SANDIPANI VIDYANIKETAN: TO ENTER THE INSTITUTION TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE AND LEAVE TO SERVE MANKIND
Pujya Bhaishri Rameshbhai Oza, lovingly addressed as ‘Bhaishri’, has dedicated his life to disseminating the divine teachings of the scriptures to thousands of listeners around the world. He is also a guide and mentor to the hundreds of students at Sandipani Vidyaniketan, Gujarat. Bhaishri’s discourses contain a balance between devotion and wisdom. Whilst he entrancingly leads people into bhakti bhav (devotion). He also shares the tenets of wisdom that are enshrined in the scriptures.
Founded by Bhaishri, Sandipani is a vidyateerth (educational institution) that imparts vedic and modern day education through the Sandipani Rishikul and Sandipani Gurukul schools. In addition Sandipani Gaushala and a beautiful mandir,named Shri Hari Mandir was built in year 2006 housing numerous deities. The 80 acre campus of Sandipani is lush green and its spiritual and divine environment is rejuvenating for all.
RISHIKUMARS
A large number of projects have been initiated to help serve humanity. A lot of these projects are undertaken when natural calamities like earthquakes and floods hit suddenly. Many other noble causes are initiated by Bhaishri which include educational support to the underprivileged, medical relief to the poor, preserving Mother Nature and rehabilitation ventures. Bhaishri especially concentrates on developing rural areas and providing aid to the underprivileged.
Rural Education
Bhaishri believes “Vidyaamrutmashnuate”, through education one can have all happiness in life. He also believes that an educated person is a valuable asset to the society as he can contribute to the development of the nation. True to his belief Sandipani Vidyaniketan in Porbandar stands as a testimony to his commitment to promoting education. Achieving a high literacy rate is one of the greatest challenges of any nation. With this principle, Rishikumars and teachers from Sandipani have been instrumental in going into the villages and trying to provide basic education to the rural folk. Bhaishri recognises that the population of the villages which are remotely located are unable to access educational facilities and therefore education must reach them where they are.
One of the primary objectives of all the Trusts is to promote education.
Some educational projects financed by the Shri Bharatiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust are:
- “The Maharishi Sandipani Primary School” at Kumbhariya, in Anjar
- “Maharishi Valmiki School” at Baldiya
- ‘Maharshi Sandipani Koli Adivasi Samaj Students Hostel’ for the Adivasi community at Manfara, Bhachau
- School at Radhanagar, Bhuj
- School at Madhavnagar, Bhuj
Inspired and guided by Pujya Bhaishri Vidya Vikas Charitable Trust (VVCT) monetarily helps other worthy organisations that are focused on education for the poor in Gujarat, for example, funding was granted for schools at Saputara, Gandhi Dham Ahir Samaj Girls School, Manthan School, Saheli School, Saputara School, Manfara School, Junagadh Girls School and many others.
Devka Vidyapeeth
Devka is a small village situated at Saurashtra in the state of Gujarat. It is also the birthplace of Bhaishri and therefore holds great significance for Bhaishri’s disciples. Girls and boys at Devka Vidyapeeth are currently educated only to the 7th grade. In the absence of a high school, the girls are unable to continue their education as their parents do not permit them to travel to nearby cities. To resolve this issue the Vraj Bhagirathi Charitable Trust is building a high school and providing facilities that will promote secondary and senior levels of instruction. This will enable the youth of Devka and the surrounding areas to get the right exposure to help them explore their options for higher education. The project is a proposed educational complex over 65,000 sq. metres of land with high end infrastructure and modern facilities. It will offer senior and higher secondary courses (1st to 12th grade) and other special certificate courses.
Some of the highlights will be:
The School will have:
- Well equipped class rooms, science laboratories, computer centres and libraries.
- International accreditation to conform modern education system and syllabuses.
- Playgrounds of half Olympic standards to host athletic events and sports competitions.
The College will offer Graduation in Science, Commerce and Arts with a qualified faculty. Special certificate courses will be offered too.
