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Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani’s tender heart has never let him remain indifferent to the suffering of others. During any calamities, Dada's instant response has been to put together a band of volunteers from the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, often even accompanying them, and immediately rush to the site of the disaster, to provide the required assistance and sustenance. True to Dada's practice and tradition, teams of dedicated volunteers from the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune have reached Kerala. A team of volunteers from the Mission reached Kerala on 18th August and set up base at Thrissur, one of the worst affected areas. Supplies were procured. Food is freshly cooked and then with a truck, the team sets out to distribute into the affected interiors of Paravoor. “Damage is extensive. Affected people have lost everything. People were so hungry they put bananas, bread immediately in mouth as soon as they received," reported the volunteers. Another team of volunteers has joined them at Kerala to cover more affected areas. The food production has been scaled up to 4000 packets. One of the volunteers commented, ‘When we reached Paravoor and got the hall, the vendor outside gave us tea but did not charge us. The locals are offering us their help, house, vehicles and support... We are touched by so much love and support we have received...” Mr. Ramakrishnan, Superintendent Excise Dept. said in a message to them, “Hats off to your team Sir. Dada Vaswani's blessings will help us to do the best service.” The Mission is deeply grateful to the supporters and the contributions in carrying out this mission of mercy in the disaster affected areas of Kerala, with the grace of the Master.

Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani moves on from the seen to the unseen on the sacred day of guruvaar, July 12, 2018. Devotees and dignitaries poured in from all quarters to have one last glimpse of their Beloved Master in the Mission premises until 2 pm, the following day, July 13, 2018. Beloved Dada, covered in the Indian National Flag, seemed deep in slumber; peaceful and radiant as ever, ready to move along with his devotees in his final yatra on this earth plane. The Darshan yatra moved along the silent streets of the city that mourned the loss of an exalted spiritual leader. Retails shut down as a mark of homage to the saint. The lanes bore a somber look, the sky seemed gloomy… The procession softly kept chanting “Hare Krishna Hare Ram, Dada Shyam, Dada Shyam” passing by the Sadhu Vaswani Chowk, the Council Hall, the Poona Club, the Quarter Gate, the Padamjee, Babajan Chowk, MG Road, Aurora Towers, the Nehru Memorial Hall, Sadhu Vaswani Kunj, Shanti Kunj and finally returning to the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. Beloved Dada was first laid to rest at the Samadhi of Gurudev Sadhu T. L. Vaswani. Honouring Beloved Dada’s contribution to the compass of spirituality, the President of India, the Prime Minister of India and The Chief Minister of Maharashtra and several stately personalities sent in their condolences. At the final rites ceremony, the tribute messages were read. The Hon'ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind’s message read as- “Sad to hear of the passing of Dada J.P. Vaswani, a spiritual leader who contributed so much to our society. He dedicated his life to the betterment of humanity, promoting simple living, high thinking and education. My condolences to his countless followers.” The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi’s message read as- “I am saddened beyond words on the passing away of Dada J.P. Vaswani. He lived for society and served the poor and needy with compassion. Blessed with immense wisdom, he was passionate about educating the girl child, cleanliness and furthering peace as well as brotherhood. Dada J.P. Vaswani was a guiding light for me. About 28 years ago, I had the honour of being with him at a world religions conference in USA. His clarity of thought stood out. In 2013 I had visited Pune to inaugurate a nursing college associated with him. In August last year, I had addressed the 99th birthday celebrations of Dada J.P. Vaswani. His blessings always gave me courage. I join the lakhs and lakhs of people whose lives were touched by Dada J.P. Vaswani in remembering him. His thoughts, teachings and social service efforts live on, highlighting the values he stood for and the work he did.” Amid the chanting of shlokas, bhajans and kirtans, Dada, was given a final state salute and the Indian National Flag was handed over to Sister Krishna Kumari, Working Chairperson, Sadhu Vaswani Mission. He was finally laid to rest at his Mahasamadhi, situated right beside his Guru, Sadhu Vaswani. A full state honours and gun salute was given by the Government of Maharashtra. Finally, Sister Krishna Kumari lit the havan from which was lit the funeral pyre by Babaji, Spiritual Head of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. The following days from day of performing of the final rites, daily prayer meetings, bhajans, kirtans and seva were held for the consecutive 12 days. Of the 12 days, the 10th day and the 12th day are of significance when a dear one departs. Marking this ceremonial activities, students from special schools were given gifts and supplies. Of these, Adhaar School for the deaf and mute that attended the seva session was seen to be equally saddened by the earthly departure of Beloved Dada. The children from the school, were distributed bags, writing pads, games and more during the seva. “Dada is and will always remain dear to us. On behalf of my school and its students, I extend deepest condolences,” said Ujwala Thorat, Rector of the school. “We are as always thankful to the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. We have been coming from the past three years and these gifts bring a smile to the faces of our students,” she added. CR Ranganathan Nivasi, Karnabadhir Vidyalaya, Tingre Nagar another of the schools that received supplies and necessities too was grieving. “Dada has been helping our school since forever. He has provided our students with basic necessities; hearing aids, sweaters, school supplies and so much more,” said Suvarna Bhosle. “Dada loved children. Children loved him too. They were always curious and would ask what his teachings are,” added Pratibha Jagtap. “Even today, when we refer to him, they imitate his radiant smile. That is Dada to them, they also point their finger upward. Its ten years since, he has been helping our school. He must have moved on but his blessings are with us,” added Devidas Yewate. Of the many ceremonies, one of the most significant was that of the enshrining of Dada’s holy ashes in the sacred kutiya. It was when the dawn of 19th July, 2018 rose to the divine havan and chorus of ‘aate nahi nazar par hamare saath ho Dada…” As the ahuti and the ghee flared the flames bright, so did Dada’s radiance shine in all its divine element… With the sangat pouring in from all quarters for one glimpse of their beloved dada; the atmosphere was truly sacred and sanctified. Beloved Dada’s holy ashes were then placed on the celestial palanquin readied with utmost devotion and love… His life-like image on the palanquin speaking to all present. As the palanquin was taken along the Mission campus; through all places Dada once walked by, the sangat joined in singing ‘Dada Shyam, Dada Shyam’ all along to the sacred kutiya… Finally, His holy ashes were enshrined in the sacred kutiya, amidst unceasing chanting. The devotees bowed down to their Beloved. The sacred kutiya where once he blessed all, today, seemed more alive with His palpitating presence. Of the 12 days, on the 10th day, 22nd August, 2018, the sangat gathered in huge numbers for the prayer meet. As the Mira Hall, vibrated palpably to the soulful bhajans and kirtans, the evening was divine in all its element. Condolence messages were played at the ceremony, and they were so heartfelt that several eyes in the satsang hall were clearly tear-touched. Later in the evening, prasad was served with utmost devotion. On the 12th day, the 24th of July, 2018, priests from the local Gurudwara sang from the sacred Guru Granth Sahib. The sangat bowed down in reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib. The afternoon concluded with a langar- fellowship meal. Kanta Mirpori, speaking on her experience said, “I feel no change. Dada is still here. The way the Mission carries out its satsangs, its events, it is so well-planned and organised. Not one thing has changed after Dada has left his physical body. The langar too, was made with so much devotion, there is no comparison to make. Today, when I leave, as always I take something along, something that cannot be measured but only felt and experienced. The sevas too continued until the 12th day, where along with morning seva, an evening seva of distribution of artificial limbs was done. Persons from and around Pune city, were donated the artificial limbs. Following the evening satsang, a Deepak Yatra was held wherein every devotee lit a lamp and placed before Rev. Dada’s life-like image at his Mahasamadhi. “The ambiance of the evening was heavenly. Throughout this ceremony, not for a day, have I or for that matter anyone felt Dada absent from our midst. If I were to say, his presence is felt even more strongly than ever before. And what do I say of the afternoon langar. I was seated in the Gita Mandir that is besides the Samadhi of both Dada and Bade Dada, it was as though we were all having the meal together; and the food, it was served with so much love….” said Ashiyana Nariani, an Ophthalmologist from the United States. “What of the Deepak Yatra, it felt like a realm of light with so many lamps touched by the devotional kirtans and bhajans. I would say each event of the ceremony was intimate; I call it, Moments with the Master.” Truer words have not been said. Dada was, Dada is and Dada will be. Through these 12 days, several dignitaries poured in. A few among them were L. K. Advani Senior BJP leader, Pratibha Patil former President of India, Girish Bapat Guardian Minister, RSS Representatives, Mukta Tilak Mayor of Pune, Digvijay Singh Ex CM of M.P., besides Lila Poonawalla, Firoz Poonawalla, Ram Buxani, Bahri Malhotra, Dr. K. H. Sancheti, Dr. Parag Sancheti, Dr. Parvez Grant and representatives from many organisations. To render melody to the bhajans and kirtans, artists like Kaajal Chandirmani, Neal Talreja, Dr. Harish Wadhwani, Renu Gidoomal, Sanket Modi, Jessica Dhanak, Shashank Ombhase, Meeta Shah, Ameya Dabli were present amongst many other.

