19th All Orissa Conference of Sri Aurobindo Medical Association, 13th & 14th September 2008

Souvenir - SAMA Conference 2008 ALL ORISSA SRI AUROBINDO STUDY CIRCLE COMMITTEE
SRI AUROBINDO INTEGRAL PRIMARY HEALTH AID CENTRE

Requirements :
1. Room with Mother SriAurobindo’s photographs in a central place.
2. Sign board of "Sri Aurobindo Integral Primary Health Aid Centre" outside the room.
3. Display board inside or outside the room on which should be written:- "Holistic Primary Care is rendered here under supervision of: 1) Registered Allopath 2)Registered Homoeopath 3) Registered Ayurved Vaidya 4) Certified First Aid Trainer 5) Certified Naturopath 6) Certified Yoga-therapist 7) Certified Acupressurist, Magneto-therapist & Colour therapist. Names and registration numbers of the experts should be mentioned with their consent.
4. Furniture (Tables, chairs, stools, bed, collapsible screen/partition for privacy, racks, shelves, cupboards)
5. Light sources, torch, heater, steam-inhaler fan.
6. Equipments- Sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, thermometer, clock, weighing machine, height measuring rod, trays, bowls, first-aid kits, tongue depressor, aural speculum, set for eye exercises, set for acupressure, magneto-therapy, colour therapy, box for Biochemic & herbal medicines, glass bottles as per colour therapy specifications
7. Safe drinking water source with glasses, taps with wash basin, buckets, mugs, soap dish with soap, clean towels, attached or nearby toilette
8. Dust bins of different colours for segregation of waste; bleaching water solution (0.5%), lysol for cleaning oilcloths and examination table, phenyl for cleaning soiled floor, acid for cleaning of lavatory
9. Brooms, cleaning cloths and place to keep them after cleaning
10. Drugs- of all disciplines meant for emergency and primary care- well labeled and kept separately and discreetly.
11. Documents :- Registers, Prescription pads, Slips, Charts,
12. Library of Holistic health related books of all systems.
Guideline for Signboard
Name of Study Circle/ Trust:
Locality:
District:
(Background Colour: Navy Blue ; Colour of Letters: White)

19th All Orissa Conference of Sri Aurobindo Medical Association 13th & 14th September 2008

REPORT OF ACTIVITIES OF SRI AUROBINDO MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2007-2008

Members of the healing profession as well as those interested in the healing science vis-à-vis their deep interest in a total knowledge of the human species especially its possibility of evolving into the next come under the banner of Sri Aurobindo Medical Association. It is an open organisation.

Last year on 8th & 9th September, 2007, we had covered an integrative approach to ‘Joint Problems’. A galaxy of experts from Indian Systems of medicine (Ayurveda & Yoga), Homoeopathy, Acupressure, Color Therapy, and modern medicine including physiotherapy had delivered their presentations which went a long way to render a near total understanding of the problem. The experts who gave their deliberations were Dr. Nityananda Swain, Sri CH Nirakar, Dr. Dhaneswar Pradhan (CDMO, Kendrapara) Dr. Uday Nath Mishra, Dr. Bidyut Kumar Das, Dr.B.N. Mohapatra, Dr. Madan Mohan Sahoo, Dr. Jayant Kumar Panda (S.C.B.Medical College, Cuttack), Dr. Prashant Kumar Patra (Pediatric specialist, Bisra ) Dr. P.K. Panda (Govt Ayurvedic Medical College, Balangir), Dr. S. Nayak (A.C.R. Homoeopathy Medical College, BBSR), Sri Iswar Chandra Mohapatra, Dr. Prasanna Kumar Das, Smt Manjula Kar.

An exhibition displaying structure and function of joints as well as the common joint diseases and their differing modalities of treatment including modern medicine, homoeopathy, Ayurvedic, acupressure, magneto-therapy, color therapy, pranic healing, autosuggestion, laughter therapy and finally spiritual effort calling for a supramentalised plasticity was organized by the members of Sri Aurobindo Students Association of S.C.B.Medical College and old students of SAIHSR, Matrubhaban.

Another feature newly added to the conference was the multi-specialty consultation stations, organized this time also, which apart from providing free service for the delegates adds another practical way of learning the treatment patterns of the different modes. The modern medicine component last time had included a free bone densitometry test provided by Messrs Indchemie Pharmaceuticals.

Free Two-day First Aid training programme for Sri Aurobindo Integral Schools were completed for the Cuttack district by Dr. Prashant Kumar Nanda and St. John’s Ambulance Trainer Sri Bipin Behari Kar.

The 8th state level training of Sri Aurobindo Health Squad on "Primary Holistic Health Care" with special attention to ‘School Health Component’ was conducted at Matrubhaban from 3rd to 23rd May 2008. The benevolent experts who imparted this training as a humble offering were – Prof. Jogendra Mohan Senapaty, Dr.Nityananda Swain, Dr. Braja Kishore Khandai, Sri Dharanidhar Pal, Sri CH Nirakar, Sri Gadadhar Mishra, Sri Prasad Tripathy, Dr. Balabhadra Nayak, Dr. Saroj Kumar Sahu, Dr. Biranchi Narayan Mohapatra, Dr. Prashanta Kumar Nanda, Dr. Bipinananda Mishra, Dr. Jayant Kumar Panda, Dr. Bijoy Kumar Sahoo, Dr.Krushna Chandra Dash, Dr. Madan Mohan Sahoo, Dr. Madan Mohan Pradhan, Dr. Renubala Samal, Dr.Binodini Behera, Dr. Bikash Prasad, Dr. Rama krushna, Dr. Prasanna Kumar Das, Smt. Manjula Kar, Dr. R.N.Das, Sri Iswar Chandra Mohapatra, Dr.Purnima Biswal, Dr.Hemamalini Rath, Dr. Kabita Swain, Dr. Arta ballav Dash, Dr.Pravakar Jena, Ms. Abha Kanungo, Smt. Pramila Parija, Smt Anita Patra, Sri Nisith Kumar Rout, Sri Krushna Chandra Dalai ( of Cure Well laboratories)

There were only 11 trainees who participated. They were Radha from Mugupur, Keonjhar, and Jharana from Ruchida, Bargarh, and Pradipta from Sareikul, Jagatsinghpur, Tunilata, Guru Prasad & Purushottam from Purnagram, Jagatsinghpur, Prajnaparamita from Balikuda, Jagatsinghpur, Manoj from Betnoti, Dr. Ram Prasad, Rupa, Anita from SAIIHR, Ranihat. They were however an enthusiastic group.

We call for better response from all Sri Aurobindo Centres of Orissa, especially those which run integral schools considering the valuable knowledge and skill and attitudinal inputs imparted so selflessly and benevolently by the experts. Need based knowledge and capability in ‘Primary Holistic Health’ would go along way in serving the centre, its school children as well as the community around from the platform of a higher consciousness.

