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The pandemic lockdown highlighted another looming crisis. With curfew impositions and restricted movements, the daily stray feeders were left in a dilemma. The fear of strays losing their lives to hunger remained to be an impending fear. Sadhu Vaswani Mission in the footsteps of the teachings of Masters — Rev. Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani also devoted itself to the cause of serving the voiceless ones. Several appeals for food for the animals came from across the city to the Mission. April 21st 2020, Sadhu Vaswani Mission delivered sacks of rice to Animal Rescue Trust, located at Manjri. “This is the only shelter in the area of Manjiri Khurd that is open day and night during these pandemic times. This NGO provides medical help to animals who fall prey to cruelty, accidents, fights and ailments. This shelter does all the noble work without asking for any fees, money. They work for the love of the being. Currently they have about 95 animals. Even today in these times, they are getting 2-3 new cases each day. They extended their heartfelt gratitude and showered their silent and selfless love upon us,” said a volunteer. April 18th 2020, Bharat Circus requested help for their troupe of 65 members and animals that includes 2 horses, 2 camels, 2 Emu birds and 18 dogs. The Mission provided sacks of black grams and packets of cooking oil. “We feel blessed to have witnessed this divinely orchestrated seva on Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani's Sacred Ekadashi day. Glory to the Master!” said a volunteer. May 7th 2020, on the sacred Buddha Purnima day, who is regarded as a picture of compassion, the Sadhu Vaswani Mission observed the Great One’s day by providing sacks of food to animal feeders across the city. The Mission has been carrying out sevas for birds, stray dogs, cats and cattle on a daily basis. Food material is dispatched to volunteers at different locations in the city who take upon themselves the task of feeding the voiceless ones. The seva items are packaged to last for a month and include 500 kg rice to feed 1000 dogs at Manjri, 60 kg poha or 15 kg rice to feed over 60 dogs and cats at Tingre Nagar, 160 kg poha or 150 kg rice along with biscuits to 100 dogs and cattle in Dhankawdi, 100kg rice to over 60 dogs in Chikhali, 75kg poha and biscuits to over 60 dogs in Hadapsar and Mahadevnagar, 400 kg rice for 500 dogs and cats in Undri, 50 kg rice/poha to over 60 dogs and cats in MG Road, East Street and Pulgate, 50 kg dry dog food for over 60 dogs in Kondhwa, 125 kg rice/ poha to over 110 dogs in Hadapsar, 75 kg poha/rice to nearly 90 dogs at Magarpatta and Amanora, poha/rice to nearly 80 dogs around Magarpatta, 50 poha/rice to nearly 100 dogs in Vishrantwadi, 25 kg poha/rice to 50-60 dogs in Kalyani Nagar, 125 kg rice to over 200 dogs at Vadgaonsheri, and 100 kg rice for nearly 100 dogs in Bavdhan. Until now 1700 kg of rice / poha has been distributed. The weightage of the items is based on the request of the animal feeders & shelters. Sadhu Vaswani Mission intends to carry out this seva until any time required. SHARESHARE ON FACEBOOK TWEETTWEET ON TWITTER PIN ITPIN ON PINTEREST

Amid the pandemic, came another catastrophe — the Cyclone Nisarg. It wreaked havoc in many regions of Maharashtra. Along the coastal Raigad district, it affected several villages with tremendous damage. Amongst these villages, the tiny hamlet of Umbarvira in the interiors of Khalapur district, around 65 kms from Pune was the worst hit. On 9th June, 58 families, including an infant, took shelter in an old railway tunnel near Khandala. Most of the villagers are adivasis and for their livelihood depend on construction projects along the Pune-Mumbai corridor. Lion’s Club Lonavala brought it to the notice of the Sadhu Vaswani Ashram Medical Center, Khandala. Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune immediately joined in the relief efforts. "58 families were left without shelter after the cyclone blew away their huts. They were living in an unused railway tunnel in a pitiable condition. As soon as it was brought to our notice we rushed with aid," said the Mission official. At the Mission headquarters, volunteer team was pressed into action to make generous ration kits for them overnight. Ration kits included 5 kg rice, 5 kg wheat flour, 1 kg pulses, 1litre cooking oil, 1 kg poha/sabudana/suji, 1 kg sugar, and 1 kg tea powder & hygiene essentials. On 11th June 2020, the seva was executed. The location was accessible only to a certain point where a truck was stationed and arranged by Lion’s Club. The villagers were brought from the pickup point to the Sadhu Vaswani Ashram Medical Centre, Khandala. The Solapur chaddars, blankets, towels, and tarpaulin sheets were provided for the damaged huts. The villagers were then brought back to their village.

