Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD) UK recently concluded its celebrations to mark 20 years of spiritual growth, community service, and transformative impact under the guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji and the grace of Shrimad Rajchandraji.
The four-day celebrations in June were held at Byron Hall at London’s Harrow Leisure Centre in Pujya Gurudevshri’s presence, marking a significant milestone of two decades since his first Dharmayatra tour to the UK. Over 2,000 seekers from all around the world attended daily discourses, reflecting on Pujya Gurudevshri’s profound impact. He explained the science and art of listening, guiding seekers on using this knowledge to question beliefs and apply teachings in daily life.
UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, who was felicitated by Pujya Gurudevshri on stage, said: “I am grateful for Pujya Gurudevshri's presence and it’s been a privilege to see first-hand all of this work. This Mission is growing all the time, it has over 200 centres worldwide and is making a huge impact touching over 20 million lives.
“For me at the heart of it all are the qualities of love, care and respect that underline the basis of SRMD and the teachings of Jainism. I have always sought to be inspired by the sort of values that Pujya Gurudevshri encapsulates, selfless service to others, to the community and the nation. All of us should take inspiration from Pujya Gurudevshri's wonderful teachings and the principles of Jainism.”
SRMD UK has grown from a single monthly event to over 450 annually, with 17 centres across the UK supported by hundreds of volunteers aged 10 to 90. This journey highlights the spiritual evolution inspired by Pujya Gurudevshri.
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Not only has Pujya Gurudevshri’s spiritual impact been paramount and transformational, so too has His impact in the community. In line with its SRMD UK’s mission to "Realise One's True Self and Serve Others Selflessly," the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC) initiative has been at the forefront of compassionate community service. With a 10-fold benevolent programme recognised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council, SRLC has addressed critical areas such as children's welfare, women empowerment, education, healthcare, animal protection, and environmental sustainability.
In a significant move to combat hunger and malnutrition among the homeless, SRLC launched the SRLC NutriBuddy Project. The NutriBuddy Energy Food Bar, developed in collaboration with experts at University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, is a 100g nutrient-dense bar designed to meet the dietary needs of homeless individuals who lack regular access to meals.
The NutriBuddy Bars will be distributed through SRLC’s drives and in collaboration with organisations like St Mungo’s. The Mission aims to fund 200,000 NutriBuddy Bars in honour of its 20th anniversary.
Pujya Gurudevshri’s guiding philosophy reminds: "We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can certainly change his or her whole world."
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The pinnacle of the four-day celebrations last month was the landmark Atmarpit Diksha (Renunciation) Ceremony which took place for the first time on British soil. This significant event stood as a profound testament to Amee Virani, a 34-year-old from north-west London, who under the guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, transformed her life from worldly pursuits to spiritual seeking.
*Info: SRMD; NutriBuddy