Letter from Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji to Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji - Feb 9, 2001
Now Donations can be accepted in Foreign Currency - Feb 8, 2001
Free Camp to get rid of fear and stress, at Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad - Feb 8, 2001
Appeal for expanding support base - Feb 4, 2001
Helping Hands and Hearts - Feb 3, 2001
Update of Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts - Feb 1, 2001
Update on the Relief Efforts - By Swami Adhyatmananda - Jan 31, 2001
Interim Report of the Relief Efforts by Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh - Jan 30, 2001
Follow Up Report on Earthquake Relief Work - July 17, 2001
Radiant Immortal Divinity,
Om Namo Narayanaya
Loving Pranams.
Ref. To thy sincere effort for serving the earthquake victims Kutch, Gujarat, India. We are at Sivananda Ashram the Divine Life Society (here we are known as Divya Jivan Sanskrutik Sangh and our registered body is known as Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh, we receive our donation in this name only) existing our most humble way to serve the mankind in the name of our most worshipful and Rev. Gurudev Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj.
During the earthquake initially we served the needy brothers and sisters of our at Ahmedabad by providing essential lodging and boarding practically for full 3 months. At the same time a dedicated team of our young volunteer went to the highly effected earthquake area of Morbi, Maliya, Bhuj and Bhachoo etc., it was our heart to heart contact by providing them eatable items (grocery) clothes and other essential house need. The next step was to survey entire earthquake affected area. Delegation of about 60 committed and dedicated doctors, engineers and determined sevaks had a quick tour of Surendranagar, Dhangadhra, Morbi, Maliya, Bhachoo, Bhuj, Gandhidham, Adipur and so on.
Our 25years old Hospital which was on eve of its Silver Jubilee celebration, unfortunately which was collapsed and had a loss of remarkable surgeon, doctor and paramedical staff found need of our immediate assistance.
Hence we have decided to rebuild this Hospital as well as rejuvenate its original functioning for which they are known for their love to mankind, dedication, devotion and hole heartedly service to the needy, poor and down trodden.
Reconstruction of this hospital is already started. Medical and paramedical staff has been given safe place to stay and at the same time operative work is also regularized.
By seeing the availability of fund we desire to help one educational institute also at MORBI.
In case you deem feet to help these our brothers and sisters who are in need of our service through us, please contact us our website: http://www.divyajivan.org/Earthquake/
May God bless you all.
May you all shine with good health, long life, peace, joy & Spiritual illumination.
With ocean deep regards, love and prayers for all the best,
Thy own self
In the service of humanity
Swami Adhyatmananda
For Divya Jivan Sanskrutik Sangh
OM
List of the Donors in India reproduced from Divya Jivan Magazine (Gujarati)
 Entrance of the hospital |
|
 Severe damage to the Hospital |
 Big cracks in the walls of Hospital building 
 |
Radiant Immortal Selves!
Blessed children of divinity!
Hail Sivananda! Glory to Gurudev. May Sri Gurubhagawan Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj’s grace be ever upon you all!
This morning we had meeting of Trustee Board of Sri Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh, at Sri Gurudev’s ashram, here at Ahmedabad. The proposal for rebuilding of Divine Life hospital at Adipur has been accepted unanimously.
So far after deducting our expenses we have done during first phase of relief work, we will be in position to have Rs.25,00,000 in our account. I am happy and proud to say that our 50% donation we have received through our lovers and well-wishers from USA and particular with sincere efforts of Spiritual Life Foundation of Chicago.
Personally myself, and many more those who are going to benefit from your most generous donations specially fund raised by BANQUET arranged and organized by KIDS and sponsored by the Spiritual Life Foundation. More than 250 young and old people attended the function. Heads and responsible persons from Sri Chinmaya Mission, Chicago also joined to help them. To say them “Well done my kids”. Bravo! And Lo! They have collected a grand sum of 9000 US$. Congratulations! This is just for the information of all our visitors, readers and lovers to inspire them, to organise such functions and get some handsome help for our earthquake victim brothers, sisters and their dependants.
Now we are clear about the plan of rehabilitation of The Divine Life Hospital of Adipur (Kutch) near Kandla Port. This DLS hospital of Adipur was opened by Most Rev.and Worshipful Gurubhagawan Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj on the holy Janmastami day in the year1976. Rev. Sri Gurudev visited this place a number of times. Even Worshipful and Rev. Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj also has graced and blessed personally this abode of Service.
As it is coming under Kandla Port, hence central Government is supposed to help this unit. Priority is given to education institutions, and then comes medical facilities. Among them also Government building will get top priorities and then private organisation.
