Marathon 2020 - Sayla Civic Health Centre inspires many in London

London is well known for its terrible weather.  On Sunday 4th October, it rained all day, and yet, Ajaybhai Doshi, braved the elements and managed to run 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 42 minutes in the virtual London marathon to raise funds for Sayla’s Civic Health Centre (CHC).  He has already raised over £14,000 (over Rs 13 Lakhs). Ajaybhai faced many challenges today, apart from the weather.  In a normal marathon, he would have been surrounded by thousands of runners and many thousand spectators to cheer him and others on.  Today, he began running alone.  During the coronavirus pandemic, everyone is forced to maintain social distancing.

But he was not alone.  He was running with the blessings of Param Pujya Bhaishree, in honour of his father, the late, beloved Arunbhai Doshi, and with a noble aim.  Many, many friends, family members, and members of the Raj Saubhag family gathered in small groups to cheer him on, and to provide refreshment, if needed.  There were toddlers and there were the elderly, all inspired and providing encouragement.

The CHC provides services in rural Saurashtra, in a successful public-private partnership between the State of Gujarat and Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal, Sayla.  Certain procedures are offered at a fraction of the price that would be paid in fully private urban hospitals, with some patients even travelling from nearby cities.

Param Pujya Bhaishree expressed his great joy at the energy and efforts of Ajaybhai.  He remarked how fresh Ajaybhai looked.  He remembered Ajaybhai running at the Ashram and invited him to visit again.  Bhaishree stated that many memories were being prompted, including those of Punitben and late Arunbhai, Ajaybhai's parents.

Brahmnishth Vikrambhai remarked that the run was a demonstration of Ajaybhai's great mental strength in addition to his physical strength and training.  Vikrambhai told him that his parents were proud of him and showering their blessings.

He told Ajaybhai how the CHC was performing well in many areas, and informed him about the new gynaecologist and new equipment.

Ajaybhai expressed much gratitude for the support he had received from friends, family and the Raj Saubhag community.  He described how much detailed planning his nephew Niraj Sanghvi had done and how much he had helped in general.  Most of all, Ajaybhai felt the presence of Bhaishree's blessings.

Ajaybhai told Bhaishree that there were many people in search of good causes to fund, and that donations would come wherever good work was being done, as was happening in Sayla.  Bhaishree mentioned that things would continue being done well, and that many of the younger members of the Ashram were now engaged in the projects. Vikrambhai had also explained some testimonials from staff and patients to show the value of the work at CHC.

Inspired by Param Pujya Bhaishree, Arunbhai and Punitben Doshi had taken much interest in humanitarian and developmental work in and around Sayla and many other places.  This, in turn, had inspired Ajaybhai's commitment to continue this support, as well as successfully to take on the challenge of the 2020 London marathon. 

Despite the challenges of the Coronavirus, 4th October 2020 saw a great outpouring of Karuna (compassion) in the midst of London's pouring rain.

If you have been inspired by this story, then you can donate here, or even apply to run the marathon next year here.

Women Entrepreneurs Turn Obstacles Into Opportunities

Women entrepreneurs from Sayla Taluka (block) have overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to fulfill an essential community health need and march toward economic independence

With most of society under lockdown owing to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, the livelihood of many has been snatched away, especially in labour-intensive and service-based sectors. Rural areas in the country have very limited jobs that can be done remotely. Furthermore, those with more basic education or disabilities have been hit especially hard by the restrictions imposed upon us for public health and safety.

The Ashirwad Trust for the Disabled, operated by Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal, has been hard at work to find opportunities for disabled residents of Sayla Taluka to earn money and support their families. One story of success and hope in these unprecedented times is a Self Help Group (SHG), comprised of 17 enterprising women from Ovangadh village in Sayla Taluka, that has found a way to turn this obstacle into an opportunity and carved a path to financial independence.

The SHG comprises of disabled women, mothers of disabled children as well as able-bodied women, working to support their families by locally manufacturing sanitary pads. Multiple humanitarian organisations have come together to help these women establish themselves as stable earners for their families. Under the guidance of the Ashirwad Trust for the Disabled and with support from the Blind Peoples Association, the women are using manufacturing equipment and raw materials donated by the Utkarsh Sanstha, Ahmedabad to manufacture 300 - 400 sanitary pads every day. In keeping with the public health guidelines, they wear personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Not surprisingly, this small-scale, local operation, makes and sells these pads at prices lower than products available in the retail market. 

The women received training in using the equipment. They were also made aware of the benefits of sanitary pads as well as creating a SHG, which typically has a co-operative model of handling finances and resources in order to share responsibility, allowing the group to address the urgent needs of individual members through tools like loans and has a regulatory structure to collectively monitor and manage problems with repayments.