The trainees conducted school health check up at the Sri Aurobindo Vidya Pith of Sri Aurobindo Shrikshetra, Dalijoda – the Cure Well Laboratories extended generous help in demonstrating and giving hands on experience to trainees in performing Hemoglobin estimation, Blood grouping & Rh Typing, urine sugar and albumin of the school children; a report of this check up prepared by Pradipta (one of the trainees) has been given in the souvenir. The trainees also independently conducted a village health survey on the ‘Health Seeking Behaviour’ in two hamlets – ‘Jamania’ and ‘Gadasahi’- around Sri Aurobindo Shrikshetra by the inputs provided by Dr. Madan Mohan Pradhan.

The action plan was given to trainees and encouraged to initiate them before the completion of the year 2009 in consonance with the birth centenary celebrations of Babaji Sri Ramakrishna Das. They were:-
1. Organisation of ‘Sri Aurobindo Integral Primary Health Aid Centre’
2. Weekly or daily Sri Aurobindo Swasthya Pathachakra and send report to Matrubhaban Patra / Navaprakash/Navajyoti
3. Organisation of annual ‘District level Sri Aurobindo Health Squad Training’ on "Primary Holistic Health Care"
4. Identify and involve local ‘Health Care Providers’ ( Health Workers, Anganwadi workers, ASHA, Lady Health Visitors, Doctors of all disciplines)
5. Build up a local SAHS team one of whom should attend annual State Level SAHS training at Matrubhaban.
6. Organisation of Administrative Committee for School Health Programme & conduct School Health Checkup annually with help of local doctor as per the minimum guidelines worked out by Sri Aurobindo Medical Association
7. Build up a small herbal garden and make at least one preparation under CUSAG

Let us give a big thrust to these efforts which are our essential prerogatives for the Sri Aurobindo Centres that we work in and envisage a Total Change of Society in the Light of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo- to ‘perfect life with a divine perfection.’

...
"Obey your soul, it alone has the right to govern your life."
– THE MOTHER

Sri Aurobindo Medical Association extends its gratitude to the Managing Trustee of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry for giving us permission to print the photograph of Sri Aurobindo in the Souvenir.

19th ALL ORISSA CONFERENCE OF SRI AUROBINDO MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Programme
13.09.08
08.00 - 09.30 AM : Registration
10.00- 10.30 AM : Collective Meditation
10.45-01.00PM : Looking forward
(Organisational meeting)
(For Members and Conveners & SAHS)
Special effort for
Babaji’s Birth Centenary:-
1. Finalisation of School Health Card
2. Finalisation of dates for District
Health Squad Training
01.00-02.30PM : Lunch & Registration
02.30-04.30PM : —— ‘Complementary Medicine and
Our Skin’- I
Chairpersons : Dr. S.M. Rahman
: Dr. Madan Mohan Dash
: Dr. Chaitanya Sahoo
Speakers 1. Naturopathy- Dr. R.N. Das
2. Priestly Cult - Sri Sarada Prasad Rana
3. Homoeopathy - Prof. Suryamani
4.30-5.30pm : Multi-specialty consultations
for delegates
6.00 -6.15 pm : Collective Meditation
6.20 PM : Opening of Exhibition on "OUR SKIN"
06.30-07.30PM : Inaugural Session
07.30–08.30PM : ‘Complementary Medicine and Our Skin’-II
Chairpersons : Dr. B.B. Pattanaik, Director ISM & H
: Dr. L.K. Nanda
: Dr. Bipinananda Mishra
1. Ayurveda - Dr. Jajneswar Nath
2. Yoga Therapy- Dr. Prafulla Kr. Mishra
3. Colour Therapy-Smt. Manjula Kar
14.09.2008 (Sunday)
4.45am-5.45am : Demonstration of Yogasans for Skin
Problems by Iswar Chandra Mohapatra
6.00-6.15am : Collective Meditation
7.00-8.00am : Breakfast
8.30-9.30 am : Registration
9.30- 11.30am : Opening Session
Chairpersons : Dr. Bishnupriya Devi
: Dr. Jogendra Mohan Senapati
: Dr. Babulu Kumar Pattanayak
Topic : ‘Our Skin – Its structure and function’
Speaker : Dr. Manjula Dash
Topic : ‘Common Problems of the Skin’
Speaker : Dr. Binodini Behera
11.30-1.30PM : Second Session
Chairpersons : Dr. Braja Kishore Khandai
: Dr. Basanti Devi
: Dr. Durga Charan Jena
Topic : Skin manifestation of Systemic
Diseases
Speaker : Dr. Jayant Panda
Topic : Environment and the Skin
Speaker : Dr. Dhaneswar Pradhan
1.30pm-2.30pm : LUNCH
2.30pm-4.30pm : Third Session
Chairpersons : Dr. Sudhir Kumar Brahma
: Dr. Durga Charan Jena
: Dr. Prativa Kanungo
Topic : Leprosy – Its Causes, Management
and Prevention
Speaker : Dr.Chandra Shekhar Sirkha
Topic : Cosmetic Skin Problems
Speaker : Dr. Pratap Chandra Rath
4.30-6.00PM : Multi-specialty consultations for delegates
6.00-6.30 pm : Collective Meditation
6.30-8.30pm : Evening Session
Chairpersons : Dr. Bijoy Kumar Sahoo
: Dr.Braja Sundar Mishra
: Prof. Hrudananda Ray
Topic : Consciousness and Skin diseases
Speaker : Dr. B.N.Mohapatra
Topic : The Skin in the Transformed Body
Speaker : Sri C.H.Nirakar
IV

The Sun and the Rainbow by Amal Kiran (K. D. Sethna)

Reading and writing are uniquely human activities; they connect us to each other in complex and myriad ways. People read for many different reasons: most simply to gain information and augment their mental, vital, and material lives but more deeply to discover and define their individuality, to seek answers to the more difficult existential questions that confront them, to prepare themselves for change. People may write for similar reasons. Or perhaps they have seen a light that illumines the way, some answers to those perplexing questions. Serious readers are likely to share with the best authors a profound need to know themselves better.

The books presented in these newsletters cover social, philosophic, and literary subjects and are written by scholars, sadhaks, poets, social commentators, and educators, all connected in one way or the other with the integral Yoga of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. A book review or a book jacket blurb can give a snapshot view of the book's theme or contents, but rarely do we get to see the genesis of the book, the inspiration that moved the author to share the inner visions of mind and heart. In the short account that follows, Sunanda Poddar recalls how her book Stories and Plays for Children, which is in its tenth impression, came to be written and published in 1956.

My book of stories and plays began in a very unusual way. When I was sixteen years old and staying at Golconde, I would each night scribble some words and phrases on a scrap of paper. These ideas for stories came to my consciousness without any mental activity or effort but just as if someone was telling me a story or describing a scene. I felt compelled to jot down whatever I received in this manner. The next morning I would tear up these pieces of paper and toss them into the trash. One day Mona, who was in charge of Golconde, asked me what I was doing with all those bits of papers that filled the waste basket each morning. In those days, the early to mid-1950s, we were still conserving paper very carefully.

