Our Journey part 12 | Bhagavad Gita Class

OUR JOURNEY IN PICTURES
PART 12 (2023)

1 January 2023 - Dhruv Bhai visited the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir in Mumbai.

12 January 2023 - Dhruv Bhai met Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation.

12 January 2023 - Dhruv Bhai presented Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with a copy of our Hanuman Chalisa book in Hindi.

15 January 2023 - Dhruv Bhai gave a talk on chapter 2 verse 23 of the Bhagavad Gita entitled "The eight-step method to attain peace of mind and to face setbacks" hosted by the Bhagavad Gita Research Foundation.

21 January 2023 - Article published on iGlobal News about Dhruv Bhai's talk on chapter 2 verse 23 of the Bhagavad Gita entitled "The eight-step method to attain peace of mind and to face setbacks" hosted by the Bhagavad Gita Research Foundation.

22 January 2023 - Dr David Frawley (Vamadeva Shastri), Dhruv Bhai and Akanksha Ben held a live online conversation on what Bharat (India) has given to the world during an Indian Republic Day special at the Healing Our Earth online festival.

25 January 2023 - Dhruv Bhai met Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra at the Gala Celebrations of the India UK Achievers Honours hosted by the NISAU in partnership with the British Council in India.

2 February 2023 - We celebrated the ten year anniversary of the historic day when Dhruv Bhai completed writing the longest commentary of the Bhagavad Gita and Hanuman Chalisa in history. In total the length of the commentary is 3,321 pages, over 1.6 million words and over 9.6 million characters.

7 February 2023 - We celebrated the seven year anniversary of Dhruv Bhai completing his 20th and 21st books including the longest commentary on the Shree Suktam in history and the Symbolism of Hindu Goddesses and Gods. After five years of writing, Dhruv Bhai completed writing 21 books on the Bhagavad Gita, Hanuman Chalisa, Shree Suktam and the Symbolism of Hindu Goddesses and Gods consisting of 3,467 pages, over 2.4 million words and over 10.5 million characters between them.

7 February 2023 - Dhruv Bhai gave a talk on Law and Dharma followed by Q&A at the University of Law London Bloomsbury at an event hosted by the Indian Society Bloomsbury in Association with the INSA. The event was entitled entitled "Prarambha" to mark the inauguration of the Indian Society Bloomsbury.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai gave his historic 400th talk on the Hanuman Chalisa at the House of Commons of the UK Parliament.

23 May 2023 - This historic event also celebrated 12 years since Dhruv Bhai gave his first public talk in 2011.

23 May 2023 - The occasion featured an inspirational talk by Dhruv Bhai on "The Secrets of Success in Career Management according to the Hanuman Chalisa".

23 May 2023 - The event was hosted by Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP and was attended by Sir Graham Brady MP (Chairman of the 1922 Committee), the presidents or chairpersons of over 30 national Indian organisations, members, community leaders from eight different religious backgrounds, members of the media, and other dignitaries.

23 May 2023 - Over 170 people attended the event and there were over 200 people on the waiting list, such was the demand behind and popularity of Dhruv Bhai's historic 400th talk and to learning from the depth of his wisdom on the Hanuman Chalisa.

23 May 2023 - The evening began with an inspirational introductory speech by Riddhi Ben about her beautiful memories of this epic 12 year journey.

23 May 2023 - Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP, who hosted the event, then welcomed the audience and the audience congratulated him for being honoured with a Padma Shri by the President of India.

23 May 2023 - The audience members acknowledged how Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP has worked so hard in promoting Dharmic causes at the UK Parliament throughout his time as an MP and how he has made history by bringing the Hanuman Chalisa, the Shree Suktam, the Ramayan, the Shrimad Bhagavat and the Bhagavad Gita to the UK Parliament by hosting talks on them each for the first time.

23 May 2023 - Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP, spoke about the historical significance of the 400th talk and the importance of the Hindu community protecting, preserving and promoting Dharmic values that have been passed on from generation to generation.

