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During the years in which Gurudev gave his energy and inspiration to The Divine Knowledge Society, the Society had a deep impact on men and women's lives throughout India.
Humanitarian Relief Work
The first relief fund was started by Gurudev in 1966, when the state of Bihar was desperately suffering from famine due to drought. On November 28, Gurudev was walking to the house where he would stay now that the rainy season retreat was ending. One of his disciples accompanied him, telling him of the recent famine in Bihar. Moreover, he suggested to Gurudev: “If you want to ask the people for help, I will be glad to start by offering five thousand rupees.” With this in mind, Gurudev started his talk as follows:
“I have just heard that the people of Bihar are suffering from famine. Men, women, and children are dying of starvation, thirst, and fatigue. They haven't even the strength to dig a well. And here we are about to celebrate the end of chāturmās with a feast. Can we think of a way to share our feast with our brothers and sisters in Bihar? One person has already begun by offering five thousand rupees.'
A newspaper reporting on Gurudev's talk stated, “Within ten minutes of the talk, a sum of fifty thousand rupees was donated.” The figure jumped by more than twenty thousand rupees within a week. Mr. Baakza wrote, “It was like manna raining from the heavens.”
At this time Shri Jayaprakash Narayan, one of Mahatma Gandhi's closest disciples and an authentic worker for social equality throughout his life, heard of the collection made on behalf of the people of Bihar. He contacted Gurudev immediately. He was very moved that people so far from the state of Bihar should care enough to collect such generous donations for them. He went to Bombay to consult with
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