MATHRU VANDANAM
 School of Bhagavad Gita paid a rich tribute to mothers and motherhood through MATHRU VANDANAM -a simple, yet inspiring ceremony involving mothers and children, irrespective of age or religion. This value- based programme was guided and conducted by Swami Sandeepananda Giri, Acharya and Director, School of Bhagavad Gita.
The function took place on Maha Navami day, the 5th of October 2011 at the Trivandrum Club Hall in Trivandrum. Mathrubhumi, the national daily, joined hands with School of Bhagavad Gita in conducting this unique programme.
Mathru Vandanam is based on the concept of paying our respects to our mother whom our culture sees as a representation of Devi - Mathru Devo bhava . The very familiar slokam from Devi Mahatmyam also praises the mother as an expression of Divinity:
"Yaa Devi sarvabhootheshu mathru roopena samsthitha ,
Namasthasyai, Namasthasyai, Namasthasyai Namo Namah"
(We worship that Devi who manifests herself in the form of Mother in all beings)
It is this sentiment that was conveyed in Mathru Vandanam and in the course of this simple puja and talk, Swamiji touched upon the significance and meaning of parent-child relationship, importance of maintaining family values, etc.
A very distinctive part of the proceedings was the honour accorded to some very special mothers by School of Bhagavad Gita. These mothers were elders who either did not have their children with them anymore, or were neglected, or gave a new meaning to motherhood by looking after not just their own children, but hundreds of other children, who did not have their own mothers. Volunteers of School of Bhagavad Gita did 'pada puja' for these mothers who were called up on stage by Swamiji to be recognized and given gifts and mementos.
Swami Abhishek Chaitanya from the holy city of Varanasi inaugurated the event, pointing out that it had added significance, being held during the Navarathri season, when the Divine Mother was being worshipped. Mathrubhumi distributed gift packs to all those who took part in the ceremony, where Swami Sandeepananda Giri's words and message made a deep impact on both mothers and children.
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