The women faced several obstacles in establishing this SHG and starting their business; primarily from the stigma and secretive attitude that exists in society toward menstruation and menstrual products. They persisted in the face of disgust and aversion among fellow villagers to not only set up their business but also fulfill an essential public health need in their community. Moreover, these women are also handling other responsibilities at home, on farms, etc. and yet, they make sure to arrive at their workplace at the designated time and diligently work on making the sanitary pads.

The success of this operation has been covered by several media outlets:

Source: Sandesh, July 21, 2020

K-News Gujarati Clip:

https://www.facebook.com/112855345492664/posts/3014646821980154/

Source: K-News Gujarati, July 21, 2020

DD Girnar News Clip

https://www.facebook.com/112855345492664/posts/3111781748933327/

Source: DD Girnar, August 1, 2020)

Empowered women who contribute to the financial health of their households and understand the immense social benefits of making affordable sanitary pads easily available to girls and women in their community are sure to improve the prospects of their families as well as their communities. The Ashirward Center is proud to have supported these women in their journey toward self-sufficiency and economic independence. We are in awe of their spirit and are confident that their success and dedication will be a source of inspiration for others who are facing unforeseen obstacles as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

Dharmishtha; A Journey Towards Independence

Dharmishtha’s Journey; how the Ashirwad Trust helped a young girl find her independence

Name: Dharmishtha Surendrasingh Parmar

Disability: Cerebral Palsy

Admission date at the Centre: 10/06/2008

Duration at the Centre: 12 years

Family occupation: Driving

About Dharmishtha:

17 year old Dharmishtha is an enthusiastic girl with a smiling face. She has immense grit. Given her optimistic attitude, she is always willing to grasp opportunities given to her. 

Cause of Disability:

Dharmishtha did not cry post birth and just three days after birth, she experienced a jerk that led to Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy affected her mobility as well as speech.

Relationship with Family:

Dharmishtha is raised in a middle class joint family. There are five members in the house. All of them take good care of her and treat her respectfully.

Family hardships:

Owing to her impaired mobility, the family endured struggles initially in taking care of her daily routine. Dharmishtha was unable to sit by herself until she was 3 years old. Attending social events, going to religious places or for physiotherapy became challenging as the family members had to carry her wherever she went.  

Student Needs: 

Dharmishtha required physiotherapy, speech therapy and training to perform various activities of daily living such as brushing, eating and dressing independently. Additionally, to overcome social exclusion, she required training and empowerment to participate in social functions.

Support provided by Ashirwad Trust for the Disabled, Sayla:

Dharmishtha was provided with a medical certificate, identity card, Sant Soordas Health Policy benefits, a Cerebral Palsy chair and an educational kit. She was also given presents such as firecrackers, kites, water guns, etc during the celebration of festivals.

Dharmishtha - first from left

Dharmishtha (first from right) enthusiastically celebrating national festival

Intervention at Ashirwad Trust for the Disabled:

At the centre, Dharmishtha primarily underwent physiotherapy and was prescribed medication by Dr. Paresh Shah.

She was enrolled in a day-care centre where she received various mobility training that included sitting with and without support, helping her stand and eventually walk with the help of a walker. She was also provided educational and intellectual training at the centre.

Undergoing physiotherapy

Dharmishtha (first from left) sitting with the support of a wall

Dharmishtha (first from right) sitting without support

Dharmishtha sitting on a bench without support

Intervention Outcome:

As a result of such extensive training and support, Dharmishtha showed great progress as she could sit independently and stand with only the support of a chair or window frame. Thereafter, she could walk with support. 

Dharmishtha walking with the support of a railing

She is now able enough to take part in the ‘Khel Mahakumbh’, organised by the State of Gujarat, and enthusiastically participates in cultural programs.

Dharmishtha (kneeling down in red dress) dancing with her friends

Dharmishtha is  able to write numbers and letters with the assistance of her teachers; as well as recognise colours, shapes, animals, birds, vegetables and also identify her fellow classmates. 

Consequent to the academic training, Dharmishtha can now grasp and comprehend concepts well. As a matter of pride, she has cleared the Secondary Board exams and is now studying in class XII.

Currently, with her family support and the Centre’s initiatives, Dharmishtha stays busy in her daily routine.

Testimonial of Dharmishtha’s father, Mr Surendrasingh Parmar

"I express my gratitude towards the staff of the Ashirvad Trust who provided Dharmishtha with the wide-ranging support she needed and treated her with the patience and love only a family can. Initially, Dharmishtha was not keen on attending school but meeting children of her age and receiving the care and tenderness of the staff, she now enjoys attending school. The teachers at the school taught her how to eat independently. They patiently help feed Dharmishtha when she faces difficulty in eating her food. 

In fact, during this lockdown she misses her friends and the activities which she used to engage in at school. Before her admission to the centre, Dharmishtha was barely active and would remain sleeping or lying down, completely dependent on us for her needs. However now, though she has difficulty in mobility and speech, she can perform a lot of activities independently. It is not just the fact that she undertakes activities independently that matters; she has been given the encouragement and self-belief that she is capable. She has a sharp mind and strong reflexes and likes to learn and grasp new things. Also, her interests in computers and other digital devices are developing. 