23 May 2023 - Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP praised the monumental and exemplary work by Dhruv Bhai in spreading Dharmic teachings from the scriptures in such an authentic and beautiful manner.

23 May 2023 - Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP congratulated Dhruv Bhai in achieving this historic feat of his 400th public talk on the Dharmic scriptures.

23 May 2023 - Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP spoke about the huge impact Dhruv Bhai has had in spreading the teachings of Sanatana Vedic Dharma to 161 countries around the world.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai presented Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP with a copy of the book Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound: Secret of Seed (Bija) Mantras by Padma Bhushan Dr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri).

23 May 2023 - The audience members applauded the lifetime of excellent of works of Padma Bhushan Dr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri), which have made the teachings of Sanatana Vedic Dharma accessible in such an authentic and powerful way to so many people around the world.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai gave a powerful recital of the Hanuman Chalisa and was joined by the members of the audience.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then gave a mesmerising 1.5 talk on the Secrets of Success of Career Management we can learn about the Hanuman Chalisa through an in-depth commentary of the Hanuman Chalisa.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai explained how the Hanuman Chalisa describes the endless glories, valour and greatness of the best manager and the most successful person the world has ever known: Shree Hanuman Ji.

23 May 2023 - The talk showed how, by worshipping Hanuman Ji, Hanuman Ji blesses us with His qualities that are necessary to accomplish our goals in life.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai said that the sacred verses of the Hanuman Chalisa contain the secrets to success in life that bestow intelligence, strength and virtue to all those who contemplate and meditate upon it.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai spoke for 1.5 hours on just nine verses of the Hanuman Chalisa (verses 4 to 12), such was the depth of his wisdom on the subject.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai taught the audience members the social, psychological, spiritual and management applications of this most popular mantra, the Hanuman Chalisa.

23 May 2023 - The audience members were mesmerised and moved the tears by the beautiful descriptions of Shree Hanuman Ji’s Leelas (Divine Acts).

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai was presented with an honoury shawl by UK Hindu community leaders.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai thanked Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP for hosting the event, Riddhi Ben for giving such a wonderful speech about the journey of our organisation, Peeyush Bhai for taking such beautiful photography of the evening and Amit Bhai, Rohit Bhai, Bhavika Ben and Harry Bhai for organising the historic occasion.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai closed the event by saying "I bow down to Shree Hanuman Ji who has showered us with His divine blessings throughout this epic journey of 400 talks where we have made history many times over, for giving me the wisdom to inspire our devotees on the auspicious occasion of this 400th public talk, to my parents whose upbringing and sacrifices have made me everything I am today, and to each of you for your whole-hearted support, devotion and belief towards the cause of our organisation over these 400 talks in 12 years. We have achieved so much beyond everyone's expectations and yet have much more to do. We have many more educational talks and social media posts lined up this year and beyond. Here's to a great future ahead! May Shree Hanuman bless you all! Jai Shree Hanuman!”

23 May 2023 - This highly emotional, devotional and electrifying evening was unprecedented because of its historical and spiritual significance, the platform given to the Hanuman Chalisa by UK Parliament MPs, the fact that Hindu community leaders and community leaders from eight different religious backgrounds united as one group on this historical event, the quality of the recital on the Hanuman Chalisa which touched the hearts of all, the amount of interest generated in the event with over 170 people registered and 200 people on the waiting list, and the fact that it was a celebration of an epic journey of our organisation, which has now given over 400 Dharmic talks since it was founded, provided teaching materials for hundreds of Hindu and Yoga organisations and has won countless awards for its achievements.

23 May 2023 - The UK Prime Minister described Dhruv Bhai's 400th talk as "a key moment in the history of the British Hindu community" and "a wonderful opportunity to showcase the organisation's work in empowering and educating individuals of all backgrounds about Eastern scriptures".

