Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – October 1, 2015 – Mysore
Shuka Vana is now celebrating its first Anniversary since its inception. Swamiji wanted a test period of one year to see if all the birds would properly acclimatize to the weather and conditions here. The parrots have adjusted well to all the different seasonal changes. They are now comfortable. Some have started breeding. Over a hundred chicks of different parrot species have been born and are thriving. A year has gone by successfully.
Thus far, only some Datta devotees have been supporting Shuka Vana with all its expenses and maintenance charges. We have not established for it any permanent Fund so far. Free admission has been the policy up until now. You all have also enjoyed free admission, along with the general public. From now onwards, it has been decided that an admission fee will be charged for visitors to Shuka Vana. Everyone must support this project just like Swamiji. So far it was only by Swamiji’s efforts that this project has taken its present shape. Now Swamiji wishes that all his Datta family members and others should also join as members to run this organization. Support Shuka Vana just as you support your children
Yearly membership for Shuka Vana is being instituted for its continued successful functioning. The year will be from Navaratri to Navaratri. It will be renewable annually. This is just a way for everyone to actively support this service to our feathered friends and angels. 1200 rupees per year only to serve some other precious living beings. Everyone must take membership. I wish for one lakhs members at least. Once you take membership, you will not receive any special benefit, except that the Internet will have your photo and name in the annual members list. You will be fulfilling Swamiji’s Sankalpam/wish and resolve. Lord Datta supports this project actually. Not you and I. If you support it, then your poverty and troubles will go away.
It is a just a tiny token gesture to help. At Ganesh Chaturthi festival, we offer a thread to the moon as a mere symbol of service. It is only a very tiny service, compared to the immense effort put in by Swamiji for getting this project started and running for one whole year without charging anyone an admission fee to see all the rare birds. A fixed deposit has to be set up to ensure the continuation of Shuka Vana. Every one of you should participate. This small help on your part will bring immense dividends to you. Whoever is doubtful about participating in this, must make up their mind now. Daily announcements will be made by me till we reach the one lakh membership target. You may take membership in the names of all your family members, friends, and relatives. Provide their photographs and email IDs as well as birthdates.
There is no special physical benefit that comes to you because you are a member. This membership has to be renewed every year. You will receive an ID card showing each year the picture of a different bird and the color of the card will be different. That way Swamiji will know. Supporting this project is like supporting your own children. The benefit from taking this membership is that you will earn a place in Swamiji’s heart. Please join. You will receive special blessings from Swamiji.
Fill out the membership form. Give Name, email ID, Address, and Telephone Number. Nagaraju will take the photo. You may sponsor in others’ names also. Provide their photos. All of you should take a vow to get ten or hundred, or five or twenty members each. Spread the word. Tell friends. Give them information about Shuka Vana. Give them the Shuka Vana CD, website links, facebook links, youtube links, etc. Inform others about Shuka Vana.
The Internet website will have the details of all the members, for Swamiji’s ready reference. Entries will be made regularly and updated. Receipts will be given to you. Preserve them. The annual membership expires at Navaratri every year. It has to be renewed. New card with a new bird’s photo is given. You may refuse to give photo, it will be to your disadvantage, but it is your wish. Good to have your photo on the website for Swamiji to have the information if he needs it for your protection. It helps Swamiji to have the photo. There will be different categories: Sponsors. Patrons. Members.
Sri Guru Datta
Compiled by Smt Hira Duvvuri