In Lonawala
On September 17, Her Holiness Guru Maa arrived in her beloved India, accompanied by Pandit Jasraj. Many of Guru Maa's devotees and well wishes were looking forward to meeting Her at the Mumbai airport, with much enthusiasm. Dr. Jhunjhuwala, his son Manish, D.C Anand and family to name a few were overjoyed on availing of Guru Maa's darshan. The very same night, Guru Maa left for Lonavala.
Anuradha Anand, Pawan Srivastava, Hari Khandelwal and Satyanarayan Singh accompanied her. Despite arriving at around 2:00 am in the night, Guru Maa spent time with her anxious devotees who were waiting to catch a glimpse of their beloved Guru. The same morning, September 18, the first Hawan was conducted at about 8:00 am. Many local Lonalites turned up for the Hawan.
Following breakfast, preparations were made for the arrival of the trustees of Vedic Heritage India. Dr. Jhunjhunwala, Shankar Babu and Gayatri Devi Agarwal from Mumbai were amongst the first to arrive. Prakash Kane, Dr. Bafna, P. C.Bhandari, Kishori Prasad and Gyan Hinduja followed them from Pune. However, this did not discourage devotees from arriving at the ashram! Guru Maa' s bhakts kept arriving to avail of her darshan and she had to participate in a very important Vedic Heritage India meeting as she also attended to the many of devotees!
Many matters, which were causing concern, were discussed. Matters regarding the leveling, fencing, water and electricity structures etc at the Lohagad plot was discussed. Guru Maa assisted most of the concerns with solution, which is to be applied immediately. The meeting was conducted in a peaceful manner. She also met Rajeev Raj and partner to understand and look at some proposed ideas for landscaping the plot.
After lunch, the trustees started proceeding towards Bombay and Pune. Yet another successful meeting in the relatively new set-up in India, this time spent by Guru Maa helps to fasten the progress of the Vedic Heritage presence in India. Shankar Babu and Gayatri Devi Agarwal stayed back one more day to spend some quality time with Guru Maa.
Guru Maa spent the entire day, meeting with people; the ashram was completely filled in the evening congregation. The entire evening, Guru Maa met with Her devotees, who came from far and near on finding out that their beloved Guru Maa had just arrived in Lonavala. People of all ages, men, women, elders and so many children! The bungalow was filled with the sounds of bell ringing, people chanting ' Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Nahi'…
As a spectator, I have to add that I was really impressed and touched at the charismatic aura that surrounds Guru Maa, as she leads her devotees through the Aarti…
In Pune
The following day, September 19, after Hawan, the Agarwals left for Bombay and Guru Maa proceeded towards Pune. Pawan Srivastava, Hari and Meena Khandelwal and Anuradha Anand accompanied Her Holiness. Guru Maa made her first stop at Padam Chand Bhandariji's residence and was greeted by his family. After spending a few moments there, the part proceeded to meet with the trustees of the classical music school, 'Gaanwardhan.'
For those who are not informed about Gaanwardhan, here is a short introduction. Gaanwardhan is a highly acclaimed, Pune-based classical music school. Founded over 25 years ago, they are pioneers in classical music events and promotion for new upcoming potential Pandits and Ustads! They conduct classical competitions every year and have a similar structure to that of the Acharya Viswanath Dev Sarma Art Foundation. Guru Maa commended them on their efforts to promote classical art, which she loves and extended Her mutual support to them. Qualified candidates from Gaanwardhan will participate in the competition to be held in Mumbai. This way, more young aspiring stars become aware of the competition and both foundations benefit mutually and grow in their goals.
After a very fruitful meeting with the trustees of Gaanwardhan, Guru Maa proceeded to one last meeting where she had lunch at Prakash Kane's residence with his family.
Soon after, Guru Maa and Anuradha proceeded to Mumbai by train and Pawan Srivastava and the Khandelwals returned to Lonavala by car. After a very amusing 4 hours train journey, Guru Maa arrived in Mumbai to be greeted by Gayatri Devi Agarwal and Sushil Kumar Agarwal and proceeded to the Agarwal residence. As ever, Guru Maa had one more hectic day awaiting her, the next morning, she proceeded for New Delhi with Shankar Babu Agarwal.
In New Delhi
On arriving at the airport in New Delhi on September 20, Her Holiness was greeted by Rakesh Vashist' s and his family and many devotees. On arriving at the Vashist residence, Guru Maa was greeted by a large gathering of devotees who were already waiting for her. She had not got any rest since she arrived in India, and at every opportunity that she could have rested; she has been only meeting with her beloved children.
For the first time Guru Maa, a word that simply does not exist in Her dictionary, mentioned the word 'TIRED'! B. S. Mehta and S. C. Nanda came over to meet Guru Maa for the meeting. As a witness, I was amazed and in awe of her abundance of energy and wit as she dealt with various people. She would listen to each of their problems. Due to lack of time, Guru Maa once again had to conduct her meetings and interact with the devotees at the same time! The following day was also completely taken up by devotees.