The Hostel will have:
- Residential facilities for Boys and Girls with a capacity of 700 students.
- Contemporary requirements fulfilled with rooms having attached bathrooms and wash areas.
- Dining Halls with well equipped kitchen counters, wash areas, stores and utility areas.
- Indoor games, computer labs, library, reading rooms, lockers and storage places.
- Multipurpose halls.
- Secured and guarded premises.
- Beautiful landscaped gardens surrounding the hostel.
From humble beginnings, Bhaishri has gone on to capture the hearts and minds of millions across India and the world guiding his brethren through life’s trials and enriching their lives with spirituality.
As Bhaishri’s kathas gained popularity all over India, devotees were eager to listen to these discourses beyond the Indian shores. Across the world, in the United States, Canada, the UK, Portugal, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Bhaishri captivated audiences of all ages and communities.
Having studied the Vedas and the Upanishads in great depth, Bhaishri also wished to propagate the knowledge of these scriptures and bring forth a new generation of scholars who would take the past into the future. Thus, emerged the noble thought of Sandipani Vidyaniketan.
Bhaishri’s kathas and discourses have helped and inspired many to lead their lives the right way. People have shown their gratitude in many different ways. They have opened their hearts to his various causes by contributing their time, effort and giving donations.
For thousands, Bhaishri is more than just a spiritual leader. He is a source of knowledge and an inspiration. Today, Bhaishri continues to enrich the lives of people all over the world, through his profound wisdom and ever-flowing compassion.
Youth Shivirs
Pujya Bhaishri has always been very fond of the youth and believes that they are the future torchbearers of our culture and values. He takes every opportunity to interact with the youth either through question and answer sessions in schools and colleges or through 2 to 3 day shivirs organized as a residential retreat guiding them on their difficult journey filled with modern day problems.
The aim for the shivir is for the youths to spend time in the company of Bhaishri and other like-minded people to discuss modern issues encountered in the real world and how Hinduism can guide young people in making the right decisions.
Several themes are discussed including positive thinking, diversity and integrating spirituality into everyday lives. Various activities take place alongside the discourses including group discussions, yoga, role plays and entertainment.
Medical Relief
The Bharatiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust organises free medical camps for the rural folk on a regular basis during events at Sandipani. Since 1992 and before that in Raval, during Navratri Anushthans various medical camps were held so that the poor could get free medical relief.
Even today this service continues. Doctors are invited from Porbandar and nearby cities and patients are diagnosed and receive free treatment for various diseases. Patients are taken to nearby hospitals when surgery is required.
The medical services include:
Eye camps –Check up and detection of optical diseases are carried out. Cataracts and intra ocular implant surgeries are carried out by renowned ophthalmologists who volunteer their time.
Dental camp – Dispensaries are set up on the campus during festivals and other occasions to give free treatment and medicines to those who require them. People from rural areas are educated with respect to oral hygiene and about the hazards of tobacco chewing.
Polio camps – Eradicating Polio has been a medical challenge for India and the Polio drives have been extremely successful in their “Two drops of life” campaign. Bhaishri is also very supportive of this noble cause and the premises of Sandipani are regularly used for the organisation of such camps. People around the area attend the camps and thousands of children are administered with the polio vaccine. Surgeries have been sponsored by the Trust for hundreds of children affected by polio.
Maxillofacial camp – Patients affected by conditions such as congenital defects of the palate, mouth and the face are intensively examined and referred to hospitals in Ahmedabad for surgery. Free medication is also dispensed to the patients.
Special services – The services of doctors in the fields of general medicine, skin, urology, pulmology, cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, as well as other diseases that require special assessment like cerebral palsy, are also provided to people through special camps.
General Diagnostic camp – Diagnosis and treatment of various diseases through general practitioners are also organised regularly.
* General medical check ups are also provided on campus during events.
