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Stuti: [(Shrimad Sadgun Shālinam…), Jaynād (1 min)]
Dhun: [Bhaj Man Swāminārāyan - Anirdesh Kirtan Muktavali (3 mins)]
Gun Grahan: [Write down 3 qualities of people you have met, seen, or heard about this week, and share these with your family.]
Prasang Reading (3 mins):
At 8.46 a.m. on 26 January 2001 a devastating earthquake rattled Gujarat. The earthquake measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, demolishing buildings, infrastructure and killing thousands. While most people were still recovering from the initial shock of the earthquake, Pramukh Swami Maharaj had arranged warm meals for survivors by lunchtime. Swamishri mobilised the BAPS Sanstha’s sadhus and volunteers to begin emergency relief work. Swamishri was so involved with the relief efforts that he was on the phone the next morning even before taking a shower. For the next year, Swamishri coordinated the Sanstha’s earthquake relief work, often staying up till well past midnight to contact people in India and abroad to make necessary arrangements.
At the BAPS relief camps in and around Bhuj, more than 40,000 people were fed warm and nutritious meals daily. Drawing attention to the smallest of details, Swamishri called Vedagna Swami, the Kothari in Bochasan, regarding the grains being sent to Bhuj, “The grains that are being grinded for the relief kitchens have to be of the best quality. Make sure the grains are cleaned and sifted for small stones.”
Swamishri visited the kitchen in Atladra where food packets for distribution were being prepared. Upon inspection he suggested that two green chillies should be included in each packet, explaining, “People from the Kutch region enjoy spicy food. Also, they will taste good with the sweets.”
The survivors of the earthquake will probably never know the detail and care Swamishri took in organising the relief efforts.
Swamishri personally walked through the rubbled streets of earthquake-devastated villages showering his grace and compassion, and absorbing the pain and sorrow of the injured and traumatised victims.
More than 500 villages were provided aid and 15 villages and colonies were reconstructed. Today, these villages are considered amongst the finest in Gujarat, made possible by Swamishri’s meticulous care.
Discussion Points:
- What impact do you think Swamishri's personal involvement and hands-on approach had on the effectiveness of the relief work?
- How do you think the survivors of the earthquake felt when they received help and support from the BAPS Sanstha and Swamishri?
- What lessons can we learn from Swamishri’s meticulous approach to disaster relief that can be applied to other areas of life and leadership?
- Why do you think it was important for Swamishri to be involved in the relief efforts right from the start, even before taking care of his own needs?
- What does Swamishri’s focus on the quality of grains and adding chilies to the food packets tell us about his attention to detail and care for others?
- What qualities do we learn from Swamishri’s life? Examples of compassion?
Family Activity - Pramukh Swami Video (optional):
Watch this video here.
- Summarise the prasang shown here.
- What do you learn about Swamishri’s qualities from this Prasang?
- What can we imbibe in our lives from the Prasang?
- What other Prasangs can you share that show similar qualities of Swamishri?