23 May 2023 - We have received a number of e-mails with wonderful feedback of the event.

23 May 2023 - Thank you to all our audience members for consistently coming to support our cause in large numbers. You will all have a special place in our hearts!

23 May 2023 - The beautiful photographs of the event were taken by the talented and gifted photographer Peeyush Bhai.

23 May 2023 - Dhruv Bhai met Jamie Stone MP.

31 May 2023 - The Eastern Eye newspaper published an article on Dhruv Bhai's historic 400th talk on the Hanuman Chalisa at the UK Parliament.

31 May 2023 - The India Weekly newspaper published an article on Dhruv Bhai's historic 400th talk on the Hanuman Chalisa at the UK Parliament.

13 June 2023 - Dhruv Bhai met Rajiv Malhotra, author and founder of the Infinity Foundation.

25 June 2023 - Dhruv Bhai had a wonderful morning walk with Baba Ramdev of Patanjali Yogpeeth in Central Park, New York.

25 June 2023 - Dhruv Bhai discussed with Baba Ramdev the spreading of the Hanuman Chalisa to the entire world, the unique connection between the Hanuman Chalisa and Yog, and the huge international impact of Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Yogpeeth organisation.

15 July 2023 - Celebrating 12 years since our first Dharmic talk in the City given by Dhruv Bhai.

3 September 2023 - Dhruv Bhai gave a online talk on the Economic Revolution of ShreeKrushna during a ShreeKrushna Janmasthami special at the Healing Our Earth online festival.

8 November 2023 - We celebrated the 12th anniversary of the launch of the historic 260 week Gita Gnyan Yagna by Dhruv Bhai on 8 November 2011.

15 November 2023 - Seven of our speakers, photographers and volunteers made history by completing the recital of the Devi Mahatmaya at the UK Parliament hosted by Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP and attended by 13 Parliamentarians and a fully packed room in the House of Commons.

15 November 2023 - The event involved two hours of talks on the Devi Mahatmaya, the symbolism of Maa Saraswati and the first five manifestations of the Nava Durga.

15 November 2023 - The proceedings began with a powerful recital of Hindu prayers by Dhruv Bhai, who left the audience captivated by the beautiful mantras in devotion to the Hindu deities.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then thanked Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP for his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity in hosting this event at the UK Parliament.

15 November 2023 - The Parliamentarians attending the event included: Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP, Sir Peter Bottomly MP (Father of the House of Commons), Viscount Younger of Leckie, Gagan Mohindra MP (Assistant Government Whip), Andrea Jenkyns MP (Deputy Chairwoman of the European Research Group), Mark Pawsey MP, Fiona Bruce MP, Robert Buckland MP, Peter Gibson MP, Elliot Colburn MP, David Simmonds MP, Neil O’Brien MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Primary Care and Public Health), Louie French MP, and Brendan Clarke-Smith MP.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then spoke beautifully about the meaning of Maa Saraswati in modern times and the importance of preserving wisdom, knowledge, art and music that makes us immortal.

15 November 2023 - He spoke about the symbolism of Maa Maa Saraswati and said that Maa Saraswati represents Vak or the divine word and is praised as the goddess of the Vedas as Veda Mata, the mother of Vedic wisdom and all the Vedic deities, who guided the ancient Rishis. He said that Saraswati in her symbolism is connected to the moon, the poetic face of the Devi.