In case if they get some help from Government, it may not
be more than 15 to 20 lack of rupees. Following is the estimate of
rehabilitation project of the hospital.
|
1. Civil Work (Dismantling, Reconstruction, Repairs Electrical, Plumbing & Drainage etc) , |
Rs.57,00,000 |
|
2. Equipment Repair/Replacement etc X-Ray, ECG Monitors, Lab, Ward Back up, Operation Theatre Equipments, Delivery Room Equipments, Incubator |
Rs.35,00,000 |
|
3. Furniture & Fixtures- Replacement, Repair etc |
Rs.18,00,000 |
|
Total Restoration Cost |
Rs.1,10,00,000 |
Hence it is our moral responsibility to gird up our loins to see that we come forward to do all the best possible and see that before next Sri Krishna Janmastami we can commence our routine work once again in Re-Built Hospital. DONATE GENEROUSLY.
“Those who repeat Lords name they are on the way to the Lord. Those who sing His Glory as well live life of Purity, they stand His doorstep. But those with these all who donate generously they enter in Kingdom of God.” - Says Sivananda.
With Profound regards, ocean deep love, and prayers for
peace in the world,
Sevak
Swami Adhyatmananda
In USA:
Please Write
check to :
Spiritual Life Foundation
(Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund)
Please Mail Check to:
Spiritual Life
Foundation
For Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts
807 Wildwood Court
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone:
(630) 530-5950
Fax: (603) 710-8513
Email: minal_naik@yahoo.com
Please send your email address along with your charitable contribution. All contributions will be acknowledged only by email notification.
Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh,
(Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund)
Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh
Sivananda Ashram
Sivananda Marg, Jodhpur Tekri
Ahmedabad - 380 015,
India
For Electronic
Transfer:
Shift
No: BARBINBBA AHM
Amount Further Credit to:
Bank of Baroda, Satellite Road Branch,
Ahmedabad, India
Account Name: Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh (Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund)
Account#:
2276
Please note: now donation can be accepted in any foreign currency.
Radiant Immortal Divinities!
Most Beloved and Blessed Children of the Divine!
Om Namo Narayanaya. Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya!
Loving Pranams.
The news of earthquake in Seattle, Portland, Oregon, Salt
Lake City, Utah and Canada are heart throbbing. In the last week we had such
shocks in China, Japan, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, El Salvador, Greece etc. The earthquake that was 6.8 Richter scale
at Washington has brought substantial monetary loss. Luckily no loss of human
life other than a person with cardiac arrest and about 250 injured in the
mishap!
A city of Bhavnagar in Gujarat is known for its love for
culture, music, art and craft, is being jolted with tremors of earthquake since
August 2000. In Gujarat, we still get 8 to 10 shocks everyday, strength being
between 3.2 to 4.7 Richter scale.
More and more when we ponder upon this, we can realise that
what is happening is all due to the disturbance in the harmony and equilibrium
of the nature. Devastation is natural but not spontaneous. For every effect
there is an underlying cause. No effect will take without any cause. The
principle cause of getting more disturbances in the symphony and rhythm of the
nature is the tampering with the nature in the form of ruthless ruining of the
woods and forest.
In India Gangotri is the place of worship where Hindus go
for oblations. This is a spot from where Mother River Ganga was originated. A
beautiful temple of Mother Ganga is also present here. But now we see the
present origin of Ganga, a place called Gomukh, which is 18 Km. far from
Gangotri. What happen to this 18 Km. long belt of Himalayan ranges? Tourism
industries, pilgrims and earlier expeditioners have ruined the forest.
Cutting of trees and woods are the basic cause of ruining of Himalayan
ranges.
Earlier when it used to rain, water was
pouring on to the trees. Like umbrella, the trees used to bear the direct shocks
of water pour on their heads. The rainwater used to drop slowly and gradually on
the earth. Also the earth used to be covered with dry leaves of trees that
rendered the water flow slow and soft. But
unfortunately because of the cutting of the trees and devastation of woods and
forest, the direct fast flow of rain water is not only washing the soil of the
mountain but also it enters in to the
depth of the earth! This is one of the contributory if not the principal causes
of earthquake.
Please do not ruin the nature. Plant the trees. Maintain the forests. Let the nature grow in its natural and spontaneous way. Let us not just make the show and hypocrisy out of tree plantation projects. Please preserve the nature. That can make the earth beautiful place to live for our forthcoming generation and our life peaceful, meaningful, purposeful and useful. May you all shine and prosper within and without and live and lead the life divine in kingdom of Mother Nature.
Hari Om.
In the Service of Sri Gurudev,
Sevak
Swami Adhyatmananda
Om
Om Namo Narayanaya.
Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya.
Loving Pranams.
