News from Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) Upcoming Events
17 and 20 November 2009 - Maha-Samadhi of the Mother
The Mother
The Mother left her body on 17th November 1973. Her body was laid in the Samadhi on 20th November. The Mother's room will be open for darshan for devotees on 17 November 2009.
On Her life's aim, here is what the Mother once wrote:
"I am French by birth and early education, I am Indian by choice and predilection. In my consciousness there is no antagonism between the two, on the contrary, they combine very well and complete one another. I know also that I can be of service to both equally, for my only aim in life is to give a concrete form to Sri Aurobindo's great teaching and in his teaching he reveals that all the nations are essentially one and meant to express the Divine Unity upon earth through an organised and harmonious diversity."
When pressed about the details of her physical life, this was Her brief reply:
"Do not ask questions about the details of the material existence of this body; they are in themselves of no interest and must not attract attention. Throughout all this life, knowingly or unknowingly, I have been what the Lord wanted me to be, I have done what the Lord wanted me to do. That alone matters."
24 November 2009 - Siddhi Day
24 November 2009 is a very significant day, especially for the devotees of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, as it marks the 83rd anniversary of the Siddhi Day - The Day of Victory -, the descent of the Sri Krishna Consciousness or the Overmental Consciousness into the physical. This was the first decisive step towards the Supramental Manifestation which took place later in 1956.
About this event Sri Aurobindo later wrote in a letter:
"The 24th November [1926] was the descent of Krishna into the physical…. The descent of Krishna would mean the descent of the Overmind Godhead preparing, though not itself actually, the descent of Supermind and Ananda. Krishna is the Anandamaya; he supports the evolution through the Overmind leading it towards his Ananda."
A view of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
The 24th November 1926 is also the day when the Sri Aurobindo Ashram came into being. It is therefore the planting of the seed which has how grown into a huge and mighty banyan tree with a presence all over the world.
And this is what the Mother once explained to the children when she was asked why She and Sri Aurobindo created the Ashram at Puducherry:
"My child, that is why the Ashram was created... because, in France, I was always asking myself: How can one find the time to find oneself ? How can one even find the time to understand how to become free? So then I thought: a place where material needs will be sufficiently provided for, so that if one truly wants to become free, one can do so. And the Ashram was founded on this idea, not on any other -- a place where people would have enough to live on so as to have time to think of the True Thing."
Annual Seminar of the Women's Council - 21 to 23 November 2009: "Energy Turned Towards the Divine"
We humans with a body, vital, and mind - a mass of energy have our thoughts, feelings and actions mostly embedded in earthly consciousness. Our energies are primarily spent on the fulfilment of our basic animal needs, comforts, pleasures and desires which keep on multiplying and therefore leave us restless and dissatisfied. The Mother gives us the solution: "Oh, why be restless and want that for oneself things should turn out in one way and not another! Why decide that a particular set of circumstances will be the expression of the best possibilities and then launch into a bitter struggle so that these possibilities may be realised! Why not use all one's energy solely to will in the calm of inner confidence that Thy law may triumph everywhere and always over all difficulties, all darkness, all egoism! How the horizon widens as soon as one learns to take this attitude; how all anxiety vanishes giving place to a constant illumination, to the omnipotence of disinterestedness! To will what Thou willest, O Lord, is to live constantly in communion with Thee, to be delivered from all contingencies, to escape all narrowness, to fill one's lungs with pure and wholesome air, to get rid of all useless weariness, be relieved of all cumbrous loads, so as to run briskly towards the only goal worth attaining: the triumph of Thy divine Law!" All interested are welcome to deliberate on this topic at a Seminar on 21, 22, 23 November 2009, at the Society Beach office, No. 11, St. Martin Street, Pondicherry - 605 001. To book a room, contact the Society's Accommodation Section at its Email id: accommodation@sriaurobindosociety.org.in, Tel.: (0413) 2336396 / 97 / 98.
Savitri Study Sessions
Dr. Alok Pandey will conduct sessions on Sri Aurobindo's epic 'Savitri' at the Society's Beach Office, Pondicherry, from 22nd to 28th February 2010. The sessions will be held at 5.15 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. and 6.15 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. All are welcome to attend the talk series!
Recent Events19 September 2009 - Commencement of Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society
The Mother's Chair
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."
A view of the gathering
The day 19 September 2009 marks the beginning of 50th year of Sri Aurobindo Society and there was a small gathering at the Beach Office of the Society to celebrate this important day and rededicate themselves to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and to the realisation of the great future they have revealed to us. For a full report and other programmes related to the Golden Jubilee year, please click here.
Visit by the Students of Bombay International School, Mumbai - 9 to 14 Oct. 2009
From 9 to 14 October 2009, a 5-day Camp was organised for a group of 14 students of standard IX of the Bombay International School, Mumbai. Sessions on Sanskrit, Indian Culture, Nature, physical education etc. were arranged. There were also visits to Ashram departments and Auroville. The Camp was organised in collaboration with the Yoga teacher of the school Anahita Sanjana. The Principal of the school also accompanied the students during the Camp.
News from Branches and Centres
News from Abroad
Nairobi (Kenya)
The Secretary of Nairobi Centre delivered a talk on 21st August 2009 to a firm of Certified Public Accountants, Ashwin Brothers. The talk revolved around the following:
Mother's Morning PrayerThe True LivingBeautyCreating a new Humanity
Fifty members of the firm were present from different departments and backgrounds.
Sri Aurobindo Society (U.K.)
Sri Aurobindo Society (U.K.) has organised several meetings to mark the Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society, India, in U.K. On 15th August 2009, Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee spoke at the Society Centre. On 16th August at the programme arranged at Harrow arts Centre, Shri Bhattacharjee spoke on the teachings and life of Sri Aurobindo. The Mayor, Cllr Eric Silver also delivered a brief talk on Sri Aurobindo. This was followed by a dance-drama based on Sri Aurobindo's epic poem "Savitri".
News from India
Hindi Zonal Committee
The Hindi Zonal Committee organized an Orientation Camp at Jaipur on 18th and 19th July 2009. The subject of the camp was 'Manifestation of 12 qualities as defined by the Mother'. The Chief Moderator was Shri Kaivalya Smart and Dr. S.C. Tyagi was the special guest. Shri K. Pawan, Shri Manoj Sharma, Dr. J.P. Singh, Dr. Suman Kochar, Smt. Sharda Goenka, Ms. Lalit Prabha Khetan, Ms. Bhanu Patel, Ms. Kalpana Agrawal and Shri Nirupam Rohatgi were the resource persons. There were 22 delegates, 29 observers which included six from Ambala, Patiala, Udaipur, Noida, Jhunjhunu, Paigmberpur and 23 from Jaipur.
