada’s path, says Modi 101st Birthday of Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani marked by round-the-clock 101 hours of Maha Mantra Yagna along with satsangs, prayers and sevas. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi joins in remembrance through his message The Moment of Calm — Global Forgiveness Moment observed at 2 pm across the world. Schools, colleges, hospitals, sports academies, NGO’s, Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley and CCARE of Stanford University amongst several others supported the cause. 13,643,714 pledges to forgive received until noon of 2nd August 2019 from all over the world. A Messenger of Love- The Biography of Dada J. P. Vaswani published by Pan Macmillan India launched Launch of ‘Dada Vaswani Skill Development Centre’ in Manjri at the hands of Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani of Hiranandani Group CD launch of songs written by Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani and sung by Meeta Shah, Suresh Wadkar, Shankar Mahadevan, and Sanjeev Abhyankar Programmes held from 27th July to 2nd August 2019 at Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune. The birthday was also observed across the world at Sadhu Vaswani Centers The 101st Birthday of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani was rung in amidst sevas, kirtans, bhajans and recorded talks by the Great Masters— Rev. Dada and Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani. July 27, 2019 - The Dada Mela — a free fun-fair arranged for underprivileged and special children, held on the 27th of July 2019 marked the beginning of the birthday observance. Participating schools included a total of 1124 students from CR Ranganathan Residential School for the Deaf, Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule Girls High School Nana Peth, Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule School, Swargate and Poona School and Home for Blind. At the Dada Mela, Vijaymal Chandane, a teacher at Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala Vijaymal Chandane said, “They love the Mission, its food and gifts! They feel loved here!” July 28, 2019, the Akhand Maha Mantra Yagna — 101 hours of round-the-clock chanting was initiated early in the morning. A recorded video of Dada chanting the Maha Mantra marked the beginning of the yagna. 28th also was Rev. Dada’s birthday as per the Hindu calendar. Sevas and kirtans marked the day. This day of Ekadashi, 20 ladies were given one month’s ration. Jyoti Ramchandani, a devotee said, “Sitting at the Mahayagna is reinvigorating. The chanting has a soothing and calming effect. I have come here to connect with peace that Dada’s ever-living presence gives.” Spiritual groups partook in the Maha Mantra Yagna including the ISKCON and the Satya Sai Group. Devotees had converged to experience and absorb the spiritual elixir in the Maha Mantra chants. Acclaimed singers joined in the yagna. Jessica Dhanak said, “It is truly a blessed opportunity to be singing here. I feel the voice that we have been bestowed with must be used for divine services.” Singer, Bhushan Maloo speaking on the yagna, said, “I feel fortunate not only to be singing at the Maha Mantra Yagna but also to be present and revel in the divine ambience here. I feel glad and blessed that Dada has made me an instrument of his.” The evening session on the 31stwitnessed the first-ever performance on ‘Glimpses into the life & teachings of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani’. Students from Sadhu Vaswani International School, Delhi and St. Mira’s School, Pune put up heart-rending performance leaving the devotees and attendees moved and teary-eyed. Madhu Negi, Dance teacher Sadhu Vaswani International School Delhi and also the show choreographer said, “This performance has been planned over 3 months. It is a fusion of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, semi-classical and contemporary. The students have been so dedicated that they even agreed to practice during their summer vacations!” Mrs Nandini Nair, the judge for the evening speaking on the performances said, “What I witnessed today was a spectacular performance. What these children have performed today will stay embossed in their hearts for life and truly was a visual treat. It was brilliant in concept, execution and in the sheer man-hours of practice that went into it!” Both the groups were awarded trophies. August 1, 2019— the Maha Mantra Yagna concluded. A soulful 101 hours had concluded only to continue with the seva offerings and prayer sessions. ‘A Messenger of Love: The Biography of Dada J. P. Vaswani’ — authored by Prabha Sampath and Krishna Kumari and published by Pan Macmillan India was launched by Dr. K.H. Sancheti. ‘Dada Vaswani Skill Development Centre’ in Manjri was launched at the hands of Niranjan Hiranandani of Hiranandani Group. The evening session was led by soul-stirring vocals by renowned singer, Ameya Dabli to be followed by the highlight of the day — Inspirational talk in English “Set Yourself Free” by Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani. A strong advocate on forgiveness, Rev. Dada’s English talk further established the significance and importance of forgiveness in one’s life. He also offered a few practical suggestions. 2nd August, Rev. Dada’s 101st birthday began with 108 havans alongside 108 chants of the Gayatri Mantra. Daridra Narayan Seva was held in the morning where the needy were served with meals. 91 needy families were given a month’s ration and cash. Thrity-five prostheses were distributed to patients from Pune and Baramati in the artificial limbs seva. The noon session was initiated in the midst of devotees thronging from the world over. Bhajans, kirtans, sevas energized and infused the Satsang Hall with love and devotion. Rev. Dada’s Upadesh followed wherein he spoke of setting in quest of God without a moments delay for he emphasised ‘tomorrow never comes’. At 2 pm, the Moment of Calm —Global Forgiveness Moment was observed with Dada's guided forgiveness meditation. 