Satsang is like the lamp that lights our way through the darkness of our life on earth. — Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani Nations and lives have abruptly come to a standstill. The unbridled pandemic of Corona virus has compelled everyone across the globe to be confined to their homes. While government directives and social obligations called for immediate closure of congregations, Sadhu Vaswani Mission undertook swift steps to shift the daily satsangs to an online platform. With this, the Mission has taken its spiritual efforts global. ‘Online Global Satsangs’ is a new norm that the Mission has adopted to relay the message of the Great Masters — Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani on the Mission's official YouTube channel - svmission. Beginning 21st March 2020, the first ‘Global Satsang’ by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission was aired on YouTube LIVE. Since then, every Thursday, Guruvaar with Gurudev, and every Sunday, online virtual satsangs are held. Satsangs on major occasions such as Cheti Chand, Ram Navmi, Buddha Purnima, Monthly sacred 12th/13th are also held online. Rest of the weekdays, Sadhu Vaswani satsangs are held by the Mumbai Center on their official YouTube channel. Sadhu Vaswani Satsangs are thus held on a daily basis. Joining these efforts are centres across the globe, particularly Panama, Jakarta, Singapore, Accra, London and St Maarten which are holding LIVE satsangs according to their time zones. ‘Tranquil Tuesdays’ and Guided Meditations of Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani are also held LIVE on YouTube. The Mission has also relayed ‘Guided Meditations’ — ‘Hotline to God’ and ‘Let Thy Will Always Be Done’ by Didi Krishna Kumari on YouTube. Tranquil Tuesdays is a trendy mix of kirtan and guided meditation. The sessions featured guest singers and received rave reviews on YouTube LIVE. In a timely initiative, Sadhu Vaswani Mission also held Global Prayer Meets and chants on Instagram LIVE led by Didi Krishna Kumari. These were based on universal mantras — ‘asato ma satgamaya’, ‘Om’, ‘Mahamantra — “Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare; Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare,” amongst others for 21 times. The sessions featured singers including Ameya Dabli, Divya Ahuja, Reshma Mirchandani, Seema Ramchandani. The initiative themed as ‘Restoring Health, Happiness and Peace in the World’, was relayed for a week starting 26th March 2020 to 2nd April 2020,  through the Instagram handle @bridgebuilders.pune of Bridge Builders, Pune — the youth wing of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. People from all over the globe join with the same spirit of devotion from the comfort of their homes and at the convenience of their time zones. Acclaimed singers from different countries put in their devotional offerings to bring fervour to the online satsangs. The chanting of the Name Divine illumines hearts and homes with love and solace. Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani & Dada J.P. Vaswani’s talks strengthen the faith. “Everything comes with a positive side. With regard to coronavirus, I believe, it has brought to our homes the touchstone of the Mission — satsang. I am deeply grateful,” said Ratan. While Shobha, another viewer remarked, “The online satsangs make me feel that I am transported to the Pune Mission.” All are invited to log on to our YouTube channel to watch the LIVE satsangs and recordings at www.youtube.com/svmission

Sadhu Vaswani Mission Serves In Corona Pandemic What the world needs today, more than anything else is love – in – action. Love – in –action is sympathy, service, sacrifice. — Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani As the Corona virus pandemic started happening, Sadhu Vaswani Mission started getting ready to deploy resources to help. Soon, the Prime Minister of India announced the 21-day lockdown, calling upon his countrymen with hope and faith, with an appeal of compassion and service — a sanskara innate to India! ‘Corona Ka Jawab Karuna Se’, was the slogan. Thousands of migrants, daily wage labourers were stranded and left penniless overnight! To the assistance of these brothers and sisters of the nation, he called upon the service of the nation.  The eve of 24th March 2020 brought to the nation an unprecedented announcement! Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, with his address to achieve a greater good, a greater cause, brought India to a standstill — a 21 day lockdown to break the chain of the unbridled pandemic! While the world is racing against time to find a cure, to save lives, to save nations, the Prime Minister of India called upon his countrymen with hope and faith, with a call and appeal of compassion and service — a sanskara innate to India! ‘Corona Ka Jawab Karuna Se’, was the slogan. Thousands of migrants, daily wage labourers were stranded and left penniless overnight! To the assistance of these brothers and sisters of the nation, he called upon the service of the nation.  Sadhu Vaswani Mission, whose touchstone stands on the edifice of ‘karuna’, was instantly moved to action. Sevadaars — volunteers at the Mission were charged with vigour of love, compassion and selfless service. Permissions, protocols and due compliances were immediately set in order. 27th March, the Mission, within its 2 km radius undertook the distribution of biscuits, khichdi, wada pav, chiwda and water. The eyes of the recipients shone with gratitude and the volunteers resolve was further strengthened. A day ago, all these people had some place to stay, something to eat. No wonder the world calls this worse than the World Wars! Moved deeply, the next day, 28th March, started even earlier. The Mission expanded the sevas for three meals a day — 6:30 am, 9:30 am and 11:30 am. Distribution of items in the first slot included water, cream roll, chiwda packet and rusk; the second slot included frooti, biscuits and water and the third slot included khichdi, banana and water. 