At Kolkata, Mirra Vision Trust organized 100 years of Alipur Bomb case and Uttarpara speech on 1st and 2nd August 2009. Many speakers presented their papers and it was attended by nearly 800 people. Shri K. Pawan, Chairman of the Patiala Branch of the Society spoke on Integral Education.
Hindi Zonal Conference
The Annual Conference of Hindi Zone for the year 2009 was held at Patiala on 10th and 11th October 2009. The inaugural session was chaired by Shri T.N. Chaturvedi, former Governor, Karnataka while Shri Balbir Punj, Member of Parliament, was the chief guest and Swami Govindanand Tirth Ji Maharaj from Mathura delivered the key note address.
The Inaugural Session was attended by about 450 persons. There were three technical sessions on the following subjects: a. Sri Aurobindo Ke Bharat - Speaker Shri Kuttu Reddy from Pondicherry. b. Sri Aurobindo's Yoga Evam Darshan - Speakers are Dr. J.P. Singh from Sultanpur and Shri Manoj Sharma from Bhopal. c. Practice of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga - Speaker Shri K. Pawan, Patiala.
The conference was attended by 118 delegates from 25 cities plus 10 delegates from Patiala. In addition 90 teachers of the Society's 2 schools in Patiala were fully involved and participated in the conference.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
A Seminar on "Integral Education in the light of Sri Aurobindo" was organised on 30.08.2009 at Rs.10.00 a.m. at Arya P.G. College for Women, Varanasi under the Auspices of Varanasi Centre. Shri Vijay Poddar, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society Hindi Zone, chaired the seminar. Dr. J.P. Singh was the chief guest. Shri K. Pawan, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Patiala Branch was the main speaker. The seminar was covered by T.V. Varanasi and newspaper correspondents.
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
A talk by Dr. J.P. Singh, Chairman of the Sultanpur branch of the Society, was organised by Indian Medical Association, Kanpur on 6/09/09. Dr. J.P.Singh spoke on "Spirituality in Medical Practice and Supermind". Around 150 doctors attended the meeting. There was a Question-Answer session after the talk.
Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
12th September 2009: Fourth talk of series 'Supramental Manifestation of Sri Aurobindo' by Vishwa Mohan Tiwari, Air vice Marshal (Retd.), was organized at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan from 6.30p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Discussion on Gita: Coordinated by Shri V.M. Tiwari, Air Vice-Marshal (Retd.): On every Sunday during the month of September, 2009, from 11a.m. to 1p.m. interaction on the Gita took place at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. There were about 20 participants.
All India Essay Competition was organized by Noida Branch on the subject 'My role in building new India - in the light of Sri Aurobindo' in which fifteen schools participated. The response from the participants was overwhelming and each school sent best five/three entries. The winners & participating students were distributed books relating to Sri Aurobindo & the Mother.
Swami Vidhyanandji delivering the talk
3rd October 2009: First talk of series 'Sri Aurobindo's Purna Yoga' by Swami Vidyanand, Founder and Spiritual Head of SriMa International School of Transformational Yoga, was organized at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan from 6PM to 7PM. About 30 devotees and their families participated in the program.
An All India Essay Competition was organized in the month of October 2009 by Noida Branch on the subject 'My role in building new India - in the light of Sri Aurobindo' in which fifteen schools participated. The response from the participants was overwhelming and each school sent best five/three entries. The winners & participating students were distributed books relating to Sri Aurobindo & The Mother.
Discussion on Gita: Lead by Shri Gopesh Goswami on Sundays (4th; 11th; and 25th Oct.'09) during the month of October, 2009, from 11AM to 1PM; discussion on Gita took place at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. There are about 20 participants in the programme.
Delhi
(a) On 1st August, 2009, in collaboration with Kalpavriksha, an NGO, which works for urban green, representatives of the Delhi Branch planted around 125 creepers at the Branch. This will create biodiversity which will attract birds and butterflies to play along with the school children! Around 150 people participated in this activity. Dr. Prabhakaran of Kalpvriksha made a small presentation on saving the trees. A slide show depicting disadvantages to paving the Delhi roads with tiles was screened. It was an enlightening experience for everyone.
(b) In the evening, a talk on Bhagavad Gita by Shri Vijay Poddar was organised. Chapters 4 - 8 of the Bhagavad Gita were taken up for discussion.
(c) 15th August, 2009: Sri Aurobindo's birth anniversary was celebrated. Ms. Meghna Sankhala and Dr.Tiwari sang bhajans. Around 150 devotees reached the Branch in spite of heavy rains. Flag hoisting was done by our Chairman, Mr. Ranjit Puri. Ms. Rani Jethmalani, member, Executive Committee, Delhi Branch gave vote of thanks. Darshan cards and Prasad were distributed to all present.
(d) 5th September 2009: A talk by Shri Vijay K. Poddar on the Bhagavad Gita (verses from Chapter 9 - 13) was organised by the Delhi Branch.
In the evening, around 30 devotees gathered for collective meditation in the meditation hall and lit lamps at the Shrine.
Gurgaon (Haryana)
The Study Circle sessions were held during the month of September 2009 as follows:
13.09.2009 : The topic covered included The Mother on Savitri and other aspects of Savitri. A handout was distributed to the participants at the beginning of the session covering all these aspects.
27.09.2009 : The session covered Book 4 and Book 5 of Part II of Savitri.
The beginning of the Golden Jubilee of the founding of the Society on 19th September 2009, was celebrated by organising meditation from 05.30 to 05.50 p.m.
Surat (Gujarat)
Shri Kaivalyabhai, speaking to the participants of the youth camp
A view of the youth camp participants
A Youth Camp was organised at Surat Branch on 1st and 2nd August 2009 for young boys and girls of age between 15 to 25 years. The main topics covered in the Youth Camp were: What is Youth, Self Introspection for Self Mastery, How to Concentrate and What is Success. Different topics were also given for group discussion session. 51 Young boys and girls participated. 44 elderly people also remained present as observers.
