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Dr. Vandana Jani (Aunty)
Founder and Vice President, Vivekananda Vidyapith

“Respected Swamijis, parents and children,

I would like to recognize all the volunteers. I would like to thank all the volunteers of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan who worked hard behind the curtain. During the three-day function, we grew closer to Dr. Bhadra Shah, and Kalpanaji of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan who worked hard for the success of the function.

In the Vidyapith, Uma Ramakrishnan was a music director. Everything about music she took care of. Uncle taught Shanti Mantra and chanting. Drama can’t be done by me alone. Several people helped in the drama practices, preparing the costumes, sceneries, setting up the stage, transportation and other things. Suba Ramesh Parmar was the dance choreographer. Mayankbhai and Amitaben Patel prepared the props for the drama. There were several others who were continuously working hard. During the play one curtain broke down. One helper was holding the curtain up throughout so that it would not ruin the scenery. Several people took care of the food today. It is difficult to tell all the names here.

I would like to share a personal experience with you. I had a dream, yes, a real dream. From route 80, uncle was showing our house to several Swamis. Strangely enough, three days later Swami Adiswaranandaji called and told us that all the Swamis are coming to the Vidyapith. Our real home is the Vidyapith. Today all of you came here. I feel like those two brahminis described in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, whose house Thakur was visiting. One was running around in excitement, telling everyone that Thakur is coming, and the other was constantly working hard. Today, I feel these two persons in me.

Your visit reminds me of a poem I had learned in my school days. Every day a priest was going on the top of the mountain to worship God. One day the priest requested the Lord (which the poet writes): ‘O Lord! Would you come today to my home to light up a lamp in my heart?’

Today, all Swamis have come to our home. This is a special day and a rare occasion for all of us. Sorry! I am becoming emotional. I know Swami Adiswaranandaji does not like the display of emotions in public. You know Swami Adiswaranandaji taught us many things. He demands perfection and in the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center everything is done in the perfect way. Whenever we do anything in the Vidyapith we always think from Swami Adiswarnandaji’s point of view. Are these pictures put properly? Are these flowers arranged properly? Are our presentations appropriate and done the best way? Thus, Swami Adiswaranandaji’s guidance is always there, helping us to do our work in the best possible way.

Lastly, I request that you all please join with me:

‘Jai Sri Gurumaharajjiki Jai’
‘Jai Mahamaiki Jai’
‘Jai Swamiji Maharajjiki Jai’
‘Jai Gangamaiki Jai’
‘Jai Sab Santanaki Jai.’ ”