PUNE: The Sadhu Vaswani Mission held its 59th Annual Rath Yatra on 22nd November, 2025, to commemorate the 146th birth anniversary of Sadhu T. L. Vaswani. The three-hour procession began at 5 PM and concluded at 8 PM IST, transforming the streets of Pune Camp into a vibrant display of devotion. Several floats moved along the route, displaying messages of peace and compassion, while singers on the floats sang bhajans and kirtans. Hundreds of participants walked, chanting holy hymns and expressing their commitment to a world free from cruelty.

A major attraction was the Rath itself—an intricately designed, spaceship-like vehicle carrying a lifelike statue of Sadhu Vaswani and a statue of Dada J. P. Vaswani. As the Rath travelled the 5-kilometer route through Council Hall, Poona Club, Dorabjee, Babajan Chowk, Mahatma Gandhi Road, and other major landmarks, devotees gathered on both sides of the street to catch a glimpse and offer their homage. The atmosphere was filled with emotion as Didi Krishna Kumari, Head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, led the procession and distributed prasad to participants and passers-by.

Two halts were made at Pudumjee Compound and Kohinoor Hotel, where Didi Krishna addressed the gathering. She highlighted Sadhu Vaswani’s message of compassion for all, urging people to observe International Meatless Day on 25th November and adopt a lifestyle rooted in non-violence.

One of the participants, Dr. Vedika Ajwani, who has been carrying her little ones — aged 2 and 4 — to the Rath Yatra for the past four years, shared: “From birth, we have brought them to the Yatra so we could inculcate the values of reverence, love, and compassion. We want them to immerse themselves in the tirtha-yatra and seek the blessings of saints.”

First launched in 1966, the Yatra has grown into a major spiritual procession that brings together devotees from across the world to spread the saint’s enduring message of compassion and non-violence. Like every year, the event placed special emphasis on Sadhu Vaswani’s appeal to protect all living beings, reminding people that animals are “our brothers and sisters” and deserve kindness and compassion.

In the days ahead, the Mission will continue its celebrations with Guru Gatha 1.0, a theatrical presentation on the life of Sadhu Vaswani on 23rd November, followed by kirtan and satsang evenings and several service activities across the city. The week-long festivities will culminate on 25th November, observed globally as International Meatless Day, with satsangs continuing till midnight and a public langar in the afternoon, open to all.

The annual Rath Yatra remains a powerful reminder of Sadhu Vaswani’s vision—a world where compassion extends beyond humanity to all forms of life, and where every being is treated with dignity and love.

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The observances began on Friday, July 11, with an evening satsang. Didi Krishna Kumari, head of the Mission, shared Dada’s timeless message in two Sindhi words, “Sujaag Thyo” (“Awaken!”).

The following morning, on July 12, a prabhat pheri (dawn procession) was held at 5:30 a.m. A decorated float carrying a portrait of Dada Vaswani moved through the streets and housing societies of Pune Camp, covering a distance of about 3.5 kilometres. Along with the singers on the float, devotees sang bhajans and kirtan throughout.

The walk was followed by a special morning satsang. Deepak Chugani from Hong Kong, who took part in the walk for the first time, shared: “The bhajans and kirtan that were sung throughout the walk are forever etched in my heart — and it felt as though the city itself was being sanctified as Dada’s float moved through the streets of Pune. I’ve never experienced such bliss before.” 

“Ever since Dada passed into the Unseen, his presence feels even more near,” said Drishika, a young singer. “There’s more magic in the air—as though his grace has only intensified with time,” she added.

The day also featured a noon satsang filled with bhajans and kirtan, followed by an evening session that included the recorded teachings of the Masters. ‘Deepak Yatra’ was observed with lamps lit at the Samadhi. Devotees gathered again at night for a midnight satsang.

“Since Dada’s passing, I feel more connected to him — from the heart,” said Muskan, a young girl who knew Dada personally. “It’s on this day that my emotions rise, and I realise how deeply I love him.”

On Sunday, July 13, from 11:30 a.m., havan, bhajans, and kirtan were followed by a talk by Didi Krishna. She said that even today, Dada continues to amaze her. She also said that his life is a shining example of how action speaks louder than words. At 1:00 p.m., langar was served to all. Later, an evening satsang featured recorded teachings of Dada Vaswani.