Beloved Dada J.P. Vaswani’s tender heart has never let him remain indifferent to the suffering of others.  During any calamities, Dada's instant response has been to put together a band of volunteers from the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, often even accompanying them, and immediately rush to the site of the disaster, to provide the required assistance and sustenance. True to Dada's practice and tradition, a team of dedicated volunteers from the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, will be heading out tomorrow morning for Kerala, which has been devastated by floods. They will set up a relief camp at Thrissur (Trichur) and proceed to make arrangements for basic amenities for all those in need in this hard hit area. The volunteers will be fortified by Dada's guidance, by his spirit of service, by his unconditional love which sees the One in all. Upon arrival at the site, the relief operations will instantly commence. May your prayers and blessings too support and encourage their efforts. If you would like to volunteer or offer any kind of support for this relief activity, please contact pro@sadhuvaswani.org

"May I be a lamp that unfolds the light of love, of sympathy and service in the darkness of these days" -Dada J. P. Vaswani We are all leading self centered lives. Sordid Selfishness is one of the chief reasons of chaos and turmoil in the current times. We have grown in industrialization; we have advanced in technology. But morally and spiritually we have gone backwards. Our hearts have not awakened. In the measure in which we become more and more unselfish, in the measure in which we think, more and more, of the needs of those around us and put ourselves to discomfort in order to bring comfort to others, in that measure the current situation will improve. Altruistic living, living for others, moving out of the narrow parochial boundaries of selfishness and living for the larger good of mankind is what makes life truly beautiful. All around there is darkness and seemingly the darkness deeper grows.Let us not curse the darkness, let us but light a candle. How does darkness go? Not by fighting it but by kindling a light. I think each one of us should do the little he can. If we don’ do it because it is so little, we deprive the world of something. Let you and I and others start lighting our little candles. The day will come when all those little flames will be gathered together and we shall have the light of the new morning sun. We must create a new environment of love and compassion. Remember, love is stronger than hate, and compassion is mightier than cruelty.

Warm Greetings from Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune! Here is the detailed program schedule of Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani's birth centenary from July 31st to August 2, 2018. Though we dearly miss his physical presence, his ever living spirit, his all-pervading energy can be felt more strongly. True it is, that he lives on for today and lifetimes to come... We at Sadhu Vaswani Mission cordially invite you all to join in with your family & friends & be blessed at this special occasion.

Beloved Revered Dada J.P. Vaswani moves on, from the seen to the unseen at 0901hrs IST July 12 2018, on sacred Guruvaar (Thursday). “May I be a lamp that unfolds the light of love, of sympathy and service in the darkness of these days” This was the deepest aspiration of his life, this was his karma, his dharma. He continues to be a radiant, a luminous light, the Light of Love that illumines the world! We live as your little children, Dear Dada, knowing that You, our Divine Mother are forever by our side, and so we have nothing to fear. You continue to protect us, guard us, guide us and lead us on! The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind said, "Sad to hear of the passing of Dada J.P. Vaswani, a spiritual leader who contributed so much to our society. He dedicated his life to the betterment of humanity, promoting simple living, high thinking and education. My condolences to his countless followers."

On the outskirts of Pune, in the charming village of Manjri with sugarcane fields, over a large acres land, was dedicated this new school building on 18th June 2018. It is a dream project, of this great saint and educationist of imparting quality education to village level and serving the rural children. The school was inaugurated with the traditional havan, prayers, mantras, Nuri Granth thought of the occasion (vachan) and bhajans. Supporters from abroad, dignitaries and the heads of all the Mira institutions in Pune also graced the occasion. It was their first day of school. In their newly acquired uniforms, socks and shoes, the village children, 120 of them, came trotting with their parents towards the building named - ‘Sadhu Vaswani Gurukul’. This first section of the beautiful school building was put up in just two months and is the hard work of a dedicated team of Sadhu Vaswani Mission under the project head Manju Nichani and Working Chairperson Krishna Kumari. The children sat in the hall as the latest addition to the large loving family of Mira Education. Full of wonder and anticipation they awaited their entry to the new experience. “It was a sight to see these little angels,” remarked Dr. Shanti, an attendee hailing from Goa. In her speech Manju Nichani, informed that as Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani woke up in the morning, he said in enthusiasm, “Take me to the new school at Manjri.” This received a thunderous applause from all and a wave of joy flooded the hall. The session concluded with a thrilling participative kirtan of ‘Vithalla’. Snacks were served for all. The revered founder Sadhu Vaswani’s clarion call of 'Give, give and give' is seen in loving action. In His grace, a village school will bring education and culture into many homes. About the school: The school has started with three classes – Nursery, Junior KG and Senior KG, with 40 students in each class. The entire education is free for the underprivileged children. They will be given free breakfast and mid-day meal. The children have been provided 3 sets of uniforms, shoes, socks, etc. Starting with junior classes, a SSC school is envisioned with excellent infrastructure, play facilities and academics.