Digboi (Assam)
(a) The Digboi branch celebrated Sri Aurobindo's birthday by unfurling the Mother's flag and the national flag. There was collective meditation for 30 minutes with the Mother's music. After the meditation an extract from the last chapter of Sri Aurobindo's "Essays on the Gita" was read out. Sri Aurobindo's message on 15th August, 1947 was also read out to the people present.
(b) On 23rd August the branch, as a part of the celebrations of the centenary of Sri Aurobindo's arrival at Pondicherry, organized a recitation programme by students. The poem selected was Sri Aurobindo's "The Golden Light".
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
The Chennai branch organized the following talks during the month of August 2009:
Date Topic Speaker01.08.2009 "The Mother and Durga" Shri M.K. Ramaswamy02.08.2009 "A Decade with The Mother" Shri Janakan09.08.2009 "Aspiration" Shri M.K. Ramaswamy16.08.2009 "Sri Aurobindo's Vision" Mr. Jagan "Sri Aurobindo's Path" Ms. Sathyapriya "Divine Grace" Master Vignesh23.08.2009 "Grace and Protection" Shri Keelambur, editor 'Kalaimagal'30.08.2009 "The Mother on Education" 'Kalaimamani' - Shri Erwadi Radhakrishnan
The Annanagar Centre of the Society brought out a book "Sri Aravindar Annai Bhakti Pamalai" in Tamil in commemoration of the centenary year of Sri Aurobindo's arrival in Pondicherry and the Golden Jubilee year of the Society. The book contains 82 devotional songs (50 composed by Mrs. Manonmani Rangasamy and the rest by Shri N.V. Balu) and two childhood photos of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The book is priced at Rs.20/-. The Branches and Centres of the Society will get 33.3% discount. Interested Branches and Centres may contact : Sri Aurobindo Society Centre, Om Sri Annai Dhyana Maiyam, AP-514, J Block, 8th Street, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600 040, Phone : 044-26161826
Andhra Pradesh - Activities
1. In the context of the Golden Jubilee year of the establishment of Sri Aurobindo Society, Siddipet Study Circle is bringing out a booklet in Telugu containing 15 selected essays which appeared in the issues of the two Telugu magazines, "Arka" and Divya Deepika", giving useful information about the Society, its objects and the work going on under its banner, to serve as a handbook and guide to all members of the Society and the public. They propose to release this booklet at the 15th Annual Conference of all Centres and Branches in Andhra Pradesh coming up in December, 2009.
2. From 19.09.2009 to 28.09.2009 (both days inclusive), which were the Navratri festival days, the Hyderabad Branch arranged a collective reading of the book, "The Mother" from cover to cover, daily at the Branch. On 19.09.2009 there was also a brief meditation, as the day marked the beginning of the Golden Jubilee year of the establishment of Sri Aurobindo Society by the Mother.
3. With effect from Saturday the 12th September 2009, the Hyderabad Branch has started from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. a Satsang in which there will be group (collective) reading, study and discussion on the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother appearing in the issues of All India Magazine (past and present). These sessions will be conducted every Saturday as a regular weekly activity at the branch in future.
4. Among the many celebrations held at the Society's Centres and Branches on 15th August 2009, the following are worth noting:
i. At Hyderabad, programs included a talk on Yoga of Works, rendering of devotional music, free distribution of a book in Telugu called "The Mother's Mantras", Childrens' cultural variety program, display of a video on Flowers and their Spiritual Significance and day long Savitri Pathanam. In addition, Children of local Sri Aurobindo International School staged a one-hour drama on Sri Aurobindo's Prison life in 1908-09, at their school.
ii. At Eluru, programs included Essay Competition for high school students with prize distribution, books and flowers exhibition, display of a CD on Sri Aurobindo's life and on Integral Education, etc. A local newspaper carried a full page article on Sri Aurobindo, the Mother and the Ashram.
Ch. Indeevar, interacting with the participants
Books for youth, on display
5. At the Khammam Centre, a youth wing was started on 15th Aug. 2009 headed by Shri B. Veeriah, Chairman of the Center. This wing conducted a Youth Conference on 25 August 2009 in which 13 students (with MBA, MCA, Engineering, Intermediate background) and 8 other members participated. The participants were addressed by Shri Harshvardhan Raju and Indeevar. Harshvardhan Raju interacted with the youth on the need for Consciousness and importance of spiritual life. Indeevar spoke on the importance of Self-Consciousness and goals. The participants were also introduced to the Society and its objectives, life and mission of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and their message to the youth.
6. Shri K. Bhaskararao from Tenali Branch has been giving talks in Telugu which are broadcast on AIR, Vijayawada every Monday at 6:00 a.m. He has been also writing articles in Telugu which appear in Andhra Jyoti newspaper every Tuesday.
Biaora (Madhya Pradesh)
From left: Dr Suman Kochar,Shri Rakesh Ojha Secy of Biaora Centre,Shri Bharadwaj,Shri Manoj,Shri Hari Shankar Dangi and Shri D.N. Sharma delivering the speech
One day seminar held at Biaora, Madhya Pradesh on 6 September, 2009 the main theme of the seminar was "Sri Aurobindo: Confluence of Nationalism and Spirituality". Shri Manoj Sharma was the keynote speaker. Dr. Suman Kochar presided over the function. Chairman of Centre Shri Hari Shankar Dangi welcomed all guests. Shri Bharadwaj spoke about the sadhana aspect.
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
Sri Aurobindo Society, Ujjain Branch organised a programme in Maharshi Aurobindo Public School, Kaluheda, a remote village of Ujjain District. Shri Vibash Upadhyay, Chairman of the Ujjain Branch, explained the message of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother to the School children and villagers.
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
Shri Vijay Poddar, presiding over the function
Sri Aurobindo Society Gwalior organised the Lele Memorial Lecture Series-2009 at Gwalior. Gwalior was the native place of Mahatma Vishnu Bhaskar Lele, the famous yogi who stayed with Sri Aurobindo at Baroda. Topic of this year's talk was ''Sanskritik Jagran Ki Aawashyakta''.
Shri Mukul ji of Vivekanand Kendra (Delhi) and Shri Manoj Sharma (Bhopal) were the main speakers. Shri Vijay Poddar ji, Chairman of SAS Zonal committee (Hindi zone) presided over the function.
