In an emotive and inspiring letter to us, He explains why National Sewa Day falls bang in line with his idea of Big Society.
Click on the image below to read his letter of support:
Friday 19 November 2010
Prime Ministers Message
David Cameron the British Prime Minister has shown his support for National Sewa Day,
In an emotive and inspiring letter to us, He explains why National Sewa Day falls bang in line with his idea of Big Society.
Click on the image below to read his letter of support:
In an emotive and inspiring letter to us, He explains why National Sewa Day falls bang in line with his idea of Big Society.
Click on the image below to read his letter of support:
Monday 15 November 2010
National Sewa Day: 100 Times the Power of Good
"Kartik (Damodar) is the best, the purest of purifiers, and most glorious of all months. Kartik month is particularly dear to Lord Sri Krishna. This month is full of bhakta vatsalya. Any vrata, even the smallest, will yield huge results. The effect of performing a Kartik Vrata lasts for one hundred lifetimes, Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda." (ISKCON)
I attended the NSD Food for Life prep session on Saturday at the Krishna Temple in Watford. The folks at the Temple have kindly offered the use of their kitchen facilities on National Sewa Day to prepare food for the homeless. NSD volunteers will be working alongside Temple cooks during the day and will then join the team at the Watford New Hope Trust to distribute the food.
HG Bhuta Bhavana Dasa, from the Temple, highlighted that NSD 2010 actually falls on the last day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartik - the holiest of months (Diwali falls in this month). It is said in the scriptures that any activity on this day will have 100 times the normal impact!!
Prashant added that donating time as opposed to money has a more direct impact. Often, one doesn't know where or how donated money is used..not so when donating time. So true.
Thanks to Prashant Joshi (Ernst & Young), ISKCON and all the volunteers for supporting NSD. Thanks also to Mike Smith et al at the New Hope Trust for inspiring us with all the great work they do for the homeless in Watford.
Arup Ganguly
Chairman - National Sewa Day
I attended the NSD Food for Life prep session on Saturday at the Krishna Temple in Watford. The folks at the Temple have kindly offered the use of their kitchen facilities on National Sewa Day to prepare food for the homeless. NSD volunteers will be working alongside Temple cooks during the day and will then join the team at the Watford New Hope Trust to distribute the food.
HG Bhuta Bhavana Dasa, from the Temple, highlighted that NSD 2010 actually falls on the last day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartik - the holiest of months (Diwali falls in this month). It is said in the scriptures that any activity on this day will have 100 times the normal impact!!
Prashant added that donating time as opposed to money has a more direct impact. Often, one doesn't know where or how donated money is used..not so when donating time. So true.
Thanks to Prashant Joshi (Ernst & Young), ISKCON and all the volunteers for supporting NSD. Thanks also to Mike Smith et al at the New Hope Trust for inspiring us with all the great work they do for the homeless in Watford.
Arup Ganguly
Chairman - National Sewa Day
Friday 12 November 2010
The House of Commons on National Sewa Day
On Wednesday a motion was tabled in the House of Commons, saying:
“That this House congratulates all participants involved in organising the first National Sewa Day on 21 November 2010 as a cross-community, multi-faith initiative for social action to tackle hardship and conserve the environment; and pays tribute to Britain's Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities for leading by the power of their example in a practical way to benefit their fellow citizens.”
The motion has gained widespread support from MP's across all the main parties and momentum for National Sewa Day is now really growing.
Make sure you are a part of it on November 21st.
The NSD team
“That this House congratulates all participants involved in organising the first National Sewa Day on 21 November 2010 as a cross-community, multi-faith initiative for social action to tackle hardship and conserve the environment; and pays tribute to Britain's Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities for leading by the power of their example in a practical way to benefit their fellow citizens.”
The motion has gained widespread support from MP's across all the main parties and momentum for National Sewa Day is now really growing.
Make sure you are a part of it on November 21st.
The NSD team
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Giving Never Tasted So Sweet
“I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know, the only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” (Albert Schweitzer)
That is why National Sewa day is so important. Not only does it bring back into consciousness the importance of making a difference to other people’s lives – but also how giving adds joy to yours. After all it has been said the fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.
Integrating with the wider community has always been at the core of my values, so doing a project with other communities and social groups is so exciting. That’s precisely why I’m backing National Sewa Day (NSD). NSD, together with events organised by its interfaith partners, will provide the mechanism by which members of the community can donate time to help those who are less fortunate. Given the economic cycle that we’re in, there is an even greater need for local communities to come together (regardless of faith or creed) to take responsibility for overcoming current challenges. It’s also important, for the sake of longer term welfare issues, that different social groups engage with each other – NOW!