Yesterday was 26th February. Last month on 26th
January 2001, the unimaginable devastation took place in Kutch,
Saurastra and Gujarat. We have seen it in the newspaper and on
T.V. screen, debris and broken houses, injured and dead men and
women. The whole world was shocked. From all the four corners of
world assistance were supplied and rushed to Bhuj and Bhachau. We
have also done service, just a drop in the mighty ocean as per
our capacity and as per availability of funds.
In the last two days, we, a team of 72 volunteers from
Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar branch of the Divine Life Society, took
an exclusively tour of Morbi, Gandhidham, Adipur, Anjar, Gadau,
Bhuj and Bhachau. In our team there were Doctors, Engineers,
Scientist, Artist, Professors, Monks, etc. We went for Peace
Prayer meetings, to share their sorrow, to give them strength and
see what good we can do to them!
Whatever we saw on T.V. screen or in newspaper is just a
fraction. Entire Kutch is nothing but debris. One can see only
stones, bricks, slabs, and dust. From where to start, whom to
help, how to help, we just cannot think. We have visited
Gandhidham and Adipur. Their names are hardly known to media. But
practically 90% of the houses are down to the earth. At the time
of division of India and Pakistan, they all came to India, just
with one pair of clothes on the body, today practically they are
in the same condition once again. Oh la! But with the God's Grace
their inner strength is so much that though they are broken down
economically, physically, socially, but not MORALLY or MENTALLY.
Great!
A Number of villages are simply wiped out. But those who
are still breathing, they need total assistance for survival.
DLS Mumbai's blessed Suchak family has just shifted
themselves from Mumbai to Gadau (near Bhuj). They have gird up
their loin to build up two villages. One of them we have seen. It
will cost them Rs. 1.5 crores for one hundred families, school,
community house, electrification, water supply and roads etc.
We have come to conclusion to request the lovers of the
Lord, to help out to their maximum to build up our Divine Life
Society Hospital once again at Adipur.
Most worshipful and Rev. Gurudev Sri Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj and myself have visited more than half a dozen times in
the last 25 years. Founder of the hospital, Late Dr.S.J.Ruchaniji
ever received the Grace and Love from most worshipful and Rev.
Sri Swami Krishnanandaji Maharaj, who personally visited and
inaugurated one of the wings of the hospital. Rev. Sri Swami
Devanandaji Maharaj, Sri Swami Shivchidanandaji, Sri Swami
RamSwaroopanandaji and myself had privilege to open a wing of in-
patient facilities.
This hospital will be completing 25 years of its public
services this year on holy Janmastami.
We have decided to concentrate and request all our
visitor, lover and well-wisher to help us out to do all the best
possible to make them stand once again with all their efficiency
and capacity of Seva Paropakara.
Since the earthquake they are practically off from
original routine of hospital and giving 100% total free service
to any one known or unknown under the roof of Sri Gurudev Swami
Sivanandaji Maharaj.
We are in receipt of Rs.7 lacks approximately from most
worshipful and Rev. Sri Swami Premanandaji Maharaj of our head
quarter DLS Sivananda Ashram. Rev and Worshipful Sri Swami
Guhabhaktanandaji Maharaj from DLS Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia also
has blessed us with Rs.1.25 lacks. Most Beloved and Blessed Sri
Swami Ramswaroopanandaji Maharaj is on his China Tour. From Hong
Kong he favoured us with approximately 1.25 lacks. From Spiritual
Life Foundation, USA, so far we have received about $12,000 and
additional $10,000 are on the way. But this entire amount so far
makes only Rs. 20 lacks or so. Our needs is 8 times more, which
is not much difficult if we all take it seriously to our heart
and decide to strengthen the hands of DLS, Adipur branch for
their service, for their love, which they are catering for the
last two and a half decades.
May we agog our urge of Service, Vitalities, Inner
strength of love towards Lord who has come to us in the form of
devastation. May He the Supreme bless us and Grace us with all
His maximum capacity.
NEVER FORGET BELOVED AND WORSHIPFUL SRI GURUDEV SWAMI
SIVANANDAJI MAHARAJ'S SAYING- SPEND SPEND SPEND, HE WILL SEND
SEND SEND.
Some of photos of Divine Life Hospital at Adipur and
from Anjar, Bhuj are enclosed herewith to see and revive our zeal
and keenship of Selfless Service. Hari Om.
In thy service, at thy feet,
Thy own self
Servant
Swami Adhyatmananda
Ref
: DLS/EQ/APP/2001
Date : 27th February 2001
Divine Life Society
Sivananda Ashram
Jodhpur Tekri
Ahmedabad – 380 015
Kind Attn : H.
H. Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj.
Om Namo Narayanaya!
Ref : Gujarat Earthquake of
26/01/2001
Sub : Severe Damages to
Divine Life Hospital Complex – Adipur Kutch.