Harda (Madhya Pradesh)
Shri Manoj Sharma, speaking to Children of Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda
Children of Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda
Sri Aurobindo Society Harda Centre organised a lecture program under the title "Sri Aurobindo: Confluence of Nationalism and Spirituality" at Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda, Madya Pradesh. Shri Manoj Sharma (Bhopal) spoke on this topic. Shri Kaivalya Smart (Surat) spoke on "Utkrashta Jeevan Kaisa Ho?". Shri Shukla presided over the function. Several sadhaks of nearby Centres attended the function. Shri Surendra Jain Director of Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda welcomed the guests. A question answer session followed.
Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society (2009-10) - Celebrations at Centres & Branches
Annual Convention of Centres and Branches of Maharashtra and Goa
Pradeepbhai, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society,Pondicherry, addressing the audience
Annual Convention of the Centres and Branches of Maharashtra and Goa was held at Goa on 5, 6 and 7th September 2009. 45 participants from 13 Centres/Branches participated. Shri Pradeep Narang presided over the meetings and Shri Kaivalya Smart coordinated the proceedings. All the meetings took place at the beautifully renovated Hall of the Goa Branch. The topics covered in discussions were: Review of the work at different Centres, Golden Jubilee of Sri Aurobindo Society, Centenary of Sri Aurobindo's arrival at Pondicherry, Our Work Ahead and My Aspiration. Young participants gave short talks on five different qualities of Psychological Perfection.
Every morning began with Surya-Namaskar. Shri Deepak D'souza, Secretary of the Goa Branch and his team made full efforts to make the event successful. On the last day all the participants had a local sight-seeing tour. Shri Soham Munim offered at the Branch an impressive solo sitar recital one evening wherein local musicians were also present.
Surat (Gujarat)
Golden Jubilee Celebrations: Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced in the Branch on 19th September 2009, the beginning of the Centenary Year and also the beginning of Navaratri. Kaivalya Smart delivered nine talks on nine mornings on "Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga - Theory and Practice. More than 65 persons participated in the programme every morning. Vijaya Dashami being the foundation day of the Centre Sri Aniruddha Smart gave a talk in the evening. More than 120 persons participated.
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
At Mumbai Branch, Churchgate, the Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced on 19th September 2009. Evening programme of Invocation, Meditation with the Mother's reading of 'The Hour of God' and Durga Stotra chanting was held at the Centre. 35 persons participated.
Kamakshi, conducting a session on Music with Movements
Jesal, interacting with children on Art
The Branch also celebrated the Golden Jubilee by organising a five day programme of invocation of the Divine Mother, from 25th to 30th September 2009, in the ground floor hall, Pushpa Kunj, near Churchgate. An exhibition of various photographs of the Mother with suitable lines from Savitri was also arranged. There were daily meditations, reading of the words of the Mother and Savitri, Chanting of Durga Stotra, Audio Visual presentation on a big screen on the four aspects of the Mother. Special workshops were conducted for children on Music by Miss Kamakshi Khurana and on Art by Miss Jesal Thacker. About 125 persons participated.
Borivali - Mumbai (Maharashtra)
The decoration at the centre
Borivali Centre in Mumbai, at Yogi Nagar, E-20/102, Creek View Society, first floor, Dena Bank Bldg. started on 4th April 2009. It has regular meetings and study class every Saturday evening. For the Golden Jubilee celebration a special programme of Invocation, Meditation and Chanting was held at the Centre on the night of 19th September 2009. 15 persons participated. The meeting was conducted by Smt. Rama Hariharan.
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) - Commencement of the Golden Jubilee of Sri Aurobindo Society
On the occasion of commencement of the Golden Jubilee of Sri Aurobindo Society, a special collective meditation followed by bhajans were held at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. Shri S.K. Jain, Chairman briefed the devotees about the objectives of the Society and how a member's integral participation is possible. About 50 devotees and their families attended the programme. Hindi booklets 'Light Endless Light' & 'Seeds of Light' containing quotes of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother were distributed.
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
The activities to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced on the 19th to 22nd September at Jaipur.
(a) In order to create awareness through the distribution of books & booklets amongst people in general small booklets on Sri Aurobindo's Yoga were distributed to passengers travelling from Jaipur to Delhi by the Jaipur Centre on 19th and 21st September 2009. The main idea was that they shall read the books during their travel and pass on the books to others. It worked out very well and a total of about 200 passengers were provided with more than 100 books (Rays of Light, Sunlit Path, Bases of Yoga etc.) and about 500 booklets.
(b) It was on 22nd Sept. that three main schools of Jaipur were approached and they were given about 1000 books and booklets. Also SBI & SBBJ (banks) were provided with books 'Management by Consciousness' and more than 300 booklets. The ICICI bank & misc distribution accounted for 200 booklets.
In all about 125 No. of books and 2000 booklets were distributed in these three days (19th, 21st & 22nd Sept).
Aurangabad (Bihar)
As a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Society the Aurangabad Centre organized an essay competition for the high school and college students on 20th September 2009. 35 students participated in the competition. During the prize distribution function a workshop on 'Personality Development' was arranged under the guidance of Prof. Rathi, Sou. Jyoti Ladda and Mr. Vinod Makasare.
DelhiGolden Jubilee Celebrations: To mark the beginning of the Golden Jubilee of the formation of Sri Aurobindo Society, a dance and music programme was organized on Saturday, 19th September 2009, in the Hall of Life Divine, Delhi Branch. A drama dance performance was choreographed based on the theme of stepping back. The effort was to see if we in our daily life lived any differently by the grace of Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's teachings. All the sadhaks in the Society whole-heartedly participated.
Mr. Tajendra Khanna, Lt. Governor of Delhi was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mr. Vijay K. Poddar presented a memento to the Chief Guest who addressed the audience. Around 250 people attended the programme.
Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
On 13th September 2009, a talk was delivered on "Life of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother" by Mr. V.S. Balakrishnan, Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society, Madurai Centre. He also spoke on the "Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society". More than 75 members attended the meeting.
On 19th September 2009, the Foundation Day of Sri Aurobindo Society, a special meditation was arranged by the members. They arranged 50 varieties of Flowers for Pushpanjalli from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. They also lit 50 lamps. Many members attended the celebrations.
