Monthly Archive for February, 2008

After a long delay and concern for his health the children and staff finally welcomed Babaji to Sri Ram Ashram on February 22^nd. The evening before music rocked Om Bhavan as the children decorated the building and entryway. Everyone was up early on the 22^nd frantically cleaning and applying final touches to the grand welcome.

As Babaji drove into the ashram he covered himself under his shawl and didn’t emerge immediately from the car. The raucous welcome turned to confusion as we tried to figure out what was happening. A roar went up when he finally emerged wearing a fierce demon mask! With that gesture a sense of normality finally returned to the ashram. Within seconds Babaji was deluged with malas and flowers as everyone jostled to touch his feet. We are so grateful to have him at the ashram.

After walking the grounds we met for opening prayers, a welcome song and tea time. Again another walk around the property, the children vying to hold Babaji’s hand, gently helping him navigate the rough areas, everyone staying close, sensing the preciousness of his visit. That evening our attempts to have Babaji rest failed and the children piled into his room for evening darshan. Candy flew as we all honed our catching skills. Grace and gratitude filled the ashram.

Already our days are action packed. Sports day was on the 24^th, visitors are constantly streaming down the driveway while games and happiness are a constant background noise.

Throughout this month and beyond we will continue to post regular updates on the web site.

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On February 11^th 2008, Anju Sharan married Mohan Chand, a young man from the greater Delhi area. Engaged for the past year Anju and Mohan developed a close bond speaking several times a day by phone. As their marriage day grew closer Anju contemplated leaving home and her beloved family, moving onwards to a new life, the thrill of marriage and beyond. Excited and sad, nervous and purposeful we prepared for the momentous occasion.

I first met Anju in 1993. Abandoned by her mother in a small, bare shack, I remember seven year old Anju terrified and brave, protecting her younger sister Meena, the strong one in her family of two. The next day the police gave us permission to bring both girls to the ashram. Today she has completed a one year computer course in accounting and is starting the final year of her B.A. Our wish for her is that she is continuously proud of her achievements and how far she has come.

After days of rain February 11^th dawned bright and clear. Following the traditional bridal bath Anju left for the beauty parlour. She returned as a golden goddess bejewelled in traditional Indian dress.

Mohan arrived on a gallant white horse surrounded by dancing relatives who set off firecrackers in blasts of colour. The two families met under a flowered arch, Mohan’s, a traditional extended family, Anju’s, an eclectic blend of Indian and westerners. Anju joined Mohan on the stage for the Jai Mala and to have their photo taken with every single guest present.

Soon after, surrounded by immediate family the fire ceremony commenced, a ritualistic blend as both families joined together in marriage. Under the intoned prayers of the priests a small crown was ceremoniously placed on Anju’s head, the bride and groom fed each other sweets, malas were exchanged and cemented by walking seven times around the sacred fire. On the final lap the bride and groom were showered with flower petals, love and joy. Anju then applied the traditional kum-kum on her forehead, something she will put on everyday of her married life.

Eventually the couple were allowed lunch although Anju could barely eat under the weight of her jewellery. After lunch we could no longer avoid their inevitable departure. While gifts were loaded and the car was decorated Anju’s sister prepared her to leave the ashram as a married woman. Soon the tears started flowing. Savita, who had been crying for the last three days, broke down and sobbed. Anju hugged and held her as we all started crying. Meena and Renu, the two closest to Anju were inconsolable. With such a large family and so many to hug goodbye the departure took its time to unfold. Finally the children crowded Anju’s car for final goodbyes as the bride and groom drove off to their new life.

Our deepest congratulations and best wishes to Anju and Mohan as they begin their new lives together in union.

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