Report and pics by: Sujay Bendore
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (SP)
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Dubai, Aug 30: Billawas Dubai and Northern Emirates celebrated the 154th birth anniversary of philosopher-saint Shri Narayana Guru Swamy at Karama Center Hall, Karama Dubai on Friday August 29, in an environment of devotion and celebration.
The puja began at 5 pm with the placing of Kalasa (pitcher) by Suvarna Satish Poojary, followed by the chanting of guru slokas and guru bhajans continuously till the end.
President of the organization Umesh Kuckian welcomed all the devotees and emphasized the need to getting educated, as one of the main objectives of the Billawas. "Our organization strongly follows the principles of Sree Narayana guru, who laid lot of emphasis on education," he said.
The lighting of a traditional lamp was performed with devotion by Jyothi Dayanad Bangera, Shobha Ambalthere, Usha Anand Salian, Vishalakshi Praveen and Chandrika Vaman Poojary.
S L Rao performed the puja. Later Sree Narayana Guru prasada was distributed to all devotees, followed by Mahaprasada.
The members of Billawas Dubai and Norther Emirates, particularly from the ladies wing richly deserve appreciation for organizing the function in an environment full of devotion and divinity with a touch of folk accent.
The Guru puja was attended by a full house audience who whole-heartedly participated in this celebration.
About Narayana Guru:
Narayana Guru was born in the year 1854 AD at Chempazhanthy, a the suburb of the city of Trivendrum, then called as Travancore, capital of a princely state by that name. He was the only son of his parents in the family of Vayalvaram, of which a small cottage is still remaining next to a Bhagavati Temple called Manakkal. Narayana Guru, who was called 'Nanu' by his parents, was taught Tamil, Malayalam, and Sanskrit by his father. apart from having formal schooling in the village school, he learnt Sidharupa, Balaprabhodhana and Amrakosa by heart, as was the practice then. Nanu was blessed with a penetrating understand and sharp memory.
Sri Narayana Guru was a rare combination of saint and social reformer. In one of the messages to his disciples, Sri Narayana Guru said, ‘Inform the people about the general principles of religion and propagate faith in God. Strive among the people to achieve external and three types of internal cleanliness, of thought, word and deed.’ Speak to the people about non-violence, love and unity and make them follow these principles. Select and train suitable young men and send out the best and willing among them as monks to work for the good of others, he had advised.
He believed that the Lord is one, so also is the mankind. Any religion that makes man a better human being, is fit to be followed and knowledge is power, he said. He always said that knowledge is power and exhorted people to gain freedom through education and to gain strength through organization.
Billawas Dubai and Northern Emirates, following in the footsteps of Shri Narayana Guru, had organized a scholarship distribution programme at Mulki Billawa Samaja Seva Sangh premises, where scholarships were distributed to more than 70 sudents received scholarships and four were given medical aid. President Umesh Kuckian presided. Ex-MP Vinaya Kumar Sorake, Ex-MLA Somappa Suvarna etc., were present.
Vinay Kumar Sorake was honoured by draping a shawl around him and presenting with a citation and memento on the occasion. Sorake in response praised the organization for the noble activities undertaken by it.
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