Saturday, June 23, 2007

A seeker of truth beyond religious, political and cultural barriers

PERFECT BALANCE: Mirra Alfassa's personal narrative marks a life of inner search and outer perfection The quest of Mirra Alfassa SACHIDANANDA MOHANTY The Hindu Monday, Dec 30, 2002
A four-day celebration of talks, meditation and musical programmes will be held at the CIEFL auditorium to mark the 125th birth anniversary of the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry. HYDERABAD will pay homage to Mirra Alfassa, better known as the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram at Pondicherry in recognition of her service for the future of mankind. Organised by the Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad, a glittering four day celebration (January 2 - 5) comprising musical offerings, talks and meditation, will bring together at the CIEFL Auditorium, Tarnaka, some of the leading exponents in the field. It is an event of interest to all seekers after `truth and a life of perfection'.
Most members of the public are unaware of the Mother or the precise nature of her many contributions to India and the world. She once described herself as French by birth and Indian by choice. While her spiritual collaborator Sri Aurobindo is more widely known in India, the Mother's extraordinary range of personality has not been sufficiently grasped or recognised.
From her life as a fin de siecle artist to the world of inner experience in the company of great occultists like Max and Alma Theon in Algeria, her voyage to Japan and later meeting in India with the noted freedom fighter and spiritualist Aurobindo Ghosh, (Sri Aurobindo), her founding of the ashram at Pondicherry named after her spiritual collaborator, and her establishment of the international township of Auroville in South India, Mirra Alfassa's personal narrative marks a life of inner search and outer perfection that few can rival. Regrettably, this narrative and its relevance to the ongoing crisis of humanity have not received the attention they deserve outside the circle of devotees and disciples.
Mirra's quest has many dimensions: her role as a seeker of truth beyond religious, political and cultural barriers, her advocacy of the cause of women beyond conflict and antipathy, her creation of a new community management, her utopian dream of the new city of dawn based on the principle of holistic living, anchored to freedom and goodwill among inhabitants beyond caste, creed, gender, ethnicity and nationality while recognising the value of each of these categories. What lessons do Mirra's experiments have for understanding religion and spirituality of our nation and humanity? How can her dynamic evolutionary spirituality based on the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo counter the current threat of divisive and fundamentalist ideologies? How does her vision of alternative living, health and family welfare, of peace, disarmament and one world based on the common spiritual legacy and destiny of human kind act as viable models of governance: Swarajya and Samrajya? Clearly, it will be hard to give a complete and comprehensive account. Attempts to do so are being tried out in many parts of the world today, including at Pondicherry and Auroville (Tamil Nadu). Hyderabad has two leading centres: The Institute of Human Study founded by late Professor Madhusudan Reddy is located on the Osmania Road, the other is Sri Aurobindo Society at Musheerabad Cross Roads. Over the years, a number of activities such as seminars, concerts, workshops and exhibitions have been conducted by these and allied organisations in collaboration with like minded groups for a better understanding of the Mother's vision of the future.
The January event at CIEFL auditorium will host, among others, George Van Vrekhem, author of celebrated Beyond Man, Prema Nandakumar, Ananda Reddy, T. Poornachandra Rao, Supriya Bhattachary and Shraddhavan. Each evening is dedicated to musical offerings by the East West Cultural Centre, Los Angles, the Bangalore Group, the Sri Aurobindo International and the Mother's Integral School.
Coordinated by M.V. Nadkarni, former professor of CIEFL and Singapore National University, himself a leading exponent of Savitri, this event in early January would be a small but significant landmark in the spiritual journey of our nation. (The writer is a professor of English literature at the University of Hyderabad.)