I was a bit upset at this apparent scolding and decided to “confess” to the Mother. While explaining to her what was happening at night in my room at Golconde, I asked her to help me to stop this activity. Then she told me that anything that comes like this is not my writing at all. I should continue to note down these stories and bring everything to her. This was the beginning of my daily visits to her.

The Mother kept all the stories I brought to her and never said anything to me. However, one evening in the Playground where I had gone as usual for prasad, she asked me to stay behind. She made a sign to her attendant and then suddenly he came and put a book in her hand. She asked for a pen, opened the flyleaf, and put the date, 23.4.56, and her signature. She moved her finger over the date several times, as if to show me its importance. Then she handed me the book. To my surprise the book was called Stories and Plays for Children and my name was at the bottom of the cover. It took me quite some time to realise just what had happened. I found out later from Nolini-da that the Mother had given him a stack of my papers, remarking that there seemed to be some good stories among them. She asked him to go through the pile and see what could be done. Nolini-da reported back that there were quite a few complete stories. Then it was decided to bring them out as a book. These stories and plays were written between 1952 and 1955. During this time the Mother gave me the work of telling stories to young children (aged six to eight years). When I asked her if I should tell them fairy tales or Indian myths, she replied, “None of those. You go to the class and whatever has to be told will come to you.” Sometimes the children and I waited quite a while until something came! This was the beginning of my work with children which continued for many years.

In this issue we present two new publications that offer readers engaging perspectives on the nexus between literature and yoga.

NEW PUBLICATIONS To order any book, click on the title, which will locate the book in our online catalogue. Next, add it to the shopping cart. You may then proceed to pay by credit card online.
ENGLISH
The Sun and the Rainbow
Approaches to Life through Sri Aurobindo's Light: Essays, Letters, Poems, Short Stories— Amal Kiran (K. D. Sethna) ISBN: 978-81-87916-08-6 Publisher: Clear Ray Trust, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 214 Price: Rs 150
This book is a collection of essays, letters, poems, short stories, and experiences, most of which appeared previously in the monthly journal Mother India. Their author, who was also editor of the journal, has written widely on poetry, literature, history, and philosophy, and is well known as a poet. In the writings collected here, he presents insights into Sri Aurobindo's thought, historical perspectives, remembrances of life in the Ashram, guidance to fellow seekers, poetry, and a special supplement highlighting aspects of the Mother's relation with his wife Sehra.
This new edition has come out after many years.
Sri Aurobindo's Yogic Consciousness & Poetry
— Dr Nikhil Kumar ISBN: 978-81-86931-71-4 Publisher: Novelty & Co., Patna Binding: Hard Cover Pages: 107 Price: Rs 150
The premise for this book is essentially a statement Sri Aurobindo made in one of his letters on Savitri, wherein he says that the poem was a “field of experimentation to see how far poetry could be written from one’s own yogic consciousness and how that could be made creative”. The author attempts to explore how the higher planes of consciousness as described by Sri Aurobindo, especially in Savitri’s yogic journey, manifest in a sublime poetic consciousness and likewise how the writing of the highest form of poetry demands an essential change in the inner poise of the poet.
HINDI
Prashna aur Uttar 1929–31 va Dhammapada par Teekayen
— Sri Mataji ISBN: 978-81-7058-864-1 Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publication Department, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 358 Price: Rs 175
Early conversations of the Mother with disciples, as well as Commentaries on the Dhammapada.
This new edition has come out after a long time.
Jeevan Jeene ki Kala
— Jyoti Thanki Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Society, Ujjain Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 66 Price: Rs 15
Prarthna hai, Antah-Karan ki Pukar
— Jyoti Thanki Publisher: Sri Aurobindo Society, Ujjain Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 40 Price: Rs 40
ORIYA
Abismaraniya Muhurta
— Priti Das Gupta ISBN: 978-81-86413-45-6 Publisher: Sri Mira Trust, Pondicherry Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 275 Price: Rs 75

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The art of life is to harmonise freedom with order and discipline

Deccan Herald » DH Education » An experiment worth emulating Thursday, October 23, 2008

The Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education follows its own syllabus in all subjects and is not affiliated to any centralised board. There is a continual individual monitoring of students and evaluation is comprehensive taking into account the work done throughout the year.

The Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education (SAICE) stands out as an interesting and unique experiment in the field of education. The SAICE follows its own syllabus in all subjects. There is no affiliation either to the CBSE or to the ISC. At the graduate level, the College is not affiliated to any university. The courses and the syllabus are entirely organised by the respective Boards in charge of different subjects and areas of knowledge. There is thus complete academic freedom.

Another striking feature is the absence of annual and half-yearly examinations. The evaluation does not depend on one or two tests nor is it only academic; it is comprehensive and takes into account the work done throughout the year. Of course, there are tests held by individual teachers, but these are more for revision and self appraisal of the child. There is a continual individual monitoring of the students. One of the means is through progress reports, which are given twice a year. All the teachers fill the reports in their respective subjects. These reports are based on the quantity and the quality of work done by the student, openness of intelligence, regularity, discipline, diligent effort and good will.

No marks or grades are given in the reports. An interesting point to note is that in the higher secondary students who have opted for the free classes write their own reports and these are corroborated by their respective teachers. It is on the basis of these reports that the student is judged and his promotion decided. Another striking feature is that there are no degrees awarded; only a statement at the end of the studies indicating the subjects that the student has successfully completed. There are no marks and grades in the statement.

After completion of studies, the students do not get a degree; instead they get a certificate in the form of a statement where the subjects successfully completed by the student is mentioned. This statement has been recognised by the Government of India as equivalent to a BA or BSc degree of any Indian university.

On what basis did the Government recognise Sri Aurobindo International Center of Education? In the early 1960’s the Government sent a committee of the University Grants Commission to evaluate the functioning of the institution. They were perfectly satisfied with the quality and commitment of the work being done and gave the recognition. It must be noted that the UGC sends regularly a committee to see and report on the work being done.

What about the students who go out into the world armed only with this certificate in the form of a statement? For this statement says only that the student has successfully completed the following subjects - say, World History, Philosophy, English literature, Computer Science and so on.

Is this enough to let students apply for seats in the Indian universities or to apply for jobs? The students can sit for UPSC tests without any problems. As a matter of fact, a few of our students have joined the armed forces through this route and have done well. Others join universities who have accepted this certificate; but not all universities have accepted the certificate. Most of the students who have pursued their studies in universities have done very well and in some cases have even been given scholarships to go abroad for further studies. Others apply for jobs and have done commendably in their service.

Unique system: So what exactly makes this system of education so different from the others? The first striking feature lies in the goal of education which is to help the child to grow to the fullest development of his being according to his nature, swadharma.It is based on this concept that education must be a bringing out of the child’s own intellectual and moral capacities to their highest possible value and must be based on the psychology of the child.