Khushi, who often visits the Mission, said, “Dada is no longer in one place — he is everywhere. He can be found in every heart that longs for peace and forgives easily.”

Dada’s life itself was his message; he often served the poor with his own hands. To mark his anniversary, extensive seva was carried out by the Mission, venerating his teachings of selfless giving and service for the destitute. Concessional medical procedures were carried out across the Mission’s clinics and hospitals

Children from municipal schools were given kits filled with school essentials such as stationery, socks, and handkerchiefs. Needy families were given ration kits. Distribution of fruits was done in hospitals, and especially in government hospitals, poor patients received fruits and biscuits in reusable, eco-friendly, multipurpose bags, stitched by underprivileged women trained at the Mission’s own skill development centre. 

“This day has a special place in my heart; I’ll make it a point to return every year. The spiritual joy I experienced is rare,” expressed Ram Dudani from Delhi. 

International Sadhu Vaswani Centres also paid tribute to Dada’s memory through satsangs and seva.

Dada was a modern-day saint who transformed lives with love. Universally acclaimed as a humanitarian, philosopher, educationist, author, orator, and a messiah of ahimsa, Dada is known worldwide. He advocated for peace through forgiveness; his birthday, August 2nd, is observed as Global Forgiveness Day. 

Sadhu Vaswani Mission, under Didi Krishna’s guidance, continues to serve communities through free education, daily meals for the poor, medical care, disaster relief, and animal feeding across the globe.

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PUNE: Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Pune, observed Guru Purnima on Thursday, July 10, 2025, with a full day of spiritual observances, drawing hundreds of attendees from across the globe. The day was a tribute to the timeless teachings of the Gurus Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani, whom many regard as their spiritual masters. International Sadhu Vaswani Centres also observed satsangs and special initiatives to venerate the Gurus.

Hundreds had gathered at 6 a.m. for the cleansing of the idols of the Gurus at their Sacred Samadhis. This was followed by 108 havans with 108 Gayatri Mantra recitations. 108 is a number regarded as complete and sacred—ancient seers chose 108 as the sacred count, believing that it aligns man with the Divine. Children as young as 4 took part.

At 11:30 a.m., a satsang was held, featuring bhajans, kirtan, and a message by Didi Krishna Kumari, head of the Mission. She spoke about the eternal presence and protective power of the Guru. She emphasised that while the Guru is always with us, guiding and guarding us, the disciple must walk the path with complete faith and surrender. At 1 p.m., langar was served to all. 

The evening satsang included bhajans and kirtan with recorded teachings of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani. 

As part of Guru Purnima observances, the Mission carried out various seva activities. Fruits were distributed in hospitals, ration kits were provided to needy families across Pune, and over 800 children from 4 municipal schools received school essentials such as stationery kits, socks, and handkerchiefs. 

Many regard Sadhu Vaswani and Dada Vaswani as their Guru. “The Guru is ever-giving, ever-forgiving, ever-loving,” said Raju Akali, a senior. “He is with us always—an incarnation of God.”

Neelam, who knew Dada closely, shared, “In a world full of noise and disconnection, just remembering that Dada is my Guru brings instant calm. No healing has touched me like his grace. Standing before his Samadhi fills me with strength and peace.”

Ramprasad, who has served as a security guard at the Mission for 28 years, described Dada as a ‘Digpala’—a divine guardian. “He protected all when he was physically here, and even now, he watches over us all astrally.”

Traditionally observed on the full moon day of Ashadha, Guru Purnima is a spiritual occasion dedicated to honouring the Guru—the one who leads seekers from ignorance to inner illumination.

Sadhu Vaswani Mission carries out free daily feeding of the poor, free education for the needy, disaster-relief activities, and daily animal feeding under the guidance of Didi Krishna, Global Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission.

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Three satsangs—at dawn, noon, and evening—marked the milestone. The celebrations began at 5 a.m. with a havan and satsang, held at the same hour when the movement was first initiated in 1933. The program included readings from the Nuri Granth and sacred texts of saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Shah Abdul Latif, and Jesus, each echoing the universal message of inner light and love.

In a recorded message, Sadhu Vaswani’s teachings reminded devotees that true education must unite both the head and the heart, calling for values-based learning in schools.

