Janhit 2013

Author(s): Raj Saubhag Ashram
Publisher: Raj Saubhag Ashram

Page 4

From humble beginnings
Background
From humble beginnings
Our Inspiration
A brief background into the humanitarian activities of Raj Saubhag Ashram
Shree Ladakchand Manckchand Vora (1905-1997), affectionately known as Param Pujya Bapuji was the sixth disciple in line from Shree Saubhagbhai. He cast light on Shrimad Rajchandra's spiritual achievements and inspired true love and devotion for him. Bapuji was fully aware of the intimate spiritual relationship between Shrimadji and Saubhagbhai and credited this with many powerful insights which Shrimadji shared in his most touching letters. This provided Bapuji with tremendous insight and impetus on his inner journey.
The late Param Pujya Ladakchand Manekchand Vora, fondly known as Bapuji, inspired Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal's ethos of DEVOTION, WISDOM and SELFLESS SERVICE, Shree Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal is health, rehabilitation of the physically & a spiritual organisation with its ashram mentally challenged, vocational training, located in Sayla, a village rich in spiritual environmental restoration as well as history. The ashram was established by emergency relief. Param Pujya Bhaishree, Param Pujya Bapuji in 1976.
Nalinbhai Kothari, is systematically
converting Bapuji's vision of a healthy Having grown up in Sayla, Bapuji was community in Sayla into a reality. conscious of the suffering of the local population. Sayla district is one of the most A global network of volunteers contribute deprived areas of Gujarat. It is an arid area their time, energy and skills to support the with limited rainfall, a rocky topography activities in Sayla which are managed by and limited farming activity. Employment professional teams that specialise in their opportunities are very limited and most fields. Projects have grown organically to of the population are classified below the meet the needs of the local population. poverty line. Literacy rates (particularly female literacy rates) are amongst the lowest It is due to this selfless devotion by the in Gujarat.
volunteers and the sheer professionalism
of the project teams that Raj Saubhag can Bapuji emphasised cultivating the quality of proudly claim the long-term sustainability compassion in all his disciples and inspired of the projects in Savla. Ashram members to look out for the welfare and needs of others whilst pursuing personal
SURENDRANAGAR spiritual goals.
Wadhawan Tamnetar
Kharva PARAM PUJYA BAPUJI STATED
Rampara
Ra THAT UAN SEVA TE PRABHU
Dhurej SEVA', 'SERVICE TO HUMANITY
Chuda IS SERVICE TO GOD'.
Sudama Chotila
.Bhrugu Dhandhalpur
Nagnesh This led to various social welfare programs starting with the distribution of clothes and Sayla District: grains to the needy, and buttermilk centres
Population: 101,170 during the harsh summer periods. In 1987
Villages: 75 the first eye camp was held in the Ashram
Literacy rate: 46% itself. Over the past 35 years the social,
Primary Schools: 118 welfare and development programmes Secondary schools: 14 have grown with projects in education,
Colleges: 1
Bapuji was born in 1905 in Chorvira village. He excelled in his academic studies and won awards for his essays on Jain philosophy. He joined the local government after completing his matriculation. His skillful management style soon led to his promotion rising to the post of Judge and then Deputy Collector. He was a role model for his honesty and moral uprightness.
Tikar
Mull
While he carried out his duties faithfully and competently, he continued his spiritual journey under the guidance of Gurudev Shree Chocalal Desai. He achieved self realisation at the age of 33 years. He was such a self-contained person that, except for his immediate satsang colleagues, nobody realised his spiritual achievements. For forty years he kept his secret. It is a matter of great fortune that Bapuji was eventually discovered by the late great seeker Shantibhai Ambani.
Limbdi
Saya
Bapuji established the 'Raj Saubhag Ashram in Sayla in December 1976. He passed on his Guru 'seat' to the late Pujya Sadgunnaben CU Shah (Gurumaiyaa) and Pujya Nalinbhai Kothari (Bhaishree) who continues his legacy.
2 Janhit // 2013