Though it was a cold, "bone-chilling"
North Indian winter morning, everybody in Omkarananda Ashram
Himalayas was busy in contributing to the auspicious start of
Omkarananda Mahotsava, which commenced on 25th December 2012
with the Omkarananda Jayanti Celebration.
In the early morning a wonderful
Sundarkand Recitation started, interspersed with Bhajan, Kirtan
and short Kathas by the renowned Kathavachak, Shri
Gopalacharyaji, along with a team of Priests of Omkarananda
Ashram Himalayas and local musicians.
This event took place outside, opposite
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir, at the beautifully decorated
Omkarananda-Hanuman Mandir. Devotees and Guests started flocking
in, who also attended the Sundarkand Path, which concluded with
Arati and Prasad Distribution to all.
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Start of
Omkarananda Jayanti with Sundarkand Recitations by Shri
Gopalacharya and the Priests of
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir. |
Prayers and
Arati during the conclusion of Sundarkand Path
at the Omkarananda-Hanuman Mandir. |
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After short refreshments for all,
everybody was invited to attend the cultural programme in Honour
of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati in the Hall of
Omkarananda Vidya Bhawan, where on the stage a beautiful photo
of Swami Omkarananda was shining, decorated with flowers and
glowing lights.
Shri Rajiv Malik, the honourable Chief
Guest of this Function, was welcomed and introduced to the
audience by Dr. Quaylee Chakravorty, a dedicated Teacher of
Omkarananda Saraswati Nilayam Inter-College, and then, along
with Swami Vishveshwarananda and a well-known Veda-Acharya, he
started lighting the Deepas in front of Paramahamsa Omkarananda
Saraswati.
Malas and flower bouquets were offered
to the honourable guests.
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Dr. Quaylee Chakravorty announces the opening of the
cultural programme of Omkarananda Jayanti Celebration
and welcomes the honourable guests. |
Lighting of Deepas
by the honourable Chief Guest, Shri Rajiv Malik,
and H.H. Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati. |
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As the first item Kumari Somashekhari presents a Solo
Bharatanatyam dance. |
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Vedic Shloka Recitations by young Sanskrit students. |
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The wife of the honourable Chief
Guest, Shri Rajiv Malik,
is honouring the students with special gifts. |
Swami Vishveshwarananda offers a
shawl to Shri Shivkumar Malviya,
the Principal-Acharya of the Sanskrit students. |
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Siddhartha Krishna
delivers a lecture on Adi-Shankaracharya. |
Siddhartha Krishna
expresses his joy to the audience, after Indra Udayana
from Bali (in the middle) had honoured him with a shawl. |
Then Kumari Somashekhari started a Solo
Bharatanatyam dance. Soma's professional skills in Indian
Classical Dance made the important guest, Shri Rajiv Malik,
wonder-struck. The applause of the audience spoke for itself.
To keep the Vedic tradition going on, 8
Sanskrit students at the age of 8 to 10 years recited different
Vedic Shlokas. Along with the rhythm of the oral recitation the
Students nicely and clearly showed the according hand-gestures,
as it is the beautiful tradition in Shukla Yajurveda.
Thereafter a short Katha was performed
by Siddhartha Krishna. He highlighted in an excellent way the
life of Adi-Shankaracharyaji and presented the "Shri
Minakshi Pancharatnam".
Kumari Somashekhari, along with her
student Neha, showed a devotional dance called "Barishon ki
Cham Cham Men", in which the longing of the devotees for
the Darshan of the Divine Mother is described. The shining and
colourful dresses added to the beauty of the dance.
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Kumari
Somashekhari and her student Neha are offering colourful
flowers at the beginning of their devotional dance. |
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Kumari
Somashekhari and her student Neha are worshipping the
Divine Mother through dance. |
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Mrs. Kalani
is honouring Somashekhari with a flower mala. |
Shri Gopalacharya and two Priests of
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple made the audience singing and
clapping with Bhajan and Kirtan. The learned Acharya created a
vibrant divine atmosphere.