13,643,714 — Moment of Calm pledges were received from people willing to forgive. More pledges poured in later. Dada's birthday on August 2 is observed as the Global Forgiveness Day. This was followed by langar. The evening session saw the upadesh of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani wherein Rev. Dada spoke on the significance of birthday which also reminds one of the purpose of human birth. He appealed everyone to realise the worth of the human birth and seek longing and love for God. The birthday observance concluded with the midnight vigil. Medical concessions and sevas were carried out in the health-care institutions of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in observance of Dada’s birthday. Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s Message on Rev. Dada’s 101st birthday: It is heartening to learn that Sadhu Vaswani Mission is celebrating the 101st birth anniversary of Dada J.P. Vaswani. Today, his physical form is not in our midst, but the birth anniversary celebration is a timely reminder to tread the path shown by him. A spiritual leader and philosopher, educationist, writer, the messenger of 'Ahimsa', Dada Vaswani was a humanitarian to the core. His humble demeanour and down-to-earth nature endeared him to his innumerable disciples and followers. Dada Vaswani's humanitarianism transcended man-made barriers of religion, caste, colour or creed. He believed in the power of silent service and exhorted the youth to immerse themselves in service of the nation. Celebrated as Global Forgiveness Day, Dada Vaswani's birth anniversary brings the message of non-violence and peace in every sphere of activity. His life and ideals underlined the dictum of preach what you practice. Dada always talked of strengthening and empowering society. "If you want to be happy, make others happy" was the dictum he believed in. He urged people to instil the virtue of acceptance in life. Hon’ble Prime Minister said in his addressed letter. Tributes to Dada Vaswani on his 101st birth anniversary. May the occasion guide mankind and illuminate the lives of his disciples and followers. About Moment of Calm: The Moment of Calm is a world-wide initiative of peace that calls upon one and all, young and old to pause for 2 minutes on August 2 at 2 pm to forgive, clear the heart of ill-feelings and send out vibrations of love to all. One can observe this ‘Moment’ from wherever one is – the elevator, the gym, the office, the home, or anywhere. The Moment of Calm campaign was launched by Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani and the Mayor of Oak brook, Chicago in the year 2012. Launching the Moment of Calm, Rev. Dada had said, “The treasure of this inner calm should be experienced by all of us at least once every day. But if we are unable to do so, then let us enjoy and experience it at least once a year. Our minds are usually turbulent, disturbed and agitated. Our natural state is that of calmness. We need to go within to reinstate it. We can only do so by letting go of any grudges, disturbances, pettiness, selfishness, vengeance and any other negative attributes.” The first one to sign up for this Movement was filmmaker and actor, Aamir Khan. Today, the Moment of Calm movement has reached millions from all walks of life. World-over, people have experienced the calmness forgiveness has brought about and vouched for their experience of bliss, peace and true solace. Dada often said, “Hearts at peace will create world peace.” In belief and faith, this year as well the Moment of Calm was observed across the globe at 2 pm on 2nd August. Schools, colleges, hospitals, sports academies, NGO’s supported the cause. Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley and CCARE of Stanford University supported the cause of Moment of Calm.

Every child that God sends out into this earth comes with the infinite promise of love and joy and hope. But this can be realised, this promise fulfilled, only through love. —Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani The rains blessed the parched lands as it joined in the celebrations of Rev. Dada’s 101stbirthday. Lashing across the city, the thunderous rains uplifted the spirits of the volunteers gathered in the early hours of morn for in a while a thousand joyous, smiling children would brighten the Sadhu Vaswani Mission! 27th July 2019, marked the beginning of the 101st birthday celebration of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. The hustle in the morning was a welcoming one! With a child laughing aloud and another giggling away while yet another running about! What a spectacle it was! Rev. Dada always said, “Children want love and attention and time,” and today was one of those days when the children were the centre of all attention and the joy they found in it was truly contagious. Adults had turned children, dancing and singing along! “This is my first time ever at the Mission. It is a beautiful sight to behold! The Mission is spreading so much joy and happiness, especially to these kids who rarely get to live the life a child deserves! I am ecstatic singing at the Dada Mela. It’s a noble cause and moreover, I am reliving my childhood here! Their enthusiasm, their liveliness, where have we left all of this behind!” said Saurabh Kulkarni who energized the atmosphere with his incredible vocals! There were several shouts of once more for him and he gracefully obliged. The Dada Mela began to the lighting of lamp at the life-like portraits of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani and the chanting of ‘Om’ where the children were seen seated in the most disciplined manner. Eyes closed and hands joined in prayer, they resounded the Mission premises with their sincere and devout chants. Following this, they joined in prayer for the Moment of Calm and echoed in the chorus, “Dear God, give us the strength that we may forgive and experience peace and love.” Moment of Calm is a world-wide initiative of peace that calls upon one and all, young and old to pause for 2 minutes on August 2 at 2 pm to forgive, clear the heart of ill-feelings and send out vibrations of love to all. One can observe this ‘Moment’ from wherever one is – the elevator, the gym, the office, the home, or anywhere. Soon enough, it was time for music, masti and more! On one end, little girls had queued up to apply Mehendi on their palms while others were playing games set up for them. From lighting the candle to getting nail polish applied to car