I was very fortunate to witness her participating in two very different spaces simultaneously and yet being so involved in both the situations was also very touched to see the loyalty Guru Maa commands from Her devotees in New Delhi, Her popularity is growing, day by day and each time She steps into a city in India, She is more and more worshipped and loved. After her return to Delhi from Jaipur and then finally to Bombay. Guru Maa proceeded to return to New York to make preparations for the Deepawali Festival in November.
In Jaipur (International Rajasthani Conclave 2000)
On September 22 morning, Guru Maa proceeded for Jaipur by car. Mokshpriya Bakshi, who is one of Guru Maa' s oldest Shishya, A.K.Srivastava from Delhi and Pawan Srivastava accompanied Her. Guru Maa was now on her way to The International Rajasthani Conclave 2000 (IRC), which is a maiden effort to bring together eminent Rajasthanis from around the world. The concept behind the IRC 2000 was not only to honor and recognize outstanding Rajasthani's but also to showcase the astonishing surge of the state to become a modern and progressive state. Our beloved Guru Maa was amongst the very few V.V.I.Ps.
At the Sheraton Rajputana Hotel in Jaipur, all guests of the state were given a red carpet reception with beautiful Rajasthani hostesses showering them with flowers, garlanding them and conducting a special Aarti in their honor. Guru Maa also met Mrs. Meena Dadha from Chennai and her family who had also arrived especially for the conclave. Mrs. Dadha's contribution to the world of social work is widespread and the work she has been doing for more than two decades indeed makes anyone proud.
Journalists awaited the guests and the Press almost immediately surrounded Guru Maa for photo sessions and interviews! As tired She was, Guru Maa obliged the journalists by giving them a few interviews. Dainik Bhaskar, North India's largest Hindi publication was amongst the first to spent time with Guru Maa. The IRC Committee had also appointed a special commissioner on 24 hours duty for Guru Maa, Mr. Sharma who would make all appropriate arrangements for a comfortable stay for Her Holiness. Guru Maa also visited the Surana families, who are very close to her.
Later on, in the evening, Guru Maa and her group witnessed a spectacular musical night. The show was titled ‘Goonj’ Achievers Perform For Achievers'. Durga Jasraj was the hostess for the evening and she introduced the crowd to her father and Guru, our most beloved Pandit Jasraj. Panditji inaugurated the function with a few prayers and then gave Jaipur one more of his dazzling performances, which kept everybody, spellbound. The maestro has not only made his state proud, he has made India proud and every Indian in every corner of the world proud with his achievements and contribution to the classical world! There were atleast five thousand people present.
This was followed by a performance by the Ghazal Mogul Jagjit Singh. Jagjit Singh's music was very soothing and touched many a heart. He has made Rajasthan proud. Mehndi Hassan, who is also an icon in the world of Shamiana and Ghazal mehfils also, gave the crowd some very emotional moments. This was followed by world acclaimed folk singer Reshma. Both Mehndi Hassan and Reshma are Rajasthanis from Pakistan. The state honored their origins by inviting them and honoring them in their contribution to the world of music. Dividing the country cannot divide the sentiments of the people. When your Motherland calls you, you find a way to come back to honor and serve her. This was the general sentiment sensed by all.
On September 23, After her morning pooja, Guru Maa went to the special exhibition 'Jharokha' which was inaugurated by the Honorable C.M. Shri Ashok Gehlot. It was held at the acclaimed Birla Auditorium, one of the most modern auditoriums in the country. The concept of the exhibition was to show case the grandeur in Rajasthani art, handicrafts etc. The exhibition was breath-takingly beautiful and vibrant with red, orange, bright green and yellow everywhere. It captured the beauty and brilliance of the Rajasthani spirit. Following this, Guru Maa got a little busy meeting other delegates, exchanging her views with the Press.
A plenary session was held following the exhibition wherein all delegates participated. The Honorable Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot presided over this discussion. Shri. Nawal Kishore Sharma, Convener of the Swarna Jayanti Samiti Samaroh, accompanied him. There were discussions on special subjects like the Concurrent Situations in Rajasthan for Infrastructure, Telecommunication and Information Technology, Media, Travel, Tourism, Entertainment and Film Industry etc. Guru Maa enjoyed the thoughts of Shri. Rahul Bajaj of Bajaj Auto Limited on " Rajasthan's need to speed up Industrial Development". She was also impressed Ms. Swati Piramal of Blowplast and Shri. D.B.Gupta's (of The Lupin Group) views on " The changing profile of the Marwari community".