This brings me on to a project I am currently involved in. A local charity, Christ Church, Brighton Road, Purley, is making an appeal for funds for a new community centre (to be known as Community Transformations Project). One of the aims of the project is to attract disenfranchised youth to the centre – to give these young people an alternative to hanging around on the streets. In order to get the message out and to encourage people to participate in the project, the convenor was looking for volunteers to host coffee mornings. I thought this aligned itself seamlessly with the objectives of National Sewa Day. So I am hosting a coffee morning on November 20th at my home – and would love people to come if they would like to meet others and learn more about the centre.
Pinky Lilani (Member – NSD Advisory Board)
Pinky Lilani is a women’s champion, motivational speaker, philanthropist and Indian cookery diva! Pinky is the Founder/ Chair of “Asian Women of Achievement Awards” and is also a Founder of the “Women of the Future Awards 2010” to be held tonight, November 9, at the London Marriott.
That is why National Sewa day is so important. Not only does it bring back into consciousness the importance of making a difference to other people’s lives – but also how giving adds joy to yours. After all it has been said the fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.
Integrating with the wider community has always been at the core of my values, so doing a project with other communities and social groups is so exciting. That’s precisely why I’m backing National Sewa Day (NSD). NSD, together with events organised by its interfaith partners, will provide the mechanism by which members of the community can donate time to help those who are less fortunate. Given the economic cycle that we’re in, there is an even greater need for local communities to come together (regardless of faith or creed) to take responsibility for overcoming current challenges. It’s also important, for the sake of longer term welfare issues, that different social groups engage with each other – NOW!
This brings me on to a project I am currently involved in. A local charity, Christ Church, Brighton Road, Purley, is making an appeal for funds for a new community centre (to be known as Community Transformations Project). One of the aims of the project is to attract disenfranchised youth to the centre – to give these young people an alternative to hanging around on the streets. In order to get the message out and to encourage people to participate in the project, the convenor was looking for volunteers to host coffee mornings. I thought this aligned itself seamlessly with the objectives of National Sewa Day. So I am hosting a coffee morning on November 20th at my home – and would love people to come if they would like to meet others and learn more about the centre.
Pinky Lilani (Member – NSD Advisory Board)
Pinky Lilani is a women’s champion, motivational speaker, philanthropist and Indian cookery diva! Pinky is the Founder/ Chair of “Asian Women of Achievement Awards” and is also a Founder of the “Women of the Future Awards 2010” to be held tonight, November 9, at the London Marriott.
Friday 5 November 2010
Diwali – What’s It All About Then?
Diwali. We Hindus call it the Festival of Light. According to legend, it commemorates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya (with his wife Sita, brother Laxman and Hanuman-ji in tow) after 14 years of exile having just defeated the evil Lord Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayodhya welcomed the homecoming prince with showers of lit arrows in the sky – hence the festival of light.
On a more philosophical note, my good friend and sage (he even has the white hair to prove it!), Rupin Vadera of the Chinmaya Mission, has enlightened me as to the true meaning of Diwali as follows: “In short, Lord Ram represents the pure intellect, Sita-ma the pure mind, Laxman detachment and Hanumanji the pure thought.
After killing the ten headed demon (signifying the 5 senses and 5 organs of action) i.e. a human who has mastered his senses, Lord Ram makes his way back to Ayodhya. The intellect and mind are united, with detachment by his side, and are served by the pure thought.
Such a person will find his path lit by the light of knowledge. The arrival of Lord Ram at the gates of Ayodhya (land of peace) is marked and celebrated by the festival Diwali.”
Diwali signifies different things to different communities across the world. For the business community it marks the beginning of a New (financial) Year and prayers are offered to Shree Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi. The Jain community believes Lord Mahavira, the Founder of Jainism, attained Nirvana (Salvation) on this day. Sikhs celebrate Diwali to express joy at the return of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargovind, to Amritsar in 1620, along with 52 Hindu Kings, who were imprisoned by the Mugal Emperor, Jahangir.
My first proper experience of Diwali was when I first moved to Delhi as a teenager. Diwali was not celebrated in the UK as it is nowadays. Wow I was blown away! Firstly, Diwali night is the climax of a festival season that goes on for a month and more encompassing Navaratri, Dussehra, Ram Leela celebrations. It's a fabulous time of year to be in India.
Secondly, until my first Diwali in India, fireworks to me meant Guy Fawkes night. Let me tell you,bonfire night UK style did not prepare me at all for the explosive experience that is Diwali in India. A true extravaganza.
It is also tradition on Diwali to exchange gifts with loved ones and friends.
So What is the Spirit of Diwali?
Nowadays of course, Diwali in the UK is a big event. Parades, parties in Trafalgar Square and this year even the House of Commons held a Diwali party (with both Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband in attendance).