A great moment for the audience came,
when via multimedia, everybody could see H.D. Paramahamsa
Omkarananda Saraswati speaking to the devotees. For all people
present it was a wonderful opportunity to see Swami Omkarananda
in action. It was a video recording from the year 1982.
With small, small shining Ghee-Deepas,
burning on a plate full of flowers, Somashekhari and Neha
performed the Omkarananda Arati Dance. The light was offered to
Gurudev and then to everybody attending the function.
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Bhajan and Kirtan by Gopalacharya (in the middle) with
the
Main Priests of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir,
Suresh and Sanjay. |
Shri Gopalacharyaji joyously embraces Brigadier Kartar
Singh, Deputy V.C. Pantanjali University (to his left)
and Col. Sachdeva, Principal, Omkarananda Saraswati
Nilayam Inter-College (to his right),
after they had jointly honoured him with a shawl. |
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Overwhelmed with happiness Gopalacharyaji is hugging
Swami Vishveshwarananda, President Omkarananda Ashram. |
Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati's lecture, translated
into German
by Prof. Eleonore Lauterborn, shown on Video to the
audience. |
Now it was time for Dr. Quaylee
Chakravorty to announce the Release of the second Edition of the
Booklet, "A Glimpse of Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati -
His Lineage and His Mission".
Dr. Quaylee informed the audience, that
Shri Rajiv Malik, the Chief Guest of this occasion, belongs to
the top rank of Journalists. The world famous Kauai's Hindu
Monastery, Hawaii, U.S.A., has given him the prestigious post of
being the Representative on All India and South Asia level for
their International Magazine "HINDUISM TODAY", which is
published world-wide. This Magazine is appreciated in the whole
world as an outstanding work in relation to Hinduism in daily
life.
Rajiv Malik was instrumental for the
historic interview with Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda
Saraswati, which has taken the form of the Publication "A
Glimpse of Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati - His Lineage and
His Mission."
Kumari Somashekhari offered the first
copy of the 2nd Edition of this booklet to Gurudev Paramahamsa
Omkarananda Saraswati, and then Shri Rajiv Malik, along with the
President of Omkarananda Ashram, Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda
Saraswati, and Kumari Somashekhari, released this treasure
booklet and showed it to the audience.
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The
audience eagerly awaits the release of the 2nd Edition
of "A Glimpse
of Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati – His Lineage and
His Mission". |
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Release of the booklet by the
Chief Guest, Shri Rajiv Malik, Kumari Somashekhari and
Swami Vishveshwarananda. |
Then Shri Rajiv Malik addressed the
audience and highlighted the booklet, which contains the
interview, he himself conducted, about 20 years back, on behalf
of H.H. Satguru Sivaya Subrahmuniyaswami’s "Hinduism Today"
Magazine.
Rajiv Malikji spoke about Swami
Omkarananda's life, praised his enormous work in spreading
education and establishing beautiful Ashrams and Temples. He
considers Swami Omkarananda as one of the greatest Spiritual
Personalities.
Rajiv Malik expressed highest admiration
for Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati's style of answering most
difficult and highly philosophical questions in a manner, which
sounds like beautiful flowing poetry!
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Shri Rajiv Malik
speaks about his interview
with Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati |
He further mentioned in his speech, that
at that time - about 20 years back - when he was asked by
"Hinduism Today" to do an article on the Mission and Life
and Educational Projects of Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati,
he came to Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and saw, how Swami
Vishveshwaranandaji Maharaj and his team were putting all their
energy and struggling hard to make and set up Schools even in
the remotest parts of the Hilly Himalayan areas. At that time
already, when it was difficult to go to far up Hilly areas,
because of Swamiji's Blessings, Shri Rajiv Malik, along with his
family, could personally go and visit at least one Dozen of
Omkarananda Hill Schools. And there he could see for himself,
that for those children, for whom even the Indian Government was
not able to provide education, the Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas
had established good Schools, even at that time! Shri Rajiv
Malik further said, that he is from that time onwards witness,
how uninterruptedly, up to now, this work is being continued in
a most praiseworthy manner; more Omkarananda Hill Schools have
been established and in the meantime Omkarananda Saraswati
Inter-College educates thousands of Students, and also
Institutions of Higher Level have been added, like Omkarananda
Institute of Management and Technology, where Students from all
over India can obtain professional University Degrees.