Our children are our greatest treasure. They are the builders of tomorrow’s brave New World. They are the seeds of humanity. Let us invest in them. Let us take care of them. Let us love them for love can work wonders. Let us give them the freedom to grow. Let us not impose our views on them. It is only they who can regenerate humanity. We live in a world of moral turpitude, because people are only aware of their rights, and not of their duties. Education today has become soul-less. Values of character should form the foundation of our educational system – and serve as the guiding principles of all ‘professionals’. The literal meaning of the word ‘character’ is carving, engraving. Character is that which is to be engraved in the plastic mind of the child. New education must sow within the child seeds of simplicity, and service, of purity and prayer. Education is essentially an atmosphere. Within the child are creative forces which need to be developed. Every child is unique and has a specific role to play in the great cosmic plan. It is the mother in the house and the teacher in the school who has to awaken this creativity. They have to equip the students to cope adequately with what lies ahead of them so that they may become worthy participants in the adventure of life. Today education teaches all the branches of knowledge but none of the roots. The root of education is reverence and the fruit of education is service. We need a new education which may offer the students an integral training of the head, the hand, and the heart; and a proper discipline of willpower and the emotions for the education is not only the imparting knowledge, but awakening of human qualities. If India stands true to her ancient ideals in education, she will enrich once more the world’s life. – Dada J. P. Vaswani

MAKE GOD REAL We talk of God, we read and write about God, yet God is not a reality to many of us. Make God real to yourself. Feel His presence every moment of your life. He is the nearest of the near. Closer is he to us than our breathing, nearer than hands and feet. He is available 24 hours of the day and night. The tiniest whisper is audible to His ears for He is within every heart. Develop a link of love with Him — any relationship that you wish, that of a father, a mother, a brother, a friend, even your beloved. Make Him the central presence of your life. Depend on Him for all your needs, great and small. He is the one who will satisfy all your needs. Turn to him again and again. His open arms are always ready to receive you. When your bond with Him is strong, you will realise that God is your helper, your protector, your guardian, your guide. I think of myself as a child sitting in the lap of my Mother Divine. I turn to her again and again and she has never failed me. Make it a habit to go to Him as you would go to a friend sharing the incidents of your life naturally and spontaneously. Establish more and more points of contact with God. Let the day be full of little prayers to the Lord, little turnings towards Him. Ensure that the circuit between Him and you is never broken. Live and move and do your daily work in His ever-loving presence and you will be filled with an indescribable peace through all the changing vicissitudes of life.

Dear One, Warm Greetings! You will be happy to know that the formal opening of Sadhu Vaswani International School was a great success. We would like to share a few glimpses from the event. The Hon'ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind rightly said, “The school draws from a great legacy. Sadhu Vaswani, the iconic spiritual leader, was one among the remarkable nation-builders. He taught us to combine the values of ancient civilization with techniques of the modern age. His mission has been taken forward by the much-respected Dada J. P. Vaswani.” He concluded with words of blessings and wishing success for the Sadhu Vaswani International School, Pradhikaran. Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswan's wise words, remain a teaching for us all - "Five things are important for true education. I call them the five fingers of true education- character building, seva- service of the poor and the broken ones, love for the Indian ideals, reverence for all life and cultivation of the soul.” Union HRD Minister, Prakash Javadekar, spoke of his 50 year-long relationship with the Sadhu Vaswani Mission ​​​​“Dada’s talks are so fresh and new that each time there is something to ponder upon. As a disciple, I assure that we shall module the education system as per his guidelines. The Government is already working on it and has decided to give a holistic approach to the entire educational system. We need to remember that the brain is not a data bank. True education is that which amalgamates abilities of comprehension, communication and analysis. Life-skill, creative skills, physical education, experiential education is what is important.”