Dear Swamiji,
The severe natural calamity
of Earthquake on our Republic Day of 26th January 2001, has caused
devastation all around in Gujarat especially in Kutch. Unfortunately Adipur
& Gandhidham which are two main centers of Kutch have been forgotten and now
only being focused on. The Charitable Hospital Complex, which is a 35 Bed
General Hospital at Adipur with most modern equipment which have been severely
damaged.
The hospital is run
currently under Chairmanship of Dr. H. Gajwani. The undersigned is the Managing
Trustee & Secretary of the
‘DLS Trust – Adipur’. From the outset on 26/01/2001, the hospital began
operating from outside the complex by setting a field emergency center which was
operational by 9:55 AM. Hundreds of patients began pouring in with injuries by
11:30 AM it became a Medical Centre for severe injuries. The full team of 6
Doctors & 45 Para-Medical & General Staff were working under trying
circumstances. Dressings, wound closures / suturing, ligations of major
bleeders, plaster casts, IV fluids, Fresh Blood Transfusions etc were in full
swing. All the medications & back up have been provided “Free of Cost”.
Unfortunately we have lost a lot of lives due to grievous injuries and
inadequate facilities. The situation continued for 3 days up to 28th Jan,
when patients were pouring in from surrounding Villages and many who were
extracted from the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The Doctors and Staff have
all been rendered homeless and currently staying in Open Shelters but continuing
to operate and provide all medical assistance “Free of Cost” from Hotel
Midtown Earthquake Relief Centre being jointly operated and run with other
voluntary organizations. We are running OPD, Minor OT, Major OT, X-Ray, Lab.,
Male & Female Wards, Dispensing Centre etc. There is severe shortage of
medicines, equipment, support system, communication, shelters etc.
We request you to kindly
consider relief to the Hospital Complex for rebuilding in Form of Financial Aid
& Support for reconstruction & equipments. The structural Engineers,
Civil Engineers and Architects have inspected the full complex and have found
damages to Plinth-Foundation, Flooring, Column, Beams, Cante Lever, Walls etc
and even load bearing Beams. The ground floor is severely damaged with partial
damages to first & second floor. The Annexe Complex ground floor has damages
to the building including foundation on one side. The new KSACT Intensive
Cardiac Care Wing on the first floor of the Annexe has suffered minor damages
also.
Apart from this, there is
damage to equipments like X-Ray, Lab., Cardiac Monitors, Operation Theatre,
Delivery Rooms, Wards, Furniture & Fixtures etc.
|
(a) |
Old Building –
Ground +2 Floors (1) Ground Floor - approx. 8500 sq.ft
- Severe Damages (2) First Floor
- approx. 7500 sq.ft
- Moderate Damages (3) Second Floor -
approx. 7500 sq.ft
- Mild-Mod Damages (4) Roof Top
- RCC Water Tanks etc - Severe Damages New Building –
Annexe – Ground + 1st Floor (1) Ground Floor -
approx. 4000 sq.ft -
Major Repairs (2) First Floor
- approx. 4000 sq.ft -
Mild Repairs. |
- |
Rs.
77,00,000.00 |
|
(b) |
Equipment Cost
towards Damaged/Replacement and or Repairs |
- |
Rs.
48,00,000.00 |
|
(c) |
Furniture &
Fixtures – Replacement, Repairs etc |
- |
Rs.
18,50,000.00 |
|
|
Total Restoration
Cost |
- |
Rs. 1,43,50,000.00 |
The damage assessment
reports of the Structural Engineers & Consultants of Mumbai – M/s EPICONS
Consultants. The necessary plans & procedures for commencing demolition
& reconstruction are under finalisation. On receipt of your confirmation and
approval of the Consultants recommendations, we shall commence the work. The
same shall be on a war footing with the complete equipments, manpower, Site
Engineers & Consultants etc from demolition to erections shall be undertaken
by the following –
(1) M/s Vora Associates;
Mumbai
- Consulting Engineers & Project Consultants.
(2) M/s Malcolum
Construction Pvt. Ltd; Mumbai –
Developers & Construction.
The above teams are well
reputed, involved in various prestigious projects, Recipients of the
President’s Award – Govt. of India for Safety & Project Construction
etc. They are associated & have done work for Mittal Builders, Lokhanwalla
Count Indust. (P) Ltd, Sheth Developers, Jain Group, Great Eastern Shipping Pvt.
Ltd, Gandhi Group etc. The President’s award was given on account of
reconstruction of the complex opp. Passport Offices – Worli during the Bombay
Blasts.
