Jan. - March 2006

Annual Athletic Meet and Art & Craft Exhibition in Nirmal Ashram School on 28th November 2005
By Dr. Doraiswamy

H.H. Swami Vishweshwarananda Saraswati, President and Mahant of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, was the Chief Guest on the occasion of Annual Athletic Meet Function and Inauguration of Art & Craft Exhibition in Nirmal Ashram Deepmala Pagarani Public School, Rishikesh, on 28th November 2005.

Swami Vishweshwaranandaji was accorded a very warm ceremonial welcome by the galaxy of Students and Staff members of the School. His Holiness Mahant Baba Jodh Singhji Maharaj, Mr. Waryam Singhji, the Director of the School, and Dr. Bhupinder Kaur, Vice-Principal of the School, joined them in welcoming Swamiji.

The function was ceremonially commenced after lighting the lamp by Swami Vishweshwaranandaji.

Subsequently, the Vice-Principal, Dr. Bhupinder Kaur, spoke about the various achievements of the illustrious Students of the School at their different spectrum of activities pertaining to Education, Sport, cultural, spiritual and intellectual domain. The Director underlined the importance in dedicating the students, their energies, imagination, intellect and time towards realization of their chosen, worthy and cherished goal. The Director further asserted, “If your watch words are optimism, hard work, action and achievement, you will definitely attain success.”

Swami Vishweshwaranandaji on his part in the presidential address after distributing prizes to the students, emphasized that education is the foundation upon which is built a nation’s future, disposition and character. It is therefore very much essential for Students to not only impart knowledge of subject matters but also to cultivate moral and spiritual values, so that enlightened human beings are shaped in Society, Swamiji Maharaj asserted. The President Swamiji further added that the spiritual emancipation is the key element for overall fulfilment of the humanity, which most educational institutions probably omit from their curriculum.

Shri Swami Vishweshwarananda and Shri Mahant
Jodh Singh attending the Annual Athletic Meet

Swamiji took that opportunity to convey his appreciation and best wishes to His Holiness Mahant Baba Jodh Singhji Maharaj for having established Nirmal Ashram Deepmala Pagarani Public School, which, besides having all the ingredients for good teaching and learning, has incorporated an element of spirituality in an elated and vibrant manner in the hearts of the Students.

As a concluding message, Swamiji recited the soul elevating eternal message of H.D. Swami Omkarananda Maharaj, saying:

“Think Like a Genius, Work Like a Giant, Live Like a Saint.”

Swami Vishweshwaranandaji was also requested to formally inaugurate the Arts & Crafts Exhibition by cutting the ribbon. Then Swamiji was shown many interesting artworks, which were displayed by the students. The students, in fluent English, explained nicely the intricacies of their art-pieces to Swamiji and Swamiji was full of spontaneous praise for the talented students and their works. He also praised their excellent English and he encouraged them to continue their wonderful works and blessed them for their bright future.

Shri Swami Jodh Singhji and others thanked Swami Vishweshwaranandaji with all their heart for having come to their school and giving so much joy, inspiration and blessings to everybody.

Omkarananda Saraswati Nilayam Foundation
Day Celebration on 1st December 2005
By Dr. (Mrs.) Quaylee Chakravorty & Mrs. Archana Gairola

H.H. Swami Omkarananda Saraswatij, a great Mystic, Intellectual and Scholar, had the vision of educating children. His vision came true when 22 years ago, on 1st December 1983, He laid the foundation of this institution through an able, competent, talented and efficient administrator Swami Vishweshwarananda. Like a true disciple of Swami Omkaranandaji and an educationist, Swami Vishweshwaranandaji left no stone unturned in bringing up this institution, thus making it one of the best schools of this region.

Undoubtedly, the work undertaken by the various Principals of this school in the past under Swamiji’s guidance had been exemplary. The present Principal of the School, Col. (Retd.) D.L. Sachdeva, another educationist and receiver of Bharat Jyoti Award for his distinguished services in educational and social fields, has kept the torch aflame by upholding the vision with which this school was established and brought it above the expectations of many.