Friday, June 22, 2007

Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust: Mirambika School

Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust Value Education I STANDARD I I I STANDARD II I I STANDARD III I I 52 ARTICLES I INTRODUCTION
The main objective of Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust is to develop Mirambika School for New Age managed by the Trust as the State Training Center in Integral Education. As on date the School is affiliated to CBSE and hence follows the syllabi and curricula as prescribed by the NCERT and CBSE, both of which are autonomous bodies functioning under HRD of the Central Government. The ideal system of "Integral Education with free progress system" as envisaged by the Mother is an unique system governed and guided by the soul as against the present education system governed and guided by mind.
There are only 2 authenticated schools, one at Pondicherry (residential) and another at Delhi (non residential) imparting the "Integral Education with free progress system". Neither the central government nor state governments (except Orissa) have recognized the Integral Education system so far for obvious reasons and it may take a long time from now for our nation to embrace this ideal system by the Governmental or Non - governmental departments of education as it is not job-oriented. In the circumstances, our Mirambika School for New Age has to find a golden mean between the present system of education and the said Integral Education system as one step in complying with the objective of the Trust. Hence, with a view to construct the golden bridge between the two systems, it was felt necessary to introduce the moral and dynamic spiritual values envisaged by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in the form of text books and guide books classwise for imparting the value oriented education.
The most predominant lacuna in all these documents on 'Value Education' is the non inclusion of the concept of genuine (dynamic) Spirituality which transcends all religions and is meant not for rejection of life and the world but to conquer them by the power of Spirit. In fact, the entire voluminous literature in general and Integral Education with free progress system in particular as given to humanity by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother constitute the best treatise on "VALUE EDUCATION".
A very meaningful 16 paged document on Education under the caption, "Twocardinal points of Education" was presented by Shri P. B. Saint Hilaire (Pavitra) in September, October, 1965 on behalf of Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, Pondicherry as per the kind directions of the Mother to the Education Commission, G.O.I. as a sequel to the visit of Dr. D.S. Kothari Education Commission to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in April, 1964 and Dr. K.G. Saiyidain in July 1965 for a detailed study of the pattern of this new Education - "Integral Education with Free Progress System". However, NCERT has not adopted so far any suggestion given by the authorities of Integral Education, Pondicherry, nor the latter have pursued the issue.
It is gratifying to note that CBSE Chairman Sri. Ashok Ganguly personally visited Sri Aurobindo Complex, J.P. Nagar, Bangalore on 31st March, 2003 duly keeping in view the correspondence in this regard initiated by the Complex Trust way back in June, 2002. On being appraised and convinced of the necessity and usefulness of life - perfecting dynamic spiritual values envisaged by Sri Aurobindo and of the efforts put in by the MSFNA Chairman towards the introduction of these values in the text books and guide books for I and II Standards of the school, gladly consented for our printing and publishing the said text books and guide books classwise starting from I Standard and leading up to IX Standard. He also assured that these text books, if founds suitable, could be used in other CBSE Schools across the nation. He suggested for forwardal of the draft text books and guide books early to the C.B.S.E Central office for perusal and approval so as to enable our school to introduce the said books from the coming academic year 2003-2004 commencing in June, 2003.
VALUE EDUCATION CELL: Value Education cell which is a wing of the school comprises a few devoted dedicated members knowledgable in teachings and Yoga of Sri Aurobindo in general and elements of Integral Education Particular including the dynamic, spiritual values as envisaged by dual masters. www.newrace.org

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Sri Aurobindo Spiritual Centre of Toronto

Welcome to the website of the Sri Aurobindo Spiritual Centre of Toronto. This is a new venture for us so please bear with a couple of empty pages- we are still working on it. Any messages regarding cancellation or change in meetings will be posted on this page from time to time as well as reminders for the week of the meetings. Dont forget to check back here!
Darshan Day messages will also be posted here. The Centre will re-open on sunday, June 17th. As per the meeting schedule the meeting will take place at 2 pm. We regret any inconvenience that the temporary closure of the Centre may have caused. We look forward and welcome all those interested in Sri Aurobindo's yoga.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

The spirit of 1972

January 4, 1969 Mother's Agenda
(Soon afterwards, Mother turns to the question of Sri Aurobindo’s centenary, in 1972.)
They’re preparing here a publication in Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, and two other languages I forget, to which they intend to add Tamil and Telugu, of all the works of Sri Aurobindo. It’s a tremendous task.
At the same time, in America, there are two or three editions of Sri Aurobindo’s complete works: one edition for libraries, one for America, and one for India. They’ve sent me samples – they’re magnificent! The edition for America is a marvel: big like this, with a marvelous paper …
It’s a pity we aren’t doing the French.
Yes, in France they don’t respond much.
No. And also there should be someone to look after it. As for me, I’m not looking after it at all. There should be someone. But is it … maybe it’s not necessary.
But I’m looking after it a lot for France! To publish Sri Aurobindo in France …
Yes, but people answer you that they can’t do it![i]
But there is a possibility, the last I read out to you.[ii]
Yes …
So I am waiting. Maybe it’s going to start off there?
It would be good if we published the whole thing. It’s for 1972, his centenary … There was only six years’ difference between us.
There was some difference with Gandhi – it’s Gandhi’s centenary too, isn’t it?
It’s this year.
This year …
Yes, there’s “Some difference”!
(silence)
Now, under the pretext (what pretext, I don’t know) not to tire me (or I don’t understand what), they take things away from me, they don’t leave them with me (Mother laughs). I wanted to show you this American edition. which is very beautiful, and now … I don’t know where it is.
I would really like something to be done in France ….
Yes, it would be good …. It would be good for the FRENCH!
Your book has had an enormous action, enormous. It’s still having it.
I remember that even here, when Pavitra read it, he told me (he was quite enthusiastic), he said to me, “Oh, he has made me understand something I hadn’t understood!” (Mother laughs) Pavitra, one of the old disciples who lived with Sri Aurobindo!
No, in France, things got off to a wrong start because of J.H., it was he who … Ambition and …
It has warped something.
Warped, yes. It has warped the French approach [to Sri Aurobindo].
***
[i]Three of the best French publishers rejected Sri Aurobindo’s works or did not reply …
[ii]A collection of “spiritual adventures” (in the plural) in which Sri Aurobindo might have found a place amidst drugs and psychedelia.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

