Report of January to March 2011

January

Swamiji returned to Holland on 2nd January from New Delhi India.  On 6th January he visited Brahma Vidya Peetham Ashram in Virginia USA and stayed until 10th January before leaving for Trinidad West Indies.  Transiting for 2 days Swamiji left for Suriname on 12th January for Surya Kumbha Parvaa programs in Paramaribo Suriname. 

The Hindu Community of Suriname celebrated Surya Kumbha Parvaa which started on January 14th 2011, the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.  The festival continued until February 8th 2011.  This was a very historical moment in the cultural, social and spiritual life of the Suriname people.  This festival is a replica of the Kumbha Mela Mahotsav celebrated in India in four places viz. Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik.  The Kumbha Mela forms a nucleus amongst all the various sects and religious branches to propagate spiritual values. 

In the same way, at Gobardhan Ghat the Surya Kumbha Parvaa has manifested in the capital of the Republic of Suriname, Paramaribo at the big Suriname River that merges in the Atlantic Ocean.  In this program people from all walks of life and all districts of Suriname participated and took bath in the Ganga (river) with the feeling of receiving the divine blessings of Mother Ganga.

At the opening ceremony, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Suriname Mr. D. Bouterse, one of his senior most cabinet Ministers, Mr. Ramon Abrahams attended this function.  He extended best wishes to the Hindu community and said that the people are celebrating this function and that is a really great happening that shows the rainbow culture and acceptance of a multi cultural, multi ethnic, multi religious society.  He spoke about the great culture of India, its economical growth and the biggest democracy of Mother India.  He further explained how the President attended many programs in India during Indira Gandhi’s regime as Prime Minister of India.  He said that Suriname is proud that this Surya Kumbha Parvaa 2011 focuses on bringing about the synthesis of all cultures, religions and nationalities during this Festival.  He thanked the organizers of this program on behalf of the Suriname Government. 

During this program, Sri Swamiji presented the philosophical, mythological and spiritual meaning of Surya Kumbha and its values in front of the enthusiastic and crowded audience.  He emphasized on the importance and purity of the river, ocean, forest and soil of this earth.  He raised the consciousness of the people through his lectures on the Protection of the environment and Global warming.  He explained that Protection of Mother Nature can come through Religious and spiritual activities through all religions.  He explained the philosophy of the Vedas, Ramayana and Bhagwad Gita.  During his ten days discourse (January 14 to 23 2011), people felt energy, peace and found an understanding of their responsibilities and duties towards the Global Family and Mother Earth. 

All spiritual, social and political leaders from across the globe sent congratulatory letters and best wishes to the People of Suriname for this historical program.  Amongst these blessings came from Shri Ashok Singhal ji – International President of the World Council of Hindus, Shankaracharya Vasudevananda Saraswati of Jyotish Peeth India and Maharaj Adhiraj Rama of  Maharish Mahesh Yogi Organization from Holland.  People attended from Trinidad, Guyana, America, French Guyana, India and Netherlands. 

This Surya Kumbha Parvaa 2011 was yet another opportunity for unity in diversity, deep harmony within the society and a deeper national understanding of the diverse cultural rivers that has met in the Suriname Society.

On 24th January Sri Swamiji returned to Trinidad then visited Barbados on 29th and 30th for consultations.  He then travelled on 31 January to February 4th to Tulsi Vedanta Ashram Florida, USA. 

February

On 5th February Swamiji travelled to Holland via New York and on 7th February to New Delhi.  During this visit Swamiji was invited to the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Center Headquarters in Mt. Abu.  He returned to Holland on 27th February and started a Shiv Katha Yagna at Shiv Mandir in Rotterdam. 

March

Maha Shivratri programs continued at Shiv Mandir Rotterdam. This yagna was organized by some of Swamiji’s oldest devotees.  The audience was extremely happy to listen to the unique way in which Sri Swamiji presented the complete philosophy and mythology of Shiv Katha in relation to the modern time.  The program was well attended by a wide cross section of the Hindu population from various cities in Holland.

Swamiji travelled to Norway on 3rd March. Maha Shivratri Yagna was organized by Sanatan Shiv Mandir in Slemmestad Norway.  Here also Swamiji brought to life the great message of Shiv Katha for the benefit of mankind in this millennium.  The committee and devotees were very happy indeed and are eagerly looking forward to organise Sri Swamiji’s program again.

On 8th March Swamiji went to Denmark. Consultations, Class and Question & Answer session on Meditation, Yoga & Ramayana was organized at the Astanga Yoga Studio in Copenhagen.

On 10th Swamiji returned to Amsterdam. On 11th programs were done at the home of Pt. Chinnoe and at the Mckaisingh family in Rotterdam. On that same evening Sri Swamiji returned to the home of Mahabier family in Breda.

On 12th Srimad Devi Bhagwat Katha was organized in Eindhoven.  On 13th March Swamiji returned to Virginia, USA for one week at Brahma Vidya Peetham Ashram.  Devotees organized a trip to visit the New Vrindavan Temple and Golden Palace of ISKCON in West Virginia on 16th & 17th.  On 22nd March Swamiji travelled to Florida, USA and on 26th to Trinidad West Indies. 

In Service of God and Humanity