Like in preceding years, this year too, 1st December was celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm. The students and teachers celebrated the day by staging a number of cultural events. The ceremony was made auspicious by the presence of Swami Vishweshwaranandaji, Swami Narasimhuluji, Kumari Somashekhariji, distinguished parents and members of the Managing Committee.

The programme started off with the lighting of the lamp followed by a Vandana. The much awaited feature of the year was the release of the School Magazine by the reverent Chief Guest Swami Vishweshwaranandaji. As an incentive to the toppers of each class, cash awards were given. Even the students who secured above 90% marks in Boards, were awarded. A student, Miss Prabha Pandey of Class XII, received a special prize for having maximum attendance in Class XII.

Swami Vishweshwaranandaji inspired everybody in the school by his Chief Guest speech. He praised and encouraged Principal, Teachers and Students with his radiant and joyous words and smile, being full of Divine Love, which touched the hearts of all present.

The cultural programme began with the synchronized and graceful choreography by the Geo Fest Team, which incidentally bagged a lot of applause and a consolation prize at the international level at Lucknow. The students who represented EUREKA, an English Literary fest, also performed a choreography. Besides this a singing elocution was also presented by the students.

The day’s function was stolen away by the toddlers (Nur-KG students) of the school by their scintillating performances; the rhythmic movement of Miss Alankrita Prasad of Class KG and a classical song by Miss Shreshtha Behera of the same class set the feet and the heads swaying to their performances. Keeping in pace with the students of Nur-KG, their teachers did not lag behind and put up a beautiful and melodious song – ‘100 miles’.
An original play, with a message to fight against the vices prevailing in our society, written by Miss Anjali Rawat of Class VIII and Miss Dimple Singh of Class XI was staged by the students. The play was highly appreciated by one and all.

Kumari Somashekhari, in her address, appreciated the performance of the students. She narrated educational philosophy of Swami Omkarananda and expressed satisfaction over the way it was being translated into action by the students with the help of their teachers and the capable Principal.

At the end, the Principal thanked the Chief Guest, all Ashramites, the members of the Managing Committee and the parents for sparing their time to participate in the Foundation Day Celebration of the School. He appreciated the efforts of the Teachers for preparing the Students to achieve high levels in academics and co-curricular activities. All guests were requested to move for light refreshments.

The programme was anchored by Miss Tutulika Saha and Miss Amrita Chaudhry of Class XII.

“The Journey” –
A Satsang Pilgrimage with Brandon Bays
Visit of a group of prominent spiritual seekers to
Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas from 20.12.2005 to 22.12.2005

Brandon Bays (Janaki is her spiritual name) is Guru to thousands across the globe. In 1992, Brandon Bays was diagnosed with a football sized tumour and found herself catapulted into a remarkable, soul-searching and ultimately freeing healing journey. Only six weeks later she was pronounced textbook perfect – no drugs, no surgery, and no tumour. The profound self-healing process Brandon pioneered has since freed thousands from lifelong emotional and physical blocks.

Brandon, her husband Kevin and her group of 87 beautiful souls arrived in Rishikesh from Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe and the US between the 18th and 19th December 2005. Rishikesh was the first destination for Brandon’s 22 days Satsang Pilgrimage in Sacred India.

Brandon and Kevin were welcomed to Rishikesh in traditional Indian style by the Hotel Great Ganga. They were garlanded, adorned with Tilak, worshipped with incense, deepa and flowers. Having been greeted, Brandon went on to greet each and every member of the group with garlands, pranaams, hugs, tears, smiles, laughter. She even prostrated at the feet of many. The group was charged with deep emotion and respect for Brandon.

The first day began with Yoga class at Omkarananda Vidya Bhawan, a large auditorium on the grounds of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, near Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir. I taught the class with the help of my husband, Prem Narayanaji, who demonstrated all the asanas beautifully. From the stage, I saw a huge array of vivid coloured yoga mats, blues, oranges, pinks, purples, greens and more. There were 87 people in front of me including Brandon and Kevin. I was slightly nervous at the thought of Brandon being a student in my yoga class, but then I had to remind myself that I was simply an instrument in the hands of the Divine Mother. The class began with Om-chanting, a Prayer to the Guru, a Prayer to the Divine Mother and a Prayer to Ganesha. I continued to surrender myself to Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi and the class was a wonderful experience for me and for many others. We laughed together, we chanted, and above all we relaxed.