17 and 20 November 2009 - Maha-Samadhi of the Mother
The Mother
The Mother left her body on 17th November 1973. Her body was laid in the Samadhi on 20th November. The Mother's room will be open for darshan for devotees on 17 November 2009.
On Her life's aim, here is what the Mother once wrote:
"I am French by birth and early education, I am Indian by choice and predilection. In my consciousness there is no antagonism between the two, on the contrary, they combine very well and complete one another. I know also that I can be of service to both equally, for my only aim in life is to give a concrete form to Sri Aurobindo's great teaching and in his teaching he reveals that all the nations are essentially one and meant to express the Divine Unity upon earth through an organised and harmonious diversity."
When pressed about the details of her physical life, this was Her brief reply:
"Do not ask questions about the details of the material existence of this body; they are in themselves of no interest and must not attract attention. Throughout all this life, knowingly or unknowingly, I have been what the Lord wanted me to be, I have done what the Lord wanted me to do. That alone matters."
24 November 2009 - Siddhi Day
24 November 2009 is a very significant day, especially for the devotees of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, as it marks the 83rd anniversary of the Siddhi Day - The Day of Victory -, the descent of the Sri Krishna Consciousness or the Overmental Consciousness into the physical. This was the first decisive step towards the Supramental Manifestation which took place later in 1956.
About this event Sri Aurobindo later wrote in a letter:
"The 24th November [1926] was the descent of Krishna into the physical…. The descent of Krishna would mean the descent of the Overmind Godhead preparing, though not itself actually, the descent of Supermind and Ananda. Krishna is the Anandamaya; he supports the evolution through the Overmind leading it towards his Ananda."
A view of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry
The 24th November 1926 is also the day when the Sri Aurobindo Ashram came into being. It is therefore the planting of the seed which has how grown into a huge and mighty banyan tree with a presence all over the world.
And this is what the Mother once explained to the children when she was asked why She and Sri Aurobindo created the Ashram at Puducherry:
"My child, that is why the Ashram was created... because, in France, I was always asking myself: How can one find the time to find oneself ? How can one even find the time to understand how to become free? So then I thought: a place where material needs will be sufficiently provided for, so that if one truly wants to become free, one can do so. And the Ashram was founded on this idea, not on any other -- a place where people would have enough to live on so as to have time to think of the True Thing."
Annual Seminar of the Women's Council - 21 to 23 November 2009: "Energy Turned Towards the Divine"
We humans with a body, vital, and mind - a mass of energy have our thoughts, feelings and actions mostly embedded in earthly consciousness. Our energies are primarily spent on the fulfilment of our basic animal needs, comforts, pleasures and desires which keep on multiplying and therefore leave us restless and dissatisfied. The Mother gives us the solution: "Oh, why be restless and want that for oneself things should turn out in one way and not another! Why decide that a particular set of circumstances will be the expression of the best possibilities and then launch into a bitter struggle so that these possibilities may be realised! Why not use all one's energy solely to will in the calm of inner confidence that Thy law may triumph everywhere and always over all difficulties, all darkness, all egoism! How the horizon widens as soon as one learns to take this attitude; how all anxiety vanishes giving place to a constant illumination, to the omnipotence of disinterestedness! To will what Thou willest, O Lord, is to live constantly in communion with Thee, to be delivered from all contingencies, to escape all narrowness, to fill one's lungs with pure and wholesome air, to get rid of all useless weariness, be relieved of all cumbrous loads, so as to run briskly towards the only goal worth attaining: the triumph of Thy divine Law!" All interested are welcome to deliberate on this topic at a Seminar on 21, 22, 23 November 2009, at the Society Beach office, No. 11, St. Martin Street, Pondicherry - 605 001. To book a room, contact the Society's Accommodation Section at its Email id: accommodation@sriaurobindosociety.org.in, Tel.: (0413) 2336396 / 97 / 98.
Savitri Study Sessions
Dr. Alok Pandey will conduct sessions on Sri Aurobindo's epic 'Savitri' at the Society's Beach Office, Pondicherry, from 22nd to 28th February 2010. The sessions will be held at 5.15 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. and 6.15 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. All are welcome to attend the talk series!
Recent Events19 September 2009 - Commencement of Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society
The Mother's Chair
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."
A view of the gathering
The day 19 September 2009 marks the beginning of 50th year of Sri Aurobindo Society and there was a small gathering at the Beach Office of the Society to celebrate this important day and rededicate themselves to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and to the realisation of the great future they have revealed to us. For a full report and other programmes related to the Golden Jubilee year, please click here.
Visit by the Students of Bombay International School, Mumbai - 9 to 14 Oct. 2009
From 9 to 14 October 2009, a 5-day Camp was organised for a group of 14 students of standard IX of the Bombay International School, Mumbai. Sessions on Sanskrit, Indian Culture, Nature, physical education etc. were arranged. There were also visits to Ashram departments and Auroville. The Camp was organised in collaboration with the Yoga teacher of the school Anahita Sanjana. The Principal of the school also accompanied the students during the Camp.
News from Branches and Centres
News from Abroad
Nairobi (Kenya)
The Secretary of Nairobi Centre delivered a talk on 21st August 2009 to a firm of Certified Public Accountants, Ashwin Brothers. The talk revolved around the following:
Mother's Morning PrayerThe True LivingBeautyCreating a new Humanity
Fifty members of the firm were present from different departments and backgrounds.
Sri Aurobindo Society (U.K.)
Sri Aurobindo Society (U.K.) has organised several meetings to mark the Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society, India, in U.K. On 15th August 2009, Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee spoke at the Society Centre. On 16th August at the programme arranged at Harrow arts Centre, Shri Bhattacharjee spoke on the teachings and life of Sri Aurobindo. The Mayor, Cllr Eric Silver also delivered a brief talk on Sri Aurobindo. This was followed by a dance-drama based on Sri Aurobindo's epic poem "Savitri".
News from India
Hindi Zonal Committee
The Hindi Zonal Committee organized an Orientation Camp at Jaipur on 18th and 19th July 2009. The subject of the camp was 'Manifestation of 12 qualities as defined by the Mother'. The Chief Moderator was Shri Kaivalya Smart and Dr. S.C. Tyagi was the special guest. Shri K. Pawan, Shri Manoj Sharma, Dr. J.P. Singh, Dr. Suman Kochar, Smt. Sharda Goenka, Ms. Lalit Prabha Khetan, Ms. Bhanu Patel, Ms. Kalpana Agrawal and Shri Nirupam Rohatgi were the resource persons. There were 22 delegates, 29 observers which included six from Ambala, Patiala, Udaipur, Noida, Jhunjhunu, Paigmberpur and 23 from Jaipur.