15 November 2023 - He explained that Maa Saraswati plays the Veena which represents not just music but the cosmic vibratory energies that reverberate behind space and time, and holds the scripture of inner wisdom and the mala and the power of mantras. He said that the Goddess rides the swan of elegant movement, or the peacock that shows an unbounded creativity arising from a unitary inner vision.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai commenced the narration of the Devi Mahatamaya and spoke about the Yogic meaning behind the symbolism of the Devi Mahatmaya and how it contains the secrets of success in Yoga practices.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then wonderfully recited about the symbolism of Maha Saraswati. He said that the Goddess Maha Saraswati symbolizes the intuitive wisdom that destroys ignorance with its two aspects—the sense I-ness, and mine-ness. He explained how these two aspects are symbolised by the two demons—Shumbha and Nishumbha.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai narrated how the Goddess manifested out of the body of Gauri (Parvati—Lord Shiva's wife). He explained the meaning behind each of the various weapons of the Goddess that are symbolic of numerous forms of Shakti that come from the Devi towards creation, sustenance and dissolution of the world.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai told the audience that just as the waxing moon has three different aspects—one third, two-third and full, in the same way, the Divine Goddess manifested Herself in three stages—Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. He said that the form of Saraswati is like the full moon bright in the cloud-less sky.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then recited the most beautiful Narayani Stuti recited by the devas, eyes beaming with joy, to the Goddess Narayani, and spoke about the many different manifestations of the Goddess.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then spoke about the glory of the Devi Mahatmaya and the benefits of reciting the scripture as proclaimed by the Mother Goddess. He said that the scripture is the giver of supreme auspiciousness and how the Mother Goddess never foresakes the home where this scripture is recited daily and shall always abide in that home.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then completed the historic recital of the Devi Mahatamaya and prayed that may the Goddess be propituous to all.

15 November 2023 - Riddhi Bahen insightfully spoke about how Indian spirituality, religion and tradition has a balanced attitude towards the entire process of worshiping, and is the only place in the world where the Supreme Power is worshiped in the female form as JagadAmba. She explained how Devi Puja depicts the long course of spiritual evolution in the life of the sadhaka (seeker) and shows the way in which the Divine Mother leads the soul to the ultimate victory.

15 November 2023 - The event celebrated the successful completion of Riddhi Bahen and 29 of our teachers of the Gita Gnyan Yagna on 33 of our WhatsApp Groups. Every day for 840 days Riddhi Bahen and our teachers shared each of the shlokas of the Bhagavad Gita to over 340,000 people in 161 countries around the world.

15 November 2023 - Anusha Bahen gave an inspirational discourse about the process of Shakti Puja. She explained how in the first three days of Shakti Pujya the priority is given to the removal and destruction of the grosser forms of obstacles by Maa Kali. She narrated how during the next three days of Shakti Puja, the same Devi is worshipped- but in her constructive manifestation as Goddess Lakshmi. She then said that the last three nights of Shakti Puja are devoted to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the bestower of wisdom.

15 November 2023 - Anusha Bahen said that the Devi Mahatmaya is a profound spiritual text that presents the art of worshipping Shakti, and tells the story of how Shakti manifests in Her different roles to lead the seeker to liberation.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai then gave a groundbreaking talk on the symbolism of the first five manifestations of the Nava Durga: May Shailputri, May Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghantha, Maa Kushmanda and Maa Skandamata. He said that Shakti manifests as Nine forms of Goddess Durga representing Her various attributes. He explained that Goddess Durga is worshipped across India in her nine forms during Navaratri.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai gave an emotional speech to commemorate the great Pujyashree Amarsihn Jetthwa, a self realised Yogi and devotee of Ambe Maa, who inspired him with a love and devotion towards Sanatana Vedic Dharma during his youth. He spoke of the wonderful memories of the time he spent with Bapu Ji and how this inspired him with his vision to empower, educate and elevate the world through the message of Hinduism.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai said that Bapu was exceptional individual who had a fascinating life-path and helped thousands of people from different walks of life through His direct connection with Shakti. Dhruv explained how Bapu’s prarthanas were so powerful that there was no challenge unsurpassable.

15 November 2023 - All those present reflected on how Bapu was the epitome of grace, valour, wisdom, kindness and compassion. He was the embodiment of what an evolved being should be- empowered yet selfless with humility. This month marked the ninth year since Bapu took Samadhi and this evening all present reflected upon Bapu’s contribution to the community and to humanity, and commemorated a divine Atman whose connection to Shakti serves as an inspiration to all.