Blood Donation camps – Very often during Kathas, organisations set up blood donation camps in the campus of that katha itself so that people coming to listen to the katha could donate blood. During Pujya Bhaishr’s 50th Birthday celebrations an All India Blood Donation Drive was organised by his followers and more than 5100 units of blood was collected.
The Trust is also running a dispensary and providing free diagnosis and medicines to people in the premises of Pragabapa Ashram in Porbandar.
Disaster Relief an Rehabilitation
EARTHQUAKES
Latur Earthquake
The earthquake that hit Latur, a small town in Maharasthtra in 1993 left lives shattered. Thousands of lives were lost. The Trust took up rehabilitation work and built a school, a hall for social activities and a temple.
Bhuj Earthquake
On January 26, 2001, the Indian state of Gujarat was hit by a devastating earthquake in Bhuj that wiped out villages and led to around 100,000 deaths. The Sandipani Trust rapidly moved to help in rebuilding the infrastructure in the affected areas. Bhaishri’s well wishers whole heartedly extended their support to the noble cause with financial aid and knowledge. They effectively built a network, co-ordinating efforts that tended to the material and emotional needs of the affected families. The volunteers collected food, medicines and clothes for the victims. They attended to the wounded and helped families deal with fatalities. It wasn’t enough to restore physical environment and the victims of trauma, both physical and mental were treated by doctors and counsellors. The Sandipani family worked hard and fast to restore the sufferers to their normal lives. Constant follow up measures were taken towards long term rehabilitation for the affected. They were also given spiritual guidance and help to restore their faith in life and God.
In and around the district of Porbandar, 5 to 25 cement bags were donated to every household
Radhanagar
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake at Bhuj, the wreckages in the small villages went unnoticed. Bhaishri immediately reached out to rescue the people in such unattended rural areas. One such village was Meghapar at Kumbhardi (Anjar), where the calamity had turned the whole land into a mass of ruins. The structures had been weak and had resulted in the constructions being completely wiped out. Bhaishri visited these places and devised a plan to rebuild the village. The victims of physical injuries were given medial attention, food and water supplies. Temporary shelters were created for the villagers as there were no homes left. The Trust took up the task of rebuilding homes and constructing schools and temples in the village. Bhaishri personally followed up the efforts of the volunteers for the entire project of resurrection. One hundred and thirty houses were built for the families who lost their homes. Bhaishri renamed this little village as “Radhanagar” and restored the lives of the people back to normalcy.
Madhavnagar
As the village of Meghapar was reduced to ruins, an adjoining village of Nani Khedai also suffered a similar fate. Bhaishri undertook the rehabilitation of this village, providing relief material and medical help. The same plan was followed for the renaissance of this little village and with the help of generous devotees, the venture was successfully completed. Bhaishri not only constructed the destroyed sites but also added facilities like the building of a school for the village. A brand new existence was given to the people and their needs looked after until the rehabilitation process was over. A total of fifty two houses were set up for the affected families. The village of Nani Khedai was renamed “Madhavnagar.” Bhaishri’s guidance and dynamism in attending to these urgent issues helped revive the lives of the earthquake victims in these villages.
Smaller projects were taken up in various districts of Kutch including the building of:
- ‘Maharshi Valmiki Samaj Utkarsh Mandir’ at Madhapar, Bhuj
- Maharshi Valmiki Samaj Utkarsh Mandir’ at Baldiya, Bhuj
- ‘Maharshi Sandipani Primary School’ at Kumbhariya, Anjar, and
- ‘Maharshi Sandipani Koli Adivasi Samaj Students Hostel’ at Manfara, Bhachau.
- Reconstruction of the Babadeshwar Mandir, Porbandar
- Repairs to an ancient temple at Bhadh, Porbandar
FLOODS
Gujarat floods, 2005
Floods ravaged Gujarat in June, 2005. Members of our Vaishvik Sanskruti Parivar immediately got to task and distributed food packets in the villages of Kheda district near Baroda.
On the 25th of July trustees of Shri Bharatiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust met Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat and handed him a cheque of Rs. 5,00,000/- for Flood Relief work in Gujarat.