Shri Rajiv Malik expressed his deepest
admiration for Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, who
spread the Light of Education in the neglected areas of Garhwal
Himalayas, though he was residing in His Ashrams in Europe,
being physically thousands of Miles away from India.
Mr. Malik further informed the audience,
that Swami Omkarananda has spread Hinduism in Europe and in the
whole world.
Shri Malikji described Gurudev Swami
Omkarananda as an embodiment of indescribable Divine Power, and
that Gurudev has connected His extraordinary Power with Shri
Swami Vishveshwaranandaji Maharaj, who started 30 years ago
constructing and establishing educational Centres and spreading
education and excellent facilities of learning for Thousands of
Students in the Garhwal Himalayas, which otherwise would have
been deprived of education, which is, according to Shri
Malikji's words, very astonishing and not less than a miracle.
He remembered, that when he personally
saw several such Omkarananda Hill Schools, already 20 years ago,
he strongly felt in each of these Schools the spiritual Presence
and divine Power of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati.
Shri Rajiv Malik further mentioned, that
everyone, connected with Omkarananda Ashram, may be knowing that
Swami Vishveshwarananda was a Pilot, who gave up his career and
all the luxury to become the Disciple of Swami Omkarananda and
started working in Rishikesh, a place of Tapasya and Saints and
spreading the Vedic Culture, which is really a wonder.
Shri Malikji was also full of praise for
the other direct Disciples of Swami Omkarananda, who also had
renounced a comfortable and luxurious life in Europe and are
helping Swami Vishveshwarananda in India, namely Swami
Satchidananda and Kumari Somashekhari.
Rajiv Malik informed the audience, that
Kumari Somashekhari, an Indian Citizen, hailing originally from
West-Germany, who studied Bharatanatyam and other forms of
Indian Classical Dance, has received the highly prestigious
Mahila Shiromani Award for promoting Indian Art and Indian
Dance.
Shri Malikji mentioned also other
Members of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, like the saintly
Sanskrit Scholar and Katha Vachak, Shri Siddhartha Krishna and
his Mother Usha Devi, who is a famous Iyengar Yoga-Teacher.
Coming back to Gurudev Swami Omkarananda
and His Teachings, Shri Rajiv Malik said, that if one reads
Gurudev's inspiring words in books like "Who is a Guru? And
Other Inspiring Speeches by Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati"
or "A Glimpse of Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati -
His Lineage and His Mission" one's entire life can be
changed!
Shri Malikji emphasized, that the
guidelines in verbal expression and practical application for
changing the whole life of a person in a positive direction,
Swami Omkarananda has given in three lines: "Think like a
Genius - Work like a Giant - live like a Saint!" Rajiv
Malik said, that all the philosophies of all the Vedas in India
are contained in these 3 lines.
"Think like a Genius!" For
following this advice by Swami Omkarananda, no money is
required, exclaimed Malikji! He further explained, that it is a
known fact, that normal human beings use only 2 to 4% of their
brain or thinking power and so everyone should imagine what a
great potential lies hidden in a human being, which could be
used!
Swami Omkarananda has told in only three lines how to live an
ideal life and what is the essence of life: "Think like a
Genius - Work like a Giant - live like a Saint!"
Mr. Malik strongly emphasized, that if
these 3 lines would be adopted by people in India, then such
horrible things, which just recently happened in Delhi - and
which have shaken whole India and the whole world - would never
happen!!!
