OUR SAMAJ

The peace and prosperity of any nation and its people depends on preservation of its Cultural Heritage. Fortunately our Country Bharath has inherited a Heritage which has its roots in the four Vedas. This Cultural Heritage is unique and supreme because the Vedas themselves are the power house of true knowledge in contrast with the sciences which are only approximate. Hence is it not our duty to follow the Hindu Dharma which has been protecting us like a fence? Such reflections of a spirited team of Sanathanies of this locality prompted the creation of an institution in the promotion of such core values. Thus 'Sri Ram Samaj ' was founded in 1954 after their efforts were blessed by no less a Parmacharyal than the Sage of Kanchi. Right from this genesis, the direction and pace of growth have always been upwards and the resources harnessed for the promotion of culture and theistic society. At the threshold of Golden Jubilee, Sri Ram Samaj is a Banyan Tree, its roots entrenched in the hearts of citizens of Chennai, nay, the entire country. Such a growth could have been a mere dream but for the generous urge and cooperation from the philanthropists and benefactors. The Samaj is, indeed, thankful to every one of them.

The performance stated in general several important religious festivals with systematic discourses and cultural programmes are being organized throughout the year, signifying such occasions. Erudite Vedic Pandits and other exponents of the heritage are invited to participate and deliver elaborate exposition on Vedas, Ithihasas and Puranas. In addition music concerts by eminent artists including the budding, constitute a regular feature.

The spotlight among various events since inception has been the extensive celebration of Sri Rama Navami Mahotsavam, in a manner, fitting and delightful. Accordingly, as ever before the series includes a programme of Chathur Veda Parayanam, Akanda Rama Nama Japa Yagyam, Srimad Ramayana Moola Parayanam, Srimad Valmiki Ramayana Pravachanam, Music Concerts, Bhajans & Laskharchana. Sita Vivaham both in Vaidika and Bhagavatha Sampradyam is a highlight event. Following Sri Sitarama Pattabhishekam and lending an auspicious note as usual to the entire event, a procession of Lord Sri Rama enthroned in a splendidly decorated Chariot to the accompaniment of Nadaswaram manifests the pinnacle of the celebration. It will be followed by Anjaneya Utsavam and Annadhanam.

Focussing on other seasonal highlights, Sir Sarada Navarathri Celebrations brim with the splendour of Kolu in elegance of arrangement, Illustration of tradition and decoration of lights. Skanda Sashti, Kanya Pooja, Sri Hanumath Jayanti, Danur Masa Pooja, Pradosha Kala Sri Siva Pooja, Sri Devi Mahotsavam with Kuthivilakku Pooja and daily Vishnu Sahasranama Goshti Parayanam are the other features. Yagnams were conducted during "Sani Peyarchi" and "Guru Peyarchi". The participation of devotees in such events has indeed been overwhelming and quite heartening to the organizers.

Coming to annual events, programmes such as Radha Kalyanam, and series of lectures on Puranas, under the joint auspices of the Samaj and Endowment Donors are being conducted regularly. Our endowments include financial assistance to the poor for marriage of their wards.

In addition, matrimonial assistance through the creation of Horoscope Exchange and related consultancy services, extended for the benefit of the needy public free of cost has been hailed by one and all Medical assistance for major ailments of the poor, scholarship facilities and a free issue of text-books to a number of students of our school who are economically weaker and grants to a few retired Vedic Scholars are the other noteworthy measures undertaken by the Samaj. A free reading room to the public and a book bank lending books to collegiate students both housed in the mandapam are found to be useful, particularly to the indigent students as a supporting measure to their learning process.

Sriramavani, a spiritual in-house magazine issued free of cost to the members is widely commended. A sponsorship of Rs.3000/- is solicited from readers and philanthropists, per issue of 4 pages.

Now we take up the major ongoing service units for a brief description.

The situation of Ayodhya Mandapam commands the mass attraction not only of the local citizens but also the entire floating population. Almost throughout the year the mandapam is engaged with various religious and philosophical, educational and cultural activities of our Samaj as well as those of other organizations.

Presently, an enthusiastic forum consisting of the young and old, gents and ladies to debate on 'Aanmika Sinthanigal' is held every 2nd Sunday of the month under the stewardship of Brahma Sri Ramakrishna Iyer and hailed widely by the public.

To help the middle and lower middle class who face all kinds of hardship in arranging marriages, the samaj has a community hall, "Mihilapuri Kalyana Mandapam' which provides decent and adequate facilities for celebrating such functions at a nominal rate.