racing to dice game to hoop the biscuits; they wanted to play it all! “In spite of these kids being special, they grasp all the game instructions so easily! It‘s a marvel in itself!” said Muskan Gupta, volunteer at one of the game stalls. Another volunteer, Sai Patil, said, “It’s such a unique experience! We are innovating too. Having to explain these games using expressions and actions, it’s definitely new! But although we are finding it difficult to communicate, they are pros! They are bright and intelligent! Finally, it was time for food! Children were queuing up at food stalls! All their favourites, from bhel, to vada pav to pulav to dosas! The stall managers were bombarded with requests for more and more! Teachers were seen looking upon their students in adoration. Their joy was something they loved too! Speaking to a few of them at the mela we realised their commitment towards the students. “Our children don’t get sleep a day before they have to come to the Mission! They are that excited! On other days, they’ll skip school but today, in spite of the rains, they reached before us! They love the Mission, its food and gifts! They feel loved here!” said Vijaymal Chandane, a teacher at Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala “Also, the food is so hygienic, the parents also willingly send the children,” she added. “The ones who are neglected by all, get all the love and affection here! What more can they ask for? They know about Dada, they love Dada. Although it is as much as fun as it usually is, Dada’s absence is painful,” said Aruna Bhandari, a teacher at Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala. “We have been coming since 1993. Our children love this place! Here they receive everything in abundance. Earlier the Mission would come to our school, now they bring our children here. It’s like a picnic for them. They are awed at the events and functions,” said Anand Gavane, Devidas Yewte and Shahji Sagre, teachers at CR Ranganathan Residential School for the Deaf. Finally, it was time for gifts, goodie bags (napkins, coconut oil, toothpaste, pen-pencil kits) and of course ICE-CREAMS! “I have been helping in organizing this mela for the past 30 years. We go about and identify the schools that have special children, unprivileged children and approach them for partaking in the mela. It is a happy occasion for children. They want to be here all day! Seeing these kids spreads joy amongst all of us. This truly is a celebration! No ostentation, no extravagance just pure love and affection,” said Murlidhar Hassija. Soon it was time to bid goodbye but only until the Mission would meet these little ones again. As the kids got seated in the buses arranged for them, they were waving in excitement and taking home, lots of gifts, blessings and love… The birthday celebrations had truly begun. Participating Schools: CR Ranganathan Residential School for the Deaf (202) Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule Girls High School Nana Peth (220) Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala (566) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule School,  Swargate (38) Poona School and Home for Blind (98) Total Participating Children: 1124

Every child that God sends out into this earth comes with the infinite promise of love and joy and hope. But this can be realised, this promise fulfilled, only through love. —Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani The rains blessed the parched lands as it joined in the celebrations of Rev. Dada’s 101st birthday. Lashing across the city, the thunderous rains uplifted the spirits of the volunteers gathered in the early hours of morn for in a while a thousand joyous, smiling children would brighten the Sadhu Vaswani Mission! 27thJuly 2019, marked the beginning of the 101stbirthday celebration of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. The hustle in the morning was a welcoming one! With a child laughing aloud and another giggling away while yet another running about! What a spectacle it was! Rev. Dada always said, “Children want love and attention and time,” and today was one of those days when the children were the centre of all attention and the joy they found in it was truly contagious. Adults had turned children, dancing and singing along! “This is my first time ever at the Mission. It is a beautiful sight to behold! The Mission is spreading so much joy and happiness, especially to these kids who rarely get to live the life a child deserves! I am ecstatic singing at the Dada Mela. It’s a noble cause and moreover, I am reliving my childhood here! Their enthusiasm, their liveliness, where have we left all of this behind!” said Saurabh Kulkarni who energized the atmosphere with his incredible vocals! There were several shouts of once more for him and he gracefully obliged. The Dada Mela began to the lighting of lamp at the life-like portraits of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani and the chanting of ‘Om’ where the children were seen seated in the most disciplined manner. Eyes closed and hands joined in prayer, they resounded the Mission premises with their sincere and devout chants. Following this, they joined in prayer for the Moment of Calm and echoed in the chorus, “Dear God, give us the strength that we may forgive and experience peace and love.” Moment of Calm is a world-wide initiative of peace that calls upon one and all, young and old to pause for 2 minutes on August 2 at 2 pm to forgive, clear the heart of ill-feelings and send out vibrations of love to all. One can observe this ‘Moment’ from wherever one is – the elevator, the gym, the office, the home, or anywhere. Soon enough, it was time for music, masti and more! On one end, little girls had queued up to apply Mehendi on their palms while others were playing games set up for them. From lighting the candle to getting nail polish applied to car racing to dice game to hoop the biscuits; they wanted to play it all! “In spite of these kids being special, they grasp all the game instructions so easily! It‘s a marvel in itself!” said Muskan Gupta, volunteer at one of the game stalls. Another volunteer, Sai Patil, said, “It’s such a unique experience! We are innovating too. Having to explain these games using expressions and