Fireworks, pressies and partying aside though, once you step back you realize what Diwali is about. Like all Indian festivals it’s about family and community. Diwali is one of the biggest days in the Indian calendar for families and communities to get together – to forget their every day endeavours and pressures to spend time with each other – to re-energize relationships and strengthen bonds. To start a new year refreshed and re-invigorated. To show they care for each other.
..and it is this Spirit of Diwali that can be used to rebuild the feeling of community that one feels is so very much missing in the world today. Everytime I open the newspaper or switch on the TV I seem to read of acts of unimaginable maliciousness and violence between humans. Conflict seems to be everywhere. It seems pretty clear to me that society is suffering from a severe disconnect. Little wonder. We spend most of our everyday lives talking into mobile phones or staring at LCD screens. We no longer have time for our fellow humans, preferring the company of machines (and anyone who’s watched the Terminator movies knows where that could lead!).
We have to ask ourselves, what kind of world do we want to live in? What can we do to make it a better place for us and our children? Will we become the victims of our own complacence and apathy?
Join us on 21 November 2010 to start making a difference.
All the folks from National Sewa Day would like to wish all our supporters and sponsors a very merry Diwali and wishing you every success in the New Year.
Arup Ganguly
Chairman – National Sewa Day
On a more philosophical note, my good friend and sage (he even has the white hair to prove it!), Rupin Vadera of the Chinmaya Mission, has enlightened me as to the true meaning of Diwali as follows: “In short, Lord Ram represents the pure intellect, Sita-ma the pure mind, Laxman detachment and Hanumanji the pure thought.
After killing the ten headed demon (signifying the 5 senses and 5 organs of action) i.e. a human who has mastered his senses, Lord Ram makes his way back to Ayodhya. The intellect and mind are united, with detachment by his side, and are served by the pure thought.
Such a person will find his path lit by the light of knowledge. The arrival of Lord Ram at the gates of Ayodhya (land of peace) is marked and celebrated by the festival Diwali.”
Diwali signifies different things to different communities across the world. For the business community it marks the beginning of a New (financial) Year and prayers are offered to Shree Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi. The Jain community believes Lord Mahavira, the Founder of Jainism, attained Nirvana (Salvation) on this day. Sikhs celebrate Diwali to express joy at the return of their sixth Guru, Guru Hargovind, to Amritsar in 1620, along with 52 Hindu Kings, who were imprisoned by the Mugal Emperor, Jahangir.
My first proper experience of Diwali was when I first moved to Delhi as a teenager. Diwali was not celebrated in the UK as it is nowadays. Wow I was blown away! Firstly, Diwali night is the climax of a festival season that goes on for a month and more encompassing Navaratri, Dussehra, Ram Leela celebrations. It's a fabulous time of year to be in India.
Secondly, until my first Diwali in India, fireworks to me meant Guy Fawkes night. Let me tell you,bonfire night UK style did not prepare me at all for the explosive experience that is Diwali in India. A true extravaganza.
It is also tradition on Diwali to exchange gifts with loved ones and friends.
So What is the Spirit of Diwali?
Nowadays of course, Diwali in the UK is a big event. Parades, parties in Trafalgar Square and this year even the House of Commons held a Diwali party (with both Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband in attendance).
Fireworks, pressies and partying aside though, once you step back you realize what Diwali is about. Like all Indian festivals it’s about family and community. Diwali is one of the biggest days in the Indian calendar for families and communities to get together – to forget their every day endeavours and pressures to spend time with each other – to re-energize relationships and strengthen bonds. To start a new year refreshed and re-invigorated. To show they care for each other.
..and it is this Spirit of Diwali that can be used to rebuild the feeling of community that one feels is so very much missing in the world today. Everytime I open the newspaper or switch on the TV I seem to read of acts of unimaginable maliciousness and violence between humans. Conflict seems to be everywhere. It seems pretty clear to me that society is suffering from a severe disconnect. Little wonder. We spend most of our everyday lives talking into mobile phones or staring at LCD screens. We no longer have time for our fellow humans, preferring the company of machines (and anyone who’s watched the Terminator movies knows where that could lead!).
We have to ask ourselves, what kind of world do we want to live in? What can we do to make it a better place for us and our children? Will we become the victims of our own complacence and apathy?
Join us on 21 November 2010 to start making a difference.
All the folks from National Sewa Day would like to wish all our supporters and sponsors a very merry Diwali and wishing you every success in the New Year.
Arup Ganguly
Chairman – National Sewa Day
Saturday 30 October 2010
Why Tony Blair supports National Sewa Day
Tony Blair is one of the our supporters, he recently recorded a video to tell us why he supports National Sewa Day.
See what he said about National Sewa Day here:
We have lots of other supporters who have recorded their thoughts about National Sewa Day, find out more on our youtube channel
See what he said about National Sewa Day here:
We have lots of other supporters who have recorded their thoughts about National Sewa Day, find out more on our youtube channel
To Aid or Not to Aid. That is the Question…..