29th March, the Pune Municipal Corporation shelter area was catered to 275+ people were served with khichdi, banana and water and 400+ people were served with biscuits, and water. A volunteer said, “They are in dire need! Given the soaring temperatures, water is the one thing they keep asking for! Dada guides to the right recipients!" On 30th March, Sadhu Vaswani Mission stepped up its efforts to ease the impact of the pandemic on the stranded migrants and the poor. Ration and a daily one-time meal for a shelter (with 80 families) located at far-off Undri was also taken up by the Mission. A van filled with freshly prepared packaged food reached out to those waiting ones. Meanwhile, at the other locations, 200 people were served in the morning with tea, biscuits, chiwda and pav. And then, lunch meals of rice, dal, roti & bhaji were served at the municipal shelter. The Mission also provided the ones lodged at the shelter with basic toiletries— towels, napkins, tooth paste, body soap and washing soap for clothes. Additionally, biscuits frooti, chiwda and water was served to 300 people. The following day, 31st March, was busier. With locations identified, the task was to reach out to as many as possible. At 7:00 am, 170 people were served with tea-biscuit and bun-jam and 400 people were served with biscuits, chiwda, frooti and water within the 2kms radius. The lunch meals of rice, dal, bhaji, roti & pickle continued at the shelter. From 1st April, the meal distribution seva was further expanded by providing ration kits to stranded & needy families. Each ration kit contains 3 kgs rice, 3 kgs wheat flour, 1 kg dal, 1 kg pulses, 1 kg poha/suji/sabudana, 1 kg sugar, 1L cooking oil, 1/2 kg tea & hygiene packets that contain soap and toothpaste. One ration kit can provide for 10 days for a family of four with 3 meals a day and for more days for smaller families. The Mission has reached out to remote and interior areas that have been hard for others to reach or where no help has been able to reach and families have been on the brink of starvation. In the 16 wards in Pune City, entire wards including several localities — Dhole Patil Shelter home, Ghorpadi hutment areas, Aundh, Ghole Road, Bibwewadi, Swargate, Wanowrie, Kasba Peth, Yeolwadi, Punawale, Kothrud, Warje, Undri, Shikrapur, Lepers Colony, Faraskhana, Mangalwar Peth, Budhwar Peth, Manjri Village, Circuit House, Dandekar Pool, Baner, Pashan, Sus Road, Sassoon Road, Maldhaka, & Khadi have been provided with ration kits. Especially in the slums, the condition of the daily wage workers, widowed/separated & senior-citizen women is hard to see. Most of them live in a single room in tin-roofed hutments, surviving somehow in the scorching heat, not to forget the acute hunger. “It is not the virus but the hunger that will kill our children,” said a starving mother. “At Krishnanagar, a remote area amidst the skyscrapers of the city witnessed a heart-numbing tragedy. A 6 year boy, crying for a piece of chapatti for 4 long days lost his life to hunger. This is when we thought that stories as these were remote, right in our neighbourhoods, a child lived on water for 4 long days and succumbed to the curse of hunger. We immediately stepped up the efforts and distributed kits in this area,” recalled a volunteer. Stranded migrants, families of the local poor and needy, families of slum-dwellers, families with dependent persons, families from remote villages have benefitted from the seva initiative to this day. “When we went to survey these hutments, some of them did not have a single grain. It was a painful plight which words fail to describe,” said a volunteer. The workers were so thrilled and thankful to receive the rations that one of them prostrated in front of a volunteer. Remote village sevas included distribution of ration-kits to families of Bhor Taluka. 40 volunteers of the Mission, in a 4-day seva to Bhor district distributed 3000 ration kits to the needy families, providing for 2,52,000 meals to 12,000 people. “The eyes of the recipients shone with relief. Although they had no food for themselves and only had water fetched from a well, they offered it to us." remarked a volunteer. An elderly man exclaimed, "The blessing of a hungry one is from the soul." Didi Krishna Kumari, while addressing the volunteers who are risking their lives and serving tirelessly in pandemic times said, “Each one of you has made an indelible contribution; the dedication in your seva is noteworthy and commendable. Beloved Dada would always say that a truly wealthy one is one who dedicates himself to seva and naam simran — repetition of the Name Divine. Each one of you is wealthy in the realm beyond. I seek your blessings.” The Mission is now cooking an average of 1000 meals a day. The cooked meals are prepared hygienically with full sanitation procedures. The delivery vehicles are fully sanitised before and after distribution of meals to the designated city shelters. Preparations begin early in the morning as volunteers at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission’s Ashram, singing the Name Divine, prepare the meal items. Withstanding all odds, the volunteers make the trips, tirelessly, day in and day out. 15 volunteers cook meals at the ashram and 20 volunteers are engaged in distribution activities. Remote village sevas included distribution of ration-kits to families of Bhor Taluka. 40 volunteers of the Mission, in a 4-day seva to Bhor district distributed 3000 ration kits to the needy families, providing for 2,52,000 meals to 12,000 people. “The eyes of the recipients shone with relief. Although they had no food for themselves and only had water fetched from a well, they offered it to us." remarked a volunteer. An elderly man exclaimed, "The blessing of a hungry one is from the soul." A 2-day seva was conducted in Saswad area where 40 villages were covered. 2400 ration kits were given out to provide for 9600 villagers. The Mission has been increasing its coverage of kindness and compassion to more areas. In the month of April, 9643 ration-kits have been distributed. In the month of May, 11906 ration-kits have been distributed. In the month of June (as on 11th June), 3151 ration-kits have been distributed. In total, 11906 ration-kits have been distributed. 11th May 2020, Indian Railways began operating ‘Shramik’ trains to help stranded migrants head back home. In Pune, there was an overzealous response and on day one, three ‘Shramik’ trains originated from the Pune Junction. 