At Kolkata, Mirra Vision Trust organized 100 years of Alipur Bomb case and Uttarpara speech on 1st and 2nd August 2009. Many speakers presented their papers and it was attended by nearly 800 people. Shri K. Pawan, Chairman of the Patiala Branch of the Society spoke on Integral Education.
Hindi Zonal Conference
The Annual Conference of Hindi Zone for the year 2009 was held at Patiala on 10th and 11th October 2009. The inaugural session was chaired by Shri T.N. Chaturvedi, former Governor, Karnataka while Shri Balbir Punj, Member of Parliament, was the chief guest and Swami Govindanand Tirth Ji Maharaj from Mathura delivered the key note address.
The Inaugural Session was attended by about 450 persons. There were three technical sessions on the following subjects: a. Sri Aurobindo Ke Bharat - Speaker Shri Kuttu Reddy from Pondicherry. b. Sri Aurobindo's Yoga Evam Darshan - Speakers are Dr. J.P. Singh from Sultanpur and Shri Manoj Sharma from Bhopal. c. Practice of Sri Aurobindo's Yoga - Speaker Shri K. Pawan, Patiala.
The conference was attended by 118 delegates from 25 cities plus 10 delegates from Patiala. In addition 90 teachers of the Society's 2 schools in Patiala were fully involved and participated in the conference.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
A Seminar on "Integral Education in the light of Sri Aurobindo" was organised on 30.08.2009 at Rs.10.00 a.m. at Arya P.G. College for Women, Varanasi under the Auspices of Varanasi Centre. Shri Vijay Poddar, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society Hindi Zone, chaired the seminar. Dr. J.P. Singh was the chief guest. Shri K. Pawan, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Patiala Branch was the main speaker. The seminar was covered by T.V. Varanasi and newspaper correspondents.
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh)
A talk by Dr. J.P. Singh, Chairman of the Sultanpur branch of the Society, was organised by Indian Medical Association, Kanpur on 6/09/09. Dr. J.P.Singh spoke on "Spirituality in Medical Practice and Supermind". Around 150 doctors attended the meeting. There was a Question-Answer session after the talk.
Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
12th September 2009: Fourth talk of series 'Supramental Manifestation of Sri Aurobindo' by Vishwa Mohan Tiwari, Air vice Marshal (Retd.), was organized at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan from 6.30p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Discussion on Gita: Coordinated by Shri V.M. Tiwari, Air Vice-Marshal (Retd.): On every Sunday during the month of September, 2009, from 11a.m. to 1p.m. interaction on the Gita took place at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. There were about 20 participants.
All India Essay Competition was organized by Noida Branch on the subject 'My role in building new India - in the light of Sri Aurobindo' in which fifteen schools participated. The response from the participants was overwhelming and each school sent best five/three entries. The winners & participating students were distributed books relating to Sri Aurobindo & the Mother.
Swami Vidhyanandji delivering the talk
3rd October 2009: First talk of series 'Sri Aurobindo's Purna Yoga' by Swami Vidyanand, Founder and Spiritual Head of SriMa International School of Transformational Yoga, was organized at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan from 6PM to 7PM. About 30 devotees and their families participated in the program.
An All India Essay Competition was organized in the month of October 2009 by Noida Branch on the subject 'My role in building new India - in the light of Sri Aurobindo' in which fifteen schools participated. The response from the participants was overwhelming and each school sent best five/three entries. The winners & participating students were distributed books relating to Sri Aurobindo & The Mother.
Discussion on Gita: Lead by Shri Gopesh Goswami on Sundays (4th; 11th; and 25th Oct.'09) during the month of October, 2009, from 11AM to 1PM; discussion on Gita took place at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. There are about 20 participants in the programme.
Delhi
(a) On 1st August, 2009, in collaboration with Kalpavriksha, an NGO, which works for urban green, representatives of the Delhi Branch planted around 125 creepers at the Branch. This will create biodiversity which will attract birds and butterflies to play along with the school children! Around 150 people participated in this activity. Dr. Prabhakaran of Kalpvriksha made a small presentation on saving the trees. A slide show depicting disadvantages to paving the Delhi roads with tiles was screened. It was an enlightening experience for everyone.
(b) In the evening, a talk on Bhagavad Gita by Shri Vijay Poddar was organised. Chapters 4 - 8 of the Bhagavad Gita were taken up for discussion.
(c) 15th August, 2009: Sri Aurobindo's birth anniversary was celebrated. Ms. Meghna Sankhala and Dr.Tiwari sang bhajans. Around 150 devotees reached the Branch in spite of heavy rains. Flag hoisting was done by our Chairman, Mr. Ranjit Puri. Ms. Rani Jethmalani, member, Executive Committee, Delhi Branch gave vote of thanks. Darshan cards and Prasad were distributed to all present.
(d) 5th September 2009: A talk by Shri Vijay K. Poddar on the Bhagavad Gita (verses from Chapter 9 - 13) was organised by the Delhi Branch.
In the evening, around 30 devotees gathered for collective meditation in the meditation hall and lit lamps at the Shrine.
Gurgaon (Haryana)
The Study Circle sessions were held during the month of September 2009 as follows:
13.09.2009 : The topic covered included The Mother on Savitri and other aspects of Savitri. A handout was distributed to the participants at the beginning of the session covering all these aspects.
27.09.2009 : The session covered Book 4 and Book 5 of Part II of Savitri.
The beginning of the Golden Jubilee of the founding of the Society on 19th September 2009, was celebrated by organising meditation from 05.30 to 05.50 p.m.
Surat (Gujarat)
Shri Kaivalyabhai, speaking to the participants of the youth camp
A view of the youth camp participants
A Youth Camp was organised at Surat Branch on 1st and 2nd August 2009 for young boys and girls of age between 15 to 25 years. The main topics covered in the Youth Camp were: What is Youth, Self Introspection for Self Mastery, How to Concentrate and What is Success. Different topics were also given for group discussion session. 51 Young boys and girls participated. 44 elderly people also remained present as observers.