For each human being is a self-developing soul and the business of both parent and teacher is to enable and to help the child to educate himself, not to be kneaded and pressured into a form.In order to fulfill this goal, a few principles have been adopted as the basis of education. These principles are:

• The first principle of teaching is that nothing can be taught. The implication is that all knowledge is already contained in the child and that the business of the teacher is only to help the child to draw it out from within himself.
• The second principle is that the child must be consulted in his growth.
• The third principle is that in teaching we must proceed from the near to the far.
• The fourth principle is that education must be integral.

This means that all the parts of the being have to be developed in the process of education. These parts are the physical, the life energy or the vital, the mind in all its aspects and the soul.

The Implementation: How are these principles implemented? Firstly, there is an elaborate physical educational programme. From the age of 6 to the age of 21, there is an extensive programme which the child has to follow. He is exposed to a variety of activities like athletics, gymnastics, body building, all games, swimming and combatives. It will be difficult to find any educational institution in India or even abroad that follows a programme of such a wide scope and range.

Regarding the education of the vital being or the life energy, the two most important areas are the development of character and the aesthetic sense. The children are exposed from a very young age to all forms of art: music - both Indian and Western - painting, pottery, literature and dramatics from a very young age.

In the field of the mind, all the subjects are taught as elsewhere in the country; but one special characteristic is the exposure to a large number of languages. These include English, French, and at the college level Italian, German, Spanish and Russian, At the primary levels, the children are taught their mother tongue and Sanskrit. Consequently, every child is well acquainted with at least four or five languages. However, the special element of education here is the freedom given to the child and the respect of his individual nature.

What is the reason that we give so much freedom to the child? Education here is based on the following concepts. Sri Aurobindo writes:

“Every one has in him something divine, something his own, a chance of perfection and strength in however small a sphere which God offers him to take or refuse. The task is to find it, develop and use it.”

And the Mother writes regarding the aim of education:

“Essentially, the only thing you should do assiduously is to teach them to know themselves and choose their own destiny, the path they will follow; to teach them to look at themselves, understand themselves and to will what they want to be…..”

But what is very important is to know what you want. And for this a minimum of freedom is necessary. You must not be under any compulsion or obligation. You must be able to do things whole-heartedly.

Few practical aspects: Consequently, after giving a sound base of knowledge to the child, he is given a great deal of freedom to choose his own line of development. Around the age of 14, those children who have sufficiently disciplined themselves are given some freedom; they are allowed to choose some subjects, their teachers and even the pace at which they will work. The pace naturally varies according to the capacity of the student.

Once the student enters college, he is given the freedom to choose all his subjects, his teachers and even the method of working. Subjects are not divided into humanities, science and commerce. The student can choose the subjects he likes and concentrate on them. Consequently the whole responsibility of education is placed on the child himself. He has to learn how to use his freedom in the right way without wasting his time. The art of life is to harmonise freedom with order and discipline. These principles are important in the growth of a human being and could be applied in all other educational institutions.The form and method of implementation will have to evolve in tune with their circumstances. Kittu Reddy Professor at the SAICE, Puducherry

Explorations towards a New Creation at the Gnostic Centre

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DIWALI GIFT BOXES
On the occasion of Diwali, Alchemy Café is preparing special GIFT BOXES that capture the spirit of the festival – the celebration of light in life – through personally hand-crafted items such as wholewheat cakes, cookies and very unique flower syrups (without preservatives or artificial additives). Each Box contains: • Assorted Cookies (Sweet Lime, Chocolate Chip, Ragi-Ginger, etc.)• Muffins• Flower SyrupsCost: Rs.450/- per boxWe invite you to gift a Hamper of Health, Goodwill and Light to your associates, friends and family, this Diwali. (Corporate orders too are welcome.) Please call up early to place your orders.* By doing so you will also be contributing to a worthy cause.With many good wishes for a brilliant and joyful Diwali….From The Gnostic Centre Note: • To place your order CALL 9810620596 or 9810493245. • For orders up to 10 boxes, please order a week in advance. • For Corporate orders, please order by 15th October. • 50% advance to be deposited towards order confirmation.

STUDY CIRCLES
Since 27th August, 2008
'Explorations towards a New Creation'
Every Wednesday, 6.30 to 7.30pm - at the Gnostic Centre
Facilitator: Ameeta Mehra
This study circle focuses on how to deepen our consciousness, to recreate ourselves and our future.... in the light of Savitri and other writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
'Savitri' (an epic of mantric poetry by Sri Aurobindo)
Every Saturday, 9am to 10am - at the Gnostic Centre
Facilitator: Ameeta Mehra

'The Life Divine' (a book by Sri Aurobindo) - Online
Every Friday, 8am to 9.30 or 10.00am
(US West Coast time: Every Thursday 7.30pm to 9.00 or 9.30pm).
Facilitator: Dr. Debashish Banerji
Contact debbanerji@yahoo.com if you wish to join
COURSES
'Introduction to Vedas in the Light of Sri Aurobindo'
Launch of ICIS Online Postgraduate Certificate Course
3rd October 2008
Contact admin@integralstudiescentre.org also visit: www.integralstudiescentre.org
JOURNAL
Latest Issue is Out : 'Sri Aurobindo & the Future of Humanity'
To order your copy or to subscribe, contact gnostic@gnosticcentre.com

CLASSES
Yogasanas (for fitness & health)
at Alchemy, The Gnostic Centre
Fix your own individual time with the instructor
Instructor: Durjee Bhoi
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Develop your own work-out plan with the instructor
Instructor: Durjee Bhoi
MASSAGE
Massage Sessions (for relaxation & rejuvenation)
at Alchemy, The Gnostic Centre
Fix your own individual time with Asha Jha
Call at: 9999550063
FOOD
Special Gift Hampers (healthy, organic)
at Alchemy Cafe, The Gnostic Centre
Order for special occasions - festivals, birthdays, anniversaries...
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Education for Transformation

THE MATRUBHABAN PATRA SEPTEMBER 2008
RNI Regn. No. 65218/91 Registered OR/CK (C) -17/2006-08
Printed, Published & Edited by Sri Gadadhar Mishra on behalf of the Matrubhaban
Trust & Printed at Graphic Art Offset Press, Nuapatna, Cuttack-1 & Published at
Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack - 753 013.
E-mail - matrubhaban@bsnl.in Please visit us at : www.matrubhaban.com

Education for Transformation October 2-5, 2008
Tentative Programme
02.10.2008 9.30 AM - 10.30 PM - Inaugural Session
11AM - 1PM - 1st Group Sitting
3PM - 5PM - 2nd Group Sitting
6.30PM - 8PM - Evening Session
03.10.2008 8.30 AM -10.30 PM - 3rd Group Sitting
11AM - 1PM - 4th Group Sitting
3PM - 5PM - 5th Group Sitting
6.30PM - 8PM - Evening Session
04.10.2008 8.30 AM -10.30 PM - 6th Group Sitting
11AM - 1PM - Zonal Group Meeting
3PM - 5PM - Group findings
6.30PM - 8PM - Evening Session
05.10.2008 9AM - 1PM - General Body of
New Life Edn. Trust
3PM - 5PM - Concluding Session