WORLD UNION Executive body

WELCOM TO THE WEBSITE OF WORLD UNION
52 Rue Desbassyns De Richmont, Pondicherry
E-mail: worldunion1958@rediffmail.com , Tel: 91-413-2444834
Registered Under Societies Registration Act 1860, Registered on 13 October 1960
Registration No.6 of 1960, Pondicherry
MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
1. Name: The society shall be called "World Union".
2. Office: The Office of the society was at 24, Rue Dupuy, Pondicherry-2, when registered. Now the permanent address of its registered office and its Headquarter (HQ) is at 52 Rue Desbassyns De Richmont, Pondicherry- 2 (India).
WORLD UNION Executive body

WORLD UNION
Registered under Societies Registration Act
Registration No. 6/ 1960 Pondicherry
Regd. Office: 52 Rue Debassyns de Richmont, PONDICHERRY
E-mail:
worldunion1958@rediffmail.com
Tel: 91 - 413 - 2334834

EXECUTIVE BODY
1st September 2006 to 31 August 2009
Chairman:
Mr. Samir Kanta Gupta, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, PONDICHERRY - 605 002
Vice Chair Persons:
Dr. (Smt.) Anjali Roy, AE 438, Sector 1, Salt Lake City, KOLKOTA - 700 064
Tel: 033 - 23379631
Prof. Kittu Reddy, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, PONDICHERRY - 605 002
Tel: 0413 -2340978 ®
Mr. Jagdish Gandhi, City Montessori School, 12 Station Road, LUCKNOW - 226 001
Tel: 0522-2638738, E-mail: info@cmseducation.org
General Secretary & Treasurer
Dr. Sunil Behari Mohanty, 4 Dr. Annie Besant Street, VOC Nagar, PONDICHERRY - 605 003
Tel: 0413-2336676®, 94436 01340(M) E-mail: sunilmohanty@hotmail.com, sunilmohanty@gmail.com
Asst. General Secretary & Asst. Treasurer
Mr. Prakash S. Patel, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, PONDICHERRY - 605 002 Tel: 0413-2337850®
Members
Mr. Hanskumar Bhaskarlal Mankad,, 14 Matruka Housing Scheme, Subhanpura, VADODARA -390 007
Mr. N. S. Amin, 6 Rajmayur, 19th Road, Khar, MUMBAI - 400 052
Mr. Aloke Bandopadhyaya, C./o BHEL, PDTS Dept., 4th Floor, 33A, JLNehru Road, KOLKOTA -700 071
Dr. J. P. Singh, Opposite Super Market, SULTANPUR - 228 001
Mr. Nirmal Kumar, Digantika J-10, 3rd Floor, Block AH, Sector II, Salt Lake City, KOLKOTA - 700 064
Dr. Suresh Chandra De, 12 Goubert School Street, 2nd Floor, Vazhaikulam, PONDICHERRY - 605 012
Mr. Harshad Mehta, 104 Auto Commerce House, Kennedy Bridge, Nanachowk, MUMBAI - 400 026
Mr. Dibyendu Goswami, 93 Canteen Street, PONDICHERRY- 605 001
Mr. Purnendu Prasad Bhattacharya, Natun bari, 28/1 Mannapara Road, KOLKOTA - 700 090
http://worldunion.bravehost.com/ Updated on 21st August, 2006
Website Designed and updated by
Dr. S. Rajasekar, Reader in Education, Annamalai University
Email:
drsrajasekar@gmail.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Union