60 PMPML buses with 20 passengers in each, reached the Pune Railway Station to be pleasantly surprised by the volunteers of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission. Biscuits, chiwda, and water while bananas and masala idli’s to some was distributed to the passengers onboard the first train. A team of 12 volunteers with 4 on rotational basis and others waiting all day, the seva for the passengers has been on full swing. They are stationed there all day from morning till night, waiting to serve all those in need. 15,000 passengers have been served. The Mission has also been carrying out sevas for birds, stray dogs, cats and cattle on a daily basis. Food material is dispatched to volunteers at different locations in the city who take upon themselves the task of feeding the voiceless ones. The seva items are packaged to last for a month and include 500 kg rice to feed 1000 dogs at Manjri, 60 kg poha or 15 kg rice to feed over 60 dogs and cats at Tingre Nagar, 160 kg poha or 150 kg rice along with biscuits to 100 dogs and cattle in Dhankawdi, 100kg rice to over 60 dogs in Chikhali, 75kg poha and biscuits to over 60 dogs in Hadapsar and Mahadevnagar, 400 kg rice for 500 dogs and cats in Undri, 50 kg rice/poha to over 60 dogs and cats in MG Road, East Street and Pulgate, 50 kg dry dog food for over 60 dogs in Kondhwa, 125 kg rice/ poha to over 110 dogs in Hadapsar, 75 kg poha/rice to nearly 90 dogs at Magarpatta and Amanora, poha/rice to nearly 80 dogs around Magarpatta, 50 poha/rice to nearly 100 dogs in Vishrantwadi, 25 kg poha/rice to 50-60 dogs in Kalyani Nagar, 125 kg rice to over 200 dogs at Vadgaonsheri, and 100 kg rice for nearly 100 dogs in Bavdhan. Until now, 1700 kg of rice / poha has been distributed. The weightage of the items is based on the request of the animal feeders & shelters. The Mission has been able to provide for 2.6 Million meals as on 11th June 2020. Inspired by our Beloved Master, the Mission shall continue on, as much as possible to meet the hunger needs with the help of our supporters and well-wishers. The pandemic looms large, but looms larger ‘The Curse of Hunger!’ It is pertinent to mention that all sevas are carried out with adherence to the protocols of social-distancing and personal hygiene, which includes wearing masks and gloves. These efforts undertaken by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission shall continue until any period of time required. Sadhu Vaswani Mission, through its medical institutions, is prepared with isolation wards — a task which has been initiated on priority. The medical complex has also adopted 180 quarantined persons by providing them with daily needs and meals. Other centres of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission have also come forward and magnificently risen to the occasion. Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Mumbai is giving out rations to the migrants, stranded and the needy. The rations include packaged hampers containing rice, dal, cooking oil, wheat flour, sugar, tea, sujiand poha. Miraculously, the volunteers say, they are guided to reach the right places, the right persons and at the right time. A moving instance was when a widow, Mohini, with a special child thanked for the timely help. Ration was also distributed in slums at Berambaugh over two days in addition to widowed families at Sion, Chembur, Bhagat Singh Nagar in Andheri, Khar, Bandra Santacruz and other Mumbai suburbs! 800 food packet distributions has also been organised in collaboration with local NGO’s. Bird-feeding seva is also being carried out at four locations every day. Not forgotten are our heroes who stand in vigil day and night to ensure our security and protection. 150 packets of poha was distributed on 27th March to RCF Police Station Chembur, Mumbai. Two police stations, in areas between Chembur to Sion, are being provided vada paav. Volunteers are also serving them to traffic officials, on duty, enroute. 100 face shields were also provided to LTMG Hospital — Sion Hospital. Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Baroda is distributing 600+ food packets including lassi right from day one of the lockdown- 25th March 2020. 4000 masks were also procured and handed over to city officials. At this hour, it is pertinent to mention that all sevas are carried out with adherence to the protocols of social-distancing and personal hygiene, which includes wearing masks and gloves. These efforts undertaken by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission shall continue until any period of time required. Commending the efforts of the volunteers, a local remarked, “Humble salutations to each and every volunteer who is engaged in this beautiful service.” Another offered his prayers saying, “Very nice and inspiring activity. I pray for the volunteers.” It is also observed and deserves to be commended that several other organisations have come out in this battle against the pandemic, alongside the Mission.

Bhoomi Puja of new school at Bangalore December 14, 2019 The end of the decade was a glorious one for Bangalore. On the auspicious day of the 14th of December 2019, the Foundation Stone laying ceremony of Sadhu Vaswani International School (SVIS) Bangalore, was performed at the hands of Didi Krishna Kumari and other esteemed members of Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune. The 5 acre plot, blessed by Dada, saw a sacred start. Rajendra Hinduja welcomed the audience with his sweet memories with Dada and how the idea SVIS Bangalore came about: Dada’s dream for Bangalore. A video introducing to the Mission was shown, followed by a detailed explanation of the philosophy of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani on education. Sanjay Wadhwa showcased the master plan of the school. Didi Krishna Kumari, gave an insight into the importance of character building in a school. She emphasized on qualities like service, simplicity, purity and prayer apart from knowledge which form an integral part of a student. She quoted Sadhu Vaswani, ‘The root of education is reverence, and the fruit of education is service.’ The presence of Dada at the puja was palpable, that even resounded through a befitting vachan from the Nuri Granth. With holy vibrations and the divine mahamantra, the bhoomi puja was performed. The labourers were given a meal, groceries and a blanket. It was a well appreciated ceremony by all who witnessed the little offering to our beloved Dada!