The Joint Venture
Earthquake Relief Centre at Hotel Midtown; Adipur, is being run by Sadhu Vaswani
Mission; Pune & Divine Life Society Hospital – Adipur . The Earthquake
Relief Camp at Hotel Midtown has done a lot of work since 26/01/2001, the
details are as on 20/02/2001 –
 Get Well Soon DLS Hospital, Adipur, Kutch |
 Patients under care, Divine Life Society Hospital, Adipur Branch |
Total Indoor Capacity
- 90 Beds (M&F)
Total No. of patients
attended -
7796
OPD (2150 + 5646).
3. Total No. of X-Rays
- 1109
4. Total No. of Lab. Patients
- 531
5. Total No. of Surgical
patients
- 951
(Minor,
Major etc)
6. Total No. of Plasters
- 1247
7. Total No. of Indoor
Patients
- 1778
Treated
– Beds Occupied.
The daily OPD is currently
at 220 – 250 patients, but the Indoor requirements has tapered off to around
50 Pct.
We urgently need the
support, sanction and commitment of funds so as to commence the work
immediately. Meanwhile the Divine Life Hospital Adipur with external support
partly by Sadhu Vaswani Mission – Pune, will be shifting to Divine Life Annexe
Complex – open plot from 05/03/2001, where work is under progress for shifting
& starting of Medical Centre. This is to be run “Free of Cost” for
another month upto 31/03/2001 and thereafter “God Willing” and need basis,
otherwise continue as General Charitable Hospital as Pre-Earthquake.
The current medical &
surgical relief camp working would continue for the next 3 – 4 months which is
going to cost around Rs. 5 Lacs/Month, thus this provision is also to be made.
The rehabilitation, reconstruction & repair would continue for the next one
year depending on the assistance from NGOs and Govt. We humbly request you to consider the maximum Financial Aid
to the DLS Charitable Hospital complex which is a very old organization of
Adipur serving the Adipur – Gandhidham – Kandla Complex alongwith the
neighboring villages.
Dr. V.S. Ruchani (Trustee)
Divine Life Society
C/o ACT International Ltd / Aditya Fuels Ltd
Plot No. 281, Ward 12-B,
Gandhidham – Kutch – 370 201
Gujarat – India.
Tel. No. 91-2836-30243 / 20407
Fax No. 91-2836-32175
There is a government
circular (Copy awaited) as per enclosed newspaper cutting of Times of India
dated 03/02/2001 for donations under 80G would be 100 Pct exempted if
contributed to Charitable Institutions towards Earthquake Relief.
For any further
information, communication, guidance & help from our side, kindly contact at
any time at following Nos.
Mobile – 098242 – 14944
Residence – 91 – 2836 – 60584 / 60585
Office – 91-2836 – 30243 / 20407
91-2836-32175 (Fax)
91-22-555-4276 (Fax – Mumbai Office)
Looking forward to hearing
from you and awaiting an early response to our appeal. We seek your help and
guidance the future process of reconstruction & rehabilitation
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
Dr. V.S. Ruchani
Trustee.
|
|
|
|
Public Peace Prayer Meetings
From Left to Right Sri Mukesh Patel (Chariman, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and famous Tax Consultant), Pujya Swamiji, Dr. Mrugesh Vaishnav (psychiatrist) and Dr. Smita Goshti (Psychologist) during public meeting in the town hall Pujya Swamiji's Talk on "How to reduce stress and fear of Earthquake?" & Question-answer session after the address
Om
Radiant Immortal Divinities
Most Beloved, Blessed Well Wishers and Lovers of the Lord.
Om Namo Narayanaya. Loving Pranams. Jai Sivananda.
Once again a truck load of groceries; Atta (wheat flour): 1300Kg., Rice:
1285Kg., Sugar: 150Kg., Dal: 1401Kg., Salt: 76Kg., Potatoes: 53Kg., Chana
Murmura: 205Kg., R/M Oil: 147Kg., Tea leaves: 10Kg., Groundnuts: 20Kg.
Masala: 6Kg., Rusk's: 3 Cartons are made to reach to Kandla port on
13-02-2001.
Three thousand thick plastic sheets 2mX5m for tents, Blankets, Shawls, Cloths and
Eatables, were distributed in villages namely Vadgam, Adarniya, Visavali, and
Kharaghoda, in Surendranagar district.
Since the day of the Earthquake, now on 26th Feb it will be completing one full month,
our ashram is filled with varieties of relief activities especially with the crowd
of quake victims staying with us. They will have to be with us for another month
or two because many of them either lost relatives or shelter or there are big cracks
in the buildings they live in and repair is highly needed, which is not possible
now because of aftershocks. Though the frequency of aftershocks has become
less, still there are 8 to 10 shocks everyday. On 3rd February, in the morning
we had very heavy tremors once again of 5.8 Richter scale.
No householders desire to return in their sky scrapping apartments. Fear has become
a part of life. Dead bodies are still coming out of debris. Sight of decomposing
bodies is horrible.