This was followed by discussions on Social Infrastructure, Mineral and Gems and the flourishing Jewelry industry. A lot was learnt about the potential Rajasthan has. Shri. Rashmi Durlabji from the world famous lineage of Royal jewellors gave an in-depth view of the existing Jewelry trade. Did you know that 9 out of every 10 diamond are Indian? That 55 percent of diamond trade is from India? That 90 percent of Tenzonite manufacturing is also from India? India meaning Rajasthan…
All delegates then proceeded to Hotel Haveli for a lavish lunch organized in their honor. Later the same evening, everybody was presented with one more spectacular Rajasthani Folk Music Session and dinner at the Sisodia Rani Bagh. This being a historical sight, made the evening even more special and unique.
The 'Rhythm of the Desert' was indeed a treat to the beholder's eyes! Ganji Khan, Kalbelia, Gulaba Dance, followed by some great Lok Sangeet. The stage was beautifully decorated, with matkas, lamps, colorful scarves, special flower arrangements etc, to exhibit the spirit of 'The Desert People'. All the musicians were from the deep heart of the state and their soul seems very connected to the sounds in the air. Special dinner arrangements for over 1,500 people in traditional 'Baithak style' had been arranged. Over 20 varieties of delicious traditional Rajasthani cuisine was served. Soon after, one could see beautiful display of fire-works in the sky; the view was astounding from the fort in which the function was held.
With September 24, the final day of IRC 2000 began with sessions at the Birla Auditorium. These presentations were by NRR's (Non- Resident Rajasthanis) from India and abroad on their expectations, perception and on the role they would like to play in the future of the state. Guru Maa enjoyed the views of Shri. R.P. Goenka (Chairman, RPG Group) on the need for Infrastructure within the state to be fully self-sufficient.
Rama Pandey, eminent anchor and media personality, Ila Arun renowned folk-singer, and Hemlata, a very acclaimed singer, also made interesting comments. All three ladies emphasized on the need for better facilities for women and children in the filed of education, music and art. They also pledged to do free music shows/events with the Chief minister to promote Rajasthan tourism. Shri. Anil Kumar, secretary of Government of India spoke extensively on how Rajasthan will provide for growth off the country in telecom and textiles. Other interesting and successful delegates to give their future plans for their state's welfare were Shri. Subhash Chandra of the Essel Group of Industries, Shri. Suresh Neotia of Gujrat Ambuja.
Shri. Ramesh Chandra Agarwal of Dainik Bhaskar gave a very interesting perspective of the role of media in the development of Rajasthan. Shri. Mukesh Chatter and Shri. Subhash Gupta from the United States also had very encouraging plans for the development of the IT industry in Jaipur. So did Padmashree Vaidya Suresh Chaturvedi from USA and Shri. Shankar Lal Kedia of the Kedia Organization in Nepal.
Dr. Samin Sharma from Mount Sinai Hospital did New Yorkers proud by proposing to build a Heart treatment Hospital in Jaipur. He pledged Rs. One lakh monthly for the cause and promised to get the American Doctor's Associations involved, if the Government would work with him for this cause. Retired Col. Shekhawat suggested the involvement of ex-Army officers in schools and organizations, which require careful planning. Since every soldier is trained for extremely dangerous and risky duties, he can sure handle politics!
After a very intense session, Guru Maa proceeded to the basement of the auditorium to see the Jewelry exhibition, which was being held especially for the Conclave. She met with the Suranas again, who had their stalls at the exhibitions and then proceeded with them to the World Cup Polo Match, held at Rambaugh Polo Ground. The match was very exciting, with parades by the respective teams from Singapore, India and Pakistan.
A great display of folk culture and music preceded the match between India and Singapore, which India won! Guru Maa thoroughly enjoyed herself and got a great view from the V.I.P seats!
Thus a great trip to Jaipur ended, with a multitude of experiences for Guru Maa. She had entered a very clean, Rangoli ordained Jaipur, been honored, met with her loved one, was impressed worth meeting other achievers and was happy with the festivities that she witnessed.
As all of Rajasthan state and the International delegates must have felt, the love of your land and your culture drives you back to serve and love. The smell of the soil and dung.. The sight of camels and cows.. The old temples and the ringing of bells.. Children running on the streets, chanting of prayers..The cold wave of the desert wind, the scorching sand, the warrior blood… everything reminds you of who you are and what you need to do.
Guru Maa is even more excited about her project in Lohagad now because she witnessed in Jaipur how your Motherland never forgets you and needs you to come back to her. As Guru Maa said to all of us before she left for New York, "Hindustan needs you, But you need Hindustan more, to cleanse your soul and to be united with the Gods". Let us take this opportunity to support Guru Maa even more in her goals for all of us to have peace and piece of our heritage and culture by joining hands to build Vedic Heritage in Lonavala.
Jai Shri Hanuman! |
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