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| In June, 1998 when
H.H. Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, H.H. Swami Gurusharananandji and
H.H. Sant Shri Rameshbhai Oza (Pujya Bhaishri) went on yatra to the
sacred land of Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash, in Tibet, they saw the
desperateness of the local situation. There were no medical facilities
for hundreds of kilometers. People frequently suffered and even died
from basic, treatable ailments, such as altitude sickness, due to
lack of medical attention. There was no indoor place to stay - all
had to camp in tents. This complete lack of facilities deters
many pilgrims from journeying to this holy land, as well as makes
the pilgrimage very difficult for those who are not in the healthiest
condition. |
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| Therefore, Pujya Swamiji
vowed that -- by the grace of God — He would do something for the
local people (who don't even have running water) and for all the pilgrims
who travel there. |
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| Pujya
Swamiji with the Ambassador of China to Nepal.
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Two
and a half years were spent in discussions with the
Chinese government, to get permission for the project.
Finally, in November, 2000, the permission was officially
granted to build an ashram and a hospital in the sacred
land. Further, this will be the spring board for other
much-needed humanitarian projects in the area, including
schools, vocational training programs, etc.
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| On
December 9, the Chinese/Tibetan government officials
flew from Lhasa to Kathmandu for the final negotiations
with the team Pujya Swamiji had put in charge in Nepal.
After 4 days of intense writing and rewriting of plans,
proposals and agreements, the final contract was ready
for Pujya Swamiji's signature.
On December 14, 2000, Pujya Swamiji flew to Kathmandu,
Nepal where a special banquet was thrown in His honor
by the Ambassador from China to Nepal. |
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| Pujya
Swamiji with the Governor of Tibet. The white
shawl is the Chinese way of showing respect and
reverence. |
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Then,
on December 15, the official contract was signed, stating
(in part), "Under the vision, inspiration
and leadership of His Holiness Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati,
India Heritage Research Foundation has agreed to provide
the Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Ngari Prefecture
of Tibet Autonomous Region, Peoples Republic of China,
with the funds to build a clinic and Tourist Rest House
(ashram) in the holy area of Lake Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash."
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| The
official signing of the contract.
Next to Pujya Swamiji is the Cultural Minister
of Nepal. |
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Further, the contract
states that for all future projects in the region (including schools,
hospitals, rest houses, sanitation programs), the government of
Tibet/China will give first priority to IHRF to sponsor the project.
The project is truly
the grace of God and will be a divine gift to the holy land, to
all the impoverished Tibetans who live there, and to all the pious
pilgrims who cross oceans and continents in order to have a glimpse
of the abode of Lord Shiva. |
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