The President, officials and members of Veda Dharma Sabha, Verulam are honoured to congratulate Arya Samaj Plessislaer on their milestone of one hundred years, and to share this message.

We must remember with humility the great vision and sacrifices of our founding forebears who toiled for the cause of Vedic Dharma; following the footsteps of Maharshi Dayanand Sarasvati (1824 -1883). His twofold clarion calls: “Back to the Vedas; and paakhand khandani pattaaka” remain ever relevant. Go back to the word of God – Vedas; and so expose and explode all forms of fear, superstition, blind faith and ignorance of truth.

The immense humility and unselfishness of the Rishi is that on establishing the Arya Samaj on 10 April 1875, he did not take on any position of leadership, asking that any Samaj must be democratic, lead/controlled by not any one individual, but an elected committee of suitable members to abide by the Principles of the Arya Samaj, which he sourced from the Vedas.

An example of the qualities and expectations of a good leader in the Vedas; which applies at any level, be it at home, in society, business or government at local, provincial, national or international:
Rik Veda 4.1.4; Yajur Veda 21.3: Aum twan no agne varunasya vidvaan devasya hedo…
Agne: knowledge, education in order to take the institution forward.
Varuna: like the oceans – varuna and earth exist and function not just for themselves, but ‘embrace,’ support each other, so does God – Varuna, embrace and support all of creation. Leaders who accept any position must apply this unselfishness in their approach at all times.
Vidvaan: more than just knowledge and education, one must be guided by wisdom, enlightenment and foresight, like the founding stalwarts.
Devasya: true leadership entails one to display divine intentions for the greater good, for the organisation and its mission.
Being judged by these qualities, leaders must be not just elected, but selected. Leaders must live the terms swaahaa and idan na mama: be a giver, not a taker.
Swami Agnivesh (1939 – 2020): Don’t talk about what position you occupy, let people talk about what work you do.

The following is a selection of the 100th mantra from each of the four Vedas, as God’s message:
Rik Veda 1.10.10: Aum vidmaa hi tvaa vaajeshu havanashrutam; vrishantamasya hoomaha oontim sahastrasaatamaam.
We know – realise You, O Giver of blessings. You respond to the call of devotees whenever they are in trouble. We invoke You for protection, as You shower a thousand-fold bounties on us which protect us like a shield.
Yajur Veda 3.35/36.3 (also Rig Veda 3.62.10; Saama Veda 1462): The Gayatri mantra: Scientifically proven to be the most powerful mantra in the world. Aum bhooh bhuvah swah tat savi tur varenyam bhargo devasya dheemahi; dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat.
We meditate on the glory of the ONE Who exists since before the universe, Who has created the universe; the ONLY Giver of life and Who ALONE is worthy of worship; Who is the source of the highest knowledge and peace; the Remover of all sorrows. Just the splendorous sun dutifully and peacefully eradicates darkness each day, so may God guide us to dispel our vices, weaknesses and ignorance; and enlighten our intellect, thoughts, desires, intentions and intelligence positively on the path of truth and righteousness (Dharma).
Saama Veda 100: Aum agne yajishtto adhvare devaam devayate yaja; hotaa mandro vi raajasyati stridhah.
O God You are the great Benefactor. In noble deeds of charity, bring the learned to the pious worshipper. O joyful Donor Who shines with splendour, may You keep away our foes, weaknesses and difficulties.
Atharva Veda 100: Aum kilaasam cha palitam cha nirito naashayaa prishat; aa tvaa svo vishataam varnah paraa shuklaani paataya.
O medicine, remove the leprosy (disease), remove from the patient the whiteness of hair and skin, the festering wounds and excruciating pain. May you regain your healthy colour. O medicine, drive away the white specks.
Note: Atharva Veda is the primary source of Ayurvedic medicine and treatment.

God, nature and the Vedas teach us to live by principles and not principals, ideals and not idols.

GREATER THAN ANY INDIVIDUAL IS THE INSTITUTION,
GREATER THAN THE INSTITUTION IS THE CAUSE,
GREATER THAN THE CAUSE IS GOD.

THE HIGHEST CONSTITUTION OF ARYA SAMAJ ALWAYS WAS, IS AND WLL BE THE 1O PRINCIPLES,
THE HIGHEST SOURCE OF AUTHORITY AND KNOWLEDGE ALWAYS WAS, IS AND WILL BE THE VEDA,
THE SPIRITUAL HEAD OF ARYA SAMAJ ALWAYS WAS, IS AND WILL BE GOD.

