Harih
Om Tat Sat. The austere month of Aashadha
as usual, is a call for the Anna-Vastra Daana Satra,
jointly conducted for the past 18 years by this
Ashram and Hind Navotthana Pratishtan, Vyasa
Tapovanam, Wadakanchery. As in the past, it reminds
to enrich one’s mind with the unique grace of Daana.
Unlike yajna, daana’s power to
bestow joy to the giver and receiver alike is
evident, putting it on a very covetable pedestal.
Besides, by daana alone are one’s wealth
and possessions purified, making them a source of
great blessing and strength even to the inheritors.
Anna-Vastra Daana Satra
conducted by us has such a wholesome sublimity and
purpose. The beneficiary families have steadily
grown from a meager 150, eighteen years ago, to
18500 last year from over 200 villages. This
year’s aim is 20000 families, at an estimated cost
of Rs. 23 lakhs, at Rs 115 each.
Distribution
will take place from about 40 centres covering more
than 250 villages. Recipients with previously
issued tokens will be welcomed in each centre with
aarati and Vedic chants and given 3 kg of rice, a
cloth and sweet by Sannyasins. Chorus Naama-sankirtana
in the background makes the whole event so holy that
it has come to be viewed as extremely sublime and
benedictory for all. From last year, part of the
Anna-Vastra distribution is being done in a remote
Tribal belt of North Kerala.
Sewing
machine distribution to deserving indigent ladies
forms an important part of the Daana Satra. This
year our plan is to gift 30 Singer pedestal machines
as against 25 last year.
The first
distribution will be on 8th July from
Narayanashrama Tapovanam. Distribution from Vyasa
Tapovanam, Sanatanadharma Ashram and other village
centres will follow. Offerings may be sent by money
order or by cheque/Bank DD favouring “Narayanashrama
Tapovanam” payable at Trichur.
It
is greatly desirable that you inform your friends
and relatives about the event, so that they too may
have a chance to participate in the holy event and
imbibe its rare blessings. By this the list of
participants in the Satra will also be enhanced,
thereby spreading the daana message far and
wide.
Love,
regards and aasirvaad
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