Surat floods, 2006
Floods devastated the city of Surat in year 2006 and like many people and organizations Shri Bharatiya Sanskruti Samvardhak Trust presided by Pujya Bhaishri too rushed to help the flood victims of Surat. 5000 food packets from Porbandar and Ahemdabad were sent to Surat immediately after which Pujya Bhaishri visited Surat and went around the city surveying the devastation caused by the floods. Members of the Vaishvik Sanskruti Parivar immediately came into action and clean drinking water and food packets worth Rs. 7 lacs along with necessary grocery items were distributed to the people in the city. Clothes were also distributed amongst the people. Rs. 51,000 was also given to the Janmabhoomi Relief Fund, the famous publication group which was doing very good relief work.
Bihar floods, 2008
In the year 2008, the state of Bihar was struck with a serious flood condition when the river Kosi caused a dam to break in several places. The gushing river changed its course and caused extreme destruction as the water broke its banks and surged with a flow that uprooted trees and plantations, homes and people resulting in a huge damage to life and property. Approximately 3.5 million people were affected by the flood and organisations worked tirelessly for the restoration of these affected areas. The flooding left 1,600 villages in the region deserted. Our volunteers started planning measures to reach these places without delay. They used boats to supply food and aid to the villages that were left marooned. They also provided clean drinking water to the people and helped rescue them from the isolated areas. They helped collect financial aid for the Bihar Flood Funds and channelled them to reach the victims. Temporary tents were constructed to house the people of the submerged villages. Volunteers worked around the clock to rehabilitate the sufferers. Pujya Bhaishri donated 5 lakh rupees during the Cruise katha in Novmeber 2008 to Paropkar Samiti for the rehabilitation work in Bihar.
Porbandar floods
In year 2008, Porbandar and its surrounding areas were flooded for days. The Trust immediately got into action and did relief work as per the guidelines of District Relief Work of Porbandar. Immediately, food packets were made by Sandipani’s Rishikumars and distributed to all flood affected people. More than 4000 food packets were distributed.
Karnataka floods
Relief was also extended in Karnataka during the floods in 2009.
CYCLONES
Orissa, 1999
A devastating cyclone hit Orissa in 1999 shattering so many lives. The Trust extended support to the Gujarati Samaj in Orissa and helped build 5 schools.
Porbandar,
The cyclone in Porbandar had a great impact on the city and its nearby areas. Electricity was cut off for over a month. The Trust took up the task of repairing and restoring the roofs of all the schools in Porbandar.
Feeding the Poor
Pujya Bhaishri takes every opportunity to feed the poor at Sandipani. During Navratri Anushthan and during the Mandir Patotsav thousands of people are fed twice a day.
During the Navratri Anushthan itself more than 35,000 people are fed annually.
During the Mandir Mahotsav, thousands of people were fed during the celebrations.
At the Prabhu Prasad at Sandipani, lunch is provided free of charge as prasad of Shri Hari. Approximately more than 35,000 people including the poor and less privileged are fed in a year.
Preserving the Mother Nature
With the growing concerns of global warming and the alarming pollution levels, protecting the environment is extremely important. Bhaishri says that nature showers its gifts on mankind and nurtures us just as a mother supplies nourishment to her children. We, in turn, abuse the very same sources which we obtain benefit from. We breathe oxygen in the air and yet pollute the same atmosphere by releasing poisonous gases through transportation, industrial discharges and cigarettes. Our water sources suffer the same fate as we dump them with waste. As we take so much from nature’s bounty, we have to give back our bit by taking care of these very resources that keep us alive. Sandipani is a fine example of how we should live. Its lush grounds with approximately five thousand trees and clean surroundings practise the principles of Bhaishri’s teachings. Students studying at Sandipani are often given the task of cleaning the campus. Bhaishri’s philosophy of worshipping Mother Nature by looking after our resources has reached far and wide to the masses. He takes every opportunity during his discourses to tell people that natural resources are precious and should be used cautiously.
