Sri Swamiji arrives after 3 months tour

Report by Sri. H.V. Prasad

Mysore, 21st September 1997

Sri Swamiji arrived in Mysore ashrama after the 38th foreign tour on Saturday the 20th at 2 p.m. Sri Swamiji had traveled from Madras to Mysore by Shatabdi express train and about seventy devotees had vied with each other to join Sri Swamiji in this wonderful train journey.

Sri Swamiji was received at the train station by jubilant and happy looking devotees. At the Ashrama Sri Swamiji was received with Purnakumbha and Veda ghosha. On Sunday the 21st, a welcome reception was held at the Ashrama prayer hall. The function started with recitations of Veda chanting and Ashrama Nitya Prarthana (Shiveti Shoureeti). Sri. T.R. Krishnappa, secretary of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Educational Institutions welcomed the gathering. Sri. Prakash, Mayor of Mysore city presided over the function. The Chief Guests were, Sri. Mohan, Justice of Karnataka High Court, His Highness Dibya Singh Deb, Maharaja of Puri, Orissa and Sri. Kodandaramaiah, former justice of Andhra Pradesh High court and Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Veda Parishad..They were all honoured with Peetha Vastram and Garland. Later Sri Mohan Kumar honoured Sri Prasad, Sri Radha Krishna, Sri Jaitra Varanasi and Sri Shankar Ramesh, some of those who were fortunate to accompany Sri Swamiji in the tour.

Sri Radha Krishna gave a speech about the highlights of the tour and lucidly explained the reason of Sri Swamiji's extensive touring and the silent spiritual revolution Sri Swamiji is causing all over the world.

In his brief speech, Sri Prakash expressed his happiness that Sri Swamiji was awakening spiritual energy in the devotees of not only India but also abroad. He prayed to His Holiness that Sri Swamiji should reduce his tours and stay more at Mysore Ashrama and let people come to Ashrama and let people come to Sri Swamiji. He opined that the less Sri Swamiji gets tired, the more He can bless the humanity. Sri. Mohan Kumar in his brief speech said that he was honoured to participate in today's function. His Highness Dibya Singh Deb released a book called "Sachchidananda Darshan" an introductory book on Sri Swamiji written in Marathi language. Incidentally this is the first ever Marathi publication. It was translated and published by Sri Rishi Sanskruti Vidya Kendra of Pune, Maharastra State.

On this auspicious occasion, Datta Peetham honoured Sri. Ganti Shankaran, a senior devotee from Vijayawada. He was conferred a Pundit Shawl, Golden Kankan and a Golden spoon. He has been associated with Sri Swamiji since Sri Swamiji's first visit to Vijayawada in 1971.

Sri Swamiji in a brief speech said "My body is also my devotee and I must protect and ensure that it is in good condition to bless devotees for a long time. It demands that I tour less and less. This tour was an epic one where many temples were inaugurated and idols installed. I am happy with the outcome of this tour. Jaya Guru Datta"