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Sri Aurobindo Society - June 2007

News from Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry)
Upcoming Events
135th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo: August 2007
The Beach Office of Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry
On 15 August 2007, the 135th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo will be observed. On this occasion the following two programmes will be organised at the Society's Beach Office, Puducherry:
1. Annual Conference of Sri Aurobindo Society on 12, 13 and 14 August 2007.
2. A Study-Camp on Sri Aurobindo's "Essays on the Gita" by Dr. Mangesh V.Nadkarni will be held at the Society's Beach Office hall, Puducherry, from 17 to 26 August 2007. There will be two sessions daily: 4:30 to 5:15 pm and 5:40 to 6:40 pm.
All are welcome to the above programmes.
Recent Events
Sanskrit Orientation Programme: 7 to 9 May 2007
A Sanskrit Orientation programme was organised by the Society at its Beach Office, Puducherry from 7 to 9 May 2007. The Camp was conducted by Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, who heads the Society's Sanskrit division. 30 participants from different parts of the country joined the programme. The participants were made aware of the amazing beauty and perfection of Sanskrit, a language with limitless treasures. The very name of the language means "refined" or "sculpted to perfection". The Camp is a step towards the revival of the Sanskrit language which has been relegated in Indian schools and universities. For a detailed report with pictures click here.
Education Camp - Study And Dialogues Cum Workshop: 20-28 May 2007
This year the annual All India Education Camp-Cum-Workshop was organised at the Beach Office of the Society from 20 to 28 May 2007. Fifty-two participants including teachers, educationists, principals, management persons and parents from various parts of the country attended the Camp. The details of the Camp will be given in the next month's Newsletter.
News from Branches and Centres
News from Abroad Shakpura Sri Aurobindo Matrimandir, Chittagong (Bangladesh)
The opening ceremony of 'Debasangha Pathbhaban' of Shakpura Sri Aurobindo Matrimandir was held on 30 March 2007 with meditation, discussions and devotional songs. About 200 people attended the function. During his speech, Shri Chitta Prasad Talukdar, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society, Chittagong, told the participants to establish the basis of the Ashram through concrete activities, according to the ideals of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The new building of the Matrimandir is nearing its completion.
News from India
Workshops by SAFIER Unit, Mumbai
SAFIER unit of Sri Aurobindo Society, Mumbai, conducted "I Have a Dream - Workshops for Self Exploration and Creative Expression" on 26 & 27 March 2007 with the teachers of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Vidyalaya, Malad, a school belonging to the Bombay Cambridge Gurukul group. Earlier safier had conducted a workshop with the Pre-Primary Teachers of the same school. This time, all the Primary teachers of the school participated in two batches of 25 each.
Moments of creative expression, by the participants
The chief aim of the workshops was to find the "Purpose of Life, Getting in Touch with Oneself." There were several activities designed to draw out the participants' innate creativity. In one of the activities they choose an idiom as a theme for enactment. All the participants came up with the different ideas and expressed themselves creatively. At the end of the workshop a story "What Difference Do You Make?" that reinforces the joy and honour of being a teacher, was given to all as a hand-out to take home. After the workshop one group of teachers came up with the idea that they would like to conduct such workshops regularly on their own as it was really helpful in their personal growth.
Here are some of the feedback from the participants: • This workshop has helped me to explore the little creativity in me and now I start believing it and work towards achieving the best from it." • I could actually introspect myself. I am a shy person but this workshop bought in some self - confidence in me." • I feel like a blooming flower from a small bud. It helped me to be myself - no matter what just give your best with confidence and the rest follows." • Made me realise that I am individual and not just someone's daughter, wife, mother, sister… and that I deserve to have some time for myself each day."
Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) - 2-day Youth Camp
A view of the participants
Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad Branch, conducted a two-day youth camp on 5 & 6 May 2007 at Sri Aurobindo Society Branch premises at Musheerabad, Hyderabad. Fifteen youths from various schools and colleges attended the camp. This was the first such camp to be conducted in the twin-cities area by the Branch.
Shri P.C. Swaroop, interacting with the participants