Presently, Dharmishtha is studying in class XII and we sincerely believe she can offer something constructive to society, based on the rehabilitation and care she has received."

Aids and Appliance Camp in Sayla - February 2020

ગુજરાતી લેખ માટે અહીં ક્લિક કરો

Equality of perspective is natural to one who is immersed in the Soul, the equal Soul, which all living beings possess.  Equality of opportunity is, however, yet to be realised in today's society. The differently-abled are equal to us. This is the truth. We call them disabled but their potential is often great. 

How much richer would our world be if we could enjoy the contributions of people who are excluded, simply because of what we call disability or an impairment!

Disability leads to poverty and poverty increases the impact of disability. 

In addition, because of ignorance, superstition and fear, the disabled and their families are often stigmatised. They are excluded. Society does not make any effort  to accommodate them and so society loses out on an opportunity. We lose.

The work of the Ashirvad Trust for the Disabled, with the blessing and vision of Param Pujya Bhaishree, is to strive to ensure that the differently-abled fulfil their potential through various forms of rehabilitation and empowerment.

After an extensive and meticulous process of many weeks of screening in various villages around Surendranagar and Limbdi, 522 opportunities were identified, in the form of assistive devices or livelihood kits.

On 17th February, a camp was held in Sayla to distribute these aids and kits to various beneficiaries.

A grand inclusive inauguration was held in the great Raj Mandir, where Param Pujya Bhaishree and donors lit the symbolic lamp and addressed the audience, which included many who were  differently-abled.

Meaningfully, Bhaishree specifically addressed the differently-abled. He told them, (the ones we call "beneficiaries"), that we are grateful for the opportunity that they have given us. He told them his wish for their lives to improve both materially and spiritually and that they go on to live noble lives.

Bhaishree, in his gentle way, is a revolutionary.  By speaking directly in this way, he is demonstrating the equality and potential of those assembled. He is leading by example to remove stigma. He is redefining the purpose of donors. He transforms the challenges of karma into the opportunity to progress. He transforms the attitude of pity towards a beneficiary into the donor feeling grateful for the opportunity to serve.

The camp, on 17th February, was the 32nd Aids and Appliances camp organised by the Ashram’s Ashirvad Trust for the Disabled.  Such support camps have empowered tens of thousands in the past, enabling them to earn a livelihood, becoming independent and respected members of society.

The support camp was held in the Sayla Ashram premises, and tricycles, wheelchairs, chairs for patients having cerebral palsy, calipers, artificial limbs, crutches, folding walkers, hearing aids and canes for the visually impaired were distributed to beneficiaries. Educational kits were also given to children with learning difficulties, braille kits for the blind and low vision kits for those with impaired vision. Employment kits such as beauty salon kits, sewing machines and farming tools were donated as well. 

Naytika Shah (donor family) recounts: “Each one of us felt so lucky and blessed to participate in such a noble and selfless cause. Many among us, especially the younger generation, have never witnessed such poverty-stricken difficult circumstances, and some donors were moved to tears. During the distribution, we talked to some of the beneficiaries. The acknowledgment of the difficulties they faced in life and having it addressed really mattered to them. They were grateful for all the equipment they received and recognised that it would make a tremendous difference in their lives. The children were an absolute joy to watch; the delight on their faces when they received their aids or kits was a sight to behold. It was humbling, for all of us present, to see those individuals with impairments smiling, even in the midst of such adversity.”

Another donor shares, “We were amazed at the outreach work done by the Ashirvad Trust for the Disabled, Sayla. Their level of dedication and commitment are awe-inspiring. The camp, itself, was very well organised, planned and executed, and the thought put behind the variety of the aids and kits handed out was remarkable. We can see the impact of these camps on the community in and around Sayla. Recently, while we were carrying out the grain distribution, we met a man who had been a recipient of a hand-cycle in one of the previous support camps. He was so proud to show us that it made him self-sufficient and that he was using it to collect his grain. It was wonderful to see the connection between the Ashram and the local community and we look forward to seeing this relationship flourish.”

These camps give the hope of sight to the blind, a voice to those who cannot speak, the ability to stand tall to those without legs, sound to those who cannot hear and, most of all, the camp gives hope to those who lost all hope.

The Ashram acknowledges the generosity of 2 donor families:

1.    Shree Manishkumar Shah, Shree Diptiben Shah and Shree Harsh M Shah from Canada. (son of Brahmnisht Rasikbhai)

2.    In memory of the Late Shree Shantaben Chagganlal Punja Dodhia, her children Shree Mansukhlal and Indumatiben Shah, Shree Manjulaben and Jayantilal Haria, Shree Prabhavatiben Nemchandbhai Shah, Shree Bhartiben Sureshchandra Shah, Shree Nileshbhai and Varshaben Dodhia and Shree Ritaben Sanjaybhai Shah, grandchildren and great-grandchildren from Kenya and the UK.

