Acharya Chandanaji in India Today

SR No.: 269087
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: India Today
Publisher: India Today
Total Pages: 4
Language: English
Classification: Article & Ascetics
File Size: 6 MB

Page 3

AnIMPACTreature
through Seva (service), Shiksha (education) and Sadhna (inner development). For the last 40 years Veerayatan has touched thousands of lives and has succeeded in bringing hope and support to countless more.
Veerayatan encompasses a wide spectrum of activities which include running hospitals, schools, colleges, and vocational training programs for underprivileged sections of society across the country. Veerayatan serves people without regard to cast, creed, race, religion, or socio-economic status. It has actively initiated emergency relief camps and rehabilitation programs in the aftermath of natural calamities like earthquakes, floods and the tsunami. Veerayatan was among the first organisations present to provide necessary relief and rehabilitation in the first few weeks following the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat, the Tsunami in 2004 and during the Surat floods 2006 and the Kosi river floods in 2008. In addition, Veerayatan has a mission of reviving humanity by facilitating inner development.
Renunciates of Veerayatan conduct special spiritual programs throughout the world to develop humanity and help them find inner peace and happiness.
Veerayatan is very effectively run under the dynamic leadership of Acharya Shri Chandanaji with an able team of dedicated Sadhvijis (renunciates), honorary committee members and devoted volunteers. Operating under her visionary direction, Veerayatan creates an environment in which all people, beneficiaries, staff and volunteers feel empowered to share and serve.
This pioneering saint, who out of nothing created something unique, has made the impossible possible. The path which she has courageously initiated alone is now appreciated by many. Bestowed in 2002 with the coveted Shri Devi Ahilya National Award for her humanitarian service and animal welfare activities, Acharya Shri Chandanaji has also been recognized with the Mahavir Foundation Award, the Sant Balji Award and numerous other domestic and international accolades.
Acharya Shri Chandanaji has a strong bond with nature and she firmly believes that nature needs to be respected and loved because it most closely resembles the human inner world. Love for animals and nature is her passion. One can find her communicating with animals, trees and different components of nature.
Her love for creativity is another reason for the positive aura around her. The incredible hands of Chandana Shriji have created thousands of beautiful, artistic pieces with absolutely new vision, which people carry worldwide as gifts of love.
In places of pilgrimage, visitors are confronted by hundreds of children, old persons and unemployed youth begging for food, clothing and money. These pilgrimage places are centres of attraction for many visitors. Acharya Shri Chandanaji is of the firm opinion that if the pilgrimage places are beautifully maintained, these could become centers of motivation, inspiration and peace. She strongly believes that instead of creating temples in a village; let us make an effort to make the entire village a temple.
January 26, 2011, is the 75th birth anniversary of Acharya Shri Chandanaji. All who have experienced her divine love have an occasion to celebrate, including Sadhvijis, disciples, followers from all over the world and volunteers of Veerayatan. When she was asked about the celebration, she immediately responded that Seva is my only celebration. Hence to commemorate this auspicious occasion, a mega medical camp will be held in Bihar for thousands of beneficiaries. Approximately 7500 surgeries will be performed at this memorable event. There will also be the announcements for the opening of new schools, colleges and vocational training programs nationwide. The celebration is to promise and support the removal of poverty, illiteracy and violence from the world by spreading the message of Ahimsa and Compassion worldwide. Work will commence nationwide guided by her vision that "where there is a temple there should also be a school". Acharya Shri Chandnaji's birth anniversary is an opportunity to serve and Veerayatan is a beautiful platform. All those who want to serve can join hands to spread the message of compassion and love, as the journey of compassion continues...
Deprived of education,
children receive a ray of hope from Acharya Shri Chandanaji in the form of educational kits.
1. No natural calamity has more force than the unending flow of compassion and care that creates life, were the words of Acharya Shri Chandanaji when she served the affected people of Bihar floods.
2. A sufferer of Bihar floods being blessed and consoled by Acharya Shri Chandanaji.
3. An institute radiating Seva, Shiksha and Sadhna Veerayatan, Jakhania, Kutch.
4. Thousands of underprivileged children have received here world class education and learnt to live a virtuous life at Veerayatan Vidyapeeth, Jakhania, Kutch.
5. Patients with eye disease receive the words of warmth from Mataji at medical camp held in Rajgir, Bihar
The patients at NJS modern eye hospital at
Rajgir, having tr