At the noon and evening satsangs, students, teachers, and followers gathered in large numbers. Dr. Manju Nichani, Director of Sadhu Vaswani Schools, addressed the assembly, calling June 4 a “landmark day in Indian education.” She emphasized that education must shape the hearts of students, not just their intellects, and urged teachers to see themselves as vital guides for the future. “You are the shapers of the future. You hold a power greater than you imagine,” she told educators.

Aarti Patil, Principal of the Sadhu Vaswani International School, Pradhikaran, shared personal reflections and experiences with Dada Vaswani, describing the school’s environment as one filled with love, purpose, and values. “Not a single student or teacher ever wants to leave our school,” she said, highlighting the emotional and moral connection the institution fosters.

Adding to the day’s significance, the Mission also performed the bhoomi puja for a new hostel dedicated to nursing students, signaling continued expansion in educational and service-oriented infrastructure.

From a humble beginning with one man’s vision and a two-paisa coin, the Mira Movement has grown into a global force in education, now operating 16 institutions across India and one in the UK. As the centenary of the movement approaches, the Mission’s enduring commitment to character-building and compassionate education continues to light the way forward.

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PUNE: Sadhu Vaswani Mission held its 58th Annual Rath Yatra on 23rd November in Pune to mark the 145th birth anniversary of saint Sadhu Vaswani. 

A tradition since 1966, it drew participants from around the world walking for ahimsa & animal rights.

The procession began at 5 PM from Sadhu Vaswani Mission and went through the streets in Pune Camp and ended by 8 PM back at the Mission. 

The highlight of the yatra was the rath, a custom-made, spaceship-like vehicle featuring a lifelike statue of Sadhu Vaswani and a standee of Dada J.P. Vaswani. The rath was taken through the streets, covering a 5-kilometer stretch through Pune Camp. The streets came alive with devotion and purpose as Didi Krishna Kumari, Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, led the yatra and distributed prasad to the participants and passersby. 

The procession included floats showcasing various messages of compassion and floats with singers singing bhajans and kirtans. Hundreds of people walked and chanted along in the yatra.

Two halts were made at Pudumjee Compound and Kohinoor Hotel. Recorded talk of Dada J.P. Vaswani was played to inspire the gathering. Speaking at the halts, Didi Krishna emphasized Sadhu Vaswani’s message of love and compassion for all beings and urged people to observe Meatless Day on 25th November. She also stated that a vegetarian diet is the best option for natural health and healing.

One of the participants, Bina from Mauritius said, “It was a soulful journey that spiritually uplifted me. It’s an out-of-the-world experience.”

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The celebration’s highlight was the annual Modi Khana, a tradition honoring Guru Nanak’s compassionate practices, in which devotees purchase grains that are then distributed to needy families. This year, the Modi Khana raised an impressive sum of Rs 2,18,100

The groceries distributed to each underprivileged family included 1 kg each of sugar, chole, tur dal, matki, rajma, moong, kala chana, sabudana, besan, chavli, and peanuts. I also need clothing items such as a gown, towels, a single bedsheet, napkins, and basic hygiene items such as soaps, toothpaste, and coconut oil.

The Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations, also known as Guru Purab, commenced with morning seva. In the afternoon session, devotees from near and far gathered for soulful bhajans and kirtans, filling the campus with the sacred chants of “Satnaam” and “Waheguru.” In a recorded talk, Dada J.P. Vaswani shared profound insights into Guru Nanak’s life and teachings, emphasizing the values of humility and service that the great Guru embodied.

As the Modi Khana commenced, devotees queued to purchase items from Didi Krishna, who sat as a grocer for the families. Didi then placed the purchased items at the Lotus Feet of Dada J.P. Vaswani and Sadhu Vaswani which were later distributed to the needy families.

“I see Guru Nanak in Sadhu Vaswani, and it is his love that drew me here. The emotions are incredibly hard to put into words,” shared a devotee from Mumbai. Sam, a devotee from South America expressed, “I feel I am in bliss; I am in heaven.”

After the Modi Khana, devotees enjoyed a traditional guru langar, partaking in a fellowship meal together.

In the evening, a recorded discourse by Sadhu Vaswani was broadcast. Didi Krishna also delivered a talk on Guru Nanak’s life and teachings. The sacred day ended with bhajans and kirtans, extending until midnight.

