By Tiyasa Sardar

Om Anand Om. From April 1st to 5th, Meena Ma organised a beginner’s course on acupressure and Surya Yoga at the Kopoli Gaganagiri Ashram in Mumbai. Under the guidance of Swamiji Umasankar, I attended this course as an assistant to Swamiji and as a student. What I learned about acupressure and Surya Yoga is significant, but what I gained from attending this course goes beyond anything material. No worldly wealth or priceless possessions could ever equal what I, an extremely small, unskilled, unknown, and insignificant girl, have received. If the name of Swamiji Umashankarji Maharaj and the Universal Peace Centre were removed from my identity, I would feel invisible. Words cannot fully capture the blessings the Divine has bestowed upon me.

Swamiji often recounts a popular story about a little boy, his mother, a shopkeeper, and sweets. Today, by the grace of Babaji, Swamiji, and my birth parents, I have come to understand the essence of that story. The depth of what I have received cannot be entirely conveyed through writing or speech. I must especially mention two individuals without whom this message would lack meaning: Meena Ma and Uncle Bindal. Without their care and protection during my first trip to Mumbai, my experience would have been far from smooth. Their boundless affection is incomparable. Simply saying “thank you” feels inadequate, and I never want to diminish their love. Ma and Kaka, I offer you countless pranams. I acknowledge my inexperience and that I may have unintentionally caused you harm at times—please forgive me.

Axel Johannson was the person I bothered the most during the course, whether for essential or trivial reasons. Despite the hard work required each day, the time constraints, and sometimes unwarranted interruptions, he assisted me every single day, serving as an essential guide. Any expression of gratitude I offer would fall short. Thanks to him, this journey was made beautiful and convenient—my heartfelt thanks to him.

I would also like to thank our new volunteer team: Rishabh Bhaiya, Prapti Ma, and Ashna Ma. They have honoured our work, embraced it, and taken the initiative to fulfil their responsibilities. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the parents of these virtuous children.

Lastly, we express infinite gratitude to every attendee of the course—our new family members. Without their cooperation, this workshop would not have been successful—many, many thanks to all of you. We pray for everyone’s ultimate success—a peaceful, blissful, healthy, and loving life illuminated by the light of wisdom.

Om Anand Om.

Swamiji with his biggest fan.