Satsang Seva Journal

Team SSM Mumbai set off on 3rd December 2022 to the Ganeshpuri Ashram Shelter which is situated in Ganeshpuri, about 60 kms from Mumbai, to meet the inmates most of whom are aged or ailing and have been abandoned by their family members. About 30 members of this marginalized community have been supported with a daily meal since August 2022. Their shelter is cleaned once a week and the inmates are sensitized to take care of their personal hygiene. However, with the onset of winter and the lack of access to hygiene essentials, the team members decided to offer 50 blankets and hygiene kits comprising toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, shampoo sachets, and detergent bars to the inmates, the less privileged and a few children who live in the padas or local colonies near the shelter. The team members were filled with immense gratitude and humility as the inmates showered them with joyous smiles and loving blessings.   To join hands with Team SSM Mumbai in the rehabilitation of this commun...

The daily annadaanam seva at the Ganeshpuri Ashram Shelter for the homeless and senior citizens who have been abandoned by their families continued through the Seva Utsav Week from 6th to 12th November 2022. A team member based in Mumbai provides for the monthly dry rations required for this daily meal through a local grocery vendor who also serves the cooked meal every noon to the impoverished residents of this spartan shelter. Watch the video here. The residents offer prayers of thanksgiving to Swami Nityananda and to their anna daata before partaking of their only meal of the day. Most of them are unable to fend for themselves while others suffer from terminal ailments such as cancer.  Given their dire situation, the team's endeavor is to provide them with their immediate needs such as medical help; better living quarters; warm clothes; blankets and bedding; and hygiene kits. At a later stage, the team would like to empower them to earn their livelihood as a self-help group. T...

Ganeshpuri, situated about 60 kms from Mumbai airport, is renowned for the temple of Swami Nityananda, a great avadhuta who touched the life of innumerable devotees.     Since August 2022, an SSM team member has been providing dry rations and daily lunch to a group of 25 children and senior citizens staying at a shelter near the temple. Abandoned by their families, this neglected group seeks alms or depends on the generosity of devotees who donate food or clothing during festive occasions.      For the first time in years, the Festival of Lights brought some moments of cheer to the inmates. On 23rd October 2022, the eve of Deepavali, they performed an aarati in honor of Swami Nityananda. The children were particularly delighted to receive sweets and fire crackers. Loud chants of 'Happy Diwali' rang out as they rushed out to the street and lit the fire crackers together with great joy!      Watch the video here.   The following morning, the e...