Akram Youth
June 2015 | English
Dada Bhagwan Parivar
Nischay
12
1 Analyse
Pratikraman
Do not Protect
The difference between
impossible and
Possible
lies in a person's determination.
4
2 3
02 | June 2015
Editorial
Contents
'Arise! Awake! And stop not until the goal is reached'. Ten little words by Swami Vivekananda, yet they go a long way to instill a sense of determination and sincerity for our every goal. Friends, we all must have set goals at some point in our lives. Also when facing obstacles we might have given up on them thinking about our own limitations or blaming the circumstances. Instead at such times if we were to study the lives of inspirational personalities like Abraham Lincon or Steve Jobs. It would reignite the spark and help us put in that extra bit of effort to achieve what we had set out to do. I would also recommend reading about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel whose life bears testimony of what one can achieve through sheer determination. In this issue we have highlighted the significance of determination through various articles and we hope it shall help rekindle the fire to achieve your goals. - Dimple Mehta.
04 Gnani with Youth | Nischay 06 Koshish Karne Valo ki kabhi har nahi hoti 08 Habit
14 Dada’s Book Excerpt | Dadavani (December 1995)
16 Gnani an idol of Astonishment
10 Gnani's Scientific Solutions
18 Glimpses of Great Souls | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel 21 News update | Statue of Unity
11 Step - 2
22 iStar Experience
12 The Nischay breakers Publisher & Editor: Dimple Mehta Pg. 24 - June 2015. Year: 3. Issue: 2. Cont. Issue: 26. Contact : Gnani Ni Chhayama (GNC), Trimandir Sankul, Simandhar City, Ahmedabad-Kalol Highway, Adalaj, Dist. Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382421 Phone: (079) 39830100 email: akramyouth@dadabhagwan.org website: youth.dadabhagwan.org store.dadabhagwan.org/akram-youth
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Akram Youth | 03
with Gnani Youth
Nischay Questioner : I am doing Engineering, but when I sit to study I am unable to concentrate for long. What should I do? Pujyashri : Before we sit down to study we must pray to Dada Bhagwan- “Hey Dada Bhagwan, please give me enough strength to concentrate on my studies. Ask for this strength 5 to 10 times and then chant “Dada Bhagwan na Asim Jai Jai Kar Ho” for 10 minutes with eyes closed while visualizing every letter. 04 | June 2015
Begin your studies after this. If there is any noise or distraction, tell yourself“Alkesh, concentrate! We have decided to study for 3 hours and we have hardly studied for 20 minutes. Be sincere!” During the course of time there may be several causes of distraction like the sound of T.V. serials, traffic noise, music etc. Once we firmly decide to get up only after studying for a preset duration, we shall derive immense strength. Even
nature will help us and will bring about necessary circumstantial evidences that do not disturb our studies. In this way you can virtually finish studies in a span of 2 to 3 hours which would otherwise require 7 to 8 hours, thereby saving at least 5 hours. Once a decision has been taken it has a lot of power, so one should firmly decide everything and once decided should not waiver from that decision. Suppose you have decided to study for an hour or two, the duration may be as per your desire but once decided you should remain sincere to it. You may decide to relax for 20 minutes after studying for one hour. In that case you may do so. Relax for 20 minutes, but be sincere to that particular time duration marked for studies. This way the mind will be pleased and will stay at ease and you will get strength to study for more hours. Firmly deciding gives a lot of power and that too the positive kind. Then if a friend comes along and disturbs us and we have 40 minutes left for completion we must be firm & tell him “Not now please. Let me complete my studies.'' Don't get up midway and stick to your schedule. By doing so you will get all the necessary help from nature. Do you understand? Aptasutra 692
Taking firm decision is an 'effort' by itself.
Aptasutra 687 How focused we are while crossing a narrow bridge over a deep ocean! In such a situation we don't need to remind ourselves to stay focused constantly. Once decided we remain aware constantly.
