Gurudev in Maharashtra: JalTara project gets a boost
Service & Social Programs | Published: | 4 min read
Gurudev’s extensive Maharashtra tour began on a high note with hundreds and thousands of people gathered to attend the Mahasatsangs (an evening of wisdom, singing, and meditation) in Nanded, Tuljapur, and Kolhapur. Gurudev visited the latter two after 12 years. The cities gave a warm welcome to Gurudev.
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Gurudev’s extensive Maharashtra tour began on a high note with hundreds and thousands of people gathered to attend the Mahasatsangs (an evening of wisdom, singing, and meditation) in Nanded, Tuljapur, and Kolhapur. Gurudev visited the latter two after 12 years. The cities gave a warm welcome to Gurudev.
Was greeted with a wave of devotion by the people of Maharashtra. As part of this tour, visited Nanded for the first time and Tuljapur and Kolhapur after 12 years. Conducted Maha Satsangs in all these cities. pic.twitter.com/pEPRk61NCy
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) February 2, 2023
The highlight of the Maharashtra tour phase 1 was the JalTara project.
This project initiated under the aegis of The Art of Living is aimed at solving India’s water crisis. With the success of the project’s phase 1 which was completed last year, Gurudev launched phase 2 in Watur along with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde. Farmers, local leaders, and residents attended the event to celebrate the success of phase 1 and welcome phase 2.
JalTara project – Phase 2 launch event
Gurudev tweeted about the project’s phase 1 results. JalTara project was able to increase the groundwater table by 14 feet, with an impact of 6.06 lakh liters per recharge structure. This project will create 5 crore recharge structures in over 1 lakh villages in the next 5 years.
The @ArtofLiving’s JalTara project has been working towards solving the water crisis faced by farmers in India. After a successful phase 1 of the project, completed over the last year, launched phase 2, along with Hon. CM of Maharashtra @mieknathshinde in Watur. pic.twitter.com/tpbcEbKUFB
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) February 2, 2023
Not only has this project increased groundwater levels by 14 feet in the last 2 years, it has also increased crop yield, doubled farmer incomes, and is saving crops from damage due to waterlogging / flooding. pic.twitter.com/Zd0p0H6Uba
— The Art of Living (@ArtofLiving) February 2, 2023
The tears of our farmers are very precious. They shouldn’t flow. The Art of Living is always there to support our farmers. The work of Art of Living to make farmers debt-free and worry-free is commendable. The JalTara project will be included in the government’s Jalyukta Shivir project to help Marathwada and Vidarbha.
Gurudev also spent some time visiting the shrines of the regions including the revered Mahalakhsmi temple in Kolhapur and the pious Sachkhand Gurudwara in Nanded.
Visited the Sachkhand Gurudwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. This is where Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his last days. His valor and wisdom will continue to inspire for eternity. pic.twitter.com/NE4cNRiUdT
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) February 2, 2023
In the last leg of the tour, Gurudev spent a few days in Pune, leading several grand events that saw a footfall of lakhs of people and a world record. Gurudev began Pune’s schedule with a Mahasatsang, which was also attended by the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. At this event, one lakh devotees chanted the Ganpati Atharvashirsha, creating a new world record.
The wave of devotion and celebration continues with a Maha Satsang in Pune! The wise man spends his time in creating fun, in celebration, poetry, scriptures, knowledge & music. The fool spends his time in addictions, complaining, accusing others, and in misery. pic.twitter.com/QuEfuGanlC
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) February 3, 2023
Gurudev addressed a special gathering of over 1.5 lakh students and educators, encouraging the youth to become entrepreneurial in their approach and spend some time in practices such as meditation, and Sudarshan Kriya to overcome anxiety, increase focus and remain happy. Gurudev urged the youth to not give up their life for petty reasons and to look at life from a bigger perspective. Gurudev encouraged students to not take failures too seriously and also to not take exam stress. Gurudev shared that listening to some music in between study hours will lessen the pressure of exams. Adding to this, Gurudev gave a 3C formula to students to handle life better – context to life, commitment, and compassion.
Gurudev also addressed a gathering of journalists, social-workers and media professionals.
Was the chief guest at the Maharashtra Patrakar Sangh event. Gave awards to prominent journalists, social workers, and artists who have made contributions towards the betterment of society. pic.twitter.com/nruiVuq3Vk
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) February 5, 2023
The EduMeet was a successful event as the attending youngsters shared with Gurudev that they feel refreshed, energetic, and hopeful after listening to his words.
Along with Hon. Minister of Higher Education @ChDadaPatil & President @iccr_hq Dr. @Vinay1011, addressed 150,000 youth from prominent colleges and institutions of Pune as part of a campaign on a drug-free India. pic.twitter.com/KcZAY3mc0t
— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) February 5, 2023
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