Sadhu Vaswani's birthday - Meatless day observed widely: 12,413 people turn vegetarian for life & in addition 44,07,317 pledge & 8,68,55,066 support 25th November 2019 ⦁        25th November 2019, Sadhu Vaswani’s birthday, observed as International Meatless Day; receives resounding global support ⦁        44,07,317 people pledge to observe November 25th as Meatless Day & more pledges continue to come in ⦁        8,68,55,066 people support the Meatless Day ⦁        12,413 people turn vegetarian for life ⦁        Bhajans, kirtans & seva programmes mark the occasion across the Sadhu Vaswani Centers worldwide ⦁        Slaughter houses close in many parts of India in observance of Meatless Day The 140th birthday of Sadhu T.L. Vaswani was ushered in amidst seva, kirtans, bhajans and concluded with recorded talks by the two Great Masters— Dada J.P. Vaswani and Sadhu Vaswani across the Sadhu Vaswani Centers worldwide. In Pune, true to Sadhu Vaswani’s ideal of ‘reverence for all life’ the 25th November celebrations began with a medical camp for animals at Lavale. Free mouth vaccinations were provided for 1500+ animals by the Mobile Veterinarian Clinic of the Mission. This was followed by the ‘Daridra Narayan Seva’— service to the poor and needy. The volunteers lovingly served sumptuous, warm meals to the poor that included rice, vegetable, pav, samosa, ladoos and banana. A CD of bhajans, ‘Kithe Tokhe Golyaan Dada’ sung by singers Gulshan Dudani and Nirmal Mirchandani was released. This was followed by an artificial limbs seva was done with 32 limbs given out to the disabled along with cash, towel, napkins, bedsheet, toothpaste, coconut oil, washing soap, and bath soap.. One of the beneficiaries, Sudam Pawale, said, “This initiative undertaken by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission gives us hope, to live, to walk, to earn a livelihood. I am immensely grateful.” In addition, needy families were given cash and groceries including dal, rice, sugar, tea, cooking oil and toiletries including bathing soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent and coconut oil. Following the seva, devotees proceeded to partake from the Guru Langar. The evening session had recorded talks by Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J. P. Vaswani. The day ended with the rendering of devotional bhajans and observance of vigil from 10:30 pm to midnight. A devotee, Varsha Vaswani, who had the fortune of seeing Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani said, “I met Gurudev when I was 6 years old. My life transformed with his one glance. There was so much love in his eyes, it had the power to cleanse you from within. Today, on his 140th birthday, he is still amongst us.” At the medical institutions in Pune, 50% concessions were given at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission’s Shanti Clinic and at Inlaks and Budhrani hospital. Sadhu Vaswani Centers in places like Malaysia, London, Hong Kong, Casablanca, New Jersey, St. Maarteen, Singapore and Jakarta also celebrated Sadhu Vaswani’s Birthday through prayers and various service activities. In India prayers and service activities were carried out by Sadhu Vaswani Centres including New Delhi, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Nasik, Bhopal, Baroda, Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. In the total numbers that came in: 12,413 people turned vegetarian for life, a total of 44,07,317 people pledged to observe November 25th as Meatless Day. In addition, a total of 8,68,55,066 people supported the Meatless Day. 25th November 2019: Highlights: Uttar Pradesh declared the closure of all slaughter houses in the state Slaughter houses in various cities including Ulhasnagar, Vadodara, Kolhapur Bhopal, Lonavala,  Khadki were officially closed on 25th November  2019 Vegetarian food festivals, cooking competitions, drawing competitions, puppet shows, slogan writing and fancy dress competitions organised in various cities to spread awareness of not only ethical benefits but also health benefits of vegetarianism. Peace March and Rallies were organized in Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Ulhasnagar, Bilaspur, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Madhepura, Pimpri and Pradhikaran. Penang's state minister for Environment, Welfare and Caring Society— Honourable Phee Boon Poh pledged to go Meatless on Nov 25

Dada Leela - A Theatrical Play from Sadhu Vaswani's life. 24th November 2019 Clarion calls of ‘Jai Mata Ki’ and ‘Jai Dada Ki’ set the tone for the annual spectacle — Dada Leela. Year after year, the St. Mira’s College, Pune presents the Dada Leela, depicting the life and teachings of Sadhu Vaswani. This year, the performers set for themselves a benchmark difficult to outshine probably even by themselves. Dada Leela, 2019 was a theatrical that portrayed Goddesses from Laxmi to Saraswati to Durga to Santoshi; mother divine who blessed this world with a sage, a saint — Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani. A life portrayal of Sadhu Vaswani’s from his birth extending to his bond with Beloved Dada J. P. Vaswani was strikingly presented through a blend of classical dance, voiceovers and acts. The professional performance, exceptional use of light and sound and soulful music brought about an effect that moved audiences to tears. On the performance, Didi Krishna Kumari said, “The performance brought to life Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani. It was truly nostalgic, bringing back beautiful, cherished memories of him. It is truly our fortune that today we could witness the life and teachings of Gurudev in this 45-minute performance.” Dr Gulshan Gidwani, Principal St. Mira’s College for Girls, said, “Today, at the beginning of the performance, I felt, if Beloved Dada is not present, we cannot do this. But I actually saw Dada and the performance my students put up today was beyond my expectations. I thank them and particularly my colleague, Savni Antarkar, for she is the one who is blessed to be a channel to receive what Dada wants her to do.” The Dada Leela, 2019 gave to the Sadhu Vaswani Mission a truly mystical evening. The session concluded with the serving of prasad.

