in a historic ceremony for India and the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais released a commemorative postage stamp in honour and homage to Dada J.P. Vaswani. Gracing the event as the Guests of Honour were esteemed ministerial dignitaries including the Minister of State for Communication Shri Devusinh Chauhan and Shri Shankar Lalwani MLA. Before the commencement of the ceremony, the Hon’ble Governor and dignitaries visited the Darshan Museum – a state-of-the-art museum that depicts the life and teachings of the great saint, Sadhu T.L. Vaswani.
The ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem followed by the State Song. All dignitaries on the dais came together for the lamp lighting. A felicitation of the Hon’ble Governor and other dignitaries at the hands of Didi Krishna Kumari, Executive Head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission was held.
Following this an AV on Dada J.P. Vaswani was played. Didi Krishna Kumari gave a welcome address. She expressed her sincere gratitude to all the dignitaries for the efforts that led to the fruition of the postage stamp. Speaking on Dada, she said, “Dada’s life is his message. He did not teach or preach but he bore witness to every ideal in deeds of daily living. His message to us was two-fold – make God the centre of your life. Build your life in Him.”. This was followed by a recorded AV of Dada J.P. Vaswani. It highlighted the message of love. He said, “The nations and individuals alike must love another or perish! Bear witness to love in everyday life! Unfold the seven colours of love – patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, desirelessness, sacrificial, universality”.
Next, the Minister of State for Communication Shri Devusinh Chauhan addressing the gathering said, “We feel blessed that today India Post has the opportunity to release a commemorative stamp in homage to Dadaji. Dada’s persona is such that thinking of him makes us want to bow down before him. Dada’s talks tell us that despite this age of technology and advancement, there is a spiritual evolution that is most needed. His teachings continue to remind us that regardless of the material wealth we gather, it is important that we work on our spirit. His life is an inspiration. Our true tribute to him would be to walk the way of his teachings and ideals.”
Finally, at 12:50 hrs, the milestone moment arrived; the Hon’ble Governor officially released the commemorative postage stamp on Dada J.P. Vaswani. He also released books authored by Dada – Nark Se Swarg Tak, a translation of ‘From Hell to Heaven’ and ‘Swatah Saksham Bana’, a translation of Empower Yourself.
Taking to the podium, the Chief Guest for the ceremony, the Hon’ble Governor, Shri Ramesh Bais in his address to all said, “The land of Maharashtra has seen the birth of several revered saints. Dadaji, like Swami Vivekananda, was the messenger of peace and harmony in Maharashtra. His Mission serves one and all regardless of caste, creed, or race. Today, we are all gathered to reflect on his teachings and pay homage to him through the issue of this commemorative postage stamp. I offer my obeisance to him and salutations to his humanitarian works.”
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks.
The commemorative stamp will be available at the local India Post offices.
