Celebrating 150 years of Shrimad Rajchandraji – The Great Indian Saint and The Spiritual Guide of Mahatma Gandhi

Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur presents an inspiring play on Shrimadji Rajchandraji and Gandhiji, a new charity hospital in South Gujarat, builds memorials on sites graced by Shrimadji, a travelling exhibition on Shrimadji’s life and message and more ~ 14th November 2016, Mumbai
2017 marks the 150th birth anniversary of the great Indian saint, poet-philosopher, and spiritual luminary – Shrimad Rajchandraji (1867 – 1901) Hailed as the spiritual guide to Mahatma Gandhi, Shrimad Rajchandraji had a tremendous and formative influence on the Father of the Nation.

“Such was the man who captivated my heart in religious matters as no other man ever has till now.”
Mahatma Gandhi on Shrimad Rajchandraji – Modern Review, June 1930

Under the able guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD) has been dynamically involved in practising and disseminating the invaluable teachings propounded by Shrimadji through various spiritual and social activities. On the glorious occasion of Shrimad Rajchandraji’s 150th Birth Anniversary, Pujya Gurudevshri expounds, “The birth and life of the Great Ones are worth remembering. They awaken our latent strength and kindle the desire to become like them.”

The celebration was as though launched from the Red Fort itself by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who in his uplifting speech on the occasion of India’s 70th Independence Day said, “The country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Shrimad Rajchandraji, Mahatma Gandhiji’s Guru. In one of His letters to Gandhiji, Shrimadji writes … the principle of non-violence has existed ever since the existence of violence. What is important is which one do we utilise for the welfare of mankind.”

SRMD’s year-long celebration marking 150 years of Shrimadji’s birth includes the launch of several initiatives in India and across the world:

1. ‘Yugpurush – Mahatma na Mahatma’, is an inspirational play depicting the profound spiritual relationship between Shrimadji and Gandhiji – an untold story in Indian history. Premiering on 14th November, the play will be staged in India and across the world in Gujarati, Hindi, English, and other regional languages.
2. Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital – a new 200-bed multi-specialty charity hospital for the economically underprivileged in South Gujarat. The rural populations of the Valsad district of Gujarat are amongst the poorest in the state, facing poverty, malnutrition, illiteracy, and lack of health awareness, resulting in a myriad of health concerns.
3. Building memorials on sites graced by Shrimad Rajchandraji.
4. Various publications, books, CDs, and series of weekly articles in renowned newspapers to spread the life, the works, and the message of Shrimad Rajchandraji.
5. An engaging and interactive travelling exhibition showcasing Shrimad Rajchandraji’s virtuous life, compositions and teachings.
6. Numerous forthcoming benevolent initiatives and social projects.

A Tribute to Two Great Souls – Yugpurush – The Play
‘Yugpurush – Mahatma na Mahatma’ is an inspirational and riveting portrayal of the profound spiritual relationship between Shrimadji and Gandhiji. What began as an honest friendship, progressed to Gandhiji’s proclamation of Shrimadji as his spiritual mentor. Experience Gandhiji’s internal and external journeys unfold under the inspiration of Shrimadji’s direct interactions and insightful letters. “In my moments of spiritual crisis, Shrimadji was my refuge.” Mahatma Gandhi wrote in His autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Ch. Raychandbhai).

‘Yugpurush’ premieres on 14th November, 2016 in Mumbai. The Gujarati play is directed by acclaimed director Rajesh Joshi of ‘Code Mantra’ fame, scripted by well-known playwright Uttam Gada of ‘Maharathi’ fame. The music direction is by popular composer duo Sachin – Jigar. In addition to Gujarati, the play will soon be released in Hindi, English, and other regional languages.

