Report/Rons Bantwal
Mumbai (RBI), Sept. 10: The Gujarat Billawara Sangha devoutly celebrated the 171st birth anniversary of Brahmashree Narayana Guru last Sunday at the Sangha’s Shri Vaidyashree Cultural Hall, Alkapura, Baroda, Gujarat, with religious, meeting, and cultural programs including Bhajans and Sankirtana.
On the occasion of Narayana Guru Jayanti, from morning onwards rituals such as Gayatri Yajna, Guru Pooja, Matri-Pitru Pada Pooja, Mangalarathi, Annadana (food distribution) were conducted in a religious and traditional manner.
Under the guidance of the Sangha’s Hon. President Dayananda Bontra (Belmannu), and presided over by GBS President Harish V. Poojary Madyar (Derlakatte), the Jayanti celebrations were inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Chief Guest Shashidhar B. Shetty, President of Tulu Sangha, Baroda.
Other distinguished guests included Ravinath Shetty, Hon. President, Tulu Sangha, Ankleshwar, Radhakrishna Moolya, former Gen. Secretary, Karnataka Samaj Surat, Ajith Shetty, President, Patla Foundation, Gujarat Unit, Shankar Shetty, President, Tulu Sangha, Ankleshwar, Balakrishna Shetty, Hon. President, Tulu Isiri, Vapi, Naveen Shetty, President, Tulu Isiri, Vapi, Mohan C. Poojary, Founder, Gujarat Billawara Sangha, Ahmedabad, Manoj C. Poojary, former President, Karnataka Samaj Surat, Vishwanath G. Poojary, Bardoli (Surat), Entrepreneurs Venkatesh S. Poojary, Irvailu (Silvasa), Sadashiva Poojary (Vapi) All participated as guests of honor.
In his address, Shashidhar B. Shetty stated “Living a life of harmony itself is the ideal of Narayana Guru. He strived to bring revolutionary change through peace against untouchability and social imbalance in society. Narayana Guru was a great philosopher who showed the path of equality, brotherhood, and truth. His life should be a model for us. The life of Narayana Guru is the life of humanity itself. We need to adopt the values and ideals of Brahmashree who was recognized and honored across society.”
Dayananda Bontra, in his introductory speech, said that a social reformer dedicated his entire life to reducing social discrimination. His philosophy is the guiding principle of our Sangha. The solutions he proposed remain ideal examples, and this platform stands testimony to them. Narayana Guru, like an incarnate being, proved that all human beings are of one caste, one religion, and one God. Our Sangha, established more than two and a half decades ago, is rooted in his principles and has gained fulfillment through this foundation.”
President Harish V. Poojary, in his presidential address, said that the life of Narayana Guru reflects Sanatana Dharma, and his service extended vastly. His messages continue to remain a lighthouse of humanity even today. Let us practice his principles and strengthen our community. This requires people with selfless spirit. Only those with genuine social concern and godly wisdom, free from selfishness, can impart the importance of Sanatana Dharma to our younger generations.”
On stage were GBS Chief Coordinator Vasu V. Suvarna, Secretary Santosh Salian, Treasurer Sudesh Kotian, Women’s President Chandrika Kotian, and other dignitaries. Guests distributed educational funds and scholarships to children and conveyed their best wishes.
At the beginning, dignitaries performed Aarati to the idols of Mother Gayatri Devi, Koti-Chennaya, and Brahmashree Narayana Guru in the Sangha premises. Several committee members were present, and Sangha members, women, and children showcased cultural programs. Children performed Pada Pooja for their parents and received blessings.
The prayer was led by Yashoda Poojary, Nalini Poojary, Pushpa Poojary, Jyothi Kotian, and Veda Poojary group. Vasu V. Suvarna delivered the welcome address. Cultural programs were coordinated by Sowmya P. Poojary, while Sachin Poojary (Bhiwandi) compered the meeting. Vote of thanks was given by Santosh Salian.