The camp began with an introduction to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. Several of the participants had heard only a little about Sri Aurobindo, and were happy at the opportunity to know more. Diverse topics such as "Spirituality in the New Age", "Planes & Parts of the Being", "Purification of the Physical, Vital and Mental" were covered during the two days. Videos on Ashram Life, Ashram School and Mother's Life were also shown. Topics such as "Integral Education", "India's Present and Future" and "Spirituality in Daily Life" were well received by the participants. Anecdotes from the lives of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother were interspersed throughout the sessions and this helped to bring out the essentials of Integral Yoga.
The speakers included Shri K.V. Rao, Shri P.C. Swaroop, Shri K.R.L. Narasimha Rao and Shri Srinivas Mulugu. The feedback of the camp was encouraging and it was felt that more such camps can be conducted with increased frequency in the twin cities.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Prayer sung by Smt. Manonmani Rangaswamy. On the dais (L to R): Shri C.V. Chandramohan, Shri C.D. Ayyar, Shri A.V. Balasubramanian and Shri B.R. Kumar
A view of the participants
The Chennai Branch conducted Dr. K.R. Srinivasa Iyengar Memorial Lectures on 17 April 2007 at the Srinivasa Sastri Hall, Luz, Mylapore, Chennai. The programme commenced with lighting of lamp by Smt. Ambirajan, daughter-in-law of Dr. Srinivasa Iyengar, and a prayer sung by Smt. Manonmani Rangaswamy. Shri C.D. Ayyar, Chairman of the Branch, gave the Welcome Address. The other speakers were Shri A.V. Balasubramanian, I.A.S. and Shri B.R. Kumar, retired Dy. Director General of All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra, Chennai. Shri M.K. Ramaswamy who regularly speaks at the Branch on Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's teachings, was felicitated during the occasion. Shri P. Alwar, Secretary of the Branch, gave the Vote of Thanks.
Pune (Maharashtra)
Prof. Shivajirao Bhosale lighting the Lamp, with Prof. Neelima Pathak-Dake by his side
The Centre at Vastunagar, Pune, organised a function to celebrate the final arrival of the Mother at Puducherry on 24 April 2007 at the Punnai Auditorium, Pune. Prof. Neelima Pathak-Dake, Chairperson, and Shri Ombale, Secretary introduced "The Vyaspeeth of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother" which was inaugurated by Prof. Shivajirao Bhosale. He spoke on "Supramental Mahayogi Sri Aurobindo and Supramental Mahayogini Sri Mataji". A slide show containing 85 slides, giving an idea of Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's Integral Yoga was organised. A Vote of Thanks was made by Shri Ashok Jawadekar.
Dehradun (Uttaranchal)
Yogi Shri Udai Kant Shastri, conducting the Yoga Shivir
Sri Aurobindo Society, Dehradun Branch, organised a Yogasana Shivir from 22 to 28 April 2007. The Shivir was conducted by Yogi Shri Udai Kant Shastri, an experienced Teacher and Assistant Research Officer (Yoga) at Morarji Desai National Institute of Yogasana (under the dept. of Ayush, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare), Delhi. 27 persons attended the Shivir.
Noida (U.P.)Sri Aurobindo Society, Noida Branch, organised a Yogasana, Pranayama & Dhyana Shivir from 24 March to 3 April 2007. Swami Satya Govind from Lucknow conducted the sessions in the mornings and evenings.
The Branch also organised a talk by Swami Vidyanandji on "Science of Living" at the Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida, on 4 April 2007. Before the start of the talk, Shri O.P. Dani, Chairman, briefly spoke about the arrival of Sri Aurobindo at Puducherry. The Branch has decided to have a Series of Five Talks by Swami Vidyanandji on every Saturday, starting from 28 April 2007.
Besides the above, activities including Meditation with the Mother's music daily in the morning and evening, Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan (School), Bhagavad Gita Path on every Friday, and programmes on Yoga and Dhyana etc. are held regularly. Bangalore (Karnataka)
Sri Aurobindo Society, Bangalore Branch, No.110, Gangadhar Chetty Road (facing Ulsoor lake), Bangalore - 560 042 (tel. nos. 080-25559885/25298684) will be organising a three day Youth Camp on 10, 11 and 12 August 2007, for boys and girls aged between 16 and 30 years. This is a free residential programme in English. Shri Kaivalya Smart will be conducting the programme. The main objective of the Camp is to awaken in the youth the aspiration for self-awareness and to open before them the vision of life in the light of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, as well as to inspire the youth to discover the aim of life and help them in realising it. Persons interested in participating in this programme may please contact Shri M.M. Bhattacharjee, programme co-ordinator, with their bio-data and a passport size photograph along with their contact telephone number, to the above address.
West Bengal State Conference