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Sri Aurobindo, integral psychotherapy, spiritual evolution

World Union By World Union (Organization)
Find this book in a library Vols. for -vol. 6 no. 1, Feb. 1966, issued by World Union and World Goodwill.
World Union
Published by World Union, 1987
Original from the University of California Digitized 20 Mar 2007
From the Editor M P Pandit
1 Sri Aurobindo, Savitri, Kuthumi
A Personality Disorder Treated Dr Chanlrakant
17 Sri Aurobindo, integral psychotherapy, spiritual evolution
Studies in Recent lndian Dr Usharanjan 35
Gandhiji, Varna, Sarvodaya

Sri Aurobindo Srikshetra, Dalijoda (Estd. 1974), is a cradle for the evolution of the future man

Sri Aurobindo Srikshetra
Dalijoda
Sri Aurobindo Srikshetra, Kotashahi, Cuttack-754022 Orissa, India. Phone : 0091 6712873405

SRI AUROBINDO SRIKSHETRA TRUST
SRI Aurobindo Srikshetra, established since 1974, is a cradle for the evolution of the future man., inevitably entering into the spiritual and cosmic consciousness, surpassing the egoistic and ignorant physical prison. Man will grow in subtlety and strength unto the native domain of the spirit unfolding itself from secret cavern of the heart. Thereby the growth of population will be arrested and the immensity of physical needs shall be curtailed to the minimum. This is the vision that inspired Sri Babaji Maharaj and Prapatti to take this spiritual venture. We all members pray at the Lotus Feet of Sweet Mother to be worthy of it Dreaming on such a luminous future Sri Aurobindo Srikshetra marches onto discover the all fulfilling spiritual being beyond the range of the reasoning animal that is man in it's manifold activities.

1. AGRICULTURE - The kharif cultivation of paddy was enhanced to 40 acres but sugarcane decreased to 7 acres due to lack of rain water. Other crops like pulses, vegetables and tubers were continued as before. The practice of green manuring by broadcasting Sesbania in late summer was done.

2. DIARY - Few country varieties of cows were sold out and improved cross bread Jersey cows were purchased to have more milk yield as needed by the vegeterian sadhaks of the Ashram. Our milk product, the popular "Peda" fiend a good taste of appreciators at Cuttack.

3. ECO AND ENVIORNMENTS - Our green jewel, The forest, firm and the fields again radiated its shining three years after the super cyclone disaster. Visitors couldn't even apprehend if ever was there a cyclone sweeping this part. Champak Lake was excavated and widened by the financial benevolence of sister Elisabeth of Switzerland. We could be able to make cactus grafts in our Mother nursery of plants, ready for sale.

4. HANDICRAFTS AND COTTAGE INDUSTRIES - Our persons get trained in terra filter use. Dr. Surendra Ku. Khuntia of RRL gave demonstration and training at our campus. Our mango pickles and lemon pickles were appreciated after Ananda agarbatti. These are processed by our school students as a vocational training.

5. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS - We are officially permitted to open class VIII by the D.P.I. Secondary Education. Before this our students were appearing HSC examination under correspondence course since 1986.

6. HEALTH AND SANITATION - The Health center of Ashram was inaugurated by Mena Gupta, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare, on 13.04.2002. It was decided to make provision for general check up, laboratory diagnosis and gynic check-up here with the holistic approach of treatment amalgamating Ayurveda, Allopathy and Homeopathy. Devoted doctors from Cuttack offering free medical service were also taken to distant villages to conduct medical check-up and health awareness programmmes. Immunisation programmme of children once in a month are being regularly conducted. The Govt. has directed the doctor of Safa PHC to give service on each Friday at this Health Centre. The collector of Cuttack has also assisted for a bore well providing drinking water at the health centre campus.

7. INTEGRAL YOGA AND CULTURE - Shradhhalu Ranaday, a promising young sadhak of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry addressed a gathering of 3000 audience on the Annual Day of the Ashram on 04.04.2003. Free lunch was provided to the participants. Other periodical functions and daily deliberations are carried out in the usual decorum like study circle and meditation.

Our Study circle organisors toured over Anugul, Raghunathpur, Jaleswar, Rajgangpur and its interior areas in April, Indravati, Kotpad, Damanjodi of Koraput in May, Aska, R-Damodarpalli in June, all district level organisors meet at the district head quarters in July, Taharpur, Gopinathpur, Rourkela, Sundergarh, Kindira in August, Dharmagarh, Bhawanipatna, Ganailo, Berhampur, Anugul, Barkote and Deogarh in September, Duburi Dahanigadia, Taharpur, Rajsunakhala, Gania, Kalupada, Nachhuni, Berhampur in October, Kujanga, J.K. Road, TISCO, Chitri, Khallikote in November, Jharsuguda, Cuttack, Sabulia, Mundula, Kainipura and Ragunathpur in December, Panikoili, Talarampalli, Bhuban, Kaptipada, Khallikote, Kabisuryanagar, Baleswar, Bhubaneswar, Jaleswar, Jajpur and Rourkela in January 2003, Talarampalli, Sankhachilla, Kuchinda, Chhatrapur, Bhatalaida, Marugatha, Kindiara and Jagiapada in February and Kalapada, Taranga, Bhanjanagar, Jajpur, Alinagar, Chandabali and Panikoili in March. They conducted training camps and addressed seminars and conferences to give the message of Integral yoga of Mother and Sri Aurobindo.

ESTABLISHMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE - The Health centre was equipped with the basic medical instrument and facilities for laboratory and to start with elementary medicine of allopathy, ayurveda and homeopathy. To maintain perfect hygiene a washing section was annexed to the dining complex.

SOCIAL INTERACTION AND INTEGRATION - Apart from providing economic shelter to more than 150 tribal families and giving them regular work and training the Ashram has become a tourist spot for its scenic beauty, purity, healthy air, plant nursery, seed bank, and spiritual way of living. Devotees and students from Sri Aurobindo Integral Schools of Orissa are coming in study tours to have the field knowledge on ecology and spiritual environment.