Think green
People all over the world have been woken up to the huge problem of global warming. The crux of the problem is the disappearing green of the trees, which help the environment maintain its balance. Sandipani has contributed to the green cover by planting approximately five thousand trees within the Sandipani campus as well as along the peripheries. According to Bhaishri, every one of us consumes at least six trees during our lifetime. It therefore becomes the responsibility of all individuals to plant trees to provide for the future generation. With Bhaishri’s inspiration and guidance Vaishvik Sanskruti Parivar members regularly organise tree plantation drives in their respective cities and towns.
Govardhan Parikrama Marg
It has always been Bhaishri’s endeavour to encourage people in keeping our religious places clean and unpolluted. While he effectively communicates this message through the medium of his discourses, Bhaishri has been personally involved in the beautification of the “Govardhan Parikrama Marg” at Jatipura in Vrindavan. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, the Govardhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj, which is about 8 km in length. The young Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of his little finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Vrindavan from the deluge of rain sent down by Lord Indra, the rain God. It is believed that if a person circuits the mountain just once, he is expiated from all sins. However this sacred trail has been littered with the waste carelessly thrown by devotees. The large amount of milk that is poured into the mouth of the hill and the puja rituals that are performed there, also contribute to the unhygienic conditions. Tirtha Vikas Trust, inspired by Pujya Bhaishri has cleaned up the path around the Goverdhan hill and set up basic facilities for pilgrims.
Also read about : Pujya Bhaishri
Pujya Bhaishri, Founder, Sandipini Vidyaniketan
Bhaishri was born on 31st August 1957, in a small village named Devka situated in the Saurashtra district of Gujarat. His parents, Late Shri Vrajlal Kanjibhai Oza and his mother Smt. Laxmiben Oza are Brahmins hailing from the Audichya community.
Bhaishri received his initial education at ‘Tatvajyoti’ , a Sanskrit school located in the small town of Rajola. Eventually, he moved to Mumbai, where he completed his primary education and attended college. Although Bhaishri pursued his education with great sincerity, his heart and soul belonged to learning the scriptures and spreading the divine message. While other children played, Bhaishri spent his time immersed in religious activities.
Bhaishri’s interests always led him to study and practice the religious scriptures. He would often attend his uncle, Shri Jeevarajbhai Oza’s discourses. Shri Jeevrajbhai was a highly respected narrator of the Shrimad Bhagavat, himself and he first noticed a spark of spiritual genius in Bhaishri’s character and encouraged it. Bhaishri developed a keen interest in the Shrimad Bhagavat, the Ramayana too, in particular the Ramacharitamanas composed by Gosvami Tulsidasaji, and the Bhagavad-Gita.
At the age of 13, he held his first discourse on the Shrimad Bhagavad-Gita and at age 18 he recited his first Shrimad Bhagavat katha, held in central Mumbai. His faith and beliefs only grew with age.
From humble beginnings, Bhaishri has gone on to capture the hearts and minds of millions across India and the world guiding his brethren through life’s trials and enriching their lives with spirituality.
As Bhaishri’s kathas gained popularity all over India, devotees were eager to listen to these discourses beyond the Indian shores. Across the world, in the United States, Canada, the UK, Portugal, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Bhaishri captivated audiences of all ages and communities.
Having studied the Vedas and the Upanishads in great depth, Bhaishri also wished to propagate the knowledge of these scriptures and bring forth a new generation of scholars who would take the past into the future. Thus, emerged the noble thought of Sandipani Vidyaniketan.
Bhaishri’s kathas and discourses have helped and inspired many to lead their lives the right way. People have shown their gratitude in many different ways. They have opened their hearts to his various causes by contributing their time, effort and giving donations.
For thousands, Bhaishri is more than just a spiritual leader. He is a source of knowledge and an inspiration.
Tel: +(91) 909 996 6253
Email: bsstpbr@sandipani.org / ssptpbr@sandipani.org
Website: http://www.sandipani.org
