CEREMONY: Foundation stone of Antardrishti Kendra laid

Ludhiana, January 20, 2013: Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, a socio-spiritual organisation running under the strong aegis of His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj has launched a production unit based at New Kichlu Nagar, for the visually impaired and physically challenged section of the city.

This center amongst many other running countrywide will witness manufacturing of Aroma candles, Herbal soaps and Cookies. Embarking on social and economic strengthening of visually and physically handicapped people, this center will cater to hundreds of beneficiaries.

The opening ceremony showcased an exceptional programme with expert speakers from the field. The main highlight of the programme was the musical symphonies presented by the Antardrishti beneficiaries themselves, which constituted visually and physically disabled.

Antardrishti Kendra will witness the participation of visually and physically handicapped people who were gripped in the life of begging and captivated in the negativity; they were part of street rackets. But after coming in touch with the Antardrishti programme, their lives witnessed such positive change that now they are not only supporting their family with a dignified living but are moving ahead with the objective of social welfare.

“After my parents died, my uncle made me beg in order to gain his support for my survival. And that is how I fell into the trap of street beggar mafias, who used to threaten me for life I do not surrender to what they brutally demanded. But I am thankful to Ashutosh Maharaj for literally picking me up from that horrible place and giving me a new lease of life,” said Vivek, Antardrishti beneficiary, who has now become an ardent flute player after receiving professional training in the organisation. He gave a melodious presentation along with his band members during the launch of the project.

On the occasion, Sadhvi Pragya Bharti stated, “Antardrishti works on a two-way approach in empowering and rehabilitating visually impaired and physically challenged people. First being psychological counseling and inner strengthening, and second, social and economic strengthening. Once they realise their true potential, disability is just a word for them.”

After accomplishing several decades of success and recognition in the various parts of the country, the project is now opening its branch in Ludhiana city. “At Antardrishti, we believe social service does not imply filling pockets of the needy and the disabled at street lights or temples, but to make them self-reliant, not only economically but also emotionally. We aim at ending their dependency on others and making them mentally and emotionally strong,” said Ravinder Arora, Project Director, Antardrishti and a disciple of Ashutosh Maharaj.

Jagdeep Singal and Mohinder Goyal were the Chief Guests at the launch of Antardrishti Kendra. Davinder Bhasin was function presiding over. Madan Bassi, Kesho Ram Vij and Ravinder Brara marked their presence in lamp lighting. Bhushan Jindal and Pirthi Bassi participated in Nariyal Poojan. Hemant Sood and Parveen Aggarwal hoisted the flag. Balbir Singh Kular, Sanjeev Jain, Subhash Gupta, Puneet Gupta and Tarsem Singla participated in Bhoomi Poojan. Chaman Lal Chaitly with family played a major role in Yagya Poojan. And the foundation stone of the Antardrishti Kendra was laid by Pradeep Aggarwal and Madan Goyal.