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દિવ્યાંગો માટે વિનામુલ્યે “સાધન સહાય સેવા કેમ્પ” – ફેબ્રુઆરી ૨૦૨૦

નિજમાં મગ્ન એવા જ્ઞાની મહાત્માઓ સૌ જીવોને સમાન પરિપ્રેક્ષ્યમાં નિહાળે છે કારણકે બધા જ પ્રાણીઓમાં એક સમાન આત્માનો વાસ છે. આમ હોવા છતાં, સૌને સમાન તકની પ્રાપ્તિ હોય તેવી પરિસ્થિતિ હજી સુધી અર્વાચીન સમાજમાં સાકાર નથી થઈ શકી. એ હકીકત છે કે દિવ્યાંગ વ્યક્તિઓ આપણી સમકક્ષ જ છે. જો કે આપણે તેમને ‘વિકલાંગ’ કહીએ છીએ પણ પ્રાયે તેમની ક્ષમતા ગણનાપાત્ર હોય છે.

વિકલાંગ અથવા ઈજાગ્રસ્ત ગણીને આપણે જેમનો બહિષ્કાર કરીએ છીએ તેવી વ્યક્તિઓ દ્વારા સમાજને અર્પણ કરવામાં આવતા ફાળાનો આપણે સમાવેશ અને સન્માન કરીને તેનો ઉપભોગ કરી શકીએ તો વિશ્વ કેટલું સમૃદ્ધ બની શકે!

વિકલાંગપણું નિર્ધનતા તરફ દોરી જાય છે અને નિર્ધનતા વિકલાંગપણાની અસરને વધુ વણસાવે છે. વધુમાં, અજ્ઞાન, અંધશ્રદ્ધા અને ડરને કારણે વિકલાંગો અને તેમના પરિવારોને સમાજ ઘણીવાર દોષિત ઠેરવી ધુત્કારે છે. તેઓનો બહિષ્કાર કરવામાં આવે છે. સમાજ તેમનો સમાવેશ કરવાનો પ્રયત્ન કરતો નથી અને આ કારણે દિવ્યાંગ વ્યક્તિઓની વિશિષ્ટ ક્ષમતાથી ઉપાર્જિત થતા લાભને પ્રાપ્ત કરવાની તક પણ સમાજ ગુમાવે છે.

પરમ પૂજ્ય ભાઈશ્રીના આશિર્વાદ તેમજ દૂરંદેશીથી કાર્યરત એવા આશીર્વાદ વિકલાંગ કન્દ્રનું કાર્ય વિવિધ પ્રકારના પુન:ર્વસન અને સશક્તિકરણના કાર્યક્રમો દ્વારા દિવ્યાંગ વ્યક્તિઓની ક્ષમતાનો મહત્તમ વિકાસ હાંસલ કરવાનું છે.

વિકલાંગોને ઉપયોગી થઈ શકે તેવા સાધનો તેમજ જીવનજરૂરિયાતના સાધનોની કીટની સહાય પૂરી પાડવા સુરેન્દ્રનગર અને લિંબડીની આસપાસના વિવિધ ગામડાઓમાં ઘણા સપ્તાહ સુધી હાથ ધરવામાં આવેલી વ્યાપક અને ચોકસાઈપૂર્વકની તપાસની પ્રક્રિયા બાદ ૫૨૨ વ્યક્તિઓને તારવવામાં આવી.

૧૭મી ફેબ્રુઆરીના રોજ સાયલામાં વિવિધ લાભાર્થીઓને આ સહાય તેમજ કીટ વહેંચવા માટે એક કેમ્પ યોજવામાં આવ્યો. આ દિવસે આપણા રાજ મંદિરમાં એક ભવ્ય સમાવેશન સમારોહનું આયોજન કરવામાં આવ્યું જેમાં પરમ પૂજ્ય ભાઈશ્રી અને અન્ય દાનવીરોએ સાંકેતિક દીપ પ્રગટાવીને શ્રોતાગણને સંબોધન કર્યું જેમાં ઘણા દિવ્યાંગ વ્યક્તિઓનો સમાવેશ થતો હતો.

પરમ પૂજ્ય ભાઈશ્રીએ સૂચક રીતે ખાસ કરીને દિવ્યાંગ વ્યક્તિઓને જ સંબોધ્યા. તેઓએ તેમને (જેમને આપણે ‘લાભાર્થી’ તરીકે ઓળખીએ છીએ) જણાવ્યું કે તેમણે જે તકનો લાભ અમોને આપ્યો છે તે માટે અમો તેમના કૃતજ્ઞ છીએ. તેઓએ પોતાની ભાવના વ્યક્ત કરતાં જણાવ્યું કે તેમનું જીવન ભૌતિક તેમજ આધ્યાત્મિક રીતે વધુ ઉન્નત થાઓ અને તેમને સૌને ઉમદા જીવન જીવવાની તક પ્રાપ્ત થાઓ.