10676 Centres of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo in Odisha - August, 2008

Sri Aurobindo's action in Orissa
8488 Sri Aurobindo Study Circles
1443 Sri Aurobindo Women's Study Circles
745 Sri Aurobindo Students' Study Circles
10676 Total No. of Sri Aurobindo Study Circles
477 Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centres
115 Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centres with Hostels
65 Sri Aurobindo's Relics Centres
78 Publications
217 Sales Outlets
59 Industrial Sites
74 Agricultural Farms
39 Dairy Farms
154 Centres with campus of 1 acre or more

THE MATRUBHABAN PATRA AUGUST 2008
RNI Regn. No. 65218/91 Registered OR/CK (C) -17/2006-08
Printed, Published & Edited by Sri Gadadhar Mishra on behalf of the Matrubhaban
Trust & Printed at Graphic Art Offset Press, Nuapatna, Cuttack-1 & Published at
Matrubhaban, Sri Aurobindo Marg, Cuttack - 753 013.
E-mail - matrubhaban@bsnl.in Please visit us at : www.matrubhaban.com

Home Relics Centers Dasa Karmadhara Events Publications Gallery Miscellaneous Sri Aurobindo University Contact Us 11:40 PM 1:02 PM 5:21 PM

Sri Aurobindo and the Freedom Struggle of India

SABDA – Distributors of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram Publications
Works of Sri Aurobindo Major Works of Sri Aurobindo
Selected Works of Sri Aurobindo (CD-ROM Edition)
Other Works of Sri Aurobindo
Compiled from Sri Aurobindo's Works
The Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo
COMPILED FROM SRI AUROBINDO'S WORKS For further details about any publication, click on its title.Displaying page 1 of 2 pages
Bhagavad Gita in the Light of Sri Aurobindo — Edited by MaheshwarBinding: Soft Cover Pages: 297Price: Rs 180
The Bhagavad Gita With Text, Translation and Commentary in the Words of Sri Aurobindo— Compilation from the Works of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-86510-03-2Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 646Price: Rs 280
The Bhagavad Gita With Text, Translation and Commentary in the Words of Sri Aurobindo— Compilation from the Works of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-86510-04-9Binding: Hard Cover Pages: 646Price: Rs 340
Shrimad Bhagwat Gita — Compiled by Nautambhai BhattBinding: Soft Cover Pages: 343Price: Rs 200
The Essential Gita With Selected Text, English Translation, and Commentary in the Words of Sri Aurobindo— Compiled from the Works of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-86510-02-5Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 208Price: Rs 150
The Gita for the Youth— A Compilation from the Writings of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-7060-039-8Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 126Price: Rs 45
Dictionary of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga— Compilation from Sri Aurobindo's WorksISBN: 978-0-941524-74-2Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 320Price: Rs 270
The Future Evolution of Man The Divine Life Upon Earth— Selection from the Works of Sri Aurobindo ISBN: 978-81-7058-219-9Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 148Price: Rs 60
Gems from Sri Aurobindo Second Series— Compilation from Sri Aurobindo's WorksISBN: 978-0-941524-73-5Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 294Price: Rs 290
Gems from Sri Aurobindo Third Series— Compilation from Sri Aurobindo's WorksISBN: 978-0-914955-16-0Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 150Price: Rs 240
Gems from Sri Aurobindo Fourth Series— Compilation from Sri Aurobindo's Works ISBN: 978-0-914955-17-7Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 78Price: Rs 200
God— Compiled from the Writings of Sri Aurobindo by M. P. Pandit ISBN: 978-81-7509-033-0Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 40Price: Rs 15
Homage to Sri Aurobindo — Compiled from the Writings of Sri Aurobindo Binding: Hard Cover Pages: 146Price: Rs 400
Ideas and Ideals Extracts from Sri Aurobindo's Writings with His Ideas on Life-Problems and Ideals Involved Therein— Compiled from the Writings of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-7060-142-5Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 100Price: Rs 45
The Integral Yoga Sri Aurobindo's Teaching and Method of Practice— Selected Letters of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-7058-308-0Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 401Price: Rs 140
A Journey from Politics to Yoga From the Early Political Writings of Sri Aurobindo— Compiled from the Writings of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-7060-190-6Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 120Price: Rs 80
Light Endless Light — Compiled from the Works of Sri AurobindoISBN: 978-81-7060-068-8Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 96Price: Rs 15
Lights on Life-Problems Sri Aurobindo's Views on Important Life-Problems— Compiled from Sri Aurobindo's WritingsISBN: 978-81-7058-058-4Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 200Price: Rs 80
Nationalism, Religion, and Beyond Writings on Politics, Society, and Culture— Edited by Peter HeehsISBN: 978-81-7824-139-5Binding: Hard Cover Pages: 364Price: Rs 650
On Nationalism Selected Writings and Speeches— Sri Aurobindo ISBN: 978-81-7058-463-6Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 550Price: Rs 200
On Nationalism Selected Writings and Speeches — Sri Aurobindo ISBN: 978-81-7058-464-3Binding: Hard Cover Pages: 550Price: Rs 250
The Penguin Sri Aurobindo Reader — Edited by Makarand ParanjapeISBN: 978-0-14-303015-7Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 375Price: Rs 295
Sri Aurobindo and the Freedom of India — Selections from the Works of Sri Aurobindo With Supplementary Notes & TextsISBN: 978-81-7058-452-0Binding: Soft Cover Pages: 288Price: Rs 200
Sri Aurobindo and the Freedom Struggle of India A bilingual compilation of Sri Aurobindo's writings on political events of India— Compiled from the Works of Sri AurobindoBinding: Soft Cover Pages: 288Price: Rs 150
Sri Aurobindo on English Poets (Part 1) — Compiled from the Writings of Sri AurobindoBinding: Soft Cover Pages: 131Price: Rs 80 1 2 next >ashram visitors darshan selected works research music publications image gallery 1999 - 2004 Copyright Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust

Auroville's handling of its ageing population

Home > Journals & Media > Journals > Auroville Today > Current issue > Archive copies > Auroville Experience > August 2008

The main topic of the August 2008 issue is dedicated to Sri Aurobindo. The main article is about an important new biography The Lives of Sri Aurobindo which has just been published in the U.S.A. Written by Peter Heehs of the Ashram Archives, it is the product of many years of painstaking research. Auroville Today spoke to him about the challenges involved in writing about Sri Aurobindo and presents a review of the book.
The issue also carries interviews with Dr. Karan Singh, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Auroville Foundation, and with members of the Auroville International Advisory Council. The Governing Board and International Advisory Council had meetings in Auroville at the end of July. These were their last meetings as their term of office will expire in September and October 2008.
The third main issue is Auroville's handling of its ageing population. In four articles we look at the many aspects of ageing in Auroville: how to age gracefully; the material problems of ageing; and we profile how two elderly gentlemen cope with getting older.
The issue further carries the last interview of Serge Brelin, given a few months before his untimely death; and reports on Women's Day 2008, and how nice it is to return from the West and be home again!
Here follow a few of the articles. We wish you happy reading. Please subscribe if you want to read more, or ask for a free copy. Details are elsewhere on this web page.

