OUR JOURNEY IN PICTURES
PART 8 (2019)
1 January 2019 - Dhruv Bhai received the blessings of Swami Jyotirmayananda.
16 January 2019 - Dhruv Bhai became the first person in history to give a talk on the Symbolism of Vishnu and the concept of Avatars in Hinduism to the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard.
16 January 2018 - Dhruv Bhai was presented with an award and honoury garland by the Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Sir Stephen House.
26 January 2019 - Dhruv Bhai gave a talk on the Bhagavad Gita hosted by the Sadgamaya Foundation entitled 'Karma Yoga'.
26 January 2019 - Our inaugural event with the Sadgamaya Foundation was a phenomenal success and the feedback has been deeply overwhelming.
26 January 2019 - It was an incredible evening in the company of so many wonderful people from so many different backgrounds.
26 January 2019 - Dhruv Bhai was delighted to be speaking on his personal favourite topic of the Bhagavad Gita and the audience was taken to the depths of what Karma Yoga is and how to apply it in our lives.
26 January 2019 - When we saw tears in people’s eyes as Dhruv Bhai narrated the story from the Mahabharata, we knew that the eternal divine message of ShreeKrushna had filled people with strength, courage and inspiration.
26 January 2019 - It touched our hearts and gave us a lot of joy to see so many talented children such as Veda and Manas from the Sadgama Foundation reciting shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita at such a young age.
26 January 2019 - Dhruv Bhai was presented with kind and thoughtful gifts by the Sadgamaya Foundation of the Bhagavad Gita books, which are the greatest gifts one can possibly receive.
2 February 2018 - We celebrated the six 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 2018 - We celebrated the three 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 2019 - Riddhi Ben appeared live on on the show hosted by Kanjibhai on Nu Sound Radio to discuss the Yoga and balance in life.
11 February 2019 - Dhruv Bhai gave an incredible talk at the House of Commons of the British Parliament about the main principles of the holistic science of Ayurveda, which received an ovation from the members of the audience from many different backgrounds.
11 February 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met Charanjeet Singh (His Excellency The India Deputy High Commissioner to the UK).
11 February 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met Girish Nunkoo (His Excellency The Mauritius High Commissioner to the UK).
11 February 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met Allow Diallo (the First Counsellor of the Embassy of Senegal, London).
11 February 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met Professor Cheikh Ahmadou (His Excellency the Republic of Senegal Ambassador to the UK).
3 March 2019 - Dhruv Bhai made a live appearance on Nu Sound Radio during Kanjibhai's show for a Maha Shivratri special to discuss the symbolism of Shiva.
3 March 2019 - The show was a huge success! The feedback has been overwhelming and the studio was inundated with phone calls from the listeners.
5 June 2019 - The Bhagavad Gita was recited for the first time in history at the House of Commons by Dhruv Bhai and Vishal Bhai.
5 June 2019 - The event was so graciously hosted by Bob Blackman MP which is the seventh historic occasion where an Indian scripture was recited for the first time at the British Parliament at an event hosted by Bob Blackman MP.
5 June 2019 - The event featured inspirational and powerful talks on the Bhagavad Gita by Dhruv Bhai and Vishal Bhai, and talks by Riddhi Ben and Miss India UK Anusha Sareen about their journeys in studying the Bhagavad Gita and practising Yoga.
5 June 2019 - The event was so graciously hosted by Bob Blackman MP which is the seventh historic occasion where an Indian scripture was recited for the first time at the British Parliament at an event hosted by Bob Blackman MP.
5 June 2019 - The event also acknowledged the completion of our historic third Gita Gnyan Yagna after 840 consecutive days by SHYAM's 28 teachers and the over 200 recitals of the Bhagavad Gita given by Dhruv Bhai in the last eight years.
5 June 2019 - Riddhi Ben gave a beautiful speech about this historic journey and how our teachers have achieved the impossible in completing this epic feat never been achieved before.
5 June 2019 - Miss India UK Anusha Sareen spoke inspirationally about her journey with SHYAM and practicing Yoga, and the importance of preserving and protecting these ancient traditions.
5 June 2019 - Bob Blackman MP then beautifully explained the significance of this historic occasion where the Bhagavad Gita was being recited for the first time at the House of Commons and gave messages of congratulations to the SHYAM team and the entire Indian community.
