This is our 18th Navarathri procession. Over the
period of 18 years many have left, some have stayed and those who have stayed have
had the dedication, devotion and determination to take this organization to
where it is now. There’s somebody here who deserves accolades for this period
and that is Saras Singh. She used to go door to door to get money to build this
structure. She had strength behind her. She would tell them, “If you don’t give me a donation I’m an
attorney, I’ll take you to court”. She has made this structure what it is
today. Also, the structure would not be completed as it is now without other
important people like Strini Naidoo who has donated large sums to the ashram
even today. Tubby Reddy has also made great contributions to the organisation.
And here we are 18 years later. And when Rose Ma hugged me at her home just now
she said, “This is your 18th year, Guru”. On the 27th of
September 1996 we started this.
With all that said, I think we have to congratulate
ourselves for today's event. To the co-ordinating committee, Desika, Vishnu, Tashi,
Bhavta – I think they’ve done an excellent job. This program is being followed
by about 140 000 people online. That credit goes to Seelan who records everything live
on the Peedam internet webcam. And Sundrie and her team – I think they really
did a good job. And I think we can’t forget the strenuous practice you had for
garbha – we didn’t’ have it because nothing happened. We have to say thank you
to Neeta for that.
As you know, the temple is now complete. Those who didn’t see
the new temple now please make an opportune time to see this. Thank you goes to
Mahavishnu, Don, Athish, Mervin, Deepak – they’ve put money and time into
finishing the temple. It was only completed because Athish started navagraha
and after that gave me sleepless nights – he had a mantra: “When are you going
to do the temple? When you going to do the temple?” I waited until 108 rounds and
then we started. Somebody else who very tirelessly contributed a lot to making
sure the completion of the temple was a success, is Jagadambal. You know I’ve
been married for 32 years and I did not know that Tammy could blow up balloons
until today.
If I missed any of you it’s not with intention. All of you,
thank you very much, really. Whether I will be sitting and saying this again to
you next year only God knows. I love all of you. Thank you very much for being
here. Today the wedding would not be in that vibrant feeling that we had if it
was not for one individual who assisted. This individual spent some years with
his guru in India and today he assisted with the wedding and that is Vimal –
thank you Vimal. I have a present for him: a rudraksha with 62 faces.
Also we have to thank Steven for all that he has done. You
don’t know what he does. And also thank you to Ashok and myself. If anyone
wants to say anything, this is the time to say it. If anybody stresses me out
in this temple its Jane. She finds nothing, forgets everything, and she brings
me coffee wen I’m expecting to taste tea. We can start with service. God bless
all of you and I love you very much.