Sivananda ashram is catering its service in the most humble way, and doing all possible
good with a band of sincere volunteers to its maximum capacity. Practically
everyday we visit different locality and organize Mass Prayer For Peace and
provide consolation and do counseling to the victims. It has created a good
impact and government authorities have recognized our services. They too started
to organize our Prayer Meetings in different areas. On 25th and 26th of this
month, about one hundred of us (from Ahmedabad & Bhavnagar DLS), will be
visiting Bhuj, Adipur, Gandhidham and Morbi etc. for such Prayer, Peace and Consolation
meetings.
There was a call from a devotee couple who mentioned that the newspapers in the United
States are inundated with favorable news reports of various non-governmental
organizations regarding their services to quake victims and advertisements.
Why Divine Life Society's names or photographs are not seen anywhere?
Let me put this matter the very straight way that the DLS believes in service
and not in the publicity. Unfortunately news reports and advertisements in
the news media are not always the true reflections of the services
rendered. Removing and disposing of dead bodies are being done only by one
particular organization but we don't see any name, picture or coverage of
it anywhere or in any form. Dr. Anil Suchak of the Divine Life Society,
Malad Branch, with his efficient team of 40 experts doctors flew by air and
brought victims by air to his Suchak Hospital in Malad. There is not much
reference of them in any newspaper so far.
Jamnagar, Rajkot, Surendranagar, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Baroda, all branches of
the Divine Life Society have girdle up their loins to serve and to do the best possible.
Considering the magnitude of devastation, we are aware of the fact that our
service is just a drop in the ocean.
Temporary relief and help are adequate for the time being. A number of Indian and
overseas agencies have flooded the goods and items for temporary relief for now.
What is being required is permanent shelter and rehabilitation. We are planning
to construct school buildings. Each one will cost minimum one million
Rupees (Rs. 10 lakhs), i.e. approximately $25,000. With God's grace, we are sure that
slow but steady flow of donations and enthusiasm of our donors will pour for the
noble cause.
God bless you all. Hari Om.
Ashram is observing Shivaratri with 24 hours continuous worship and prayers for
peace and solace for the world at large.
We pray for and on behalf of you all also. Om Namah Shivaya!
In the Service of the Lord
Servant of the Master;
Swami Adhyatmananda
OM
The
DLS (London) Branch has started collecting donations towards the Gujarat earthquake
relief. UK devotees on our mailing list have been sent a mail shot regards
the same. We are receiving generous donations from many UK devotees who
attended Maha-Shivratri Satsang on Sun 18th Feb. The Branch intends to send
the final amount to Pujya Swami Adhyatmanandaji by end of February, 2001 in
one transaction to minimize the bank charges. If any devotees in UK or Europe wish
to make a donation, then donations should be sent to DLS London Branch, c/o
92 Granville Road, Southfields, London SW18 5SG. tel 0208 8747823. Email address
is anil_g_mehta@hotmail.com
Cheques should made in the name of Divine Life Society London Branch and arrive
by no later than 28th February, 2001
hospital
that has been severely damaged in earthquake. Now they have been operating
Earthquake Relief Center in conjunction with Sadhu Vaswani Mission; Pune through
Hotel Midtown. They are doing admirable job providing free medical services
to the needy. Swami
Adhyatmanandaji along with volunteers will be going to Bhuj,
Adipur, Gandhidham, Mandvi, Morbi district and vicinity of the devastated area on February
25th and 26th.
Radiant Immortal Atman, Blessed Children of the Divine!
Hari Om! Namo Narayanaya!
With humble Pranams.
Today Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh with Gujarat Sarvamangal Seva Sangh, Ahmedabad are preparing to distribute 2000
Plastic tents in the following villages which are affected by Earthquake. (1)Adaraniya
(2) Visavali (3) Vadgam (4) Bajana (5) Jinjwada. All villages belonging to Taluka Patadi and District Surendranagar.
With Most Regards Prem & Om,
Swami Adhyatmananda
******************************************************
Following is the clearance document from Delhi for the truckloads of articles to be distributed to the victims of the earthquake tragedy.
Letter from Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji to Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji.
Sri Swami
Adhyatmanadaji Maharaj Radiant
Immortal Atman! OM
Namo Narayanaya! OM Namo Shivaya!
Thank you for your letter of Thursday 18th January 2001. Glad to
note from its content that you hope to be able to complete your total
construction work by about mid-April or end of April. That is about the
time I propose to return from holy Pattamadai back north to Shantidham
or Gurudham. We shall try to route our journey northward via Ahmedabad.
About the duration of my stay, at this moment I cannot say anything
definite about that point.
