Thousands of followers globally descended on Mysuru at the famed ashram of Pujya Swami Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda (Datta) to observe and celebrate his 80th birthday with flowers, gifts, and their gracious presence. It is a massive celebration, the like of which not seen in the Caribbean or even in Mysuru. It takes place over days. Swamiji is very popular in the Caribbean, particularly Trinidad, and the Indo Caribbean diaspora as well as the Indian diaspora.
Thousands locally and from around Globe came to get Darshan or blessing and bearing gifts, flowers, and varied offerings for Swami-ji. Politicians and community leaders of all stripes graced the event. Even politicians showered accolades on Pujya Swamiji and visited him for darshan. Also present were: Junior pontiff Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swami, district in-charge Minister S.T. Somashekar, MLA S.A.Ramdas, Mayor of Mysuru Sunanda Palanetra and devotees were present.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the event virtually. Through a live video Iink, Modiji uttered salutary and graceful praiseworthy comments commending the work of Swamiji — comments and descriptions aptly describing Swamiji and deservingly so. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the contributions of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swami of Avadhoota Datta Peetham. Mr Modi said that the social work of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swami was inspiring.
A report of the PM speech in the media noted that he cited scriptures in making reference to Swamiji. He referred to Pujya Swami ji as a saint. Mr. Modi said that “a saint does not live for himself but for the betterment of the society and added that Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda swami’s life was a testimony to this”.
PM expressed happiness that the ashram was a blend of traditional and modern, Mr.Modi noted that apart from the temples, the concept of 3D mapping and laser technology too had been incorporated to spread awareness about the ancient culture of India. ‘’Not only is the Datta Peetha a centre for Vedic studies, it was also blending modern science and experimenting with music to heal diseases”, but he also said as quoted in the media.
Mr. Modi’s address to the religious icon and the devotees was televised at the ashram. The report stated that Prime Minister Modi began his address by chanting ‘Jai Gurudatta’, the customary greeting of the ashram, and wished the seer and the devotees in Kannada. He subsequently switched to Hindi and recalled his earlier visit to the ashram years ago and said though he was not physically present at the ashram, they were all in his thoughts.
The PM said he hoped the ashram and the seer would play a major role in the task of nation-building by taking forward the concepts of environment conservation, Swachh Bharat and promoting equality.
Swamiji is engaged in outstanding community work assisting the public in India, Trinidad, Tobago, and several other countries. Many Trinidadians graced the event.
Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji is the Founder and Pontiff of the three beautiful ashrams in Trinidad including the famous 85 ft Hanuman Murthy in central Trinidad. He visited Guyana and several Caribbean territories to promote religious unity and respect for all irrespective of racial or religious background.
There were religious services on the occasion of the birth anniversary last Saturday, May 21 that will continue for the next couple of weeks. On the 22nd, there was the inauguration of 80th Birthday Celebrations & a newly constructed Hanuman Dwara. There is also a towering Hanuman Murthi at the Datta Center in Trinidad.
Attendees have shown excitement at the event which is flocked by very large gatherings. The proceedings at the Mysuru event were carried live globally for those who could not attend in person.
By Dr Vishnu & Parbatie Bisram
