Cyclone Fani was the strongest tropical cyclone to hit India in 20 years. It made landfall in the eastern coastal city of Puri in the Odisha state on Friday, May 3, 2019, causing much destruction particularly in Puri and Bhubaneswar.
YSS is extending relief to those afflicted by the cyclone. We in Gurudeva’s Ashrams are also deeply praying that God and the Great Ones give them strength and courage to cope with the aftermath of this tragedy.
Relief Work Carried Out by YSS Volunteers in Affected Areas
Devotees in YSS centres in Odisha took the initiative to reach out to those affected almost immediately after the relief work began. Later, a truck carrying relief material was sent from our Dakshineswar Ashram in Kolkata to villages in Puri. Volunteers and ashram staff accompanied the supplies and facilitated the relief work.
The relief material was in the form of kits containing essential items including candles, matchboxes, biscuits, roasted peanuts, drinking water, tarpaulins, torchlights (LED) with battery, bed sheets (double size), sarees, lungis, towels, biscuits, Amul milk powder, Odomos mosquito repellent, plastic hand-fan, sattu (flour consisting of a mixture of ground pulses and cereals), bathing soap, detergent soap, etc.
Volunteers from YSS have distributed around 1,000 such kits in four villages: Mirzapur, Parbatipur, Gabakunda, and Nathapur in Krushna Prasad block of Puri district.
Photographs: Relief Work carried out by YSS volunteers in affected areas
YSS CONTRIBUTES TO CHIEF MINISTER'S RELIEF FUND
In view of the immense task that lies ahead in rebuilding the affected areas, YSS sannyasis Swami Smaranananda and Brahmachari Gokulananda met Odisha Chief Minister Sri Naveen Patnaik at Bhubaneswar on May 12, 2019, and handed him a cheque of Rs. 15 lakhs as Yogoda Satsanga Society of India’s contribution towards the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Swamiji shared with the Chief Minister that in our meditation centres in Odisha, and other YSS centres and Ashrams in India, YSS devotees and monastics have been praying that God give those affected, strength and courage, and said that YSS would continue to pray for our fellow brethren and do whatever we can to help in the process of rehabilitation.
Cyclone Fani Message from Swami Chidananda Giri
Our President Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri is deeply praying for all those affected. His deep prayers continue to reach out to the survivors, who are coping with the pain and loss of loved ones and of their homes and livelihoods.
Here is an excerpt of his message sent to YSS/SRF devotees:
“… Gurudeva had a special connection with Puri because he spent much time there receiving training from his own revered Guru, Swami Sri Yukteswarji. Surely in their omniscient consciousness these two great avatars are sending their blessings to all who are suffering and to those helping with the renovation of the affected areas. And how pleased they would be that Yogoda Satsanga Society is actively participating in the relief efforts, and that members of YSS and SRF are also praying for all who are in need in Puri and the surrounding locale. Though this is such a difficult time for them, may their burdens be lightened by the knowledge that caring souls in India and around the world feel for them and are seeking God’s help. We ask God to strengthen those who are suffering, to give them hope and confidence for the time of recovery; and especially to embrace them in the security of His all-healing, reassuring love.”
To read the full text of the Cyclone Fani Message from Swami Chidananda Giri, please click here.
Donation Appeal
As the survivors strive to regain a life of normalcy, they will need not only material resources but also the spiritual support of our prayers.
If you wish to contribute towards the YSS relief activities, please click here and donate under the head of “Natural Calamities Relief.”
Or, you may visit your local Kendra, or one of our YSS ashrams to make the donation in person. Alternately, you may send a cheque/DD in favour of YOGODA SATSANGA SOCIETY OF INDIA, payable at Ranchi to Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, Paramahansa Yogananda Marg, Ranchi 834001. Kindly attach a covering letter in which you mention the purpose of the donation along with your Lessons Registration Number, Name, Contact Information, and your PAN number (if any).
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India is recognized as a charitable Society under the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Donations to the Society (PAN: AAATY0283H) are Income Tax deductible under Section 80-G of the said Act.
