Kondiachiwadi Bhoomi poojan

Background of adopting Kondiachiwadi:In July 2009, the Sion-Wadala Samiti of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Mumbai adopted two villages beyond new Panvel- Gadheshwar and Kondiachiwadi. Out of these, Kondichiwadi was identified as the ‘focus village’ for undertaking the first major project by the Samiti under the Sri Sathya Sai Village Integrated Program (SSSVIP) - The Water Project. Location & Profile: Situated about 60 kms from the city of Mumbai, this village is an uphill trek of around 25 minutes. There is no road as such to reach the village and the foothill itself is about a 25 minute walk away from the main road. Positioned amidst mountains, the village has no water available on the hilltop. This necessitates the villagers to go downhill every time they need water and carry heavy potfuls on their head.

Planning and execution of the project: After a preliminary assessment of the problem through survey and regular house visits, the Samiti identified a need for a water project. A detailed analysis was carried out to derive the cost of the proposed project. Convinced by the value this project would get to the villagers, Mahindra & Mahindra came forward to participate in the project.

The next step was to form organized clusters within the Samiti, who would act as specialized departments for each activity, required through the entire project viz. administrative, managerial, financial, technical etc. After series of meetings held within the Samiti and technical guidance sought from Mr. Hegde, who is the in house expert for water projects the plan of action for the project was finally laid out. The date for Bhoomi pooja was set for 18th of April, 2010. On behalf of the entire Samiti, a letter was written to Swami for seeking His guidance as well as expressing gratitude for this wonderful opportunity to serve Him. The joy was endless, when the letter was accepted by Bhagawan!

The Bhoomi Poojan: On 18th of April, an entire busload of devotees from the Samiti as well as other office bearers and dignitaries from Mahindra & Mahindra gathered at the village. There was a festive spirit in the air as the women from the village welcomed each one in their traditional way by offering turmeric & vermillion (haldi kumkum). The site of the Bhoomi Poojan at the base of the hill was embellished with mango leaves and jasmine flowers. Swami’s photo was well decorated with flowers and vermillion, a lamp was lit and a delicate fragrance from the incense sticks permeated the air. The ceremony began at 9:40 a.m. in a traditional way by chanting the Ganapathi Atharva Shirsham, Narayana Upanishad and Namakam. This was followed by Ganapati puja,Sri Varuna puja, Sri Bhuvaneshwairi puja and Ayudha puja thereby sanctifying the place where the well was to be dug and also energizing and purifying the equipments to be used. The ceremony ended with Aarti and distribution of sweets.

After the pooja, devotees proceeded to the top of the hill where the village is situated whilst doing Nagarsankeertan. For those who could not trek up, tumtums’ (a six seater rickshaw)were arranged. The village bore a festive look as every house had colourful rangoli and buntings outside. A colourful canopy was put up outside the community centre. The gathering consisted of devotees and the villagers- each and every member, from the youngest to the eldest. This gathering was addressed by six dignitaries and a youth from the village. Namdev, the village youth, moved the audience by stating in the most earnest manner, all the hardships faced by the villagers when they went to fetch water. He expressed how blessed the entire village felt to be brought under the Sai umbrella. He added, Swami heard their silent prayers and sent His ‘karyakarta’ (devotee) as ‘dhoot’ (instrument)and that now they didn’t feel abandoned any more instead felt completely one with the Sri Sathya Sai family!

Namdev’s speech was followed by Ms. Garge of Mahindra & Mahindra who was so moved by the energy of the villagers and the sincerity of the devotees, that she volunteered on behalf of the employees of Mahindra & Mahindra to offer tractors and people to physcially contribute their might (Shrama Daan), every 1st and 3rd Saturday. Ms. Priya from an NGO inspired women folk from the village to participate equally in the project.

Mr. Nimish Pandya, District President, Mumbai of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, enthused every member of the audience to participate, preserve and nurture the project. He made the villagers aware that this project came through sheer grace of Bhagawan and that He does not reside miles and miles away in Puttaparthi, but actually in every house in Kondiachiwadi. Therefore, he called upon the villagers to turn every home into a temple by giving up any bad talk, vices, and negativity. He concluded his speech with the bhajan, “Naino mein prem dhaar” which the gathering willing participated in chorus thus offering their gratitude to Bhagawan. The programme concluded with the Divine Aarti followed by Narayan Seva.