actions, it’s definitely new! But although we are finding it difficult to communicate, they are pros! They are bright and intelligent! Finally, it was time for food! Children were queuing up at food stalls! All their favourites, from bhel, to vada pav to pulav to dosas! The stall managers were bombarded with requests for more and more! Teachers were seen looking upon their students in adoration. Their joy was something they loved too! Speaking to a few of them at the mela we realised their commitment towards the students. “Our children don’t get sleep a day before they have to come to the Mission! They are that excited! On other days, they’ll skip school but today, in spite of the rains, they reached before us! They love the Mission, its food and gifts! They feel loved here!” said Vijaymal Chandane, a teacher at Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala “Also, the food is so hygienic, the parents also willingly send the children,” she added. “The ones who are neglected by all, get all the love and affection here! What more can they ask for? They know about Dada, they love Dada. Although it is as much as fun as it usually is, Dada’s absence is painful,” said Aruna Bhandari, a teacher at Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala. “We have been coming since 1993. Our children love this place! Here they receive everything in abundance. Earlier the Mission would come to our school, now they bring our children here. It’s like a picnic for them. They are awed at the events and functions,” said Anand Gavane, Devidas Yewte and Shahji Sagre, teachers at CR Ranganathan Residential School for the Deaf. Finally, it was time for gifts, goodie bags (napkins, coconut oil, toothpaste, pen-pencil kits) and of course ICE-CREAMS! “I have been helping in organizing this mela for the past 30 years. We go about and identify the schools that have special children, unprivileged children and approach them for partaking in the mela. It is a happy occasion for children. They want to be here all day! Seeing these kids spreads joy amongst all of us. This truly is a celebration! No ostentation, no extravagance just pure love and affection,” said Murlidhar Hassija. Soon it was time to bid goodbye but only until the Mission would meet these little ones again. As the kids got seated in the buses arranged for them, they were waving in excitement and taking home, lots of gifts, blessings and love… The birthday celebrations had truly begun. Participating Schools: CR Ranganathan Residential School for the Deaf (202) Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule Girls High School Nana Peth (220) Bapusaheb Pawar Kanyashala (566) Mahatma Jyotirao Phule School,  Swargate (38) Poona School and Home for Blind (98) Total Participating Children: 1124

The Star of Lonavala! The Lions Club conferred on Sadhu Vaswani Mission's Medical Centre, Khandala the ‘Star of Lonavala Award’ on July 25, 2019 for ‘Selfless Humanitarian Services’. The Sadhu Vaswani Mission’s Medical Center Khandala provides medical aid to the tribals living in the interiors of Lonavala and Khandala at nominal rates. It also has 2 Mobile Clinics that along with a doctor, visit small hamlets around Lonavala & Khandala regularly to provide free medical aid & free medicines to tribals at their doorsteps.

July 16, 2019 “Jai Gurudev, Jai Jai Gurdev,” echoed in the holy grounds of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission; the abode of two Great Masters - Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. The auspicious day of Guru Purnima had dawned and much before the sun arose, the light of love and divinity reverberated in the sacred premises of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. The Gayatri Mantra was recited with 108 havans in the morning session at the sacred Samadhi of Sadhu Vaswani. On this auspicious day, Didi Krishna Kumari, Working Chairperson, Sadhu Vaswani Mission, said, “Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani was a master-artist whose works captivated many hearts. But the most exquisite and unique work he created was Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. Minutely and painstakingly he chiseled, moulded and shaped him. The kinship, the affinity between these two kindred souls grew into an unbreakable eternal bond. Every opportunity Dada received to be in his Guru’s presence, in his divine aura, contributed significantly to his spiritual upliftment. Once when the disciple and the Master were engaged in an intimate personal conversation, Dada asked Sadhu Vaswani: “The birth of this physical form was through my mother. You have given me another birth – you have released me from the womb of maya. Where was I before that?” Looking deeply and lovingly at Dada, Sadhu Vaswani said: “You are the child of my tears. Before I sculpted you, I imprinted your image in the recesses of my heart. Your true form had already taken shape within me. It was then that I manifested you. You were like a dream dancing before my eyes. Just as a bud blossoms into a flower – my dream bloomed into you…” “The Sacred Kutiya, loosely translated to sacred cottage of mahatmas, that houses the ashes of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani and holy flames 'Akhand Jyot' of the two Masters, was open for disciples for seeking blessings. The very ashes of a man of tapasya exert a mighty influence,” hath said Sadhu Vaswani. “To me Dada means divine light, divine love and divine power. On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, I express my gratitude to him and ask of him what can I offer in guru dakshina to him? His Kutiya to me is my real home, the true home where I aspire to merge one day,” said Shradha Tejwani. An afternoon session saw thronging of devotees to witness melodious Guru Vandana kirtans & bhajans. Seva for the needy and poor was organised. Around 51 families were given groceries that included cash, rice, tea, sugar, cooking oil, moong dal, suji, matki, spices and condiments. They went home filled and richly blessed. The evening session witnessed Guru Mahima kirtans and upadesh of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. ‘You may gather countless moons and suns; and yet the darkness of this world cannot be dispelled without a Guru’ was the core message.