પરમ પૂજ્ય ભાઈશ્રીનો અભિગમ મૃદુ છતાં ક્રાંતિકારી છે. આ પ્રકારનું તેઓશ્રીનું સીધુ જ સંબોધન એકઠા થયેલા સૌના સામર્થ્ય તેમજ સમાનતા પ્રત્યેનો નિર્દેશ કરે છે. તેઓશ્રી તેમના પર લાગેલા લાંછનને દૂર કરે છે. તેઓશ્રી દાતાઓના હેતુને પુન:વ્યાખ્યાયિત કરી રહ્યા છે. તેઓશ્રી કર્મના પડકારોને પ્રગતિની તકોમાં રૂપાંતર કરી રહ્યા છે. તેઓશ્રીના સંબોધનથી દાતાઓને લાભાર્થી પ્રત્યે દયાનો ભાવ રાખવાને બદલે લાભાર્થીઓની સેવા કરવા માટે પ્રાપ્ત થયેલી તક માટે તેઓ પ્રત્યે કૃતજ્ઞતાનો ભાવ રાખવાનો મૂક સંદેશ મળી રહ્યો છે.

૧૭ ફેબ્રુઆરીના રોજ આયોજિત કરવામાં આવેલ કેમ્પ એ ૩૨મો “સહાય અને સાધન કેમ્પ” હતો જે આશ્રમના ‘આશીર્વાદ વિકલાંગ ટ્રસ્ટ’ દ્વારા યોજવામાં આવેલ હતો. આવા સહાયક કેમ્પો હજારો વિકલાંગોના સશક્તિકરણમાં અત્યંત લાભરૂપ થયા છે જેના કારણે તેઓ પોતાનો જીવનનો નિર્વાહ સ્વતંત્ર રીતે કરવા અને સમાજમાં સન્માનપૂર્વક રહી શકવા માટે સક્ષમ થયા છે. સાયલા આશ્રમના પટાંગણમાં જ આ કેમ્પનું આયોજન કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું જેમાં ટ્રાયસિકલ, વ્હીલચેર, મગજના લકવાથી ગ્રસ્ત એવા દર્દીઓને ખાસ પ્રકારની ખુરશીઓ, કેલીપર્સ, કુત્રિમ અંગો, ઘોડી, ફોલ્ડીંગ વૉકર્સ, શ્રવણ સહાય (hearing aids), નેત્રહીન લોકો માટે ખાસ પ્રકારની લાકડીઓ વિગેરે લાભાર્થીઓને વહેંચવામાં આવ્યા હતા. શિક્ષણપ્રાપ્તિમાં મુશ્કેલી અનુભવતા બાળકોને ખાસ પ્રકારની કેળવણી કીટ્સ, નેત્રહીન લોકોને બ્રેઈલ કીટ્સ અને ક્ષતિયુક્ત દ્રષ્ટિવાળાને લો વિઝન કીટ્સ (low vision kits) પણ આપવામાં આવી. રોજગાર કીટ્સ જેવી કે બ્યુટી સલૂન કીટ્સ, સિવણ યંત્રો અને ખેત ઓજારોનું પણ દાન કરવામાં આવ્યું હતું.  

નયતિકા શાહ (દાતા પરિવાર) જણાવે છે: “આવા ઉમદા અને નિ:સ્વાર્થ કાર્યમાં જોડાવા માટે અમને દરેક જણને ભાગ્યશાળી અને ધન્ય હોવાનો અનુભવ થાય છે. અમારામાંના ઘણાએ, ખાસ કરીને આજની યુવા પેઢીએ, આવા મુશ્કેલ સંજોગોનો ક્યારેય અનુભવ નથી કર્યો. ઘણા દાતાઓની આંખમાંથી અશ્રુ વહી ગયા હતાં. સાધનોની વહેંચણી દરમ્યાન અમોને કેટલાક લાભાર્થીઓ જોડે વાત કરવાની તક મળી. આથી તેમના જીવનમાં પડેલી મુશ્કેલીઓમાંથી તેઓ કેવી રીતે પસાર થયા તેના વિષે જાણકારી મળી. તેઓ આ સાધનો પ્રાપ્ત થવાથી ધન્યતાનો અનુભવ કરી રહ્યા હતા અને તેઓએ જણાવ્યું કે આ સાધનો મળવાથી તેમના જીવનમાં હવે મોટું પરિવર્તન આવશે. બાળકોને જોવાનો એક અનેરો આનંદ હતો. તેઓને કીટ્સ પ્રાપ્ત થવાથી તેમના ચહેરા પર આવેલી ચમક તે એક ખરેખર જોવાલાયક દ્રશ્ય હતું. વિકલાંગોને આટલી વિષમતાઓની વચ્ચે હાસ્ય સહિત જોતા અમો હાજર રહેલા સૌ ગદગદ્ થઈ ઉઠ્યા.”