Sau saal pehele sanaatan Veda Dharma tha, aaj bhi hai aur kal bhi rahega
Veda Dharma Sabha, Verulam
24 June 2024

Membership Form 3034

Notice of BGM

It was on the night of Shivaratri that Swami Dayanand, founder of the Arya Samaj, resolved to set out in search of the true meaning of Shiva, a Shiva beyond the simple myth, a Shiva that goes beyond the story to the most sublime speculations on the nature of the Supreme Being. After a long spiritual sojourn he found his answers in the Vedas, the earliest extant scripture of the Hindus.

The definition of Shiva is listed in a series of epithets that in a step by step progression unravel the derivation of the name ’Shiva’ in the classic style of Vedic etymology.

Siva is Shambhu, made up of the verbal roots sham + bhu meaning the embodiment or being of peace. Upon a realisation and experience of this peace Shambhu, we then proceed to become Shankara. Shankara is made up of the roots sham + kara meaning literally the doer or generator of peace. Having realised peace, we become Shambhu, the embodiment of peace; then we become agents of peace, Shankara, actively engaging in spreading peace by our word, thought and deed. The passive principle of peace translates into an active propagation of peace. Shiva then transcends into Shivatara – the Comparative Degree, a greater understanding of the Supreme Peace which then evolves into the greatest peace Shivatama, the Superlative of the highest peace, the ultimate experience of bliss – Shantatama.

Shiva in another mantra is described as jyotisham – of lights, jyotir-ekam – the one singular light, the resolve (shiva-sankalpa) of my fleeting mind (me-manah).

By understanding Shiva as enunciated in the Vedas we are then presented with an understanding of the Supreme Being as Shambhu, Shankara and Shiva and how we can enrich our personal lives by aspiring to become peaceful and by promoting peace among our fellow beings.

The program was packed with arrival of foreign guests & providing accommodation . We arranged tours to numerous projects in the city that are closely associated with the APS . The evenings were full with entertainment & wonderful meals. The SURILA SANGEETH made up of overseas & local artists provided highly professional entertainment .

We managed to include high level discussions & reach consensus on many issues affecting ARYA SAMAJ in SOUTH AFRICA , the AFRICAN continent & INDIA. The discussions were robust & frank. Highly skilled professionals from all the delegates were sensible to bring about order & resolve critical issues.

Our week end was completed with a glorious HAWAN on Sunday morning where we performed a mass YAGNA with 108 HAWAN KUNDS . The presiding priest was DR.B. RAMBILASS who was assisted by SHASTRI MWANGI ARYA from NAIROBI. All our priests formed a guard of honor to welcome our SWAMI ARYAVESH & his entourage of overseas guests. The priests assisted at each HAWAN KUND during the reciting of the mantras.

The conclusion of the HAWAN provided us with an ideal opportunity to reaffirm & launch various projects of the ARYA SAMAJ. We officially launched the ARYA SAMAJ AFRICA. The relationship of MAMA AFRICA & MOTHER INDIA associating cultures , religion , caring of the environment & coordinating social cohesion needs to be translated into active participation. The VEDIC SCHOOL OF STUDY will be the vehicle to provide training , skills development & transfer of training materials as well as promoting human capital across AFRICA. The ARYA SAMAJ in INDIA is providing enormous financial & other support. The use of internet facilitation will greatly support this project.

The APS with its affiliates launched a BHAJAN CD. We are grateful to various stakeholders who helped to produce the CD.
Our coffee table book entitled “ DRISHYA “ encapsulating the images & scenes with some write ups was also launched at this event. The distribution will be delayed in order to include the events of the 90th anniversary.

An ambitious project known as PROJECT TRIPTI was also launched. Our participants at the HAWAN were not shy in reaching into their packets & pledging hundreds of thousands of RANDS towards “ TRIPTI “ – satisfying a thirst for water. Our SAMAJ has pledged its support to sink a borehole in a rural community . We acknowledge that we cannot wait for politicians to promise us delivery of fresh water. This project will be ongoing & we hope our relationship with our fellow brothers & sisters will continue to flourish. The SAMAJ is thankful to all those who support our program.

Our hungry guests were served with a sumptuous meal & smooth melodious music.