Shri Rajiv Malik ended his brilliant
speech with deepest Adorations to Gurudev Paramahamsa
Omkarananda Saraswati and his congratulations and best wishes to
Swami Vishveshwarananda and his team for continuing the great
Mission of Gurudev.
Shri Rajiv Malik's speech revealed the
high class quality of a journalist, who is not only reporting,
but also living the high ideals of a true Hindu.
The huge clapping of the audience
showed, that his speech was very much appreciated by one and
all.
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Swami
Vishveshwarananda touches the hearts of the audience
with his speech. |
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Omkarananda
Arati performed by Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari
Somashekhari. |
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Swami Vishveshwarananda then thanked
Shri Rajiv Malik for his great, lively and divine words and for
releasing the work of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati.
He honoured Shri Malik with a white shawl.
Thanks and gifts were also offered to
all the participants, who helped to make Omkarananda Jayanti a
great occasion.
Then it was the turn of Swami
Vishveshwarananda, President Omkarananda Ashram, to express his
Vote of Thanks.
But there was a small surprise in store.
Dr. Quaylee Chakravorty, the highly dynamic and capable Anchor
of this holy function, first wanted to share her own experiences
concerning Swamiji with the audience.
She said, that no Mission and dream of a
Guru would be complete, unless he has a true and devoted
Successor. She continued with the powerful words of Swami
Omkarananda: "Successors are not trained! Successors are
born!"
Shri Swami Vishveshwaranandaji, who was
appointed as Successor by Gurudev Swami Omkarananda, is carrying
out all his Gurudev's dreams and Mission successfully, because
he is a Karma Yogi by temper, character and choice and bears in
his heart uncompromising and total devotion to his Gurudev
Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswatiji, she continued.
Dr. Quaylee Chakravorty further informed
the audience that she has been working under Swami
Vishveshwaranandaji's Guidance and Blessings for the past 24
years as a Teacher in Omkarananda Saraswati Nilayam
Inter-College, with Swami Omkarananda's Motto: "Think like a
Genius - Work like a Giant - Live like a Saint!"
She said: "Believe me Ladies and
Gentlemen, Swami Vishveshwarananda is truly proving it, because
he thinks like a Genius – he makes us think like a Genius; he
works like a Giant - day and night - and makes us also work like
a Giant; and he lives like a true Saint and taught us also to
live like a true Saint! Thank You Swamiji for always being there
by our side as a true Follower of Swami Omkarananda and a true
Guide for all of us, be it an Ashramite, a Worker or a Teacher,
anybody …"
With these words Dr. Quaylee
Chakravortyji requested Swamiji to come up the stage and bless
the audience.
Swami Vishveshwarananda, in his Vote of
Thanks, emphasized the utmost importance of having a Sadguru and
also the importance of Prayer as well as a dedication to the
great Vedic culture.
Swamiji's heart-touching words were
reflecting his utter humble nature and saintly character and his
deep devotion to his Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati.
Swami Vishveshwarananda's speech was
totally natural and not rehearsed - it spontaneously came from
his heart and therefore his words were radiant with a divine
power, which made a deep impression on all listeners.
After Swamiji's inspiring words the
wonderful function in Honour of Paramahamsa Omkarananda's
Jayanti neared its completion.
The Main Priests of
Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple concluded the celebration with
Omkarananda Arati and Pushpanjali.
There was a great joy among all the
visitors and a visibly happy Rajiv Malik was invited for
Prasadam, a Bhandara which everybody could join.
Note:
All those, who would like to see the Video of the Speech of
Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati, shown on 25.12.2012 to all
devotees and guests, as well as Videos of the Book-Release and
Shri Rajiv Malik’s Speech and the Speech of Swami
Vishveshwarananda on this occasion, along with the introduction
by Dr. Quaylee Chakravorty, can go to the Website of Omkarananda
Ashram Himalayas www.oah.in
and watch everything under the subject “Videos”.
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