Brandon’s Satsang followed on from the Yoga class. No sooner did Brandon begin, so did the Aarti for Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi in the nearby temple. Brandon skillfully guided us into meditation, reminding us to absorb and enrich our spirits with the sounds of Aarti, the bells, the drums and the chanting. The group felt blessed to be in the presence of both Brandon and the Aarti simultaneously.

The rest of the day was spent exploring Rishikesh by foot. In the early evening we crossed Ganga Maa by boat for Aarti at Parmarth Niketan. The group thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds before them, Ganga Maa flowing serenely, the devotional children, the chanting and the light ceremonies. When Aarti ended, we all made our individual offerings to Ganga Maa and watched our little leaf boats float off into the distance.

The next morning, I taught our second Yoga class at Omkarananda Vidya Bhawan. Brandon led yet another beautiful Satsang, with the sounds of Aarti going on in the background. The group spent the rest of the day at the cave of Sage Vasishtha (Vasishtha Gufa). Some meditated in the cave, others sat under the vast Peepal tree, whilst others strolled on the banks of Ganga Maa. The group congregated with Brandon at a breathtaking spot just beyond the Gufa of Sage Vasishtha’s wife, Arundhati Devi. There were questions, answers and expressions of thoughts and feelings. Individuals expressed the deepest parts of their being without ego. I had never seen such pure expression take place in the presence of such a large group.

The day ended with an awesome Yagya in Omkarananda Ashram, conducted by Suresh Pandit and his fellow Pandits. Kumari Somashekhari gave a beautiful introduction on the significance of Yagya. Brandon and Kevin, along with the Pandits, offered Aahuti into the sacred fire on behalf of the group. Somaji ended the Yagya with beautiful Bhajans and the group sang joyfully with her. Prasad was offered to all and then the group spontaneously headed into the temple for the Aarti of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi. Swami Vishveshwaranandaji concluded the Aarti with his humorous speech. The group loved Swamiji’s joyous and down to earth energy.

The following morning, we had our last yoga class together. A rather dynamic class, lots of Asanas and Om chanting. Brandon concluded with a blissful Satsang. The group spent the late morning and afternoon on a white sandy beach on the other side of Ganga Maa. Brandon spoke about the “simplicity” of being “In the Presence” and the power of “Grace.”

The day ended with a divine dance-performance by Kumari Somashekhari and her young students at Omkarananda Vidya Bhawan. The grace, elegance and devotion of Somaji were very much appreciated by all. The devotional dancing was loved and applauded. After the dance-performance was concluded, Brandon Bays (Janaki) gave gifts to all the young dancers and showered blessings of flowers upon all the children present. Brandon Bays told to the audience, while thanking Somashekhari, that she was several times in tears of joy and bliss, when she saw Somaji’s dance. She also said, that Somashekhari is dancing like Lord Krishna is playing the flute. Brandon garlanded Swami Vishveshwarananda, Swami Satchidananda and Kumari Somashekhari and gifted them her beautiful book “The Journey”. Pointing towards the photo of Swami Omkarananda, Brandon said to his three disciples, that she sees and feels that their Guru is doing wonderful works through them. We were all so deeply moved by the whole evening. Later that evening, Brandon told the group that she could still feel the devotional “Krishna energy” of the evening tingling throughout her body. What a wonderful way to round up the Rishikesh yatra.

The group departed for Lucknow in the early morning of 23rd December. I thank Swami Vishveshwaranandaji, Kumari Somashekhariji, Swami Satchidanandaji, Brandonji, Kevinji, Lesleyji (the lead organiser of the group’s pilgrimage in India) and each and every member of the group for allowing us to unite in the presence of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi, the Divine Mother.

If you would like to learn more about Brandon, please log on to www.thejourney.com.