For any growing society or nation, the core 'Development Area' should be education. Swami Vivekananda defines-'Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man 'Therefore the student has to be shaped to get the best out of him and make him a worthy citizen. With this national objective 'Sri Sitaram Vidyalaya', Matriculation School was established at West Mambalam. Our institution continues to maintain 100% success rate in both X & XII standard examinations. Regarding excellence in performance, the school produced the state 13th, 14th & 15th ranks in XII std public examinations, 2001- 2002. thus the students have done us proud through their exemplary discipline and the teachers through their total dedication and involvement. Dutifully, we convey our gratitude to the philanthropists and benefactors for their generosity through the institution of endowments for the distribution of scholarships and prizes to the toppers. The Samaj seek their continued patronage enabling them to pursue its mission.

To rejuvenate the fading sentiments of those appreciating the significance of last rituals for the departed soul, but simultaneously confronted with the problem of suitable performance venue, the center of Gnanavapi was established at T.Nagar in 1989 as ordained by H.H. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal. Poor families are provided with free accommodation.

Regarding organisation, the need of the hour is an increased involvement in Sri Ram Samaj, of dynamic younger generation with a sense of dedication in service and compatibility in temperament.

We once again take this opportunity in extending our gratitude to those who have contributed to the phenomenal growth of Sri Ram Samaj, and solicit their continued cooperation for service to humanity.

SRI SITARAM VIDYALAYA MATRICULATION HR.SEC.SCHOOL

This institution came into being at West Mambalam in the year 1987 initially starting with classes from LKG to V Std. With a strength of 182 students. From a humble beginning, the School achieved a spectacular strength on rolls as well as phased expansion in higher academic courses from 6th Std. To 12th Std. With a strength of 2,000 students . At present there are 75 well qualified, dedicated and experienced teachers of high calibre. The school has been achieving consistently Cent Percent results in both 10th and 12th std. Board examinations with students securing State Ranks. A number of shields and trophies that adorn the Principal's Room speak volumes of the par excellence performance of the pupils in the Co-curricular activities.

A south based charitable society with an asset base exceeding Rs 10 crores wants financial assistance on very nominal terms for school Expansion Project. Repaymnet within 5 years. Interested NRIs, Philanthropists Trust and Charitable Institutions. Please contact Post Box No..........

SWARNA SRI RAMA NAVAMI MAHOTSAVAM (GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS)

To take care of the celebrations, a Golden Jubilee Celebration committee has been formed. His Holiness Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and His Holiness Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal inaugurated the "Swarna Sri Rama Navami" 2003-2004 on 2nd March 2003 lighting "pancha Mukha Kuthuvilakku" and the Chathurveda Parayanam by Vedic Pandits. On that occasion, Their Holiness delivered Anugraha Bhashanams and complimented the work undertaken by the samaj. His Holiness Sri Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal declared open "paduka Mandapam" where Mahaswamigal stayed and performed anushtanam. Besides 50th Sri Rama Navami Mahotsavam, Upanyasams, Moola Parayanam, Athirudram, Homams, Go-Pooja, Harikatha, Bhagavatha Sammelanam and kanakabhisekam to Lord Sri Rama, Bhajans, Villupattu, Pattimandram, Music Concerts, Music and Oratorical competitions, Question & Answer session for students by His Holiness Sri Sri Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam are on the anvil and being programmed for conducting throughout the year from March 2003 to March 2004 in the renovated Ayodhya Aswamedha Maha Mandapam.

NEW PROJECTS

Old Age Home: The Samaj has planned to construct an old Age Home in a sprawling complex at the outskirts of the city with modern facilities to take care of Senior Citizens.

Gnanvapi: It has also been proposed to construct a bigger Ganavapi outside the limits of city with all in-house and staying facilities for performance of last rites of the departed soul.

To implement the Golden Jubilee Programme and the Projects on the occasion, we would value your overall participation with Sri Ram Samaj including the area of finance which is estimated to cost Rs.75/- lakhs. We appeal to you for a liberal contribution from you and others through you to fulfill the common cause before us.

We take this opportunity to extend our profound gratitude on the occasion of Swarna Sri Rama Navami to those who have contributed to the phenomenal growth of Sri Ram Samaj and solicit their continued co-operation.
 

"JAI SITA RAM"

|  HOME  |  ABOUT SAMAJ  |  OFFICE BEARERS  |  GOLDEN JUBILEE  |  NEWS & EVENTS  |  DONATE  |  SERVICES  |  PHOTO GALLERY  |  CONTACT US  |