Bharat Sevashram Sangha distributes shawls, usable items among Sadhus on Diwali

JAMMU: In a touching display of compassion and service during the festival of lights, the Jammu and Kashmir branch of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) distributed shawls and other useable items among the Sadhus at its Panjgrain Ashram in Nagrota on the occasion of Diwali. The event, led by Swami Satyamitrananda, Secretary of the Jammu branch of BSS, embodied the spirit of selfless giving and the true essence of Diwali — spreading warmth, light, and hope among those in need.

The ceremony was graced by former Jammu Municipal Corporation Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta, who attended as the chief guest, along with several revered Swamis and dignitaries from across India. The celebration commenced with a traditional Diwali Puja performed inside the temple of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Following the ritual, shawls and other usable items were distributed among Sadhus to help them face the approaching winter with comfort and dignity. The event witnessed participation from several prominent spiritual leaders, including Swami Mrinmayanandaji Maharaj of the Jammu branch, Swami Sarvanandaji Maharaj from Peerkho, Swami Parasarananda of the Patna Branch, Subhas Maharaj from Haridwar, and Santosh Maharaj from Kurukshetra, along with many local saints and Mahatmas.

Speaking at the event, Swami Satyamitrananda Maharaj emphasized the Sangha’s deep-rooted commitment to humanitarian work, guided by the noble ideals of its revered founder Swami Pramanandaji Maharaj. He highlighted that Bharat Sevashram Sangha has always been at the forefront of service-oriented initiatives, striving to uplift the poor and spread moral and spiritual awareness in society.

He further mentioned that the current drive is part of a broader winter relief campaign aimed at providing warm clothing and essential aid to the disadvantaged across the region.  “Service to humanity is the true worship of God,” Swami Satyamitrananda stated, underlining that BSS’s work reflects the timeless Indian tradition of compassion and community service.

He encouraged everyone present to extend their helping hand to Sadhus, especially during the festival season, when kindness and empathy should illuminate every heart. Former Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta, in his address, lauded the Sangha’s initiative and praised its unwavering commitment to social service. He noted that organizations like Bharat Sevashram Sangha play a crucial role in preserving the moral fabric of society by promoting values of selflessness, compassion, and unity.

“Acts of kindness like these reflect the ethical and spiritual strength of our culture,” he said. “The Bharat Sevashram Sangha has set a noble example by serving the Sadhus, reminding us that Diwali is not only about lighting lamps in our homes but also about lighting the lives of others,” he said.

Gupta further urged people from all walks of life to come forward and support such humanitarian efforts. He stressed that true progress is achieved not merely through material development but through collective compassion and service toward the less fortunate. The distribution ceremony concluded with the offering of prasad and heartfelt Diwali greetings among the attendees. The ashram echoed with chants and devotional hymns, radiating peace and joy.

The Bharat Sevashram Sangha, founded in 1917 by Swami Pramanandaji Maharaj, has long been recognized for its tireless efforts in the fields of education, health care, disaster relief, and social welfare across India. The Jammu branch continues to uphold this noble legacy by organizing regular charitable programs aimed at helping the needy and promoting spiritual growth in the community.

The Diwali distribution initiative served as a beautiful reminder of the festival’s true message — that light is meant to be shared. By extending warmth to those who need it most, the Bharat Sevashram Sangha not only celebrated Diwali in its purest form but also demonstrated how compassion and service remain the brightest lamps of humanity.