15 November 2023 - Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP, who was so kind to host this event and give this wonderful opportunity to our talented speakers, gave a beautiful closing address to the audience and spoke about the importance of deities in Indian culture and how they each symbolise a set of ideals and qualities for each human being to aspire to.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai presented Padma Shri Bob Blackman MP with the book Ayurvedic Healing by Padma Bhushan Dr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri).

15 November 2023 - Viscount Younger then gave an insightful speech about the deep meaning behind the festival of Diwali and the uniqueness in Indian culture where the Divine Femine is worshipped and revered.

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai presented Viscount Younger with the book on Maa Saraswati by Dhruv Bhai.

15 November 2023 - Gagan Mohindra MP inspired the audience about the importance of spreading the spiritual message of Diwali and what it means in contemporary times.

15 November 2023 - Andrea Jenkyns MP spoke about her wonderful experiences of celebrating Diwali in the UK and how much the Indian diaspora have contributed to the UK economy, society and culture.

15 November 2023 - David Simmonds MP explained how important it is that time-tested ancient yet modern cultural and spiritual values are preserved and protected in society.

15 November 2023 - The speakers and members of the audience thanked Bob Blackman MP for hosting this historical event and to each of the Parliamentarians for coming to support the event. These Parliamentarians have now become part of our family at our organisation!

15 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai thanked Anju Bahen, Rohit Bhai and Amit Bhai for organising the historic occasion and and Rakesh Bhai for capturing the event with such beautiful photography.

15 November 2023 - This event marked the momentous and historic occasion of the completion of the recital of the Devi Mahatmaya at the British Parliament. With the blessings of Maa Kali, Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati, this is the first time such a Maha Gnyan Yagna has been completed at the British Parliament and the beautiful mantras of the Devi Mahatmaya have purified and sanctified the atmosphere of the monumental chambers of the House of Commons.

15 November 2023 - We have inspired the younger generations that dedication, sincerity and unswerving determination to the cause of Dharma can break all obstacles. Never in the past was there a need of these divine teachings as it is today and, through this great victory, we have lit the lamps of Truth, love and compassion for the generations to come. When the mantras of the Devi Mahatmaya were realised, our Rishis knew that their message was the eternal elixir for the human race and that it would apply at all times in the history of mankind, a message that would bring victory, fortune, welfare and morality to all those who heard it. Thousands of years later we have continued this great, noble and proud Rishi tradition in the UK Parliament. We have created something really special in the UK Parliament, which has become a unique achievement for Hinduism.

15 November 2023 - All places for this event were fully booked within just 24 hours of its announcement, and there was a huge waiting list of 750 people, such was the level of enthusiasm generated. We have received a number of e-mails with wonderful feedback of the event.

15 November 2023 - The beautiful photography of the event as shown above was taken by Rakesh Bhai.

15 November 2023 - We have made history yet again by completing Maha Gnyan Yagnas on the six scriptures of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayan, Hanuman Chalisa, the Shrimad Bhagavad, Devi Mahatmaya and Shree Suktam at over 400 talks in the City and spreading them on social media to over 340,000 fans in 161 countries around the world.

15 November 2023 - We have now covered talks on all the main Hindu Goddess and Gods including Ganesh, Hanuman, Ram, Shiva, Krushna, Durga, Maha Kali, Mahi Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati at 12 Diwali celebrations over a period of 12 years. Thank you to all our audience members for consistently coming to support our cause in large numbers. You will all have a special place in our hearts!

22 November 2023 - Dhruv Bhai met Padma Shri Mohandas Pai, the prominent Indian businessman and philanthropist in Mumbai.

7 December 2023 - The Eastern Eye newspaper published an article on the historic completion of our recital of the Devi Mahatamaya at the UK Parliament Diwali celebrations.

19 December 2023 - The iGlobal News newspaper published an article on the historic completion of our recital of the Devi Mahatamaya at the UK Parliament Diwali celebrations.