So long as animals and birds are slain to provide meat for man, so long we will not see peace on the face of this earth. If a man kills an animal for food, he will not hesitate in killing a fellow-man whom he considers his enemy.  The root cause of world wars is irreverence for life. —    Dada  Vaswani 23rd November 2019, Sadhu Vaswani Rath Yatra tread through the lanes of Pune, spreading the message of Sadhu Vaswani – ‘Reverence for All Life’ and with an appeal to observe 25th November, Sadhu Vaswani’s birthday, as a ‘Meatless Day’. At 5:00 pm, the Rath Yatra on the 140th birthday of Sadhu Vaswani, commenced its journey from the Sacred Samadhi of the Great Masters — Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani. Life-like posters of the Masters were divinely seated on the chariot. Didi Krishna Kumari, Working Chairperson, Sadhu Vaswani Mission, offered an inaugural prayer. Chants of ‘Hare Krishna Hare Ram, Dada Dada Shyam, Dada Shyam,’ called out to every Puneite in love and devotion along with echoes of ‘25th of November, is the day to remember, it’s a Meatless Day’. Youngsters and devotees singing bhajans and kirtans added divinity to the procession. The ‘Rath Yatra’ was welcomed at several spots with banners, lights and altars with life-size portraits of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P. Vaswani. The procession included decorated floats and balloons with messages like, ‘Animals are friends not food’ 'jeeyo aur jeene do'. The charioteer of the Rath, Suraj Dhaktode, sharing his experience said, "To drive the Rath feels exhilarating. As I drive it, I truly experience Dada Vaswani. It is as though he is sitting behind me and guiding the yatra.” At the first halt, Dada Vaswani’s audio-visual in Sindhi was played in which he spoke on ‘Sadhu Vaswani’s message on the value of the human birth’. Awake! Awake! How long will you in slumber lie? How long will you remain in forgetfulness? The human birth is a priceless jewel; but we know not its worth. We fritter it away in worthless pursuits. At the next halt of the yatra, Dada Vaswani’s recorded audio-visual in Hindi was played, in which he pleaded compassion for all creatures. We must remember that God is One and he resides in everyone, including animals.Do not slaughter but serve, serve all. “I have been coming for the Rath Yatra since the age of 15. I cannot miss it for anything in this world,” said Priya Madan. “It has been 17 years since I am attending the yatra. The results of the yatra is seen today with many people consciously making a choice to be vegetarian even if it is for a day,” said Mrs. Ekta Teckchandani. Hitesh Mulchandani, a participant shared, “We try to explain to our little daughter, the significance of the Rath Yatra and the Meatless Day. We thought bringing her in this procession would be the best way to put the point across to her.” Route of the Rath Yatra: Starting at Sadhu Vaswani’s Sacred Samadhi at the Mission, the yatra passed Sadhu Vaswani Chowk and then followed the route through Baba Ambedkar Chowk, KEM hospital, Sant Kabir Chowk, Quarter Gate Chowk, Pudumjee Compound, Babajan Chowk, Bhopala Chowk, MG Road, Nehru Memorial Hall, GPO, returning back to the Sacred Samadhi. About the Rath Yatra: The Rath Yatra is an annual pilgrim-procession since 1966 in the city of Pune, providing an opportunity for the denizens of Pune to pay homage to a great saint of Pune, Sadhu Vaswani, and for all of them and their homes to receive his benedictions. The specially constructed ‘Rath’ (chariot) is designed by the world-renowned Dilip Chabbria, better known as D.C. Built on a truck chassis, it is designed like a space-ship. Sadhu T. L. Vaswani Quotes: If indeed, life is one, is not the animal, too, my brother? And am I not his keeper? Man is the elder brother of the animal: so must man be the animal’s guardian and helper, - not his tyrant and oppressor. All killing is a denial of Love! For to kill or to eat what another has killed is to rejoice is cruelty. And cruelty hardens our hearts and blinds our vision and we see not that they whom we kill our brothers and sisters in the one Brotherhood of Life.

