Shri Gopichand Hinduja, Shri Prakash Hinduja and Shri Ashok Hinduja along with eighty members of their extended family, deeply inspired by HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, came to Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh for a special spiritual retreat recently for Christmas. 2015 marked the 80th birthday of Shri SP Hinduja, the 75th birthday of Shri Gopichand Hinduja, the 70th birthday of Shri Prakash Hindua and the 65th birthday of Shri Ashok Hinduja. To celebrate, they came home to Parmarth Niketan, where in 2001 the four brothers and their entire family celebrated the centenary of their father¸ and in 2004 celebrated the centenary of their mother.
Pujya Swamiji said, “The Hinduja brothers’ decision to celebrate their birthdays as Green birthdays here on the banks of Mother Ganga is a testament to their sanskaras and their values. This is truly the message that is needed today. They could have gone to Switzerland or anywhere in the world, but they decided to come to Uttarakhand, the Spiritual Land, illustrating that this Himalayan State is truly Simply Heaven, a confluence of both beauty and divinity. I am glad to see their commitment to serve Uttarakhand as well as to work in protecting the ancient and timeless heritage and Indian values that it represents. ”
During their their three day stay, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Harish Rawatji also visited Parmarth Niketan to wish them a very happy birthday and welcome them to Devbhoomi.
Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “I am so glad to see that our Hinduja brothers are so deeply connected to their traditional Indian roots. I am so glad that they have picked this Himalayan land to celebrate their birthdays. I was touched to hear about their special connection with the sacred land of Uttarakhand, especially to the sacred River Ganga, how they would come as children to bathe in Her waters. I know that their love for this sacred land will naturally inspire and encourage them to work with us for the welfare of its people and the preservation of its sacred natural, cultural and spiritual heritage.”
Amongst the projects discussed included:
- Promoting Uttarakhand as a Eco-Tourism and Spiritual Tourism destination of the world
- Supporting the state in the field of education and healthcare
- Setting up two world-class Hinduja Hospitals in Pantnagar and Haridwar
Shri Gopichand Hinduaji said, “We have been associated with Pujya Swamiji for so many years and we are always inspired by His vision and leadership, under which such vital and multi-faceted service projects are thriving. From the first ever Encyclopedia of Hinduism, which He has conceived and which was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Great Britain, to His work for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Swach Bharat as well as so much more, we are glad to be associated with these efforts. It is indeed so beautiful to be here today, with our family, to celebrate our birthdays. We pledge to come at least once every year and to support projects for the welfare of this incredible Himalayan state.”
During their stay, they relished their divine Ganga Aartis at Parmarth Niketan as well as the satsang with Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji. During one of the sacred Ganga Aartis at Parmarth, Pujya Swamiji honoured the brothers with a beautiful flower mala and a sacred Rudraksha sapling.