He speaks to us in silent ways, He blesses us in unseen ways, His love enfolds us in limitless ways, He is ever with us! — Didi Krishna Kumari The Mission in remembrance of the Master, held a 3-day observance of the 1st Mahayagna (Anniversary) of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani on 11th July to 14th July. On this observance, Didi Krishna Kumari, said, “Today brings with itself boundless blessings. Our thoughts turn to our Beloved Dada, just as they do every day, every moment of every day. Exactly one year ago, unfurling his golden wings, he ascended to the Land of Truth. Never could we have thought that our Beloved would leave us so swiftly, so suddenly. Day by day the yearning grows stronger, the longing grows deeper. But nothing, no force can keep Dada away from us. He is not apart from us, he is a part of us.” 11th July: The evening witnessed bhajans renditions by Shailendra Bharti, acclaimed singer, who through his vocals and lyrics left the devotees teary-eyed, longing for one glimpse of the Master. Following this, Rev. Dada’s recorded talk on ‘Overcoming the fear of death’ was played. In it, he spoke of the distinctness between the body and soul. While the body dies, the soul lives on. He emphasized that man attaches and identifies himself with the body he wears but in reality, he is not the body. He enunciated on the fear that is attached to death and the teachings of sages of ancient times included meditating on death, the fact that only one thing is certain and that is death. He appealed to all to be fearless in death and create a connection with God. ‘Thus Spake Dada Vaswani,’ & ‘Make the Right Choice' - two new books and a Special Edition of East & West Series, a monthly magazine of the Mission was released. 12th July: the day Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani attained Samadhi, the morning awoke to solemn prayers. The silence that echoed, as Prabhat Pheri began, in the early hours of dawn, when the sun was yet to rise to, was resounding. The dawn procession through the neighbourhood of Sadhu Vaswani Mission invoked the divinity in the early hours with chants of 'hare ram, hare ram, dada shyam, dada shyam’. “It has been pouring since the last few days and when it did not this morning, I knew it was Dada’s love, yet again, protecting us, shielding us. How beautiful and serene was the atmosphere this morning! It was truly divine,” said Shobha Budhrani who had arrived for the Prabhat Pheri from Singapore. “The scene this morning was blessed, I felt so secure, so loved. Every step I took, it felt as though Dada were walking with me. I do not have words to express,” said Neena Daryanani who had come all the way from Hong Kong. Following the Prabhat Pheri was the morning satsang- a recorded upadesh of Rev. Dada wherein, again he spoke on the fleeting nature of life and how death alone is a constant. He spoke on the true homeland that our souls have descended from and now living in forgetfulness of God and of our true home. The afternoon session had bhajans, kirtans and sevas. Beginning with the Srimad Bhagwat Gita shloka, followed by a vachan from the Nuri Granth, bhajans rendered the atmosphere divine and celestial. Alongside were carried out seva activities wherein items distributed among the school girls of St. Mira’s included, cash, lunch box, water box pen and pencil. A month’s ration and cash of thousand rupees were given to 73 needy families, which included coconut oil, toothpaste, washing and bathing soaps, sugar, tea, cooking oil, pulses and more. The evening session saw the presence of Kaajal Chandiramani, an exalted singer who engulfed the satsang hall in her mellifluous voice. Later, the recorded upadesh by Rev. Dada was on the cosmic breath that is the life within us without which there is no identity, no life within us. He spoke of the true wealth one must gather before going back to God. The wealth is that of connection with God, living in his remembrance and love and doing acts of service. After the satsang, a Deepak Yatra was held wherein devotees lit a lamp and placed before Rev. Dada’s life-like image at his Mahasamadhi. And the day concluded with the night vigil satsang at the Satsang Hall. 13th July: the day when Rev. Dada’s body was consigned to the flames, was observed in solemn and earnest prayers. A Daridra Narayan seva was conducted wherein the needy and poor were served a filling morning meal that included pulav, subji, pav, samosa, gulab jamun and chocolate. The recipients were seen chanting Dada Shyam as they slowly queued up in discipline to accept the prasad in gratitude and love. The afternoon session was initiated with akhand kirtans and seva that included distribution of a month’s ration to needy families. Artificial limbs were distributed to 33 patients in the Mission who were a part of the Satara Artificial Limbs Camp. A total of 103 prosthesis have been distributed in the camp. Shri L. K. Advani, former Deputy Prime Minister of India attended the day 3 of the Mahayagna. To him, dear was Rev. Dada and he held a close association with the Mission. On the observance, he chose to remain silent emphasing that words wouldn’t do justice when encapsulating the memory of Rev. Dada. Jaya Row, Vedanta Speaker, too graced the observance. Speaking a few words, that had the audience rapt in attention, she said, “We are blessed to be born in a country that has seen lineages of saints and mahatmas. Of these, Dada was one. He was one who taught us the great truth that ‘Brahman satyam, jag mithya,’ that God alone is truth, the world is an illusion. He taught us so many things, from vegetarianism to love to light and I believe the best way to offer homage to Rev. Dada is to live his message.” The session concluded with the serving of langar - fellowship meal. The final and the evening session of the 3-day observance concluded with bhajans, kirtans and recorded upadesh of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani.

