Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Madhavipriyadas Swami of SGVP Holistic Hospital in Ahmedabad led a mango distribution drive in 2025, providing free mangoes to poor and needy families as part of the SGVP Mango Festival.
The event was held at the SGVP campus and aimed to support underprivileged communities by distributing fresh seasonal fruit during the summer. Thousands of mangoes were handed out to individuals from economically weaker backgrounds.
Thousands of mangoes were handed out to individuals from economically weaker backgroundsSGVP
Swami Madhavipriyadas personally oversaw the initiative, highlighting the hospital’s continued commitment to community welfare and seva (service). Volunteers and staff members of the hospital participated in the event, ensuring the distribution was well-organised and reached the intended beneficiaries.
With the support of its spiritual and community leadersSGVP
The mango distribution is one of SGVP’s ongoing efforts to uplift disadvantaged sections of society by offering food, healthcare, and support. Organisers said the gesture was not only about providing fruit but also about spreading kindness and compassion.
The festival was warmly received by recipients and appreciated by local residents. SGVP plans to continue similar charitable activities in future, with the support of its spiritual and community leaders.
Siddhashram in London witnessed a profound spiritual surge as hundreds of devotees marked the first Monday of Shravan, which is the sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva, with unwavering faith and devotion.
The temple gates opened at 6:00 am, and from dawn till dusk, streams of worshippers offered jal abhishek, prayers, and silent meditation. The evening’s Bhajan Sandhya emerged as the day's spiritual pinnacle, led by His Holiness Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, accompanied by Saint Jentiram Bapa from Jamnagar, India. The resonant chants of Om Namah Shivay and traditional bhajans enveloped the temple, creating a divine ambience.
In his address, Guruji reflected on the inner meaning of Shravan, urging devotees to view rituals as doorways to introspection and spiritual elevation.
“Temples bring us closer not just to God, but to ourselves. Bhajans and mantras cleanse the mind and awaken the soul,” he said.
Guruji spoke about the Samudra Manthan legend, where Lord Shiva consumed poison to save the cosmos, becoming Neelkanth. “Offering milk and water is symbolic,” he explained. “Milk represents the moon, while water signifies the sacred Ganga flowing from Shiva’s locks, both gestures of love and reverence.”
He also traced the origin of Shravan to the Shravana Nakshatra, associated with Lord Vishnu and the act of divine listening. The month, he added, is ideal for chanting, satsang, and spiritual practices.
Concluding the evening, Guruji left devotees with a simple but profound message:
“True peace lies in selfless service. When we serve others with love, we serve God Himself.”
Upcoming Events at Siddhashram:
To continue the spiritual fervour of Shravan, Siddhashram has planned a series of devotional events:
Saturday, 2 August: 108 Hanuman Chalisa Path (from 10 AM), followed by a satsang by Swami Mahendra Das Ji Maharaj (Ayodhya Dham – Ghar Ghar Ram, Har Ghar Ramayan).
Monday, 4 August: Shravan Bhajan Sandhya with Guruji.
Thursday, 15 August: Flag Hoisting Ceremony to celebrate Indian Independence Day.
15–17 August: Shivyog Workshop with Ishan Shivanand at Harrow Leisure Centre.
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In a deeply spiritual and uplifting weekend, the Mahavir Foundation hosted a two-day Swadhyay Shibir led by renowned spiritual guide Shri Deepakbhai Shah Bardoli, held on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July 2025 at Kingsbury High School, London. The theme of the discourse “Seven Steps of Happiness” drew hundreds of attendees eager to explore the timeless teachings of Jain philosophy.
The event opened with a Deep Pragtya ceremony graced by eminent spiritual leaders HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji, Swaminarayan Kumkum Mandir saints Swami Premvatsaldasji, and Swami Harikrishnaswarupdasji, alongside Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel.
In his trademark calm and compelling style, Shri Deepakbhai, widely respected for his simple yet transformative wisdom, guided the audience through seven powerful steps towards true inner joy:
Do not cause grief to anyone. Never be the reason for someone’s pain.
Share others’ suffering. Lighten others’ burdens through compassion and service.
Spread happiness. Don’t confine joy, celebrate it with everyone.
Let go of anger. Build friendships, dissolve hostility.
Avoid jealousy. A single moment of happiness can be enough if embraced with gratitude.
Don’t hoard wealth. Share resources and goodwill with devotion.
Don’t fear death. Accept it with faith and joy, following God’s guidance.
In a profound reflection, Deepakbhai shared, “Life is like a deck of 52 cards. You may not hold strong cards, but if you learn how to play, victory is certain. Joy or sorrow, it’s your choice. Winning and losing are like day and night; both are essential. The distinction of good-bad or mine-yours is merely a distraction of the mind. Your happiness is in your own hands.”
Mahavir Foundation President Niraj Sutaria, Vice President Mikesh Kapashi, and the dedicated Foundation team warmly welcomed attendees and special guests. Birenbhai Shah from India and Nitinbhai Doshi from Australia were honoured for their invaluable contributions to the global spiritual community.