Aptasutra 688 In case we falter after taking a decision, we should try again and again. Negative thoughts such as 'I can't do it' will destroy strength of one's relative-self (Pratishthit Atma). Aptasutra 689 Firm determination is that which 'Once decided, lasts forever.' Then you will get necessary footing at the right time. But if one deviates, he will not gain the same. If one takes some decisions and then keeps changing them, then they will bear fruit no doubt, but over a period of time and that too in bits and pieces, not at a stretch. Akram Youth | 05
लहर से डर कर नौका पार नह होती,
कोिशश करने वाल क कभी
हार नह होती
- ह रवंशराय ब चन
न ह च टी जब दाना लेकर चलती है चढ़ती दीवार पर, सौ बार िफसलती ह.ै.. आिख़र उसक मेहनत बेकार नह होती...
Abraham Lincoln Born in poverty, he repeatedly faced failures. He could have quit many times, but he was a fighter and history shows that he became one of the greatest presidents of America. Let us see the list of failures in Abraham Lincoln’s Life... Failed in business. Ran for state legislature - lost. Also lost his job. Wanted to go to law school but couldn't get in. Borrowed some money from a friend, went bankrupt. Spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt. Ran for state legislature again - won. Was engaged to be married, his fiancé died. Had a total nervous breakdown. Sought to become speaker of the state legislature Lincoln was a fighter defeated. Sought to become elector defeated. Ran for Congress - lost. and he never gave up. Then in 1846, ran for Congress again - this time he won - went to Washington and did a good job. Ran for re-election to Congress - lost. Sought the job of land officer in his home state rejected. Ran for Senate of the United States - lost. Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party's national convention - got less than 100 votes. Ran for U.S. Senate again - lost.
In 1860, elected president of the United States. 06 | June 2015
...डबिकयां िसंधु म गोताखोर लगाता है ु जा जा कर खाली हाथ लौटकर आता है मु ी उसक खाली हर बार नह होती... Steve Jobs College dropout. Fired tech executive. Unsuccessful businessman. Steve Jobs will always be best known for his incredible success in guiding Apple Inc. and transforming the entire computer and phone industry. But he is also remembered fondly as the poster child for making mistakes. Steve Jobs wasn't just fired. He was dumped by Apple, his baby, the company he co-founded. Later in a speech, Jobs recalled the devastating public humiliation of being ousted, and conceded that he even considered running away from Silicon Valley. Only later did he see how the blow helped him. “I didn't see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.” During his time away from Apple, Jobs bought the animation studio Pixar. Pixar revolutionized animated movie making with releases such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Cars. On rejoining Apple, Steve Jobs created a revolution in his field with his novel ideas and unique concepts. During his years at the Apple, he administered the development of the iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad and had 346 US patents by his side. Today he is popularly known as the 'Father of the Digital World'.
...असफलता एक चनौती ह,ै ु
इसे वीकार करो
या कमी रह गई, देखो और सधार ु करो ै को यागो तम जब तक न सफल हो, न द चन ु
संघष का मदैान छोड़ कर मत भागो तम ु कछ ु िकये िबना ही
जय जय कार नह होती कोिशश करने वाल क कभी हार नह होती Akram Youth | 07
Habit
What should I do to overcome this habit?