5 June 2019 - Vishal Bhai gave a thought-provoking speech about chapter 1 verses 1 to 29 to 47 of the Bhagavad Gita.
5 June 2019 - Dhruv Bhai gave a powerful talk on chapter 2 verses 1 to 6 of the Bhagavad Gita, demonstrating the quality and depth of the teachings of ShreeKrushna during this inspiring speech.
5 June 2019 - The talks studied the meaning of every word and many of the syllables of these verses of the Bhagavad Gita, a scripture for all humankind.
5 June 2019 - The Bhagavad Gita was taught in a rational, scientific and practical manner so that the audience members could apply the teachings to create a beautiful, enriching and powerful life for themselves.
5 June 2019 - Dhruv Bhai and Miss India UK Anusha Sareen presented Bob Blackman MP with a copy of the book Shiva: Lord of Yoga by Dr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri).
5 June 2019 - The event recognised the outstanding lifetime of work by Bob Blackman MP in protecting, preserving and promoting Hinduism in the UK.
5 June 2019 - The audience members also applauded the lifetime of excellent of works of Dr David Frawley which have made Sanatana Vedic Dharma accessible in such an authentic and powerful to so many people around the work.
5 June 2019 - The beautiful photographs of the event were taken by the talented and gifted photographer CK Naidu.
29 June 2019 - Dhruv Bhai mets Indian cricketer and legendary opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth.
29 June 2019 - Dhruv Bhai mets Indian cricketer and legendary opener Rohit Sharma.
4 July 2019 - The Eastern Eye newspaper published an article on the first ever recital of the Bhagavad Gita at the House of Commons in history by Dhruv Bhai and Vishal Bhai and hosted by Bob Blackman MP.
21 July 2019 - Celebrating the four year anniversary of the launch of the Gita Gnyan Maha Yagna on social media where SHYAM's 33 teachers have been sharing verses of the Bhagavad Gita, Hanuman Chalisa and Shree Suktam every day on our facebook page and whatsapp groups.
29 July 2019 - Riddhi Ben gave a talk on the Patanjali Yog Sutras to the British Army.
10 October 2019 - 12 of SHYAM’s speakers were invited to the GG2 Leadership Awards at the Westminster Park Plaza on 10 October 2019. The awards were attended by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid, Lord Gadhia and many other renowned politicians, professionals, media personalities and community leaders.
10 October 2019 - Miss India UK Anusha Sareen joined SHYAM’s speakers at the awards.
10 October 2019 - Dhruv Bhai, Veena Ben, Anvita Ben and Miss India UK Anusha Sareen meet BBC radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake.
10 October 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met members of the British Armed Forces, the Royal Airforce and the Royal Navy.
30 October 2019 - 28 of SHYAM's speakers and volunteers attended the City of London Diwali Reception 2019 at Guildhall hosted by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman William Russell, and the Hindu Council UK.
30 October 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman William Russell.
30 October 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met members of the British Armed Forces, the Royal Airforce and the Royal Navy.
30 October 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met members from the Hungarian Hindu organisation called Saraswati.
30 October 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met Venerable Miaolungh Shih and members of the Chinese Buddhist Temple in London.
30 October 2019 - Dhruv Bhai interviewed by TV presenters from the Chinese Buddhist Temple in London.
2 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai gave a groundbreaking talk on the Bhagavad Gita as a keynote speaker at the BGRF International Conference on Hinduism.
3 November 2019 - Riddhi Ben, Veena Ben and Namrata Ben gave inspirational talks on the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayan at Diwali on Trafalgar Square.
5 November 2019 - Nine of SHYAM's speakers, photographers and volunteers made history by giving the first ever recital of the at the British Parliament hosted by Lord Gadhia and attended by a fully packed room in the House of Lords.
5 November 2019 - This is also the first time that Diwali was celebrated in the House of Lords.
5 November 2019 - The event involved two hours of talks on the Devi Mahatmaya and the symbolism of Maa Kali, Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati.
5 November 2019 - 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.
5 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai thanked Lord Gadhia for his kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity in hosting this event at the House of Lords.
5 November 2019 - Lord Gadhia, who was so kind to host this event and give this wonderful opportunity to our talented speakers, gave a beautiful welcome 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.
5 November 2019 - Lord Gadhia excellently explained the importance of spreading spiritual teachings in society and how that works in creating bridges between different cultures.
5 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai presented Lord Gadhia with the book Devi Mahatmaya by Swami Jyotirmayananda.
