We are happy to inform you that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Yogoda Satsanga Math — Dakshineswar, a large print edition of Autobiography of a Yogi was released by Sri Subrata Mukherjee, the Hon’ble Minister-in-charge Public Health & Engineering, Panchayat & Rural Development, Govt. of West Bengal, at a function in G. D. Birla Sabhagar Auditorium, Kolkata, on October 12, 2014.
This large print edition with bigger font size mostly follows standards specified by the National Association for the Visually Handicapped.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included Sri Jyotirmoy Kar, Minister-in-charge, Department of Cooperation, Govt. of West Bengal; Dr. Ashish Banerjee, Minister of State for School Education and Higher Education, Govt. of West Bengal; and Swami Ritanandaji, Secretary, R. K. Mission, Baranagar. YSS Swamis Suddhanandaji and Smarananandaji were also present.
Sri Subrata Mukherjee said, “In order to heal the physical and mental diseases plaguing mankind today, yoga is essential. It is noteworthy that YSS is doing this important service. Among all those who have spread the message of Yoga beyond the frontiers of India, Yoganandaji’s name comes foremost.”
Prof. Jyotirmoy Kar, who had earlier taught at Yogoda Satsanga Palpara Mahavidyalaya, expressed his happiness to be present at this function. Speaking in his new role as a minister representing the West Bengal Government, he appreciated the multifarious seva activities of YSS. He said that recognising the unique contribution YSS provides in the sphere of education, the West Bengal Government has given it autonomy in running its institutions by according it a special status.
Dr. Ashish Banerjee conveyed the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Ms. Mamata Banerjee’s interest in introducing Yoga in the curriculum in state educational institutions. He solicited the support of organisations like YSS in implementing this policy. He deeply commended the role being played by YSS for so many decades in the field of education.
Swami Ritanandaji said that Great Ones come on earth for showing the way to others. The message of yoga, taken to the West by Swami Vivekanandaji, was carried forward by Yoganandaji. Lahiri Mahasaya had prophesied Paramahansaji’s world mission when he was just a babe, by predicting that like a spiritual engine he would carry many souls to God.
Swami Smarananandaji said that Paramahansa Yoganandaji, in addition to being a beloved personal guru, a Satguru, of lakhs of devotees following the Kriya Yoga path, is also recognised worldwide as a Jagatguru by millions who are not necessarily YSS/SRF devotees but have felt uplifted through his writings. Sri Ashutosh Das, a Professor of Philosophy from Kolkata University had said, “Autobiography of a Yogi is regarded as an Upanishad of the new age.” Through this sacred scripture Paramahansaji has shared with mankind the glorious ancient Indian spiritual wisdom.
On this occasion Yogoda Satsanga Society of India requested Sri Subrata Mukerjee to hand over Paramahansa Yogananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship to selected students from economically weak backgrounds. Starting with August 2014, these scholarships will be provided on the basis of continuing good performance by the selected students, till completion of their Class 12 exams.
A financial aid of Rs 1,00,000 was given to Society of the Visually Handicapped (SVH).
