News & Notes - August 2006

     The Gurupoornima and Retreat Functions were conducted in the Ashram between July 11 and 17. Gurupoornima was also celebrated in Jamshedpur, Delhi, Pune and other centres. A report on these events appears in this issue.

     Jñaana Yajña in Malaysia: As announced last month, annual Jñaana Yajña will be conducted in Malaysia between Aug 21 and Sep 01. Poojya Swamiji, along with Nutan Swamiji and Maa will leave Ashram on Aug 18 and return on Sep 07. On the way back they will halt at Chennai between Sep 5 & 7. For details of programme in Chennai please contact Sri Balasubramanian (Contact tel no: 044-2435 8521).

     Anna-vastra Daana Satra, which has been a significant part of the welfare activities conducted by Narayanashrama Tapovanam and Hind Navotthana Pratishtan for the past 20 years, is being conducted from more than 50 centres. Distribution from Narayanashrama Tapovanam took place on Jul 17 and 23 for 3,500 and 1,600 recipients. Arrangements are being made for distribution from Vyasa Tapovanam, Sanatanadharma Ashrama, Omkara Ashrama and other village centres.

Recipients arriving with tokens, distributed in advance by our volunteers, are being welcomed with aarati and given 3 kg of rice, a dhoti or saree and sweet by Sannyaasins. Chorus naama-sankeertana in the background makes the whole event sublime and holy. Sewing machines, to help self-employment, will also be given to indigent ladies.

The Anna-vastra Daana Satra benefits thousands of poor families, including some from tribal villages in North Kerala. The steady growth from 150 beneficiaries 20 years back to nearly 22,000 this year spread over 250 villages, has been due to the increasing wish, will and dedication shown by participants and contributors from India and abroad.

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