Well, Osborne has finally laid out his stall. Question Time has come and gone. The debate about the fairness of it all has been raging for a week and no doubt will keep dominating headlines and pub conversations for some time to come. The fact: As a nation we’ve been living beyond our means for way too long and now the chickens have come home to roost. You can argue the toss about the speed and degree of austerity measures versus taxation but ultimately, as a nation, we have to tighten our belts one way or another – all of us.
Now, amongst all of this angst, a side argument has kicked off. The beef is with overseas aid (which has been ring fenced against cuts). Should we, a nation with its own financial problems and growth rate of less than 1% be dishing out cash to “developing” nations with far greater growth rates (in some cases, a la India, as much as 9%). Our tabloids would argue no....I would argue emphatically YES.
India, as an example, is the Dept. For International Development’s (DFID) largest bilateral programme. DFID has provided approximately £1 billion to India in bilateral aid over the period 2002-2007. In the last year for which full figures were available, 2007/8, it was £312 million (Telegraph). Should the British taxpayer give to a nation which can afford its own nuclear weapons? Should we donate to a country that has started its own overseas aid program? Still YES.
We should focus on Wealth NOT Growth. We are still relatively rich although it may not feel that way at the moment. IMF and World Bank figures for 2009 show GDP per capita for the UK of around US$35,000. The comparable number for India is around US$1,000! The UK is still in the top 20 of wealthiest nations.
DFID’s aide program has helped reduce the number of Indian children out of school (and increase the number of girls attending), expand the microfinance industry, provide water and sanitation services to many poor communities and lift millions out of poverty through rural works programs. These rapidly growing nations are still coming to grips with their social welfare obligations. Our work is not done yet.
The issues we should focus on are 1) how to assess poverty levels; 2) how to allocate aid between different recipient countries; 3) how to ensure aid is being routed correctly and efficiently at the local level. The question of whether to give aid or not shouldn’t arise. It’s for the beneficiary countries to refuse our aid, not for us to withdraw our helping hand.
…..and there’s a business/political agenda here too (as always). We would do well to keep these countries on side – to maintain ties with the future growth engine and stop the rhetoric.
Yes there is hardship here in the UK – and it’s likely to get worse before it gets better. It still doesn’t get anywhere near the levels of suffering and depravation that exists in parts of the developing world. It’s our responsibility as members of a civilised world society to help those who are less fortunate than us….and who knows what the future holds. Some day we may need a helping hand too.
Big Society is a global concept… …see you on INTERNATIONAL SEWA DAY – 21 November 2011 : )
Arup Ganguly
Chairman – National Sewa Day
Now, amongst all of this angst, a side argument has kicked off. The beef is with overseas aid (which has been ring fenced against cuts). Should we, a nation with its own financial problems and growth rate of less than 1% be dishing out cash to “developing” nations with far greater growth rates (in some cases, a la India, as much as 9%). Our tabloids would argue no....I would argue emphatically YES.
India, as an example, is the Dept. For International Development’s (DFID) largest bilateral programme. DFID has provided approximately £1 billion to India in bilateral aid over the period 2002-2007. In the last year for which full figures were available, 2007/8, it was £312 million (Telegraph). Should the British taxpayer give to a nation which can afford its own nuclear weapons? Should we donate to a country that has started its own overseas aid program? Still YES.
We should focus on Wealth NOT Growth. We are still relatively rich although it may not feel that way at the moment. IMF and World Bank figures for 2009 show GDP per capita for the UK of around US$35,000. The comparable number for India is around US$1,000! The UK is still in the top 20 of wealthiest nations.
DFID’s aide program has helped reduce the number of Indian children out of school (and increase the number of girls attending), expand the microfinance industry, provide water and sanitation services to many poor communities and lift millions out of poverty through rural works programs. These rapidly growing nations are still coming to grips with their social welfare obligations. Our work is not done yet.
The issues we should focus on are 1) how to assess poverty levels; 2) how to allocate aid between different recipient countries; 3) how to ensure aid is being routed correctly and efficiently at the local level. The question of whether to give aid or not shouldn’t arise. It’s for the beneficiary countries to refuse our aid, not for us to withdraw our helping hand.
…..and there’s a business/political agenda here too (as always). We would do well to keep these countries on side – to maintain ties with the future growth engine and stop the rhetoric.
Yes there is hardship here in the UK – and it’s likely to get worse before it gets better. It still doesn’t get anywhere near the levels of suffering and depravation that exists in parts of the developing world. It’s our responsibility as members of a civilised world society to help those who are less fortunate than us….and who knows what the future holds. Some day we may need a helping hand too.
Big Society is a global concept… …see you on INTERNATIONAL SEWA DAY – 21 November 2011 : )
Arup Ganguly
Chairman – National Sewa Day
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)