Digboi (Assam)
(a) The Digboi branch celebrated Sri Aurobindo's birthday by unfurling the Mother's flag and the national flag. There was collective meditation for 30 minutes with the Mother's music. After the meditation an extract from the last chapter of Sri Aurobindo's "Essays on the Gita" was read out. Sri Aurobindo's message on 15th August, 1947 was also read out to the people present.
(b) On 23rd August the branch, as a part of the celebrations of the centenary of Sri Aurobindo's arrival at Pondicherry, organized a recitation programme by students. The poem selected was Sri Aurobindo's "The Golden Light".
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
The Chennai branch organized the following talks during the month of August 2009:
Date Topic Speaker01.08.2009 "The Mother and Durga" Shri M.K. Ramaswamy02.08.2009 "A Decade with The Mother" Shri Janakan09.08.2009 "Aspiration" Shri M.K. Ramaswamy16.08.2009 "Sri Aurobindo's Vision" Mr. Jagan "Sri Aurobindo's Path" Ms. Sathyapriya "Divine Grace" Master Vignesh23.08.2009 "Grace and Protection" Shri Keelambur, editor 'Kalaimagal'30.08.2009 "The Mother on Education" 'Kalaimamani' - Shri Erwadi Radhakrishnan
The Annanagar Centre of the Society brought out a book "Sri Aravindar Annai Bhakti Pamalai" in Tamil in commemoration of the centenary year of Sri Aurobindo's arrival in Pondicherry and the Golden Jubilee year of the Society. The book contains 82 devotional songs (50 composed by Mrs. Manonmani Rangasamy and the rest by Shri N.V. Balu) and two childhood photos of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The book is priced at Rs.20/-. The Branches and Centres of the Society will get 33.3% discount. Interested Branches and Centres may contact : Sri Aurobindo Society Centre, Om Sri Annai Dhyana Maiyam, AP-514, J Block, 8th Street, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 600 040, Phone : 044-26161826
Andhra Pradesh - Activities
1. In the context of the Golden Jubilee year of the establishment of Sri Aurobindo Society, Siddipet Study Circle is bringing out a booklet in Telugu containing 15 selected essays which appeared in the issues of the two Telugu magazines, "Arka" and Divya Deepika", giving useful information about the Society, its objects and the work going on under its banner, to serve as a handbook and guide to all members of the Society and the public. They propose to release this booklet at the 15th Annual Conference of all Centres and Branches in Andhra Pradesh coming up in December, 2009.
2. From 19.09.2009 to 28.09.2009 (both days inclusive), which were the Navratri festival days, the Hyderabad Branch arranged a collective reading of the book, "The Mother" from cover to cover, daily at the Branch. On 19.09.2009 there was also a brief meditation, as the day marked the beginning of the Golden Jubilee year of the establishment of Sri Aurobindo Society by the Mother.
3. With effect from Saturday the 12th September 2009, the Hyderabad Branch has started from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. a Satsang in which there will be group (collective) reading, study and discussion on the writings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother appearing in the issues of All India Magazine (past and present). These sessions will be conducted every Saturday as a regular weekly activity at the branch in future.
4. Among the many celebrations held at the Society's Centres and Branches on 15th August 2009, the following are worth noting:
i. At Hyderabad, programs included a talk on Yoga of Works, rendering of devotional music, free distribution of a book in Telugu called "The Mother's Mantras", Childrens' cultural variety program, display of a video on Flowers and their Spiritual Significance and day long Savitri Pathanam. In addition, Children of local Sri Aurobindo International School staged a one-hour drama on Sri Aurobindo's Prison life in 1908-09, at their school.
ii. At Eluru, programs included Essay Competition for high school students with prize distribution, books and flowers exhibition, display of a CD on Sri Aurobindo's life and on Integral Education, etc. A local newspaper carried a full page article on Sri Aurobindo, the Mother and the Ashram.
Ch. Indeevar, interacting with the participants
Books for youth, on display
5. At the Khammam Centre, a youth wing was started on 15th Aug. 2009 headed by Shri B. Veeriah, Chairman of the Center. This wing conducted a Youth Conference on 25 August 2009 in which 13 students (with MBA, MCA, Engineering, Intermediate background) and 8 other members participated. The participants were addressed by Shri Harshvardhan Raju and Indeevar. Harshvardhan Raju interacted with the youth on the need for Consciousness and importance of spiritual life. Indeevar spoke on the importance of Self-Consciousness and goals. The participants were also introduced to the Society and its objectives, life and mission of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and their message to the youth.
6. Shri K. Bhaskararao from Tenali Branch has been giving talks in Telugu which are broadcast on AIR, Vijayawada every Monday at 6:00 a.m. He has been also writing articles in Telugu which appear in Andhra Jyoti newspaper every Tuesday.
Biaora (Madhya Pradesh)
From left: Dr Suman Kochar,Shri Rakesh Ojha Secy of Biaora Centre,Shri Bharadwaj,Shri Manoj,Shri Hari Shankar Dangi and Shri D.N. Sharma delivering the speech
One day seminar held at Biaora, Madhya Pradesh on 6 September, 2009 the main theme of the seminar was "Sri Aurobindo: Confluence of Nationalism and Spirituality". Shri Manoj Sharma was the keynote speaker. Dr. Suman Kochar presided over the function. Chairman of Centre Shri Hari Shankar Dangi welcomed all guests. Shri Bharadwaj spoke about the sadhana aspect.
Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
Sri Aurobindo Society, Ujjain Branch organised a programme in Maharshi Aurobindo Public School, Kaluheda, a remote village of Ujjain District. Shri Vibash Upadhyay, Chairman of the Ujjain Branch, explained the message of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother to the School children and villagers.
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
Shri Vijay Poddar, presiding over the function
Sri Aurobindo Society Gwalior organised the Lele Memorial Lecture Series-2009 at Gwalior. Gwalior was the native place of Mahatma Vishnu Bhaskar Lele, the famous yogi who stayed with Sri Aurobindo at Baroda. Topic of this year's talk was ''Sanskritik Jagran Ki Aawashyakta''.
Shri Mukul ji of Vivekanand Kendra (Delhi) and Shri Manoj Sharma (Bhopal) were the main speakers. Shri Vijay Poddar ji, Chairman of SAS Zonal committee (Hindi zone) presided over the function.
