The Joys of Summer Vacations

 

The Joys of Summer Vacations

During summer holidays, right from the little ones to adults, everyone looks forward to enjoying their time with friends, relatives and grandparents. Decades back, it used to be an experience of
complete freedom, with elders showering their love, giving ample time and company, and encouraging the youngsters to engage in new activities, and be a source of entertainment by reciting poetry or singing songs. I remember vesting my maternal grandparents, and maternal uncle and aunty who were always eager to listen to new things we children had to share, and then would reward us with pocket money and sweets!  It was such a jolly atmosphere with laughter, stories and unlimited loving hugs that planted wet memories in our hearts and mind, and made us wait eagerly for our summer vacations.

Life was so simple and playful in those good old days: Elders would spend their afternoons either playing chess or having snoring rest under the Pipal tress. The sweet cold water from the nearby well always provided so much freshness and relief from the scorching summer heat of Punjab, where the temperatures during April and May would rise beyond 40 degrees Celsius! The occasional splash in the nearby running stream would also be so enjoyable, where I gradually also learned how to swim.

During the end of May and beginning of June, the mango tress (in orchards or single trees) Used to present a beautiful scenic image with bright colours of red and yellows. We enjoyed plucking some of them without any restriction, soaking them in buckets of cool water, and then sucking on the delicious mangoes one after the other. It was like a grand party for all the kids. That’s why even now; I still remember the good old song, “Bachpan ke din bhula na dena (Don’t forget the days of your childhood)…”

As we grew up and became involved in higher studies, the centre of our interests moved to college picnics, poetry recital competitions, swimming, and mountaineering trips. I fondly remember our beautiful outings where our respected Professors would teach us different kinds of skills for developing accurate observation, enhancement of imagination, and creation of new projects.

Similarly, when I joined the most esteemed spiritual university of the Brahma Kumaris, the innocent and joyful experiences I had witnessed in childhood were further manifested in my interest in Futurology. Listening to Supreme Father God Shiv’s elevated versions through the medium of Pitashri Brahma Baba, we used to become extremely happy and elated knowing that we were learning form the most knowledgeful Father-cum-Teacher-cum-Satguru.

At times, the versions we heard every morning seemed to be intellectual and a bit mind-boggling. Once whilst sharing parts of the teachings of the Brahma Kumaris with my elderly friends in Mumbai, I was surprised to hear one of my respected Sindhi Dadas share in essence that one needs to be practical, and it’s not possible to aspire to become like the Deity Shri Narayan, and he would rather continue to be a good citizen of India… However, I am very happy to share that exposure to the benefits of spiritual lifestyle eventually inspired that same individual to become a very valuable instrument in providing healthcare facilities particularly to the people of Rajasthan, and of course visitors from many nations of the world. His philanthropic thoughtfulness was the seed to build Global Hospital & Research Centre in Mt. Abu, and we all know how much the   Hospital has achieved in improving the health and well-being of thousands of souls, and offering treatment to the needy society without any distinction. No institution can grow without resources and professionally qualified service instruments, and through our long-standing association with Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, we have been very fortunate to receive 100% moral support from our beloved Dadi Prakash Mani ji, Dadi Ishu and of course sisters and brothers from the younger generation.

During these days of hardships when the entire world is caught up in the web of Corona virus, we are indeed very fortunate to have zero positive cases of COVID-19 in Sirohi district, home to our Mount Abu town and Abu Road city, up till now. The Brahma Kumaris Institution have taken on the responsibility of providing logistical help, medical faculties, and spiritual empowerment to construction laborers and other people of lower social-economic strata medicines, especially to stranded pilgrims or workers.

It shouldn’t be out of place to mention that 2500 spiritual pilgrims found themselves stranded in Abu Road because of the sudden announcement of total lockdown from 25 March. These pilgrims had come from different parts of India, especially Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odissa and West Bengal. After 40 days stay in different complexes of Shantivan, Abut Road and Mount Abu, they started returning to their native places by road and trains in early May. They are very thankful to the Brahama Kumaris for looking after them over such a long period, and arranging for all the necessary permissions for their return journey to their respective States. We are very thankful to the local authorities, and State and Union Governments, for their kind and timely help,. We are very fortunate that none of these pilgrims were affected by any serious ailments.

Everyone is looking forward to life in new India, after the complete eradication of Coronavirus. This is the most appropriate time to congratulate Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, his tea of Central Government Ministers and officials, the State Governments through their Chief Ministers and Bureaucrats, the medical fraternity, police force, providers of cleaning and essential sevices for their unconditional and courageous support, without which the country would not be able to survive this dangerous tsunami of COVID-19!!

    As we learn from Media, the loss of life in Bharat has been comparatively low, and the recovery of affected patients is very, very encouraging. Some hardships had to be faced by mighrant workers but the have been taken care of by State Governments and the philanthropic kind-hearted citizens of India who are providing daily food, shelter and transportation to these affected families.

At such a time, when the entire nation is gripped by fear of the virus, our divine sisters Brahma Kumaris Teachers too have been extending moral/ Spiritual support and other essential contributions in cash and kind. Most of the people affected by lockdown have discovered very of hope through the means of spiritual empowerment, and connectivity with the supreme source of Strength, Peace and Well-Being:

 The Government of India chose to re-telecast daily serials of the Ramayana, the Mahabharat and other religious epics twice a day to channel everyone’s energies in a very meaningful way. Sisters and brothers who have been inculcating spiritual values and wisdom over the years, and meditating sincerely, have already developed the couage and strength to face difficulties with determination and far-sightedness.

The Brahma Kumaris have been holding Online Sessions for those interested in re-discovering the Self and receiving God’s Grace through Shaej Rajyoga  Meditation. For some, it’s in fact proving to be a turning point in their lives, which will prepare them for the future.

The Government of India has also been encouraging the use of ayurvedic medicines, and Indian herbs and spices in cooking, along with the practice of Breathing Exercises to build one’s physical immunity.

A majority of the Police Personnel all over the country are playing their respective roles very wisely and humorously, sending out powerful messages that this life is so precious and needs to be taken care of. There is an urgent need to create a shield of positive vibrations all around the globe for saving humanity from un-asked-for destructive elements. Let us teach ourselves and others to generate thoughts and pure feelings for a new world order and systems, which can be expressed through poetry, music, drama, paintings, and other kinds of fine arts. It is time to guide people through calming and fulfilling spiritual experiences with Medication Songs and simultaneous projection of beautiful visuals, so that they any accumulate spiritual energy and overcome each of life’s test-papers.

May the entire humankind have faith in the Supreme Being and in destiny, and aspire for God’s unlimited blessings for a new, healthy and happy world!