Pune – The city of Pune witnessed a remarkable celebration on the 144th birth anniversary of Sadhu Vaswani as 41,34,520 people pledged to observe November 25th as Meatless Day. Organized by the Sadhu Vaswani Mission and its educational institutions, the weeklong festivities included various service activities and uplifting celebrations.
The commemorations commenced with recorded discourses by Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P. Vaswani, as well as live talks by Didi Krishna Kumari. Millions of individuals and numerous organizations came together to pledge abstaining from all foods associated with violence on this significant day.
On the day itself, the Mission premises were filled to capacity with people from the city, neighboring areas, and even abroad, all gathering to partake in the celebrations. The initial session began with the kindling of the holy havan fire, accompanied by devotional renditions. Didi Krishna Kumari, addressing the audience, emphasized, “Saints like Sadhu Vaswani come to the earth plane to redeem humanity from its sufferings and lead them to God. To become receptive to their grace and belong to them, we must become humble.”
Devotees present at the function were visibly moved, expressing sentiments of overwhelming devotion. Mr. Ajay, one of the attendees, remarked, “There is a wave of devotion and spiritual energy all over the Mission.”
Following the session, a guru langar – fellowship meals – was served, featuring Sindhi cuisine. Akansha Sonawane, a participant, shared her experience, saying, “This is the first time I ate Sindhi food. The food was very tasty, and the event was very well arranged.”
The evening session included live telecasts of recorded discourses by Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P. Vaswani. The day concluded with bhajans and kirtan renditions that continued until midnight.
Integral to the celebration were various service activities, reflecting the spirit of compassion and selflessness promoted by Sadhu Vaswani. These activities included bird feeding, animal sevas, distribution of ration kits to poor and needy families, clothing donations to children of construction laborers, joy packets and geometry boxes for underprivileged school children, distribution of artificial limbs to beneficiaries, and providing essentials to transgenders and patients in need.
The Mission’s healthcare institutions also played their part by offering concessions in diagnostics and treatments, exemplifying a holistic approach to the well-being of the community.
As the echoes of this day of compassion reverberate across Pune, it serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of collective goodwill and the enduring legacy of spiritual luminaries like Sadhu Vaswani.