The annual conference of Branches and Centres of West Bengal was arranged at the Durgapur Branch on 7 and 8 April 2007. The Mother's flag was hoisted on 7 April, followed by collective meditation. Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee presided over the Conference and released the souvenir "New Dimension", published by the Durgapur Branch. Representatives of 20 Branches and Centres participated.
In the discussion pertaining to the centres and branches, concern was expressed regarding the drop in the membership in West Bengal. Shri B.K. Bajari and Shri Binod Ranjan Naha spoke on the topics "Why are we not doing traditional Social Service?" and "What is Sadhana and What are its Demands?" respectively.
On 8 April 2007 Mrs. Namita Sen spoke on "Role of Women in Integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo" and Dr. Geeta Ghosh, Chairperson of West Bengal State Committee, on "What is Knowledge and its Practical Application in the Light of Sri Aurobindo". The Chief Guest of the concluding session was Shri V. Shyamsundar, Managing Director of Durgapur Steel Project.
Jharkhand State Conference
The annual conference of branches and centres of Jharkhand was held at the Ranchi Branch at Doranda on 14 and 15 April 2007. The conference commenced with hoisting of the Mother's flag on 14th April 2007. Over 200 persons attended. Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee, who presided over the function, spoke on "The Aim of Life". The other speakers include Shri P. Roy, Bhaiya Manoranjan, Dr. Jaya Mitra and Shri K.P. Sinha.
On 15 April 2007 Shri R.K. Bhatnagar, Chairman of the Ranchi Branch, welcomed the guests. Justice Shri P. Kohli, a Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, was the Chief Guest. He emphasized the importance of rising above the traditional religions which have fixed dogmas. The Addl. Director General of Police, Shri G.S. Rath, spoke on the contribution of Sri Aurobindo to humanity.
Hesal, Ranchi (Jharkhand)
On 16 April 2007 the Hesal Branch organised a question and answer session with Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee at the Branch.
Hazaribag (Jharkhand)
On 17 April 2007 Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee spoke at the Hazaribag Centre on the practice of Sadhana. He also addressed students at St. Columbus College, one of the premier colleges of Hazaribag and spoke on Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry.
Dehri-On-Sone (Bihar)
A Bihar State Committee meeting was organised by Dehri-On-Sone Branch on 14 & 15 April 2007. A play "Mahaan Rahasya", written by the Mother and disciples, was staged on this occasion.
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)
The Coimbatore Centre organised a talk by Shri N.V. Balu, Chairman of the Chennai Annanagar Centre of the Society, on 15 April 2007. The subject of his talk was "The Forces of the Mother in Action". The talk was followed by a question & answer session.
Udumalpet (Tamil Nadu)
The Udumalpet Centre organised a talk by Shri N.V. Balu on 17 April 2007. The subject of his talk was "The Mother is With Us".
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh)
Tirupati Branch of the Society celebrated the Mother's final arrival day at Puducherry on 24 April 2007. Shri M. Balarama Reddy, Chairman of the Branch, presided and spoke about the Supramental consciousness on earth. Shri K. Jayadeva Reddy recited Sri Aurobindo's Gayatri Mantra and translated it into Telugu.
Eluru (Andhra Pradesh)
The Eluru Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary on 1 April 2007. Shri B. Venkatramaiah, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Committee spoke about the importance of reading 'Savitri'. Shri Ch. Harshavardhan Raju spoke about the multifaceted personality of the Mother.
Puducherry U.T.
Dr. J.P. Singh of Sultanpur was invited to the Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate Dental Institute, Puducherry, to give a guest lecture on 30 April 2007. Dr. J.P. Singh spoke on "Spirituality and Professionalism". The other speakers on the occasion were Prof. Shyam Singh, Director of the Institute, Prof. Ramesh, and Prof. Srinivasan. The lecture was attended by the Under Graduate and Post Graduate students of the Institute.
Ambala (Haryana)
The 6th anniversary of the enshrinement of the sacred Relics of Sri Aurobindo was celebrated by the Ambala Branch on 6 May 2007. The celebrations began with a collective meditation at 6 am with Sunil-da's music, followed by a collective reading of the "Book of the Divine Mother" from 'Savitri' at 10 am. In the evening after a brief meditation invoking the Mother's presence, there was a reading from the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother interspersed with bhajans by the devotees. This was followed by a reading of Navajataji's "Half an Hour with the Divine". Shri Sharat Gupta spoke on the practical aspects of Sadhana from the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The programme ended with a Bhajan expressing gratitude to Sri Aurobindo for establishing His physical presence at Ambala.