Culture Change: January Week #5

Prasang 9: For The Welfare Of Children

The BAPS boys’ hostel (chhatralaya) in Ukai, Gujarat provided residential facilities and meals free of cost to tribal school students.

Once Swamishri visited the hostel. During his round he enquired from the administrators, “What items do you serve for breakfast?”

“Bateta-pawa, grams, milk and other things.” 

“What type of milk do you serve?”

“It’s made from milk powder.” 

“Do all the students like it?”

“If someone doesn’t like it then he won’t drink it.” 

Swamishri suggested, “We should serve them cow or buffalo milk, so that no one remains without having it. One should not provide anything that spoils the children’s health. Take proper care by giving nutritious food, so that their health remains good. They should also study well and be inspired with values. It doesn't matter if we need to spend more for that.” 

Then, Swamishri saw the blankets on each of the students’ beds. He added, “These blankets are coarse and thick because they are meant to keep them warm. But, have cloth covers for each blanket, so that when the students cover themselves their cheeks don’t get abraded or hurt.” Swamishri’s care and instructions for the welfare of the children touched all. 

In 1997-98, the regions of Saurashtra were under the grip of a severe drought. At that time, Pramukh Swami Maharaj addressed the BAPS Sanstha’s administrators of the educational activities, “Go and survey the situation of the homes of students studying in our schools in Gondal and Bhadra. Which of their parents are labouring in the relief work to earn a living? If both parents are labouring and barely making a living, how can they pay for their children's school fees?

Therefore, return the school fees for this year and do not take it for the next academic year. Get their uniforms made and also give them notebooks and textbooks free of cost. If they require food rations, give it to them. If they hesitate to take all this then go to their homes to deliver it in order to maintain their pride. Do not worry about expenses. Bhagwan takes care of everything for us. 

Discussion Question:

Swamishri sees to it that every detail of his devotee's lives are taken care of. Think of a time when you felt Swami’s caring nature showering upon you? How can we show that same care for our family members and kishores/kishoris in our mandals?