Professor Ramakant was explaining the science of 'habits' during a lecture on psychology, “Habits are a result of our opinions which eventually become our behavioural pattern. What Mahatma Gandhi said about habits decades ago still holds true for us.” Saying so, he approached the white board and started writing Gandhiji's quote. 'Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.' After reading the quote, Vidhi remembered some events of her life and felt as if Ramakant Sir was delivering the lecture to make her aware of her habits. She started reminiscing about events from her past. Once she had returned late from school. As she reached home, her mother Bhavanaben asked her, “Why are you late, kiddo?” “I was playing with my friends after school”, she replied. “You have started becoming irresponsible lately.” her mother quipped. “You better focus on your studies.” Vidhi got late again the next day. She wanted to speak the truth, but remembering previous day's experience, she lied to her mother to avoid being rebuked.“I stayed back at school for a drama practice for the upcoming competition”. She said to save herself. 08 | June 2015
“Then you must be tired. Go and freshen up and I will prepare some snacks for you”, Bhavanaben comforted her lovingly. Vidhi loved the way her mother treated her. She now felt that by lying one can avoid getting scolded and also get pampered. This understanding grew in her with a few more experiences and eventually became a firm belief. Consequently she kept on lying to escape unfavourable circumstances and she soon started getting habituated with it. It then became a ritual to lie and not accept her mistakes. ‘Every friend of mine plays after school. If my mother wouldn't scold me, I wouldn't be lying to her.’ She thought as she made excuses to escape her mother's wrath. Over a period of time she became such an expert that she always had impromptu answers to cover her follies. While in class she now remembered incidents of the previous day. Before Bhavanaben left for temple, she had instructed her saying, “Vidhi, I am going to the temple, do not forget to complete all the chores before your Dad returns. I will be back within an hour.” “Ok, mom”, Vidhi replied. After her mother left, she obediently went to the kitchen and started putting away the dishes. But while doing so she received a message on Skype from a close friend. “Hi Vidhi! How are you? What's up?” “Hi Toral! seeing you after a long time! I'm good. Nothing new, just routine. It's just
college and giving a helping hand at home.”
“Oh, dear! If you're busy I will catch up with you later.” “No, no, just chill! You've come online after a long time so let's chat. I can always finish the chore later. Tell me what's new at your end?” They got so engrossed in their chat that Vidhi didn’t realise that an hour had passed. Her mother now returned from the temple and realizing that she had goofed up, Vidhi quickly cut short the chat. “Toral, I have to leave now. Will speak to you later. Bye.” Saying so she ran to the kitchen to finish the chores. Her mother went straight to the bedroom and seeing that Vidhi had not changed the bed sheet, she asked , “Why haven't you changed the bed sheet yet? If your dad sees things in this state, he will get angry.” “I did go to change it, but I felt the previous one was ok. I thought you must have changed it already”, Vidhi lied immediately. “Why would I ask you to change it if I had done it?” “I thought...”
“Vidhi, didn’t you hang the washed clothes?” “How can I hang the clothes, as they are still in the washing machine? In the meanwhile, I thought I might as well put away the dishes.' Vidhi had lots of excuses ready for her mother but Bhavanben was annoyed because Vidhi had not completed any of the chores and she reacted angrily, “Does it take an hour to put away the dishes?” “Mom, I was helping Bunty with his Maths assignment because he was unable to solve it on his own.” Vidhi lied again to save herself from her mother's wrath. Bhavanaben now cooled down thinking that Vidhi had helped in one way if not another. “Oh, well! Now let's finish everything quickly. Your father shall be back soon.” Now Vidhi felt relaxed, ‘Fine! No heated arguments now.' She started helping her mom but she felt very guilty for lying. . Vidhi came back to the present on remembering the guilty feeling. She wondered, 'What should I do to come out of this bad habit of lying?' Let’s see what Dadashri has to say on this... Akram Youth | 09
Gnani's Scientific Solutions
OB
M PR
10 | June 2015
once you lose people's trust, you do not have any value as a human being. If someone lies to us, it hurts us, likewise if we lie to others, won't it hurt them too? Questioner: When we lie do we bind karmas? Dadashri: Definitely! But more than speaking lies it is the intent of wanting to lie which binds more karmas. If someone lies, it's fruit will be borne in the next life. Questioner: Although not wanting to speak lies, they tend to be spoken Dadashri: If you happen to lie and you realise it, then immediately ask for forgiveness from Dada saying, 'Dada, I do
not want to lie. Please forgive me. I will not lie henceforth.’ Thus our opinion to lie perishes and so does the demerit karmas that we have bound. Yet if it occurs again keep asking for forgiveness repeatedly so it will not bind us.