A Glimpse of the Mother's Love and Action describes the genesis and growth of Sri Aurobindo Society and the Mother's way of working

News from Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry)
Upcoming Events
19 September 2008 - 48th Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo Society
The Headquarters of Sri Aurobindo Society at Puducherry
The year 1956 was a milestone in the spiritual mission of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, as it was on 29 February of this year that the Manifestation of the Supramental Consciousness took place. In the very first commemorative year of this momentous event, in 1960, Sri Aurobindo Society was formed on 19th of September with the Mother as the Founder and Executive President, "to make known to the members and people in general the aims and ideals of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, their system of Integral Yoga, and to work for its fulfilment in all possible ways and for the attainment of a spiritual society as envisaged by Sri Aurobindo."
The Mother gave the following Motto for the Society:
The book A Glimpse of the Mother's Love and Action published by the Society, describes the genesis and growth of the Society and the Mother's way of working, as she developed it in its formative years. The Society has been growing over the years and has now more than 300 Centres and 70 Branches all over India and abroad. More details of the various activities of the Society are given here. http://www.sriaurobindosociety.org.in/activity/activity.htm
On this day we rededicate ourselves to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and to the realisation of the great future they have revealed to us.

Annual Seminar of the Women's Council - November 2008: "Organisation of Action in Life"
Organisation of action is the key to success in life. Life covers the whole gamut of our ideas and aims, our aspirations and endeavours, and our day-to-day physical activities and dealings. It is very essential to bring clarity and cohesiveness in our mind, a rhythm of harmony in our feelings and emotions and a flow of grace and beauty in our body's movements.
All who are interested are invited to attend Sri Aurobindo Society's Women's Council annual seminar on "Organisation of Action in Life" to be held on 21, 22, 23 November 2008, at the Society's Beach Office hall, No.1, Rangapillai Street, Puducherry - 605 002. For further information, accommodation etc., write to The Secretary Women's Council Sri Aurobindo Society Puducherry - 605 002. E-mail: sushila@sriaurobindosociety.org.in

Recent Events at Beach Office 136th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo: 15 August 2008
15 August was Sri Aurobindo's 136th Birth Anniversary. At the Ashram the day was observed with a visit to Sri Aurobindo's Room (kept open from 4 am to 7 pm), meditation around the Samadhi (6:00 to 6:30 a.m.), and March-past by the members of the Ashram's Physical Education Department at the Ashram's Playground in the evening. The day concluded with meditation.

Annual Lectures - 13 & 14 August 2008
A series of lectures was organised by the Society at the Beach Office in Puducherry on 13 and 14 August 2008. Members and workers from different branches and centres participated. There were questions and answers session talks by Prof. Manoj Das, talks by Prof. Kittu Reddy on "Sri Aurobindo and Parliamentary Democracy", Dr. Alok Pandey on "Reading Sri Aurobindo", a Powerpoint presentation by Shri Kaivalya Smart on "Sri Aurobindo in Surat", talks by Shri Sraddhalu on "The Outstanding Features of Integral Yoga", Shri Matri Prasad on The Concept of Evolution", Shri Vijay K. Poddar on "The Work Ahead". A session of Women's Council was also held on 13 August, on the theme of "Sri Aurobindo's India".

Study Camp by Dr. Alok Pandey on "Summary of Savitri" - August 2008
From 16 to 20 August 2008, Dr. Alok Pandey conducted study sessions summarising 'Savitri' at the Society's Beach Office, Puducherry. Sessions were held from 5:00 to 6:45 pm. About 150 persons regularly attended the Talks.
Some Special Days in September 2008
3 September 2008 - Ganesha Chaturthi
Shri Ganehsa
This year Ganesha Chaturthi, the birthday of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha, will be celebrated on 3 September. In India all important tasks start with the worship of Ganesha -the son of the Supreme Mother and god of material knowledge and wealth - so that the work undertaken may be free from all obstacles. In his letters Sri Aurobindo writes:
"Ganesha is the Power that removes obstacles by the force of Knowledge;…"
"Ganesha (among other things) is the Devata of spiritual Knowledge."
Here is the Mother's first encounter with Lord Ganesha, as narrated by herself sometime during 1958:
"We had a meditation (this was more than thirty years ago) in the room where 'Prosperity' is now distributed. There were eight or ten of us, I believe. We used to make sentences with flowers; I arranged the flowers, and each one made a sentence with the different flowers I had put there. And one day when the subject of prosperity or wealth came up, I thought (they always say that Ganesh is the god of money, of fortune, of the world's wealth), I thought, 'Isn't this whole story of the god with an elephant trunk merely a lot of human imagination?' Thereupon, we meditated. And who should I see walk in and park himself in front of me but a living being, absolutely alive and luminous, with a trunk that long ... and smiling! So then, in my meditation, I said, 'Ah! So it's true that you exist!' - 'Of course I exist! And you may ask me for whatever you wish, from a monetary standpoint, of course, and I will give it to you!' "So I asked. And for about ten years, it poured in, like this (gesture of torrents). It was incredible. I would ask, and at the next Darshan, or a month or several days later, depending, there it was."

News from Branches and Centres
News from India
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) - Study and Research on Sri Aurobindo
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, has started a Ph.D. programme along with a Diploma and Masters Degree on Sri Aurobindo. IGNOU has started this course to help the younger generation to become aware of Sri Aurobindo and his immense contribution in several fields. The subjects covered are meta-physics, yoga, psychology, social and political thought, spiritual poetry and literature.

Paigmberpur (U.P.)
The Paigmberpur Centre celebrated Sri Aurobindo's birthday on 15th August 2008. Shri K. Pawan, Chairman of the Patiala branch of the Society, spoke to a group of young girls about the importance of Sri Aurobindo's birthday and India's independence on 15th August.
Audience listening to Dr. Anand speaking on Sri Aurobindo
The Mother's flag was hoisted. A team from Delhi along with Mrs. Kuku Mathur rendered songs. There were participants from 10 villages. Dr. Anand, an inmate of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, New Delhi, spoke on Sri Aurobindo's life and vision.
The march past and the salute
This was followed by a cultural programme by the people of Paigmberpur. The programme started with a group of 65 people comprising men, young girls and boys and small children marching with the Mother's Flag accompanied by Ashram marching music. After the lighting of diyas by volunteers, all sang song "Vande Mataram" collectively, followed by the recitation of "Morning prayer by The Mother" by the group of elderly men.
The human pyramid, by the boys and girls of Paigmberpur
A play enacted by the women of Paigmberpur
Small boys and girls performed the human pyramid. The women of the village enacted a play, conveying the message that there is goodness in everyone, waiting to manifest - it is up to each one to put in the necessary effort to bring this goodness out in to their daily lives.
A beautiful dance was performed together by young boys and girls depicting a theme whichinspires one to move ahead in life by learning from the past. The song went like this: "Beete kal se humko sikhte jana hai..naye kal ki kal kal se pal pal sajana hai...."