Harda (Madhya Pradesh)
Shri Manoj Sharma, speaking to Children of Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda
Children of Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda
Sri Aurobindo Society Harda Centre organised a lecture program under the title "Sri Aurobindo: Confluence of Nationalism and Spirituality" at Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda, Madya Pradesh. Shri Manoj Sharma (Bhopal) spoke on this topic. Shri Kaivalya Smart (Surat) spoke on "Utkrashta Jeevan Kaisa Ho?". Shri Shukla presided over the function. Several sadhaks of nearby Centres attended the function. Shri Surendra Jain Director of Sanskar Vidhya Peeth Harda welcomed the guests. A question answer session followed.
Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society (2009-10) - Celebrations at Centres & Branches
Annual Convention of Centres and Branches of Maharashtra and Goa
Pradeepbhai, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society,Pondicherry, addressing the audience
Annual Convention of the Centres and Branches of Maharashtra and Goa was held at Goa on 5, 6 and 7th September 2009. 45 participants from 13 Centres/Branches participated. Shri Pradeep Narang presided over the meetings and Shri Kaivalya Smart coordinated the proceedings. All the meetings took place at the beautifully renovated Hall of the Goa Branch. The topics covered in discussions were: Review of the work at different Centres, Golden Jubilee of Sri Aurobindo Society, Centenary of Sri Aurobindo's arrival at Pondicherry, Our Work Ahead and My Aspiration. Young participants gave short talks on five different qualities of Psychological Perfection.
Every morning began with Surya-Namaskar. Shri Deepak D'souza, Secretary of the Goa Branch and his team made full efforts to make the event successful. On the last day all the participants had a local sight-seeing tour. Shri Soham Munim offered at the Branch an impressive solo sitar recital one evening wherein local musicians were also present.
Surat (Gujarat)
Golden Jubilee Celebrations: Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced in the Branch on 19th September 2009, the beginning of the Centenary Year and also the beginning of Navaratri. Kaivalya Smart delivered nine talks on nine mornings on "Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga - Theory and Practice. More than 65 persons participated in the programme every morning. Vijaya Dashami being the foundation day of the Centre Sri Aniruddha Smart gave a talk in the evening. More than 120 persons participated.
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
At Mumbai Branch, Churchgate, the Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced on 19th September 2009. Evening programme of Invocation, Meditation with the Mother's reading of 'The Hour of God' and Durga Stotra chanting was held at the Centre. 35 persons participated.
Kamakshi, conducting a session on Music with Movements
Jesal, interacting with children on Art
The Branch also celebrated the Golden Jubilee by organising a five day programme of invocation of the Divine Mother, from 25th to 30th September 2009, in the ground floor hall, Pushpa Kunj, near Churchgate. An exhibition of various photographs of the Mother with suitable lines from Savitri was also arranged. There were daily meditations, reading of the words of the Mother and Savitri, Chanting of Durga Stotra, Audio Visual presentation on a big screen on the four aspects of the Mother. Special workshops were conducted for children on Music by Miss Kamakshi Khurana and on Art by Miss Jesal Thacker. About 125 persons participated.
Borivali - Mumbai (Maharashtra)
The decoration at the centre
Borivali Centre in Mumbai, at Yogi Nagar, E-20/102, Creek View Society, first floor, Dena Bank Bldg. started on 4th April 2009. It has regular meetings and study class every Saturday evening. For the Golden Jubilee celebration a special programme of Invocation, Meditation and Chanting was held at the Centre on the night of 19th September 2009. 15 persons participated. The meeting was conducted by Smt. Rama Hariharan.
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) - Commencement of the Golden Jubilee of Sri Aurobindo Society
On the occasion of commencement of the Golden Jubilee of Sri Aurobindo Society, a special collective meditation followed by bhajans were held at Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. Shri S.K. Jain, Chairman briefed the devotees about the objectives of the Society and how a member's integral participation is possible. About 50 devotees and their families attended the programme. Hindi booklets 'Light Endless Light' & 'Seeds of Light' containing quotes of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother were distributed.
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
The activities to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations commenced on the 19th to 22nd September at Jaipur.
(a) In order to create awareness through the distribution of books & booklets amongst people in general small booklets on Sri Aurobindo's Yoga were distributed to passengers travelling from Jaipur to Delhi by the Jaipur Centre on 19th and 21st September 2009. The main idea was that they shall read the books during their travel and pass on the books to others. It worked out very well and a total of about 200 passengers were provided with more than 100 books (Rays of Light, Sunlit Path, Bases of Yoga etc.) and about 500 booklets.
(b) It was on 22nd Sept. that three main schools of Jaipur were approached and they were given about 1000 books and booklets. Also SBI & SBBJ (banks) were provided with books 'Management by Consciousness' and more than 300 booklets. The ICICI bank & misc distribution accounted for 200 booklets.
In all about 125 No. of books and 2000 booklets were distributed in these three days (19th, 21st & 22nd Sept).
Aurangabad (Bihar)
As a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Society the Aurangabad Centre organized an essay competition for the high school and college students on 20th September 2009. 35 students participated in the competition. During the prize distribution function a workshop on 'Personality Development' was arranged under the guidance of Prof. Rathi, Sou. Jyoti Ladda and Mr. Vinod Makasare.
DelhiGolden Jubilee Celebrations: To mark the beginning of the Golden Jubilee of the formation of Sri Aurobindo Society, a dance and music programme was organized on Saturday, 19th September 2009, in the Hall of Life Divine, Delhi Branch. A drama dance performance was choreographed based on the theme of stepping back. The effort was to see if we in our daily life lived any differently by the grace of Sri Aurobindo's and the Mother's teachings. All the sadhaks in the Society whole-heartedly participated.
Mr. Tajendra Khanna, Lt. Governor of Delhi was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mr. Vijay K. Poddar presented a memento to the Chief Guest who addressed the audience. Around 250 people attended the programme.
Vellore (Tamil Nadu)
On 13th September 2009, a talk was delivered on "Life of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother" by Mr. V.S. Balakrishnan, Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society, Madurai Centre. He also spoke on the "Golden Jubilee Year of Sri Aurobindo Society". More than 75 members attended the meeting.
On 19th September 2009, the Foundation Day of Sri Aurobindo Society, a special meditation was arranged by the members. They arranged 50 varieties of Flowers for Pushpanjalli from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. They also lit 50 lamps. Many members attended the celebrations.