S OL
U
ON TI
LE
Questioner: Why does a person lie? Dadashri: A person lies out of fear. There is an underlying fear of what someone might say to him or else it is out of the desire to obtain something. So, gradually he gets into the habit of lying. Consequently, it so happens that even in the absence of fear he lies out of habit. If you were sent to Borivali station saying, “Go to Borivali and check if Dada has arrived. Dada was to reach the station by five o'clock,” You leave for Borivali but you bump into a friend on the way and start chatting with him. You return (without going to Borivali) and say, “It seems that Dada has not arrived.” But I would have come for satsang which everybody would know. Then people will stop trusting you. Questioner: What are the disadvantages of lying? Dadashri: People will lose trust in you and
2
Step Dada Bhagwan has defined 4 steps to help overcome weaknesses. For example if you have a `habit of smoking’ then you should tackle the weakness using these steps... Step 1: Nischay | Have a very strong opinion that smoking is bad. This should be very clear in your intent. Step 2: Analyse | Analyse in what all ways it is bad for you. You should be aware of the repercussions and be conscious of all the ill effects it can cause. Step 3: Pratikraman | Whenever you smoke, immediately repent whole heartedly and pray to the God within saying, `O Lord, I have erred. Please forgive me, and grant me the strength to overcome this weakness.’
Step 4: Do not Protect
Step 3: Pratikraman
Step 4: Do not Protect | Never ever defend or protect your weakness by stating, ‘what’s the harm in doing so?’ ‘Why have they built cigarette factories in this world?’ One should never state that there is no harm in smoking. Instead one should accept openly that it’s my weakness, I am at fault. I too am seeking the strength to overcome it.’ In this way one can gradually overcome his/her weakness. This is an article on STEP 2 of this process. What breaks our Nischay? Let us analyse the list of Nischay Breakers and get solutions to overcome them.
Step 2: Analyse
Step 1: Nischay Akram Youth | 11
The
Nischay breakers
7 1 3
Factors obstructing firm determination And solutions to overcome them
Lack of sincerity Lack of Interest
e.g. I like playing games but I don't like studying. Solution: - Proper time management. - Separate time for studies and play. - Know the importance of what you have set out to do.
Laziness
e.g. I want to study but I feel sleepy now. Solution: - Exercise or gym at least once a day to keep yourself fresh. - For immediate results, wash your face OR do some deep breathing OR just freshen up.
2
Influence / pee
Lack of analys
Solution : - Study in depth the pros a - Study the positive and ne
Negative peer
Solution : - Be with people who supp - Remember your nischay wants to. - Achieve the goal.
Unavoida circumst
e.g. Met with an ac exam. Solution: - Study on regular b - Be prepared for su Accident do happ - Think positive and
Media/ gadgets
Distractions
Gossip
e.g. I was determined to study but I ended up gossiping with friends. Solution: - Select a peaceful place (library).
12 | June 2015
e.g. I was studying but then a facebook \ whatsapp message popped up and I was lost in chatting. e.g. My mom was watching a serial and I also ended up joining them. e.g. I cannot abstain from IPL fever. Solution: - Switch off all gadgets etc in your room while you are studying.
sis.
and cons of what you do. egative part of it.
r pressure.
port your goals. y because it is you who
able tances
Copycat (I thought it’s easy because my friend did it) Solution: - Know your limits. Perform swot analysis. Assess your, S – strengths W – weakness O – opportunities T– threat
Overconfidence
er pressure
Blinded by ego
6
(Over assessed my abilities) Solution: - Overconfidence and under-confident are two sides of the same coin… confidence is normality.
ccident before
basis. uch contingencies. pen. d
5
Losing hope
e.g. I feel I will not do well in exams. Fear and anxiety pops up. Inferiority complex Solution: - Talk to teachers and parents - Think positive and be with people having positive attitude - Boost self confidence - Study what successful people do in such cases?
Lack of information to achieve goal
e.g. I want to achieve my goal but I don't know the way.
Half knowledge Solution: - Search for new avenues. - Be with friends who have achieved it. - Be in search of ways to achieve your goal.