બીજા એક દાતા જણાવે છે કે, “સાયલાના વિકલાંગો માટેના આશીર્વાદ ટ્રસ્ટ દ્વારા કરવામાં આવેલા બાહ્યપ્રસારના આ કાર્યથી અમો આશ્ચર્યચકિત્ થયા છીએ. તેઓના સમર્પણ અને નિષ્ઠાનું સ્તર ખરેખર અચરજ-પ્રેરક છે. આખા કેમ્પની વ્યવસ્થા અત્યંત સુચારુ અને આયોજનબદ્ધ હતી અને વિકલાંગોને આપવામાં આવેલ વિવિધ સહાયો તેમજ કિટ્સની પાછળ મૂકવામાં આવેલા સુવિચારો નોંધપાત્ર હતા. આપણે આ કેમ્પની અસર સાયલાના અને તેની આસપાસના સમુદાય પર જોઈ શકીએ છીએ. તાજેતરમાં અમો જ્યારે અન્ન વિતરણનું કાર્ય કરી રહ્યા હતાં, ત્યારે અમો એક એવી વ્યક્તિને મળ્યા જેને આવા એક કેમ્પમાંથી હેન્ડ-સાયકલ પ્રાપ્ત થયેલી હતી. તે સાયકલને કારણે સ્વનિર્ભર થવાની વાત અમોને જણાવતા તે ગર્વ અનુભવતો હતો અને તેણે જણાવ્યું કે તે સાયકલનો ઉપયોગ તે અનાજ ભેગું કરવા માટે કરે છે. આશ્રમ અને સ્થાનિક સમુદાય વચ્ચેનો આ અદભૂત નાતો છે અને આગળ ઉપર પણ આ સંબંધ વધુ પાંગરે તેવી આપણે આશા રાખીએ. ”    

આ કેમ્પ દ્રષ્ટિહીન લોકોને દ્રષ્ટિની, વાચાહીન લોકોને વાચાની, પગ વગરના લોકોને ઊભા રહેવાની અને બધિર લોકોને અવાજનું શ્રવણ કરી શકવાની આશા આપે છે અને ઘણું કરીને તો જેઓએ બધી જ આશા ગૂમાવી દીધી છે તેવા લોકોના જીવનમાં પણ આશાનું કિરણ ઉગાડે છે.

આશ્રમ બે દાતા પરિવારોની ઉદારતાની કદર કરે છે:

1) કેનેડાવાસી શ્રી મનિષકુમાર શાહ (બ્ર.નિ. શ્રી રસિકભાઈના સુપુત્ર), શ્રીમતિ દિપ્તીબેન શાહ તેમજ શ્રી હર્ષ એમ. શાહ.

2) સ્વ. શ્રીમતિ શાંતાબેન છગનલાલ પૂંજા દોઢીઆની સ્મૃતિમાં તેમના પુત્રો, પૌત્રો અને પ્રપૌત્રો શ્રી મનસુખલાલ અને ઇન્દુમતિબેન શાહ, શ્રીમતિ મંજૂલાબેન અને શ્રી જયંતીભાઈ હરિઆ, શ્રીમતિ પ્રભાવતિબેન નેમચંદભાઈ શાહ, શ્રીમતિ ભારતીબેન સુરેશભાઈ શાહ, શ્રી નિલેશભાઈ અને વર્ષાબેન દોઢીઆ અને શ્રીમતિ રીટાબેન સંજયભાઈ શાહ કેન્યા અને યુકે થી. 

LMV Girls High School Celebrate India Republic Day 2020

LMV Girls High School & College celebrates India's 71st Republic Day in presence of Param Pujya Bhaishree. 26th January, 1950 was the day when the Indian republic and its constitution came into force.

To mark the importance of this occasion, flag hoisting ceremony was held at LMV Girls High School and College. Param Pujya Bhaishree unfurled the National Flag, Brahmnisth Minalben addressed the students, National Anthem was played and patriotic vows were taken.

Prem Ni Parab - Nishtha Vruddhi Chintan Shibir

With the noble intent of further improving the education conditions in Sayla taluka (block consisting of 75 villages) and enhancing the devotion and dedication of the teachers towards education, Prem ni Parab which entered it’s glorious 15th year (started in 2005), organised "Nishtha Vruddhi Chintan Shibir” on 20th July in the Raj Mandir of Shree Raj Saubhag Ashram, Sayla. 

It was the third event that took place since the past year and marked presence of 850 teachers, which is a big feat to gather from a Government school. The shibir was held in the presence of Param Pujya Bhaishree, Prem Ni Parab Committee members Brahmnishts Minalben and Vikrambhai and District Primary Education Officer H. H. Chaudhary. Two very distinguished speakers of the event were Professor Deepak Taraiya and Dr. Bhadrayu Vachharajya.

