SWAHA’s 19th Anniversary: Refuel the Vehicle of Progress

It was nineteen years ago that the illustrious Shankaracharyaji Pt Hari Prasad declared Swaha an official entity. Since its incorporation on April 15, 1993, this Hindu-based, non-profit, humanitarian organization has been paving many pathways on the national landscape of education, religion, culture, sport and social services.

Reflections on the years gone by evoke a deep sense of gratitude to those who have laid the groundwork and ensured the sustenance and growth of this organization. The numerous initiatives and tremendous inroads made over the years were achieved through magnanimous contributions from many who heeded and supported the call for change among Hindu Sanatanists.

Today, almost two decades later, there is still much more that needs to be done for human development. However, in the face of increasing dynamism in the economic world, increasing demands made of the selfless worker and the ever-changing pace of social networking, continued progress in carrying out the mandate of Sanatan Dharma must lie in re-fuelling the thought s and ideas that drive the vehicle of humanitarian work, of progress.

Guidance for such comes from the example of Shri Hanumanji. This devoted servant of Shri Raam is a most imposing symbol on the map of humanitarian uplift.  Representative of the disciplined mind, Shri Hanumanji is the template of the highest example of humankind to follow. He is the highest potential that the mind can achieve and the perfect example of true devotion and complete surrender. His attributes provide us all with a beacon of hope, despite the rising fears and demands that heavily challenge the ethos of working selflessly in the cause of uplift.  Never one to fail, having overcome every challenge that stood before Him, this epitome of virtue, strength, humility and courage trampled upon every apparent distraction, ravaging  forests of difficulties and marching onwards to accomplish His Master’s mission.  A stranger to any attitude of presenting excuses for unfinished tasks, apologies, delays and postponements, nothing demoralized Him nor deterred him from attaining His goal. Just as the wind serves the world silently, without ostentation, similarly His son Hanumanji was dedicated to the service of spirituality, symbolized by Shri Raam. He served the cause of his Master, making it His own mission.  Indeed, He combines the qualities of both the servitor and soldier.

Such qualities in the field of service are desperately needed today in leading the way forward, in achieving individual and collective spiritual uplift.  Swaha, and indeed all organizations that have the human condition as its core priority, need soldiers in the ilk of Shri Hanuman.  Soldiers with a disciplined mind and the grace of Bhagavan can quite easily and successfully journey through all demands, deteriorating circumstances and various challenges. One must remember though, that this journey must be on a sturdy vehicle that can withstand the rough, pot-holed tracks on the way.  Synonymous with Shri Hanumanji, this vehicle is the ‘Dharma rath’- the chariot of righteousness.  With wheels of valour and fortitude, the flag of truthfulness and horses of strength, discriminative power, self-control and benevolence, the destination will be reached.

As Swaha marks its 19^th anniversary,  and as Hindus celebrate the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti,  we should all reflect on our roles as servants of Sanatan Dharma and recommit ourselves to the task of building our nation and in the process, evolving to spiritual perfection.