Lack of clarity Solution: - Try to have a clear vision of your goal Akram Youth | 13
Dada’s Book Excerpt Obstacles due to lack of determination Be free of obstacles by unflinching determination
Download free PDF version of December 1995 Dadavani issue by scanning this QR code OR Visit - http://www.satsang.dadabhagwan.org/?m=dadavani
B
y encountering obstacles on the path of salvation, your strength increases. So whenever you face obstacles on this path, keep your determination firm that ‘No one can stop me.’ Keep such intent but don't speak of it. Speaking is ego. Questioner: Do obstacles go away by themselves or by real spiritual efforts? Dadashri: They perish with intent. When the time comes for the obstacles to disappear, intent begins. Questioner: But isn't there a formation (coming into existence) of obstacles? Dadashri: Meaning of the word formation is not as you used. What is the meaning of an obstacle? If you blow it, it will fly away. Meaning of obstacle is lack 14 | June 2015
of firm determination. Did you consider a man's Purusharth (real spiritual efforts)? There is religion of Purusharth which can be followed. Questioner: Is firm determination considered Purusharth? Dadashri: Yes, Purusharth is the firm determination that I want to do this (i.e. to attain salvation). Questioner: But everyone's determination does not give satisfactory results. Dadashri: That may or may not give required results. But that is not our look out. We need to have unflinching determination. If you do not have any determination, then your goal cannot be attained. Questioner: That's correct.
Dadashri: Our own lack of determination is by itself an obstacle. With firm determination obstacles perish. If there is unflinching determination for realising the soul, all obstacles start perishing isn't it?
Gnani (the awakened one) breaks Gnanantaray(obstacles for knowledge) Questioner: How can Gnanantaray (obstacles for knowledge) and Darshanantaray (obstacles for vision) be broken? Dadashri: Gnani Purush (one who has realised Self and is able to do the same for others) can break those. Gnani Purush can also remove those. He also destroys Agnan (Ignorance of Self) as well as removes Gnanantray. However, there are certain types of obstacles which cannot be destroyed even by Gnani Purush. Questioner: Which are those obstacles? Dadashri: Wherever Vinay Dharm (essence of respect and humility) is not followed. Vinay is most important for the path of salvation. There should not be the slightest of negative thoughts about Gnani Purush. Whoever receives this Gnan (knowledge of Self), all of his obstacles break. Do you understand what I am saying? I am telling you that I have made it easy to break all obstacles. The Gnan that I have given you and all the Agnas (five principles) given along with it, can break all the obstacles.
Questioner: Dada, when we decide that we want to go for the Satsang (spiritual discussions), then all situations become favourable. Dadashri: Our determination breaks obstacles into pieces. What is needed is firm decision. Obstacles keep popping up unless one makes firm determination. Suppose, there is a lot of traffic on a road, but the Prime minister or someone like him approaches the road with firm determination, then the traffic will get cleared. Within an hour or so the road will become empty. No one will remain there! It's like that! Is our status like that of the Prime minister?! Our status is of Paramatma (absolute soul)!!! You gain the status of Paramatma after receiving Gnan!!! You might not be able to remain one with it due to your limitations, but it is a status of Paramatma. Status of pure soul is the status of absolute soul!
After getting Atma-Gnan (self realisation), obstacles are Sanyogi (circumstantial) and circumstances have nature of Viyog (dissipation) after some time. And we are “pure soul” Asanyogi – Aviyogi (non-circumstantial and non-dissipating). Akram Youth | 15
GnaniAstonishment An Idol Of
16 | June 2015
T
his incident dates back to the year 1990. During that period there was a Mahatma who used to attend Dada's satsang. There were a lot of differences in opinion between him and Niruma. All his interactions were rational while Niruma was totally devoted to Dada. Even so if Dada would heed to Niruma's suggestions at times, the Mahatma would feel offended. Due to this Dada would then take his side. One day an incident of differences cropped up once again. This time Dadashri supported that mahatma although the stand he had taken was not right and overlooked Niruma. Pujya Niruma was very upset with Dada's biased attitude. When she could not resist it anymore she said to Dada, “Dada, you have supported him wrongly. The stand that he has taken is not at all acceptable.” And then Dadashri took Niruma to remand and asked her point blank, “How could you say so? What did you mean by it? Tell me what you feel within” That night Dada stayed awake and did not let Niruma rest too in order to solve this matter. Then dadashri explained very compassionately “I have to take his side so that he may not falter on the path of salvation. You are already taken care of but I have take care of him. Many a times I do as you say in the day to day routine, which hurts him. So I have to use you as a 'buffer' in order to please him. If he develops negativity for me, he will lose this ‘gnan'. But if he develops negativity towards you then I am there to handle it.”