Fascinating Facts – Shrimadji’s Impact on Gandhiji
1. Gandhiji met Shrimadji for the first time in Mumbai in 1891, upon his return from England as a barrister. Shrimadji’s inner equipoise, absorption in spiritual pursuits, enlightening wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures, and moral earnestness left a deep-rooted impression on Gandhiji. Their relationship deepened over personal interactions in the two years that Gandhiji spent in Mumbai.
2. Upon moving to South Africa, Gandhiji corresponded with Shrimadji through letters. Shrimadji’s insightful thoughts ignited the fire of spiritual inquisitiveness in Gandhiji. Their close association contributed towards the moulding of Gandhiji’s moral fibre. Shrimadji’s inherent adherence to the principles of truth, non-violence and spirituality later crystallised as the fundamental tenets of Gandhism.
3. Although Shrimadji left His mortal body at the young age of 33 in 1901, Shrimadji’s letters and compositions were Gandhiji’s dear companions. He contemplated upon them time and time again. Gandhiji would write about Shrimadji, speak about Him in speeches, and discuss Him with close associates.
4. Gandhiji dedicated an entire chapter to Shrimadji entitled ‘Raychandbhai’ in his autobiography ‘The Story of My Experiments with Truth.’ He also mentions Shrimadji in the chapters, ‘Religious Ferment’, ‘Comparative Study of Religions’ and ‘Brahmacharya’.
5. When Gandhiji was sent to London to highlight the plight of Indians in South Africa, he carried some letters that Shrimadji had written to him as well as an English translation of ‘Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra’ – Shrimadji’s philosophical magnum opus, translated by Gandhiji himself.
6. Shrimadji’s distinctive composition, ‘Apurva Avsar Evo Kyare Aavshe?’ was one of Gandhiji’s favourites. It was included in the ‘Ashram Bhajanavali’ – a collection of devotional songs sung at daily prayer meetings. Gandhiji often recited Shrimadji’s poem ‘Nirkhine Nav Yauvana’ to strengthen his belief in celibacy.
7. Gandhiji prepared an article entitled, ‘Some Recollections of Raychandbhai’, in which he extensively extolled Shrimadji. He wrote this article while he was jailed in Yerwada, Pune.

SRMD’s aim behind the year-long celebration of Shrimad Rajchandraji’s 150th birth anniversary is to spread Shrimad Rajchandraji’s values of ahimsa and satya that shaped Gandhiji’s beliefs, and to bring His illuminating and spiritually uplifting teachings to the maximum number of people from all walks of life. The celebrations will be organised for the masses across India and centers worldwide.

About Shrimad Rajchandraji
Shrimad Rajchandraji is the embodiment of an intense and incessant pursuit of spirituality. Born on Kartik Purnima on 9th November, 1867 in Vavania, Gujarat, Shrimadji was a perfect blend of pure knowledge, selfless devotion, and complete detachment, Shrimadji attained self-realisation at the age of 23. He spent months in seclusion, absorbed in the ecstasy of the Self. His compassion for the world flowed in the form of ‘Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra,’ a masterpiece in philosophical literature. On Chaitra Vad Pancham, 9th April 1901, at the age of 33, Shrimadji left His mortal body in Rajkot. His preachings have been published in an invaluable volume ‘Shrimad Rajchandra,’ which continues to quench the thirst of true seekers. Through ashrams, temples, and institutions dedicated to Shrimadji around the world, lakhs of devotees are benefiting from His teachings and progressing on the spiritual path.

About Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur is a global movement that endeavours to enhance the spiritual growth of seekers and benefit society. With its international Headquarters at Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, Dharampur, the Mission has over 100 Satsang centres, 31 Youth Groups and 227 Divinetouch Centres – value-education and self-development programmes for children – spread across the globe in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care programme includes: Health Care, Educational Care, Child Care, Woman Care, Tribal Care, Community Care, Humanitarian Care, Animal Care, Environmental Care and Emergency Relief Care. Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur is playing a key role in universal upliftment by actualising its Mission Statement – Realise one’s True Self and serve others selflessly. www.shrimadrajchandramission.org

For press inquiries and more information please contact Alpa Gandhi on 9322241513 or publicrelations@shrimadrajchandramission.org