—Didi Krishna Kumari —Working Chairperson, Sadhu Vaswani Mission Sadhu Vaswani was a master-artist whose works captivated many hearts. But the most exquisite and unique work he created was Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. Minutely and painstakingly he chiseled, moulded and shaped him. The kinship, the affinity between these two kindred souls grew into an unbreakable eternal bond. Every opportunity Dada received to be in his Guru’s presence, in his divine aura, contributed significantly to his spiritual upliftment. Once when the disciple and the Master were engaged in an intimate personal conversation, Dada asked Sadhu Vaswani: “The birth of this physical form was through my mother. You have given me another birth – you have released me from the womb of maya. Where was I before that?” Looking deeply and lovingly at Dada, Sadhu Vaswani said: “You are the child of my tears. Before I sculpted you, I imprinted your image in the recesses of my heart. Your true form had already taken shape within me. It was then that I manifested you. You were like a dream dancing before my eyes. Just as a bud blossoms into a flower – my dream bloomed into you… “In this age of noise and din, clamour and craving, may you bear witness to the kingdom of God. That is your True Home. Always keep your faith in the Rishis of India and kindle that same faith in the lives of all who come in contact with you. May you be drenched in a ceaseless flow of blessings from the Rishis and spend your life in service and sacrifice. May you experience the unity of all life. Therefore may you be a friend of all. May you be a burden bearer and lift their loads. “Hold aloft the ideals of the Rishis and make India once again a land of True light and wisdom.” Such was the blessing Sadhu Vaswani bestowed on Dada. Little wonder, all who came in proximity with Dada, all who closely associated with him exclaimed: “O captivator of minds, O stealer of hearts, whose smile ravishes many hearts. Tell us who you truly are? “When we are by your side, we feel protected. In your presence, we feel uplifted. When at your lotus feet we seek solace, we are loath to return to the world.” Every day he would come from the land of silence and meet the aspiring souls who gathered to get a glimpse of his radiant face. They waited with bated breath for his arrival. He would slip into the room silently, but somehow his vibrations, which gave rise to an exciting tingle, would precede him. He would come and sit on a simple chair and with a calm smile and folded hands would greet them all and converse with them with care and concern, love and humility. His first question would be: “My dear ones, how are you? How did you spend the day?” They were run-of the mill, ordinary questions. Yet there was something inexplicable about them – some magic in his voice – some wonder in his look that made the stress and strain of the day get washed away and disappear. Sometimes his words would make us laugh, sometimes they made us cry. Sometimes he would be silent and we would strain to hear his soft words. At other times his words were like the endless flow of a river. His sweet, penetrating voice would pierce our inner being, would make our spirits soar. The anecdotes he narrated were simple and straightforward, yet the encouragement and impetus they gave us would direct our steps on the right path at least for the next 24 hours till he met us again. His teachings were like a map, given to us on a platter to help us tread the path of goodness. To seekers he provided sadhanas (disciplines) to prepare them. To pilgrims who lost themselves in the ocean of life, he was a life-boat. To those who were in a dilemma, he dispelled their doubts. To those lost in the darkness of despair he brought the light of hope and courage. To those who succumbed to pain and illness – he filled them with energy and vitality. His teachings cannot be merely inscribed on paper. Their enormity and depth, their potency and power can be assimilated if they are written in words of fire on the tablets of our hearts. Like a furnace purifying gold, his words should purify our hearts and make them worthy of being offered to him. Only when we try to put into practice his teachings, will we get a glimpse of who Dada is. To know, to understand, to realise the reality of Dada is a task that can be attempted only by those who choose to walk the rough and rocky path towards bliss eternal.