Deepakbhai also emphasised the urgency of connecting the next generation to our values, culture, and spiritual roots. “If we fail to introduce our children to our religion and morals,” he said, “we fail in our fundamental duty as parents. A whole generation risks growing up spiritually disconnected.”
The event concluded on a note of unity, inspiration, and renewed purpose, a reminder that true happiness is not found in external pursuits, but through selfless living, shared joy, and inner peace.
The Shree Hanuman Temple in Leicester is marking the sacred Hindu month of Shravan with a week-long celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva, running from 25th to 31st July.
A major highlight is the visit of His Holiness 1008 Acharya Shri Rakeshprasadji Maharaj from South Gujarat, India. On Saturday 26th July, he will lead a special recital and bless the formal inauguration of the temple’s newly built main entrance and foyer. The blessing ceremony begins at 9.30am, ahead of the main service at 10am.
Temple secretary Rajesh Patel said, “The daily recital allows devotees to immerse themselves in the divine energy of Shravan. We are honoured by the presence of His Holiness during this sacred time.”
The newly constructed entrance is seen as a symbolic gateway for spiritual reflection and community connection.
Open to all, the event invites members of the community to participate in prayers, receive blessings, and celebrate the auspicious month together.
For more information, contact the temple on 0116 266 5717, email info@salangpurdhamleicester.org.uk, or follow @salangpurdhamleicester on social media.
Event Highlights:
Daily Shravan recital: 25–31 July
Visit of His Holiness: 25 July
Blessing of new entrance: 26 July, 9.30am
The Shree Hanuman Temple was inaugurated in 2021, fulfilling a decades-long dream of local devotees inspired by the original Salangpur temple in Gujarat, India.
Pujya Dhirendra Krishna Shastri Ji, better known as Bageshwar Dham Sarkar, visited the Siddhashram Community Hub at Harrow on 22 July 2025. He was warmly welcomed by His Holiness Rajrajeshwar Guruji, the founder of Siddhashram UK, along with a distinguished gathering of saints, interfaith leaders, philanthropists, and devotees from across the country.
Addressing the assembly, Bageshwar Sarkar recalled HH Guruji’s decades of tireless efforts to uphold and promote Sanatan Dharma in the United Kingdom.
“Back in the 1990s, when very few were carrying the flame of Sanatan Dharma on foreign soil, Guruji was already nurturing Indian culture and values in this land. Saints bring not just words, but the fragrance of morality, compassion, and tradition wherever they go,” he said.
Describing his bond with HH Guruji, he added, “He is like a deep-sea diver, bringing rare pearls from the ocean of spiritual wisdom. He invites saints from India to the UK, some like me. Though we are two bodies, we share the same soul.”
Calling the Siddhashram Community Hub a centre of spiritual service, he said it would not only uphold Indian traditions but also serve humanity at large.
Grand Satsang at Wembley Arena Announced for 2026
HH Rajrajeshwar Guruji, addressing the gathering, described Bageshwar Sarkar as a saint with remarkable spiritual clarity and reach.
“He is a guiding force for millions, especially the youth. Siddhashram is honoured by his presence. We are proud to announce that a large-scale Satsang with him will be organised by Siddhashram next year at Wembley Arena, uniting devotees across the UK and Europe,” Guruji said.
Traditional welcome and devotional spirit
The programme began with traditional Indian rituals. Samjibhai Patel honoured Bageshwar Sarkar with Tilak, Garland, and a Shawl, followed by Krishnaben Pujara who also presented a shawl. A touching moment came when Hemani Dave tied a sacred Rakhi to the visiting saint, symbolising sisterly affection. A special mention was also made of Mr. Manoj Tyagi, CEO of Sanskar TV, who was recognised for his pivotal role in promoting dharmic culture.
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The visit by Dr Yadav marks the latest in a series of high-profile delegations to the Mandir since its inauguration
On 13 July 2025, Dr Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, visited the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi as part of the Guru Purnima celebrations.
He was received by Swami Brahmaviharidas, Head of the Mandir, who provided an overview of the Mandir’s history, architecture and purpose. The visit took place during a significant spiritual period for the BAPS community, with devotees from around the world gathering to honour their spiritual guide.
During his tour, Dr Yadav explored an exhibition highlighting the role and significance of a true Guru. According to organisers, he expressed appreciation for the values presented and reflected on the importance of selfless service to society.
The Chief Minister offered prayers at the Mandir’s shrines and was particularly moved by the presence of sacred soil from Jabalpur – the birthplace of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader and creator of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
Commenting on the experience, Dr Yadav described the Mandir as a global symbol of spiritual harmony, cultural unity and timeless values.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, which opened earlier this year, has been noted for its intricate design and its role in promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding in the UAE. The visit by Dr Yadav marks the latest in a series of high-profile delegations to the Mandir since its inauguration.