Noida (U.P.) - August 2008 Programmes
Special Programmes: 9 August 2008: A programme of Devotional Songs & Bhajans on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother by Mrs. Kuntala Dasgupta was held at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan on Saturday, the 9th August, 2008 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. About 40 devotees and their families participated in the Programme.
15 August 2008: The Noida branch celebrated Sri Aurobindo's birthday on 15th August 2008. There was collective meditation in the morning at the Bhavan. On this occasion a Homeopathy Dispensary was opened at the Bhavan. 110 saplings of trees were planted in the park opposite Sri Aurobindo Bhavan.
Shri Gopesh Goswamy giving the talk "Krishnastu Bhagwan Swayam"
23 August 2008: On this day of Krishna Janmashtami, a talk on "Krishnastu Bhagwan Swayam" by Shri Gopesh Goswami was organised by the branch at the Bhavan.
Education at Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan: 15 August Celebrations
Salute to National Flag by Shri S.K. Jain, Chairman; Shri V.P. Goyal; Shri Ajay K. Singh, Director, Jan Shikshan Sansthan and others dignitaries present on the occasion of 15th August
The branch celebrated the Independence Day & Birthday of Sri Aurobindo with members and their families and the students of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan on Friday, the 15th August, 2008, at the Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. At 10:00 am, the National Flag was unfurled at the Sri Aurobindo Bhavan by Shri Suresh Kumar Jain, Chairman of the Branch, and Shri Ajay K. Singh, Director, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Noida.
Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan's children offering prayers to the Mother
After offering prayers to the Mother, Dr. Puneesh Taneja explained the importance of 15th August, which is both the Independence Day of India and the Birthday of Sri Aurobindo. He also spoke about Sri Aurobindo's message delivered through the All India Radio on the eve of India's Independence, on 14th August 1947.
Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan's Children gathering
The students of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan sang patriotic songs, performed drama and folk dance. Sewing and Tailoring Training Course was running for the last four months with the collaboration of Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India. On this occasion, Certificates to successful students were awarded by Shri Ajay K. Singh, Director of the Sansthan. About 200 people attended the function and sweets were distributed to all.
2, 9, 16 and 23 August 2008: On 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd August 2008, Dr. Puneesh Taneja came to Sri Aurobindo Bhavan and interacted for two hours on respective days with the children of Sri Aurobindo Shiksha Niketan. Poems, Stories, good manners and discipline were conveyed to the children in an interesting manner. Children were told about teaching of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and all of them paid tributes to them at the Holy Shrine.
Health: Treatment by Homeopathy: Homeopathy Dispensary for two hours daily from Monday to Saturday by Dr. Ajay Srivastava at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan has been started from 15th August, 2008. On Saturday, the 23rd August 2008, medicines for preventing Malaria, Dengue etc. were given to 110 children.
Treatment by Acupressure Therapy: Acupressure Treatment for two hours daily from Monday to Friday by Mrs. Sudha Kesharwani at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan is going on well. While giving treatment, she is also using the relevant quotations of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and the persons coming for acupressure treatment are evincing keen interest in them. Free Eye Check-up/Consultation on every Sunday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan: Free Eye Check-up/Consultation is being organised on every Sunday, for two hours from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm by Dr. P.S. Chauhan, Eye Specialist and Project Director, National Blindness Control Programme, Govt. of India, at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Noida.
Development of Women: Sewing & Tailoring Classes: Sewing & Tailoring Classes are being conducted daily from Monday to Friday at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan by Smt. Jaishree Nigam and about twenty ladies are learning the same.
Other Activities: Besides the above, regular activities of Meditation with the Mother's music daily in the morning and evening, Library, Playing of spiritual audio/video CDs etc. are held.

Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
Shri K. Pawan, Chairman Sri Aurobindo Society, Patiala Branch, delivered the following talks:
On 26.07.08 from 12.30 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. on "Self Development" to the students numbering approximately 30.
To members & devotees on 'Savitri' from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, 26.07.08 and continued it again on Sunday, 27.07.2008 from 10.30 a.m. to12.00. These talks were attended by about 30 devotees.

Bhopal (M.P.)
At Bhopal, on 14 August 2008, a programme was organised by M. P. Hindi Sahitya Acadamy with the active participation of Sri Aurobindo Society Bhopal. This programme was held at Swaraj Bhawan under the title "Sri Aurobindo ka Hindi Sahitya par Prabhav (Sri Aurobindo's Influence on Hindi Literature)." Dr. Devki Nandan Shrivastav from New Delhi was the keynote speaker. Shri Rajendra Mishra, Editor of Hindi magazine 'Veena" and Shri Indra Neel Chaudhari, Editor of the Hindi magazine "Kalindi" spoke on the topic. "Padma Shri" Dr. Ramesh Dave, noted Hindi Sahityakar, presided over the function. Dr Devendra Deepak, Director of Hindi Sahitya Acadamy of M.P., conducted the programme. Shri Mourya and Shri Satish Chitwar of Sri Aurobindo Society, Bhopal, welcomed the guests. A large number of general public and Sadhaks attended the programme.

Neyveli (Tamil Nadu)
Sri Aurobindo Society, Neyveli Centre, and SABDA, Puducherry, jointly took part in the annual Book Fair organised by the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Ltd., Neyveli, from 05.07.2008 to 16.07.2008. About 3 lakhs people visited the Book Fair.

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
Sri Aurobindo Society, Visakhapatnam Centre, released a book in Telugu titled "Sri Aravinda Tattwa Darshanam" written by Sri K. Bhaskararao and published by Shri K. Apparao.
The Centre arranged two talks by Prof. Kittu Reddy of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry, on 30th and 31st July 2008 commemorating the historic event of "Alipore Case and Sri Aurobindo in 1908". One of them was an interactive talk with the youth on Sri Aurobindo and the other was on Sri Aurobindo and his contribution. The two talks were broadcast by the All India Radio, Visakhapatnam.
The Centre also organised two public lectures by Prof. Kittu Reddy at the public library. On 30.07.2008 he spoke on "Sri Aurobindo and the Freedom Movement" and on 31.07.2008 on "Sri Aurobindo's Vision of India". Shri T.V. Ramana Rao, Chairman of the Centre, presided over the meeting and Prof. K.V. Ramana, former Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, introduced the speaker to the audience.
Prof. Kittu Reddy also participated in a lively interaction with the young students of Sri Krishna Vidya Mandir, Visakhapatnam, on 31.07.2008.

Purnea (Bihar)
The Purnea branch celebrated Sri Aurobindo's birthday by organising a collective study of Sri Aurobindo's 'Essays on the Gita' and 'Savitri'. The Mother's flag was hoisted during the occasion.

Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu)
The Cuddalore Centre celebrated its 6th anniversary on 17 August 2008 with flower offering and collective meditation. Shri C. Gopalakrishnan, Chairman of the Cuddalore Centre, presided over the function. Smt. Sushila Melvani and Shri M.S. Sundararajan of Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, spoke on the occasion. All the committee members of the Cuddalore Centre participated with enthusiasm. An exhibition of flowers and photographs was organised.

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
Lucknow Branch of Sri Aurobindo Society organised a programme in the Nirala Hall of Uttar Pradesh Hindi Institute on 07.08.2008. More than 50 devotees participated in the event.

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