A core group of members from the SAMAJ as well as our youth league members provided excellent support to ensure that we delivered . We are grateful to our many business associates , affiliates , friends & well wishes for their contribution to the 90th anniversary celebration.

ARYA SAMAJ AMAR RA HE !!!!
RAMESH NIRANJAN

Our beautiful ZAKHIA AHMED led the lively & sometimes disorganized group in a show of elegance , color & charm. Our special thanks go out to staff of RADIO HINDVANI , HINDI SHIKSHA SANGH & the  ABH for providing  their brand of fun , support & entertainment . We thank all our media personalities for their continued coverage leading up to the event as well as after the great spectacle. We are also grateful to the many individuals & groups who danced & sang their way along the beach. The ETKHWENI municipality , staff & officials delivered wonderfully for a successful show piece.

The end of the walk ( almost 1,5 km ) meant that there were many hungry mouths to feed. They were not disappointed with our delicious treats. The guest speaker Mrs. JEEVIE NAIDOO dressed in a beautiful green sari spoke gloriously about the dignity , charm & elegance of an Indian garment. The CONSUL GENERAL OF INDIA was his usual humorous self . He expressed his appreciation of witnessing such a diverse group of ladies in pretty outfits. The U. S. CONSULATE was represented by MRS . F. CHISHOLM in her elegant attire. We had representatives from the MUNICIPALITY , PROF. USHA DESAI & DR. B. RAMBILASS in our midst.

The SARI STROLL has become an entrenched event in the DURBAN BEACH promenade . The ARYA SAMAJ will continue to host the STROLL as a major showpiece for all the communities of our city.

The HAWAN was aimed at presenting VEDIC mantras through the medium of radio to a wide listenership to express peace, joy & prosperity. To the untrained families & individuals the program afforded them the opportunity to participate in a mass HAWAN. Extracts from the VEDAS were explained in simple English as well as meanings & examples were offered.

The officials & members of the ARYA SAMAJ wish to thank the management of RADIO HINDVANI for offering our PRESIDENT to engage with the listeners. We believe that such co operation will benefit both organizations & the public will learn about the numerous roles in which the APS contribute to society.

Our special thanks to LASHIKA & PRINT ELEGANCE ( SHANA & PRASHANTH ) for their beautiful designs, prints and final presentation. Our appreciation goes out to our officials & affiliates from far & wide for their support & contribution to make our float a success. Everyone outdid themselves & enjoyed a cultural feast – my Namaste to each one of you & your families.

The DIWALI theme “ LIGHT IS LIFE “ was beautifully displayed. The ARYA SAMAJ took this theme seriously to display our contributions to the community. The banners displayed a series of high impact messaging of community work, social activity, harmony with nature & nation building. Did we achieve our objective ? YES !!!!!!

Do we need an annual float procession? The simple answer again : YES !!!.

The Arya Samaj SA reached out to members of the African and Coloured communities by celebrating Raksha bandhan with them. The chaste bond of love between a brother and sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. Raksha bandhan or ‘rakhi’ is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding when a holy tread is tied around the wrist of the boy. This thread pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments. It signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that is evil. It also means that the relationship between boy and girl is one of mutual love, respect and care.

Pta Usha Debipersad gave an interesting and informative talk on the significance of the ‘janeu’ or three threads that were worn by those participating in the hawan ceremony. Children are invaluable assets of a community and the future development and growth of a nation is dependent upon them. The thread is a symbol of tying oneself to the bond of commitment. There are three commitments a student makes, viz. to God, parents and the teacher/guru. The commitment to God is met by being disciplined, not being judgemental and giving selflessly. These commitments are taken by observing the operation of nature. For example, the sun, rivers and breezes shine, flow and blow ceaselessly for the benefit of mankind without asking for anything in return. The commitment to parents is to love and honour them as they are custodians of family values. The commitment to the teacher is to make learning a lifelong pursuit and also impart knowledge to others.

Dr Rambilass explained the essence of chapters 14 and 17 of the Bhagavad Gita in an engaging way to a very appreciative audience. Everything in the affairs of man manifests as three qualities or characteristics, viz. sattvic (purity), rajasic (passionate, hunger for action) and tamasic (ignorant, sluggish, deluded). The fruit of a righteous act is sattwa or pure joy; pain is the fruit of rajas and delusion and darkness is the fruit of tamas. We should all strive to reduce our tamasic and rajasic tendencies and aspire to increase the sattvic qualities.