You are doing wonderful Relief and Rehabilitation work. I am
getting reports from so many persons. Wonderful! Murali Thawani, his
wife & daughter Jessy (or Sangeeta) spent some half an hour last
night. You have given Sangeeta wonderful training in a variety of
fields. Her yoga work is excellent. Let her keep it up.
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A team of volunteers went to Morbi District where they served 16 Villages with 3 Trucks loads of food and utility items. Whatever little seva is being done, it is all due to Rev. Sri Gurudev’s grace and His divine spirit, He is the mastermind behind all His operations.
Regular public prayer meetings are being held for peace and strength in the various regions of Ahmedabad city and vicinity. It has made a miracle now people have started going back to their respected houses. Fear is fading. They are resuming their household as well business/duties. It gives us inner satisfaction of being worth of His Service.
Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh,
(Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund)
Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh
Sivananda Ashram
Sivananda Marg, Jodhpur Tekri
Ahmedabad - 380 015,
India
Shift
No: BARBINBBA AHM
Amount Further Credit to:
Bank of Baroda, Satellite Road Branch, Ahmedabad, India
Account Name: Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh (Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund)
Account#:
2276
In USA only:
Spiritual Life
Foundation
For Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts
807 Wildwood Court
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone:
(630) 530-5950
Fax: (603) 710-8513
Email: minal_naik@yahoo.com
All contributions will be tax exempt. Please send your email address along with your charitable contribution. All contributions will be acknowledged only by email notification.
From: Feb 11, 2001 to Feb 20, 2001
Time: 5.30 am to 7.00 am
Divya Atman and Blessed Children of the Divine,
Everybody is stunned by the
devastation caused by the major earthquake calamities in Gujarat. People
want to help in whatever way they can but some of them do not know how to
proceed so that the maximum help can be rendered to the distraught population.
The damage and devastation is so horrendous that involvement at the individual level might not be sufficient. The relief work is expected to run its course for a long period of time. The most important rehabilitation work has yet to begin. We all will have to join to create resources by involving other groups and communities to meet this challenge.
Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh has already put in place a solid infrastructure to deliver assistance, including a center in Bhuj, which was the hardest hit amongst the affected regions. This will provide the proper channels for other community groups, religious groups, social groups and individuals to gather resources and deliver help where it is immediately needed.
Because Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh has zero administrative
costs, 100% of your contribution will go towards earthquake relief efforts. Teams
of volunteers have been working around the clock under the direct guidance of H.
H. Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj so that the efforts can be delivered in
the most efficient way possible.
Every devotee of the Lord is humbly requested to approach
his or her groups, organizations and institutions to direct their well-meaning
efforts through the Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh.
Please refer your friends to the Divya
Jivan website so they can see the good work that is being done.
Air India is delivering shipments of various useful items
to Ahmedabad free of charge. We will have more information about this in near
future. The common items that people want to send are clothes, blankets, bed
sheets, medical and surgical supplies, etc.
The Indian government has changed the policy in regards to
the acceptance of foreign funds. We are in the process of setting up a new
account through which we will be able to accept all major currencies
including dollars, pounds, francs, etc. directly to Gujarat Earthquake Relief
Fund, C/O Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh. This will enable us to accept any
personal check from all over the world. Information about this new account
will soon be available on this website. In the meantime, please continue
to send funds by demand draft in rupees to Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh. In the
United States, please continue to send your tax-exempt contribution through
Spiritual Life Foundation.
Radiant Immortal Self
Hari Om! Om Namo Narayanaya.
Loving Pranams. Jai Sivananda!
Yesterday late night, the most worshipful and Revered Sri Gurudev Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj graced us by favoring Rs. 1.00 Lakh (Rs. 100,000) for Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts.
Tomorrow we are leaving to Morbi District with 1000 Plastic buckets, 2000 Kg. Rice, 3000 Kg. Mung Dal, 5000 Kg. Wheat floor, 1000 Kg. Salt, 250 Kg. Turmeric and 250Kg. Red Chile with 20000 water pouch of 200ml.
With regards, Prem and Om,
In the Service of Sri Gurudev,
Sevak, Swami
Adhyatmananda
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SMALL AND BIG |
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Volunteers packaging the groceries at the Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad |
Everybody helping including kids |
OM
Blessed Atman,
Om Namo Narayanaya!
Loving Pranams. Jai Sivananda.
Following is the
update information of the Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts.
i) Our volunteers are very enthusiastic and in the meeting it was decided that additional volunteer help from DLS Orissa may not be necessary.
ii) SEVA---
A) Relief—From Valsad D.L.S., Two Truckload of Grains- Grocery-Clothes, Utensils reached to the needy and earthquake affected NARAYANAS.
B) D. L.S Baroda is serving at SAYAJI Govt. Hospital—crowded with approximately 700 patients with food medicine and helping hand and assisting.