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Devotees from far and wide gathered to pay homage to the saint.

The dawn procession started at 5:30 am, on 16th January. Devotees first took blessings from the sacred samadhis of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P Vaswani. Didi Krishna Kumari, Executive Head of the Mission led the procession. Chanting bhajans and kirtan, the procession moved through the streets and housing societies of the Pune Camp area. Students of St. Mira’s Secondary School also joined the procession. The societies had beautifully set up pedestals of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada JP Vaswani. At each location, Didi Krishna lit a lamp. The devotees returned to sacred samadhis and sang soulful bhajans and kirtans in the glory and gratitude of the Gurus.

Later, the Asst Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Dhole Patil Kshetriya Karyalaya, Ms Indrayani Karche, and PMC officials placed a wreath at the Sadhu Vaswani Chowk in tribute.

Expressing the emotions felt during the Prabhat Pheri, Renu Wadhwa shared, “The energy from that realm of light comes”. Another devotee added, “You can feel the blessings, it is very motivating”.

Prayer sessions, satsangs, and recorded talks of Sadhu Vaswani, Dada J.P. Vaswani, and LIVE talks of Didi Krishna marked the occasion.
Deepak Yatra and a theatrical play on the life and teachings of Sadhu Vaswani will be held on 17th January.

Fellowship meals and extensive sevas were also held as part of the programs.

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On July 12th, the day began at 5:30 am with the Prabhat Pheri – morning procession. Didi Krishna led the devotees, singing kirtans through the streets.

Satsangs, talks, and sevas were held during day, evening, and night sessions. Didi Krishna said, “The separation is there but in his radiant form he is closer than ever before.”

This was followed by a satsang at the Sacred Samadhi where devotees from across the globe had gathered. At 09:01 am, the time of Dada’s passing on, silence was observed.

On July 13th, Didi Krishna gave a stirring talk on Dada. In her message she said, “Dada was an embodiment of every teaching of his Guru, Sadhu Vaswani. Yet, he remained humble. If we wish to translate his teachings into reality, we must imbibe his virtue of humility”. Devotees present were moved to tears by her words. Said an attendee, Sonia, “Dada is ever-present. He listens to the tiniest whisper of our hearts. His ever-living presence, unconditional love, and timeless teachings draw us to the Mission.” Devotees then partook from the guru langar – fellowship meals.

Programs in homage and tribute to Dada Vaswani were also organized by the Mission’s schools and colleges. It included plays, musicals, and speeches on the life of Dada Vaswani.

Service activities included the distribution of ration kits to the poor and needy, the distribution of books and stationery to children, the distribution of fruits to the ailing patients in the hospitals, and cows were fed.

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In the noon session, devotees gathered in large numbers from all over the world for soulful bhajans and kirtans. The children, youth, and elderly all joined in the chorus to ‘jai gurudev’.

Didi Krishna Kumari, Executive Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, addressed the devotees. She said, “We live in a world of uncertainty. From our health to finances to relationships everything is uncertain. Man himself, the planet itself, and the universe in itself are uncertain. In such an uncertain world, the truly fortunate one is he who has found a Guru.” Continuing, she said, “We are truly blessed for we have in our lives two Great Masters who were so humble that they never referred to themselves even as a Guru.” She then continued to share experiences from her life and highlighted the importance of surrendering to the Guru. In conclusion, she gave a prayer for all to recite every day in offering and remembrance of the Guru, “I am yours and may I always be yours.” Following her talk, she gave prasad to all devotees with her own hands.

Everyone partook in the Guru langar – fellowship meals at the program. Yukta Chandwani, a volunteer said, “Seva is purifying. While we give of ourselves in the sevas, what we receive is incomprehensible.”

The evening satsang featured discourses of Sadhu Vaswani and Dada J.P. Vaswani.

On this day, service activities included distributions of ration kits to the poor and needy. Seva of the visually impaired was also held where they received an umbrella and backpack each. One of the beneficiaries Gangasagar Patale said, “These gifts are extremely useful to us. I am a student in the first year of BA and the backpack will help me carry my books comfortably and the umbrella will protect me from the rains.”

Guru Purnima celebrations at the Mission and its global centers were indeed a day of remembrance of the Guru and living his teachings of serving the poor and needy.

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