There are beings who come into your life and suddenly time loses its significance. When they came and how they come becomes irrelevant because their imprint on the heart and mind is so marked that nothing can erase it. And so it was with Beloved Dada. When Dada gave one time, he gave of himself, totally. For those blissful moments when his whole heart was opened to you, when his eyes looked deep into your being, filling you with blessings and divine Grace, you had a taste of eternity. Often I came out of meetings amazed that three hours had passed. I had lost all concept of time. After such meetings, there was a powerful need to sit in silence in some secluded place or simply to get lost in the crowd. One had to slowly emerge from a zone that was out of the ordinary. Many years ago when I was part of the team that initially worked on Dada Darshan Museum, there would be meetings with Dada that would start at 10.00 pm. The meetings would sometimes go on well past midnight. Dada’s indefatigable zest and patience for question after question, his limitless reserves of energy were extraordinary. He still had his sprightly walk back then. I understood how such energy is the expression of a pure mind, uncluttered with emotions and thoughts that drain the rest of us. The joy of life that we experienced in his presence gave us a new perspective on life – the same world, in his presence, seemed a divine realm, filled with love, kindness, goodness, good sense. I loved the unapologetic and forthright declarations of Dada against the eating of meat and the cruelty that a non-vegetarian diet implies, particularly in the contemporary context. I understood that strong convictions alone make one fearless and that those convictions have a power of their own. When sent out into the world, they slowly gather momentum and widen their embrace slowly bringing more and more people across the globe into their fold. Once while writing the biography of Dada, I was staying with a friend in Pune. Outside her apartment block, I found a dog covered with mange. I knew what medicine was required to treat the hapless creature. But, two weeks of treatment was necessary and I was leaving the next day. The friend I was staying with was also leaving the same time as me. Wondering what to do, I went for my daily meeting with Dada. He immediately saw that I was a bit distraught. “Something is troubling Anita today,” he remarked gently. “No, Dada, all is well,” I replied, not wanting to talk of something trivial when he was giving me his precious time. “No, No, something is the matter.” I burst into tears and told him about the dog and how rotten I was feeling about not being able to treat him and how he would die such a painful death. “We will find someone to give him the medicine,” said Dada. He asked Krishna to call an elderly gentleman who was an animal lover. Dada instructed him to accompany me home after my meeting and see the location of the dog. I bought the medicine and we started treatment that day itself. The medicine had to be given twice a week over the next two weeks. Four times this kind gentleman visited the site and gave the medicine to the dog in a piece of cheese. And each time he sent me a message confirming that he had done so. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and love of the gentleman, but, above all, of Dada. Never have I seen such serious concern, empathy and compassion for something that has made me the butt of scorn or amusement for much of my life. Before leaving Dada on that day, I asked him to name the dog. Dada promptly said, “Moti.” And so Moti survived and for several years after that I saw him on my trips to Pune. And I marveled at how this blessed dog had been given the gift of a new life thanks to Dada. Dada was like Ramana Maharshi who gave animals as much, and sometimes more, importance than the human beings living in his ashram. On another visit to Pune, we were sitting in Dada’s room and I was facing his altar with the pictures of so many great saints of different traditions. Night had fallen and as the light in the room was switched on my gaze fell on the picture of Jesus Christ. And I said, “What a beautiful face! So much character in that face.” “Yes, there is so much shakti in it”, said Dada, “And it is for you!” I was stunned and thought I hadn’t heard correctly. “Pack it up for her, Krishna,” said Dada. “No, Dada,” I protested. “Please, I am so happy just to see it.” “It is for you,” insisted Dada. Krishna said she would make a copy of it, for it had been on Dada’s altar since ages. But Dada was adamant. And so that blessed picture of Jesus Christ, a picture of divine peace, calm and shakti came to me. It now rests on my altar and every morning I gaze on it and think of Dada. I remember a particularly stormy monsoon evening in Delhi when I drove to meet Dada who was visiting the city. I was taken upstairs to meet him in private. I was seeing him after a long break and when I saw him and sat down at his meet, I burst out weeping. I don’t what overcame me but I wept for quite a while. And then he said, “What is it?” “Give me param vairagya Dada,” I asked. “That,” he said, gently, “only your Guru can give you. Yes. Only your Guru can give you that.” Talking to him was a great learning. I would ask him a question and there would be long pause. Then he would start to respond. Sometimes even while responding there would be a long pause and I learnt to wait patiently because otherwise one would not get everything that he had to say. In his characteristic gentle and kind way if one asked another question before he had finished, he never ticked you off, he just went on to the next question. And so I, too, learned to slow down. As he often pointed out, when you do something, do it as though you have all the time in the world, because then you will be relaxed and focused and it will get done well and soon. Never hurry. Everything about him was just that and yet how much he packed into his day until the very end. He is physically absent but his voice, his words, his presence remain vibrant and powerful in the world within. And that no one and nothing can take away. He has left each of us a treasure and sharing it with one another will be the joy and fulfillment of the coming years.