Niruma was deeply touched with this explanation and said, “Agreed. Dada use me as a buffer as many times as you want. I could not have been more fortunate. Blessed I am, to act as a ‘buffer’ for none other than Dadashri.” After that Niruma was enveloped with bliss all the time. Following those words Dada had also added, “Niruben, you don't bother about these matters. You just maintain an irrevocable intent that may my fate be just as that of Dada”.To this Niruma replied, “I will Dada. But for that please do ‘vidhi’ for me.” Finally, all this finished at 5:00 in the morning and then Dada went to bed and so did Niruma. After this incident Niruma never ever repeated anything of the sort with Dada.
Dadashri also used to say that “Lot many people have come to serve me and left. None could last long. Niruben has been the only person who has remained loyal in our seva since the past 20 years because her nature matches with that of mine. Therefore she has stayed on and her respect for Dada never decreased even once.” Akram Youth | 17
Glimpses of Great Souls Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
T
he history of India would have been different had it not been for Sardar Patel the Deputy Prime Minister when India became independent in 1947. Sardar Patel consolidated the country into one united whole in a unique manner. His strength of character, the sharpness of his mind, his organizing skills, and all his energy were offered for achieving the freedom of India and for India's consolidation after independence. We admire a man who rises to a political or financial peak, but are moved by one whose sole purpose in life is the strength and well being of his compatriots. And we are moved even more when we discover that next to the steel in his soul is tenderness for colleagues. In successive phases of his life Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel showed the defiance of the oppressed, a trial lawyer's brilliance, the daring to give up a flourishing career, the discipline of a soldier in the battle for freedom, the strategies of a General,the indifference as a prisoner of the Raj, the generosity of the strong, the firmness of a patriot, and the farsightedness of a statesman. When 18 | June 2015
times are depressing or daunting, Patel reminds us of India’s potential. When times are good, we can think of him with glad grauntitude. Early Years: Vallabhbhai Patel was born on October 31, 1875 at Nadiad, in the Kaira district of Gujarat. He was the son of Laadbai and Zaverbhai Patel, a simple farmer. Sardar: Around 1915, when the Swadeshi Movement was at its peak, Patel started actively participating in it. Around the same time the British government declared to confiscate all the lands of farmers. It was under his sterling leadership and practical vision that the peasant movement in Gujarat became a success and the British government was forced to amend the rules. Due to his exemplary leadership qualities, Sarojini Naidu bestowed him with the title of 'Sardar'. The Iron man of India: On the eve of their departure, the British government announced that its rule would lapse not only over the
British territory but even over the native States. This meant that like India and Pakistan, as many as 625 small and big native states would become independent. Consequently, the country would be divided into a number of small and big units. Patel did not hesitate in using the policy of ‘Saam-Daam-Dand-Bhed’ (friendship, bribery, punishment and division) for achieving his objective. Such was his resolve
Akram Youth | 19
and tact that princely states were left with no other option but to merge with India. Basically it was his success in integrating all the princely states after independence, and that too without much bloodshed that got him the sobriquet of ‘Iron Man’. There is one very interesting anecdote of his childhood which highlights his strength of character. Once, when he was a small boy, Vallahbhai suffered from a boil in the armpit. There was a man in the village who used to cure boils by bursting them with hot iron. As young Vallabh went to him, the man heated the iron rod till it grew red. But he hesitated upon noticing the boy's tender age. "What are you waiting for? The iron will get cold. Hurry up, brand the boil," said the boy firmly. The man was even more frightened. Then the boy himself picked up the glowing rod and burst the boil. Those who watched him were shocked and screamed. But there was not even a trace of pain on the boy's face. Dedication: In 1909, Patel's wife Jhaverba was hospitalized and was to undergo a major surgical operation for cancer. Her health suddenly worsened and despite the successful emergency surgery, she died in the hospital. Patel was cross-examining a witness in court 20 | June 2015
when he was given a note informing him of his wife's demise. According to those who witnessed, Patel read the note, pocketed it and continued to intensely cross-examine the witness and won the case. He broke the news to the others only after the proceedings had ended. Awards and commemorations: Sardar, who passed away on 15th December 1950 was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. He is also remembered as the ‘Patron Saint’ of India’s civil servants for establishing modern all-India services. An annual commemoration of Patel, known as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), was introduced by the Government of India in 2014 and is to be held annually on his birthday, 31 October.
