Dr.Basdeo Panday, The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago who was the chief
guest in the Indian Republic day celebrations held in New Delhi, paid a visit
to Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore and sought the Blessings of His Holiness
Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. The Prime Minister offered Purnahuti
(final offering) to the Maha Ganapati Homa and participated in the special
puja and had private audience with Sri Swamiji.
Later, in a glittering ceremony held in the majestic Universal Prayer Hall
in the Peetham, the Hon'ble Prime Minister inaugurated the pyramid shaped
meditation hall named 'Sumeru Dhyana Mantapa'. He also handed over the keys
of the ambulance van donated by the Peetham to the Bellary city police,
represented by the Superintendent of Police, Mr. Gopal.B.Hosur. This is the
second van donated by the Datta Peetham to Police Department. The first was
given to Mysore city police recently.
Sri C.S.Radha Krishna, Secretary, Datta Peetham, welcomed the Prime Minister
and other dignitaries who included Mrs. Oma Panday, wife of the Prime Minister,
Mr.Ralph Maraj, Foreign Minister, Mr.Mervyn Assam, Minister of Industry and
Trade, H.E.Ousman Ali, High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago in India,
H.E. Mr. I.V.Chopra, Indian High Commissioner in Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr.Radha Krishna in his welcome speech highlighted the special relation the
Peetham has with Trinidad and Tobago and the efforts of the Datta Yoga Center
(Peetham Branch) in Trinidad and Tobago and its active participation in the
cultural, spiritual and social activities in that country.
Later all the dignitaries were conferred Peetham honours.
The Prime Minister in his speech said " I consider it the blessing of the
Almighty to be in this sacred place today. I am grateful to the government
and the people of this country who are responsible for my visit. I was the
guest of honour at the Republic day celebrations in New Delhi. This is the
political dimension of my visit. I brought along with me a delegation of
businessmen to foster the bilateral trade. This is the economic dimension.
There is an emotional and spiritual dimension to my visit too. I had the
privilege of visiting the village of my forefathers (Laxmanpur in Uttar Pradesh).
I have also been blesssed with the opportunity of visiting Mandirs, Ashrams,
and having Darshan of Saints. I express my gratitude for inviting me here.
Swamiji, you conducted special prayers (in 1995) for the welfare of my
countrymen. I heartily thank you for that. More than this I must express
my gratitude for the work you and your organisation have been doing for my
countrymen. I am grateful to your Holiness for establishing Dattatreya Yoga
Center which happens to be in my Parliamentary constituency. Words are
insufficient to express my happiness and gratitude".
Sri Swamiji in the benedictory address said "I am happy that a real Jnani
(man of wisdom) and a champion of social service has inaugurated the Sumeru
Dhyana Mantapa. One may reach great heights politically. But true wisdom
comes from the inner strength. That strength comes from constant Sadhana,
dedication, upbringing and above all, by Sadguru's grace. I read in newspapers
about your visit to this country. I also read about your visit to the native
place of your forefathers. I was very happy. Such a noble attitude of remembering
one's forefathers comes from Parampara (lineage). Similarly one should always
remember Swadharma (one's own Dharma). Service to humanity is also Swadharma.
You have been serving your countrymen in the capacity of a leader. Continue
that service. You are a leader politically. That is your political dimension.
But you are a member of Datta family too. May Lord Dattatreya bless you and
your delegation. Jaya Guru Datta".