Our tiny tots of Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul, Manjri warming up on #Yoga Day. They were taught different yoga postures which they enjoyed at the open grounds of the school. #WorldYogaDay was celebrated by the students and teachers at St. Mira's English Medium Secondary School with great enthusiasm. 300 students also participated at B.J. Medical Ground, Pune, organized by Zilla Krida Adhikari Karyalay, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Yoga Sanghatna & B.J. Medical College. Various schools of Pune participated in this event and performed many asanas. In school, a special assembly was organised & the guest of honour was Mrs Devki Desai, senior instructor of Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute. The students performed sitting and standing asanas, with their importance explained simultaneously. #InternationalYogaDay at St. Mira’s Primary School It was conducted through classes 1st to 4th. The students began the programme with the chanting of ‘OM’, breathing and stretching exercises. Students performed standing and other asanas including Vrikshasana, Padhastasana, Ardha Chakrasana and Pranayama. Their importance was also explained simultaneously. Celebrating #YogaDay at Sadhu Vaswani International School , Pradhikaran .There was a special performance on Rhythmic Yoga by the young talented students. It concluded with a Pranayama where each and everyone including the teachers participated with great enthusiasm.

16th June 2019, a mystical silence rang in the early hours of the dawn at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune. The morn knew too, it was Beloved Dada J. P. Vaswani’s Mahayagna and descended to embrace his divine spirit with the shafts of luminous sunlight. As the day dawned, so did Beloved Dada’s dear ones, his devotees, awoke to resound the Mission with their renditions of soft and soulful bhajans of invocation, yearning and love… The havan fire flared bright and brilliant in the Anjali Samadhi as the Master shone in his divine radiance. One by one, devotees offered their ahuti and circumambulated Beloved Dada’s Samadhi. Significant and deep is the practice of circumambulation which says, ‘may my life be centered on you.’ And, so many and many more, have taken the vow of centering their life on him and his teachings and his living. The afternoon session came about with bhajans, kirtans and seva. As the bhajans and kirtans continued, on the sides of the Satsang Hall, continued sevas wherein the little ones of Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul, Manjri were blessed with new backpacks, books, stationery and more ahead of their soon approaching academic year. On the other end as the bhajans gave way to the reading of Nuri Granth, a vachan from it was read that spoke of the pain of longing and pining for the darshan of saints and dedicating one’s life in the service of saints. Apt for the day, tears trickled as the devotees longed for one glimpse of their Master- Beloved Dada. His presence is all-pervading but the physical form, of his, everyone missed. His smile, his chuckle, his voice… In this regard, a few were requested to share their personal experiences with Dada and as they spoke, the memories came to life. Mr. Bharat Kokal, a Chartered Accountant, spoke on the observance saying, “I believe, each one of us must imbibe his qualities and take forth his teachings.” Mrs. Aarti Patil, Principal, Sadhu Vaswani International School, Pradhikaran, said, “I met Beloved Dada for the first time during my interview. Yes, I was selected but what ensued was a life-transformation. To this day, ring in my ears the words of my father, ‘My child, today you have met Saint Dnyaneshwar.’ A teary-eyed, Dr Haresh Mirchandani, shared his experience saying, “To everyone Beloved Dada was a saint. But to me, he was a living, walking God! Yes, he is present in the spirit but I miss the touch of his loving hand, the caress of his palms on my cheeks, I wait and I know not, when I shall have the blessed moment again.” Mrs. Dhanashree Ganatra, the quintessential singer, said, “I had bought my first car and since there is no one elderly in my house to seek blessings from, I placed the keys on the hands of Shri Krishna and childishly thought, ‘I wish Krishna would drive my car’. With that thought, I came to Mission to show Dada my car and he immediately asked for the keys and there I was with Krishna driving my car!” Following these heart-rending accounts was Beloved Dada’s recorded upadesh. It was on the topic ‘What is the purpose and meaning of life and this endless adventure of existence?’ He spoke on how we are living in separation from God and hence peace eludes us. To bridge this distance and attain unity with God, is needed, His grace and His grace alone. It is only at God’s Lotus Feet that true joy and peace can be found. He also spoke on how we must pursue perfection and be a better version of ourselves with each passing day. Nevertheless, he ascertained, it is impossible to do so without God’s Grace and that we should pray for His Grace. The afternoon session concluded to the serving of langar. The evening session, yet again, resounded in melodious renditions. A recorded upadesh of Sadhu Vaswani was played on the topic of, ‘The Perfect One!’ and how one must aim to be perfect. He spoke on the three kinds of maya- illusions that elude one from attaining perfection; pleasures of the body, pleasures of wealth and possessions, yearning for fame and popularity. He said a Perfect one is not bound by any of these forms of maya and has after several births of sufferings and privation finally attained oneness with God. The evening concluded with serving of prasad and the Mahayagna with 10pm- 10:30 pm satsang at the Sacred Samadhi.