At the age of 36, Patel journeyed to England and enrolled at the Middle Temple Inn in London. Finishing a 36month course in 30 months, Patel topped his class despite having no previous college background.
News update
Statue of
UNITY The Statue of Unity is an under construction 182 metre (597 ft) monument of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that will be built directly facing the Narmada Dam. 3.2 km away on the river island called Sadhu Bet near Vadodara in Gujarat, India. This statue is planned to be erected over a spread of 20000 square meters of project area. It will also be surrounded with a man-made lake spread across 12 km of area. When completed it shall be the world's tallest statue. Indian infrastructure company L &T commenced the construction on 31 October 2014 and is expected to complete it by 2018. For further details visit www.statueofunity.in
Akram Youth | 21
international Spiritual Teenager Akram Retreat A specially designed Akram Retreat for International Youth between the age of 13 to 21 years.
iStar 2015 : 10th to 23rd August For further details and Registration visit: istar.dadabhagwan.org
The Retreat includes interactive activities, day-trips, jatra (religious tour), group discussions, self development programs & games, videos and also satsang sessions with Pujya Deepakbhai, Aptputra bhaios & Aptputri behnos. It gives a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to visit India & Simandhar city to get a flavour of Indian culture, interact with other like-minded youth from various countries and get an in-depth introductory understanding of Akram Vignan.
We'll study Dada's principles and apply them in day to day life. If we progress with the right understanding, then we get two benefits... one - the benefit of progress in Gnan and two - the fun of travelling. - Pujyashri Deepakbhai
22 | June 2015
Priyanka Harania Kenya I had so much fun. On coming here I felt at peace and most of my questions were answered.
Hemali Nathwani U.K. When I am here, I don't even feel the absence of my parents. I don't feel the absence of my family because I feel like all these girls have become like my family, these coordinators have become like family.
Namrata Gandhi
Pavan Gudka Kenya I had so much fun. I have come here and I got peace and I have got most of my questions answered. And then the activities were pretty good. We learned to sing ‘pads’, it was pretty good. So now when we go back, we'll be singing ‘pads’ with all the mahatmas.
Chand Shah Canada It was very balanced. We had time to hang out with friends. We had time to play in the pool, to swim, to play table tennis and pool. And then we even had satsang. It makes satsang a bit more enjoyable.
Krunal Shah
U.S.A.
U.S.A.
In iStar you learn a lot of different things, but I guess one of the biggest things you learn is responsibility.
I like everything about it, all the activities we've done. The jatra, that was amazing. The visit to Brahmakumaris place was excellent.
Soham
Khusboo Makwana U.S.A.
Before iStar, when we had sessions at Dallas I didn't really like all the vidhis and asim jay jay kars. I really thought they were boring. But then after I came here, I really felt at peace whenever I did them so it helped me see the value of doing vidhi.
U.K. It’s not just about learning Dada's gnan and stuff. It's like you have fun as well when you meet new people. I think everyone should come at least once to iSTAR and experience it. Akram Youth | 23
Date of Publication: 22nd of Every Month RNI No. GUJENG/2013/53112 Reg. No. G-GNR-311/2014-2016 Valid up to 31-12-2016 LPWP Licence No. CPMG/GJ/121/2014 Valid up to 31-12-2016 Posted at Adalaj Post Office on 22th of every month
Pg. 24 - June 2015. Year: 3. Issue: 2. Cont. Issue: 26.
Akram Youth
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