Updates of Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts

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)

donation_appeal3.gif (85348 bytes)

 

Pictures Taken During Visit 

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Broken Business
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Broken Heart
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Broken House
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Consolation 
Heart to Heart
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Broken Street
Broken Village.jpg (43925 bytes)
Prayer is the Answer
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Truth is One
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Get Well Soon
DLS Hospital, Adipur, Kutch
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Patients under care, Divine Life Society Hospital, Adipur Branch

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Total Destruction

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Severe Damage
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Nothing left!
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Seeking our help
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Where to go?

Photographs of DLS Hospital buildings at Adipur, Kutch showing damage and destruction

 

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Entrance of  the hospital
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Severe damage to the Hospital 

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Big cracks in the walls of Hospital building Bhuj-pic11.jpg (31306 bytes)   Bhuj-pic8.jpg (23289 bytes)

 

Rehabilitation Project of DLS Hospital at Adipur, Kutch

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, USA

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.


In India and Other Countries in the world:

Please Write check to :

Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh, 
(Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund) 

Mail Check to: 

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.

Why So Many Earthquakes?

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

Feb 27, 2001

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.jpg (37514 bytes)
Get Well Soon
DLS Hospital, Adipur, Kutch
Patients under care -Divine Life Society Hospital, Adipur Branch.jpg (43888 bytes)
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.

Feb 21, 2001


Public Peace Prayer


Kirtan, more than 1600 people are present in the Hall 


Address by Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji

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 

Feb 19, 2001

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

Feb 18, 2001

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

Feb 17, 2001

 

Feb 12, 2001

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

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Following is the clearance document from Delhi for the truckloads of articles to be distributed to the victims of the earthquake tragedy. 


Feb 9, 2001

Letter from Guru Maharaj Sri Swami Chidanandaji to Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji. 

 

Swami Chidananda
Anandashram

 

GOD IS TRUTH

\

Sivananda Ashram,
P. O. Shivanandanagar - 249192
Dist. Tehri - Garhwal, U.P.

 

 

Sri Swami Adhyatmanadaji Maharaj 
and Sri Mafatlal J. Pataniji,
Sivananda Ashram
Ahmedabad.

Radiant Immortal Atman!
Dear & Blessed Dr. Patanisaheb & Adhyatmanandswamiji,

OM Namo Narayanaya! OM Namo Shivaya!
Jai Shri Gurudev Sivananda Bhagawan!

            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.  

Very best wishes,

Swami Chidananda
\

N.B. Murali is bringing Rs. 1 lakh for your work. Please accept as a small offering from me. I leave on the 9th February.

SERVE

LOVE

MEDITATE

REALISE

 

 

Feb 8, 2001

Now you can send donation in foreign currency

In India and Other Countries in the world:

Please Write check to :

Gujarat Divya Jivan Sangh, 
(Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund) 

Mail Check to: 

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


In USA only:

Spiritual Life Foundation
For Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts
807 Wildwood Court
Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA

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.


A special FREE Camp of Meditation, Relaxation and Pranayama to get rid of fear and stress related to earthquake and to get peace of mind is being held  at Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad under direct  guidance of Sri Swami Adhyatmanandaji Maharaj.

From: Feb 11, 2001 to Feb 20, 2001

Time: 5.30 am to 7.00 am

Feb 4, 2001

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. 

Let us join our heads, hands and hearts together to respond to the need of the hour.

Feb 3, 2001

Feb 1, 2001

Radiant Immortal Self

Hari Om!  Om Namo Narayanaya.

Loving Pranams.  Jai Sivananda!

 With regards, Prem and Om,

In the Service of Sri Gurudev,
Sevak, Swami Adhyatmananda

SMALL AND BIG 
MEN AND WOMEN 
HAND TO HAND
WORK TOGETHER 
DAY AND NIGHT 
TO BRING PEACE AND SOLACE
TO QUAKE VICTIMS

Volunteers packaging the groceries at the Sivananda Ashram, Ahmedabad

Everybody helping including kids

 

Jan 31, 2001

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

Jan 30, 2001

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?

 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.

Please make generous charitable contribution to help the worthy relief efforts. 

 Gujarat Earthquake Relief Efforts

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Yoga, A Way of Life - Sri Swami Adhyatmananda

 

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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. 

 
Please enter your email address and click Subscribe button

 To manage your subscription, please visit Subscription Page.  You can also subscribe and unsubscribe from this page.  You may unsubscribe by yourself anytime you wish. You will be required to send confirmation link that you will get in your e-mail to complete this subscription. 

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