For a religion like Hinduism, which is often branded as chaotic and unorganised; when people belonging to different organisations come together under one banner to promote civilisational harmony it is nothing short of spectacular.
The Chennai chapter of the Global Foundation of Civilisational Harmony (GFCH) sponsored and organised a ?Hindu Spiritual and Services Fair 2009? at the Jaigopal Garodia Vivekananda Vidyalaya. This is a global-level initiative taken on behalf of faiths that originated in the eastern part of the world. It is aimed at bringing together organisations interested in the preservation and growth of cultures that live and grow in accord.
The first day of the fair was inaugurated by a plethora of renowned spiritual leaders and other eminent personalities. These included Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Nityananda, head of the Nityananda Dhyanapeetham; Swami Mitrananda, director of All India Chinmaya Yuva Kendra; Swami Atmashradhananda of the order of Ramakrishna Mission, editor of Vedant Kesari and Dr Padma Subramaniam, who is an eminent dancer. All the dignitaries had different messages to give the audiences but the crux of the matter was the same?the dire need for all Hindu organisations to come together and understand, support and grow with each other.
The opening ceremony was attended by over 1000 people who then went on to look through the stalls put up by the various organisations that participated in the fair. When asked what they thought of this unique initiative, one worker enthusiastically said: ?It'sa wonderful learning experience for all of us as we not only become aware of our own strengths as an organisation but also understand and appreciate the efforts of other organisations.? Another person said: ?If Hinduism were a banyan tree, we are her many branches. I finally understand that today.?
The stalls showcased many projects and each organisation conducted services, and also gave an approximation of the number of people they reached out to on a daily basis. When all this data was compiled, it was discovered that the 40 odd organisations, reached out to more than 36.5 crore individuals on a daily basis. This astounding number just goes to show how far and wide the reach of Hindu organisations is put together is.
The day ended with melodious bhajan renderings from the Mata Amritanandamayi Math and the Art of Living'sVyakti Vikas Kendra. A befitting end to day one of GFCH'sHindu Spiritual and Service Fair brought all Hindu organisations together?with a dynamic vision of wanting to see all organisations wake up to their own potential and realise what an integral part they play in today'ssociety.
The prominent organisations which participated in the fair included Arsh Vidya Gurukulam, Art of Living Foundation, Arya Samaj, Brahmakumaris, Chinmaya Mission, Friends of Tribal Society?Ekal Vidyalaya, Mata Amritananda-mayi Mutt, Patanjali Yogapeeth, Rashtra Sevika Samiti, Samskrit Bharati, Sewa Bharati, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Services Activity, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Vanvasi Sewa Kendram, Vivekananda Kendram, etc.
(FOC)
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