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| This was not an ordinary
yatra to Kailash and Mansarovar. It was truly a “Vishwa Maitri Yatra”
[World Friendship Yatra]. The yatris inaugurated the Parmarth Mansarovar
Ashram and Clinic on the banks of Lake Mansarovar. This ashram (tourist
rest house) and clinic, the first ever to be built in the holy land
of Mansarovar, were built by India Heritage Research Foundation, under
the guidance and blessings of Pujya Swami Chidanandji, Founder and
Chairman. |
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| The official inauguration
was attended by all of the local school children, revered lamas, local
authorities, and village people, who performed special local songs
and dances for the occasion. The village women danced, the village
men danced, the school children sang and danced, and the lamas performed
a special sacred chant. Then, the young rishikumars from Parmarth’s
gurukul sang and danced along with the local Tibetan village children
– the purity of love serving as their bridge across cultures, nationalities,
languages and customs. |
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Nalini
and Kamalini perform a special dance to Shiva. |
Pujya
Swamiji honors the local lamas. |
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The
official plaque is unveiled. |
We
distributed notebooks, pencils and biscuits to school
children. |
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| As the time for the
official “opening of the ribbon” drew near, the local officials and
villagers set off a loud display of fireworks, and an orchestra of
different musical instruments mingling with the sound of the conch
shell, filled the joyous air. |
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The
2 buildings of the Parmarth Mansarovar Medical Clinic
- adjacent to the Ashram
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| Additionally, on the
final day in Mansarovar, Pujya Swamiji met with the local village
heads, farmers and doctor to ascertain what other help is necessary
in the region. To each of their requests, Pujya Swamiji responded
“done,” and assured the people that their needs would be met.
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The
Reception room in the Ashram. |
Pujya
Swamiji gives medicines to the local doctor. |
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| The local people,
who were filled with natural wariness and trepidation at the beginning
of the yatris’ visit, shed tears of sadness as the yatra departed.
Local villagers had come one evening, laden with 2 heavy cans of yak
milk as a special, ceremonial offering to Pujya Swamiji. “Lama, milk.
Lama, milk. Lama, milk,” they said, as they placed the offering at
his feet and did dandavat Sashtaang pranam, before quietly exiting.
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