In times when health concerns are mounting, food habits worsening and lifestyles stressful, ‘Project Wellness’ proved to be inspirational, impactful and opportune. 17thNovember 2019, Bridge Builders, Youth Wing of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, in observance of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani's 140thbirthday, organized ‘Project Wellness’ — a talk-show with celebrity nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar. Held at Magarpatta City Amphitheatre, Pune the talk-show was organised on a large scale and saw over 1800+ guests. The event was blended with relevant audio-visual recordings of Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani on toxic thoughts, eating sattvic and more. The show began to a performance by folk-band — ‘Abhanga Repost’ that had the audience singing along to ‘Man Lago Mero Yaar Fakiri Mein’ and to other compositions by saints of all times. With this, they had set the tone for the evening. This was followed by an address by Didi Krishna Kumari, Working Chairperson, Sadhu Vaswani Mission. She spoke on the ‘body, mind and soul’ combination of which the human body is made. Of the three, she said, the soul was pivotal and required nourishment in terms of purity of thoughts, conduct and nourishing vegetarian diet. That, she said, would bring about true wellness. Her address was of great relevance in today’s age and was met with thunderous applause. Following this was the highlight of the day, talk-show by Diwekar. From the moment ‘go’, the audience was rapt in attention and making notes as words of wisdom poured from her address. She provided a 'sustainable' solution – ‘adopt a diet that is rich in nutrients, culturally resonant, ecologically sensitive. Ensure that it is ‘local, seasonal, traditional’. With her emphatic pronouncement of going local and thinking global, the event had an incredible influence on the guests most of whom left looking forward to the next 'Project Wellness, 2020'. “Excellent discourse on mindful eating! Very informative and well-organised! Great Going!” said Sangeeta. “Beginning to the end, it was a great event! Food habits and lifestyle changes suggested by Rujuta are both sensible and easy to follow. The audio-visuals by Rev. Dada on working on the self and clearing the mind of toxic thoughts significantly struck me. Overall, the event was worth it!” said Rashmi. ‘Project Wellness’ will be an annual event. The announcement for registrations for the year 2020 will be made on our website. Wellness is a choice - Didi Krishna. Watch her relate profound incidents with her times with Dada - https://bit.ly/36rfNyy Rujuta Diwekar LIVE and an interesting Q&A with her hosted by Rasika Wakalkar - https://bit.ly/38GrkMu

Children come with radiant faces and singing hearts. Do they not come to renew the child-heart that slumbers still in the grown-up ones? Mystery-filled are the children, and radiant are they as stars. They come as witnesses to our Unseen Homes. In the eyes of a child floweth eternity: and in the heart of a child is the light that heals! —Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani 16th November 2019, soft, melodious bhajans resonated in the early hours of the dawn at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission Pune. Volunteers were engrossed in packing gifts and readying goodies! It was the day of ‘Dada Mela’ — a day to bring smiles to the radiant faces of needy and underprivileged children! “I wait eagerly each year for this day! It has been 10 years that, with Dada’s grace, I have been coming for this seva and even today it feels as though Dada is watching us from his balcony; something he would always do. Looking at the little ones makes me feel childlike,” said Namrata Sakhrani. The children arrived in batches and with a contagious smile and laughter they enlivened the morning! So much so that, volunteers, adults, all switched on the child in them! They too had a renewed vigour in their spirit and a sprint in their toes! “What a beautiful smile and hearty laughter these kids bring to us! I feel as though my childhood is back!” said Sheela Peswani. The Dada Mela began with the lighting of lamp at the life-like portraits of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani and the chanting of ‘Om’ by the little ones. The children, as they were seated in the premises where once Sadhu Vaswani and Dada tread and echoed aloud the ‘Omkar’, it was as though the Sadhu Vaswani Mission had transformed into an ancient ‘Vedic School’ — an ashrama — Sadhu Vaswani often referred to. In the backdrop, volunteers were setting up the stalls and the little ones were stealing a glance to check if everything was ready for them to get started. They were but waiting for one ‘go’ to revel in all the joys that had been planned for them. Promptly enough and in a little while, the children were guided to the stalls and the laughter, bustle and energy were all back! At one end, children were queuing up at game stalls— skin-art counter, Mehendi, nail polish counter, lucky 7 (a dice game) and hoop the gift. “The children are crowding up here! But I am not one bit tired! Their energy is contagious and they are loving the games,” said Rashida Hussain. And at the food stalls, the kids were demanding their choices and it was truly endearing! All their favourites, from Bhel, Aloo Vada, Pav Bhaji and Masala Dosa! Of all, the Masala Dosa counter was everyone’s favourite. Kids from CR Ranganathan Residential School for the Deaf, Rutuja Sutar, Annapoorna Rajput, Minal Pawra said, “We love coming here! Love the food and music! We also wish Sadhu Vaswani ‘Happy Birthday!’ We will observe 25th November as Meatless Day and tell our parents as well!” Another kid from Poona School and Home for Blind, Noman Tampoli, speaking in fluent English said, “I love the activities they have organised for us. They do it year after year and I enjoy it every single year. I am thankful to the Mission for calling us here.” Finally, it was time for gifts, goodie bags (chocolate packets, towels, napkin, bath soap, washing soap, coconut oil, toothpaste) and of course ice-creams! The time to say goodbye had arrived. The little ones got into the buses arranged for them and waved with all the happiness they could muster; for they knew that it was a goodbye, until we met again, at the abode of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani. Participating schools included CR Ranganathan Residential School for the Deaf and Poona School and Home for Blind amongst others.