C) One team of DLS Surendra Nagar has started two camps in village near by. About 1800 persons are taking shelter and food with them. Another team is looking after injured and shocked people in T.B. Hospital. (T.B. Hospital is Venue)
D) DLS. Bhuj Friends have survived. God is great. Glory to Gurudev! They are serving local people with their available assistance with co-ordination of Sivananda mission, Virnagar hospital’s Ambulance and food supply.
E) Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad is kept open for all those who seek shelter, night-stay, food, etc., immediately after earthquake. That is from 26th Jan. midday onwards. Overall, in the most humble way ashram is organizing the supply of water, lanterns, kerosene, tents, and grocery to affected but yet not approached the areas. From Feb.1st onwards ashram is organizing prayers and condolence and consolation meetings in different areas of Ahmedabad city.
iii) Demand Draft should come on the name of “GUJRAT DIVYA JIVAN SANGH”. Because our Bank A/C is in this name only. Please note.
iv) This A/C is in Bank of Baroda Branch- at long distance. By today mid-day this will be transfer to nearby area, and after that we will furnish you the name, address and A/C No etc. at our earliest possible please but in the meantime here is the present bank information:
BANK OF BARODA
Sardar Patel colony Branch,
PO. Navjivan, Ahmedabad 380014
S/B A/c. No. 12162
Tel: 6445040/6423133
Govt. of India has declared that donation given to Earthquake relief fund will be 100% exempted from Income tax act. After immediate need, hope our well wisher will not stop with their kind and generous assistance and make it possible to adopt a village for rehabilitation and permanent construction of the residence, school building, community hall etc. Whatever humble service is done in Gujarat by DLS Gujarat is all with Sivananda Spirit. It is He, the Sadgurudev, is the mastermind and leader of the relief work.
Om Shanti. Thanks,
regards, love with prayers.
Servant of Holy Master
Swami Adhyatmananda
OM
The damages in terms of the loss of human lives and property damages are a lot more than what is being reported by the news media. Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad has initiated intensive efforts to provide immediate help to the people directly affected by this tragedy.
With the grace of God and Gurudev, Sivananda Ashram site, including Visvanath Temple, Sadhak Kutir, etc. are safe. All the resources of the Ashram is being utilized for the purpose of providing the services to the people affected by this catastrophe.
Initial Assessments:
A team of volunteers visited the heavily affected area near Bhuj. Losses in terms of human lives are very heavy and property damages are incalculable. Immediate need is to find the dead bodies and cremate them before they start rotting and prevent possibilities of outbreak of communicable diseases. There is acute shortage of burning woods to cremate the dead bodies. There is also shortage of drinking water. There is good supply of food, clothing, medicine etc. available but there is much confusion in distribution process as expected in the massive catastrophe like this. There is also urgent need to provide roof to the people who either lost their homes or they are not usable because of damage.
What has been done by Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh?
A team of volunteers (from Divine Life Society, Orissa), who had actively participated in flood relief efforts in Orissa last year, are on the way to Gujarat. These are the people who had first hand experience to deal with devastation including disposing dead bodies. This was arranged after Sri Swami Shivchidanandaji Maharaj had extensive talk with Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj.
Sri Swami Ramaswarupanandaji had called and spoke to Swamiji and offered to shorten his foreign trip and come to Gujarat to help in the relief efforts.
The ashram has facilities to provide housing and food
to hundreds of people. The ashram is being utilized for this purpose.
Immediate medical help is being rendered through the existing medical facilities at the ashram and satellite clinic facilities.
Distribute food in the affected area.
Ashram has procured nine tones of wood that is being sent to cremate the dead bodies. Pure drinking water has being provided from the ashram’s well.
Team of volunteers meet every morning and evening for planning and assigning duties.
The Ashram has direct contact with local government authorities in Rajkot, Morbi, Bhavanagar and other cities and towns in heavily affected areas. The plan is being coordinated with the local authorities and other organizations involved in relief work in the distraught regions.
Intermediate to Long-term Plan
To provide short, intermediate and long-term rehabilitation to the displaced families is expected to be very daunting job. The plan is being made, so that this will be available in due course of time.
Build low to mid cost housing for affected families. Each residence is estimated to cost around Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 50,000.
Make people aware of the resources available in terms of government help, loans, international organization’s aids, etc. Help people fill out applications for the various funds and aids which are expected to be made available.
Coordinate various programs with other charitable organizations and local governments as deemed necessary in the rehabilitation of displaced families.
We shall update you regularly with the ongoing efforts.
Please make generous charitable contribution to help the worthy relief efforts.
Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts
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Please subscribe to Divyajivan Mailing List. We will update you with new uploads of spiritual literature on the web of Holy Master Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, saints of his lineage and other saints. We will also update you about the Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad website and facilitate communication with Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj. |
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