Introducing the event, Prem Ni Parab Project Director Mr Chandrakant Vyas emphasised upon the importance of being dedicated and committed (nishtha) to a purpose. He said the shibir was organised with the aim to bring about a shift in the thought process of the teachers.

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Bhaishree's address to the teachers

"પોતાનું કામ શ્રેષ્ઠ રીતે કરવું એના જેવો બીજો ધર્મ નથી."
- પૂજ્ય ભાઈશ્રી

Warmly welcoming teachers and principals, Param Pujya Bhaishree said:

Teachers form the basis of intrinsic strength of any nation, and when teachers impart education with full devotion and dedication, their service to the cause of a strong nation increases manifold. He narrated contextual incidences which further explained the importance of values.

He explained that commitment and single-mindedness brings discipline to life and makes us value time. There are many ways to achieve success in life, but there is only one way to give meaning to life and that is through purposefulness and wholehearted commitment. Lord Krishna had also established the importance of "Karma Yog" in Bhagavad Gita. Be it worldly or spiritual endeavours, dedicated sustained efforts is the key to progress. 

Bhaishree highlighted the quality of reverence as essential for the spiritual path and reverence towards True God, Enlightened Master and True Religion is the very core of spiritual progress. Doing one’s daily agna (spiritual duties) with sincerity will ensure progress on this path.

A teacher is also called 'Guru' because s/he bears the responsibility of uplifting humankind. Hence a teacher needs to be skilled and able to adapt to the changing needs of the world. Being experimental and creative are two important qualities of being a great teacher. Such qualities can be developed by inculcating high values and observing a disciplined life.

Concluding his address, Bhaishree said, “The upliftment of education in this entire area rests on your shoulders. You are the carrier of Prem Ni Parab and I experience pride in this.”

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Professor Deepak Taraiya's Address

An expert in Child Psychology and a resource person of UNICEF (Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh), Professor Deepak Teraiya has 21 years of experience in the field of Training, Education and Development. 

In his unique style, and sharing from his experience of being a student as well as a teacher, he said: 

Teaching is ASK: 

A - Attitude

S - Skill Set

K - Knowledge 

Teachers should take 4 values while going to teach and they are PHUL (meaning flower in gujarati):

P - Purity

H - Honesty

U - Unselfishness 

L - (Unconditional) Love.  

Sharing memories from his childhood, Deepakbhai gave real examples of how the attitude of teachers have a very significant, lifelong impact on all of their students. He shared, “When I was a child, I drew a caricature of my teacher in my notebook. On finding out the teacher hit me. This incident forever killed the caricaturist within me. Another incident from my childhood that I recall was how once I was mimicking teachers and other students in class. When the teacher entered the class, rather than admonishing me, she encouraged me to hone my skills. As a result, today I am acknowledged by everyone as an exceptional orator. Such is the profound impact a teacher has on a child."

Taking the audience through his motivating and adventurous teaching journey, he said that the profession demands 'Unitive Approach' and 'Guidance Approach' in order to communicate well with the students and becoming their inspiration and go-to people during troubled times. He expressed his concerns over the fact that we have departed from our roots and thus degraded the quality of life. A teacher should love, acknowledge and encourage his students. In his closing remarks, he motivated the teachers to instil the qualities of honesty and right attitude in life and perform their professional duties selflessly.

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Dr. Bhadrayu Vachharaja's Address

Armed with 36-years' teaching experience, and decorated with the "Kalam ane kaya thi ganpati" award by Morari Bapu, Dr. Bhadrayu Vachharajani, gave up his comfortable permanent job at Bank of Baroda to follow his passion - teaching. 

An impressive orator and writer, Dr. Bhadrayu emphasised on the three domains of education: 

1. Cognitive 

2. Psychomotor

3. Affective

He highlighted the importance for teachers to be well read, because, one who does not read, does not think, and one who does not think, cannot change his/her thought process. He stated the 3 aspects that should be kept in mind by teachers in today’s scenario:

1. Teachers should be upright and have good etiquette (there are some teachers in government schools that do not dress properly; some chew tobacco even in the classroom and some who put their legs on the table while teaching). 

2. They should be knowledgeable, health-conscious and prompt in answering questions and doubts.

3. Teachers should have self esteem.

Testimonial of a Teacher

Post the shibir, one of the teachers of Bhaduka Primary School, Ms. Geentanjali Dave, shared her satisfying experience on Facebook. 