Sadhu Vaswani Mission, on the auspicious occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, organised celebrations, satsangs and the annually awaited- modikhana — where devotees make purchases of grains, the cash proceeds and grains of which are donated to the poor and needy. The sacred day of Guru Purab began with a morning satsang at the sacred Samadhi. This was followed by an afternoon session that included devotional bhajans and kirtans sung in dedication and love to the great Sikh Guru — Guru Nanak Devji. ‘Waheguru Waheguru’ echoed in the Satsang Hall. On this day, the Sadhu Vaswani Mission was enveloped in divinity as devotees joined in to mark the celebrations. Vachans from the Sikh Scriptures — Guru Granth Sahib and Japji Sahib were read. This was followed by a vachan from the Nuri Granth. The commemorations followed on with a recorded upadesh of Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani. He spoke on ‘five treasures of life’ — Name Divine, Charity, Purity, Remembrance and Service. With this, he narrated an account from the life of Guru Nanak Devji and how he had the vision of God. From that moment on, Guru Nanak renounced the worldly life and lived on to illumine humanity and awaken its sleeping souls. Rev. Dada further went on to elaborate on ‘true blessing’ — “We use the word blessing but we don't know its true meaning. If we were bestowed with the treasure of the whole world on the one hand and on the other hand a grain of blessing the value of the grain of blessing is much more than the treasure of the entire world.” Dada then retold a story from Guru Nanak’s times. Modi Nanak, as he was known then, would work as a grocer —a modi— at the Nawab’s modikhana. The front door of the grocery would be open for the rich to make purchases and the back door was the poor, the hungry, the destitute and the crippled who would queue up at the compassionate Modi Nanak’s grocery. He would then distribute whatever he would have for free to the needy, none was turned away empty handed. Dada also said how Guru Nanak would wait for them each day so he could give groceries away. With this Rev. Dada’s upadesh, the modikhana session was opened up at the Mission. Devotees queued up to make their purchases. Total proceeds for the modikhana amounted to Rupees two lakhs fifty-one thousand. “Guru Nanak Devji always said, ‘Dena Sikho’- ‘learn to give’. This modikhana is an opportunity to put his teaching to practice,” said Janny Punjabi. Finally, with kirtan, the celebrations came to a close. Devotees then partook from the guru langar- fellowship meal. A devotee expressed, “Even a morsel of it is filling. I have observed how eating from the langar calms the mind and cleanses the thoughts; negative thoughts are at bay. It is truly purifying.” On serving the langar, Meenakshi Dhanani said, “Serving on Guru Purab is a blessed opportunity indeed. The devotion in the eyes of the devotees while accepting langar is different, it’s filled with love, and makes me feel happy to be a part of the process.” Guru Purab also marked the sacred 12th of Rev Dada J.P. Vaswani’s ‘Dada Yagna’. Sevas included distribution of cash, rice, sugar, tea, cooking oil, poha, rajma, moong dal, coconut oil, toothpaste, washing soap, bath soap, towel, napkin and Sholapuri bedsheet to the poor and needy. 11th November 2019 also saw students of St. Mira’s school giving speeches in honour and remembrance of Guru Nanak Devji.

"We love you more than anything in the world Dada!” To this hoarding, awoke the twin town of Pune — Pimpri— on 10thNovember, 2019. 140thbirth anniversary of Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani was marked early with the Rath Yatra in Pimpri. On the occasion, people gathered from various parts of Pimpri chanting aloud, ‘Dada Shyam’ and spreading the message of ‘Reverence for All Life’ and abstinence from all forms of flesh food and intoxicants of 25thNovember — Sadhu Vaswani’s birthday. Didi Krishna Kumari, before the start of the Rath Yatra, offered a prayer to Beloved Dada and Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani. Speaking on the occasion she said, “All of us will agree with me, we have today, experienced Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Beloved Dada’s presence amidst us.” This statement was followed by a resounding ‘yes’. On the rath was a life-like portrait of the Beloved Masters — Gurudev Sadhu Vaswani and Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani. Chants of the Mahamantra, “Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare’ reverberated along the route. With renowned singer, Kaajal Chandiramani rendering vocals, Pimpri was ecstatic with love and devotion. Slogans were also raised in chorus invoking sympathy and compassion in all towards all forms of life. “Mesmerizing is the word. Truly sublime,” said Shobhan Motwani. The Rath Yatra followed the route that began at Open Lawns, near Anandpur Kutiya, via Sai Chowk. The yatra passed through temples and gurudwaras that paid homage to the Rath. The yatra concluded at the Royal World School Grounds where a further program was held. A skit by Vision Sindhu Children Academy was performed. It was on ‘vegetarianism’ and ‘love for birds and animals’. The performance by the little was both endearing and awakening. An enactment of Beloved Dada was also seen. The message was on keeping the Sindhi language alive. ‘Remember your roots. Speak the Sindhi language at home and also outside. By all means learn other languages, but do not forget the Sindhi language’. This was followed by a talk of Beloved Dada. His message for the day was on ‘adopting a vegetarian life’. He said man is of the belief that flesh food is essential for the body, “you enjoy eating their flesh thinking you will gain strength”, but he added that the strength comes from within. He also led the attention of the devotees to the true purpose of the human life. He concluded his address with another reference towards turning to vegetarianism. The program finished with dinner prasad served to all.