Screenshot of the teacher's facebook post:

An extract from the teacher's sharing (English translation): 

“Ever since I heard that senior educationists, Dr. Bhadrayu and Deepakbhai were going to address all of our teaching faculty, including 800 teachers, BRC’s (Block Resource Coordinators), CRC’s (Cluster Resource Coordinators –officers from the department who are assigned the tasks of providing education and other support to teachers apart from monitoring their activities), BRP’s (Block Resource Person) and TPEO’s (Taluka Primary Education Officers), I was really looking forward to learning and gaining the much needed knowledge for professional growth and development. Their speeches highlighted the importance of dedication to the teaching profession in moulding young minds, personal hygiene and inculcating humane qualities as a teacher and a member of society.

…Deepakbhai's childhood incidents moved me and made me reflect upon my own actions. I realised the powerful impact teachers have on each student. His words still echo in my heart,” concludes Ms. Geentanjali Dave

In news

The shibir got featured in the newspaper, Divya Bhaskar dated 21-07-2019

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LMV College - Unveiling of Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University Study Centre

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A giant leap forward:

Sayla and its surrounding villages will now have their own girl graduates.

During the Guru Purnima celebrations in Sayla, on 15th of July, the historic collaboration between L.M.Vora College of Arts and Commerce and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (affiliated to Government of Gujarat offering distance learning diploma and degree programs) was announced by Pujya Bhaishree and project director Chandrakantbhai Vyas by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the Raj Mandir.

In a village like Sayla, where a mere 20 years ago, educating the girl child beyond primary school and sending her to high school was unimaginable; slowly but surely a tectonic shift is taking place, due to the Prem ni Parab project launched by Shree Raj Saubhag Ashram under the guidance of Param Pujya Bhaishree, over 15 years ago.  Now, girls would be able to spread their wings and become university graduates without opposition from family members and society. All this has been achieved due to the tireless efforts and vision of Bhaishree.

The available degree courses would be M.A (Master of Arts), B. Com (Bachelor of Commerce), BPP (Bachelor Preparatory Programme) and CCC Computer course. L.M.Vora College will now be one of the study centres for Dr. Ambedkar Open University.

Project director Chandrakantbhai Vyas said: “I have always explained to my girl students, that education is the main reason for all progress – intellectual, economic and social progress. The L M Vora girls students are making their place in the whole district. To all those who support educating the girl child, I say that this is superior to all other donations. When we started the Arts and Commerce college, there were 7 enrolments in the first year. Today, over 500 girls are studying in this college. In the same way, we have 11 admission applications for the graduation course, and I can foresee that this number will grow to hundreds and thousands. The ceremonial lamp that has just been lighted will drive away the darkness of illiteracy. I thank Pujya Bhaishree again and again for his unflinching support and vision.”

 Addressing over 200 college students and over a thousand other mumukshus present at the occasion, Bhaishree said: “On the spiritual path, the heart of a seeker must carry feelings of benevolence for the self and others.  It is with these very feelings that spirituality begins, for our very being is connected with every being and every element in this universe. Our upliftment resides in the upliftment of all. When our own upliftment is connected to the upliftment of all, only then will our devotion be meaningful.  Param Pujya Bapuji has graced us with this noble legacy. It is for this reason that this ashram has become not only a centre for the spiritual striving of seekers, but also a centre for empathy and empowerment for the whole extended community”.  

Adding perspective Pujya Bhaishree said: “The level of education in this entire area was traditionally, very low.  With the establishment of the high school and girls’ college in Sayla, the standard of education has improved dramatically, such that we now have over 500 girls studying in college. The situation will be further enhanced when this region will witness over a 100-girl students graduating from the University every year. To those who are familiar with the ground realities, this is amazing progress in the field of education. An educated girl is the foundation of a developed society, community and family. We are about to witness this revolution in a very short period of time.”

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Param Pujya Bhaishree’s Ashirvachan

Monthly Food grain and Clothes Distribution and Buttermilk Centres - July 2019

Monthly food/clothes distribution

The only source of survival for over 274 families in 35 villages (Vakhatpar, Gosal, Kesarpar, Samatpar, Aya, Kanpar, Chorvira, Rampara, Siddhsar, Muli, Kukda, Jasapar, Hematpar, Fulgram, Madhad, Tikar, Velala, Gadhda, Dudhai, Khaatdi) food grains and clothes have been distributed every month to families below the poverty line, since many years.

Volunteers from Raj Saubhag Ashram have been going to all the above villages personally, to distribute approximately 2,980 kilos of foodgrains and clothes to help these poor people (God’s angels) survive.  

Buttermilk Distribution

A total of 20 centers (Sayla (3 centers), Chotila, Dhandhalpur, Sudamada, Vakhatpur, P

Fulgram, Aya, Gosar, Kesharpur, Shapar, Dudhai, Siddhsar, Jasapar, Naliya, Dhajara and Rampara) to distribute free buttermilk in the hot summer months were opened on 20thApril and continued daily distribution until 20th June. More than 1,945 families, amounting to 7,595 individuals availed of this humane service, which has been going on unfailingly every year since the last 38 years or so.