5 November 2019 - 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.
5 November 2019 - Reema Ben, the grandaughter of Bapu Ji, gave a heartwarming speech about the life of Bapu J, an exceptional individual who had a fascinating life-path and helped thousands of people from different walks of life through His direct connection with Shakti. Reema Ben explained how Bapu’s prarthanas were so powerful that there was no challenge unsurpassable.
5 November 2019 - Reema Ben then led the audience to chant powerful siddha mantras to the Hindu deities for the first time at the British Parliament. Lord Gadhia presented Reema Ben with the Hanuman Chalisa book compiled by Dhruv Bhai.
5 November 2019 - This was followed by a minute’s silence when 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 fifth 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.
5 November 2019 - Riddhi Ben 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. Lord Gadhia presented Riddhi Ben with the Shrimad Bhagavat book.
5 November 2019 - Lakshmi Ben then gave a wonderful talk about how the plan of Durga Sapta-Shati (the scripture dealing with Mother Worship) finds its roots in the Ratri Sukta, a hymn from the Rig Veda in praise of the Goddess of Night, which was revealed by Sage Bharadwaja.
5 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai then gave a groundbreaking talk about the symbolism of Maa Durga and said that Durga is the Goddess who personifies India as a whole and its incredible vitality, from her presence in village shrines to her representation of the highest yogic spirituality.
5 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai then gave a powerful speech about the symbolism and story of Maa Kali. Dhruv Bhai said that on the spiritual path, a seeker needs to overcome the gross impurities that keep his mind clouded. These impurities are the various ramifications of raga or attachment (symbolized by the Demon Madhu) and dwesha or hatred (symbolized by the demon Kaitabha), both of whom were defeated by Maa Kali.
5 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai then beautifully spoke about the symbolism and story of Maa Lakshmi. He said that the spirit of distraction is symbolized as Mahishasura—the demon who appears in the form of a buffalo. Dhruv Bhai explained that the seat of lotus is the symbol of unfoldment and that with the advent of Mahalakshmi, a seeker begins to conquer the distractions of his mind, which have their roots in the subtle desires of the unconscious, and then, the divine potentiality begins to blossom like the lotus.
5 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai then wonderfully recited about the symbolism of Maa Saraswati. He said that the Goddess Maha Saraswati symbolizes the intuitive wisdom that destroys ignorance with its twin aspects—the sense I-ness, and mine-ness. He explained how these two aspects are represented by the two demons—Shumbha and Nishumbha. Dhruv Bhai narrated how the Goddess arose out of the body of Gauri (Parvati—Lord Shiva's wife).
5 November 2019 - Vishal Bhai gave an inspirational discourse about how in the first three days of Shakti Puja the emphasis is given to the rdestruction of the grosser forms of obstacles by Durga, then during the next three days Devi is worshipped in her constructive aspect as Lakshmi and the last three nights of are devoted to the worship of Saraswati, the bestower of wisdom.
5 November 2019 - Jay 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.
5 November 2019 - Lord Gadhia closed the hugely successful evening by inspiring the audience about the importance of spreading the spiritual message of Diwali and what it means in contemporary times.
5 November 2019 - The speakers and members of the audience thanked Lord Gadhia for hosting this historical event and to Baroness Prashar for coming to support the event. These Parliamentarians have now become part of our family at SHYAM!
5 November 2019 - Dhruv Bhai thanked Shreeti Ben for co-ordinating our volunteers to make the event such a huge success and to CK Naidu for capturing the event with such beautiful and incredible works of art in his photography.
5 November 2019 - This event marked the momentous and historic occasion of the first ever 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 Lords. 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 365 talks in the City and spreading them on social media to over 340,000 fans in 161 countries around the world. 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 eleven Diwali celebrations over a period of eight years.
5 November 2019 - All places for this event were fully booked within just 4.5 hours of its announcement, and there was a huge waiting list of 650 people, such was the level of enthusiasm generated. We have received a number of e-mails with wonderful feedback of the event. 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!
5 November 2019 - The beautiful photography of the event as shown above was taken by the talented and gifted CK Naidu.
8 November 2019 - We celebrated the eighth anniversary of the launch of the historic 260 week Gita Gnyan Yagna by Dhruv Bhai on 8 November 2011.
29 November 2019 - Riddhi Ben and 33 of SHYAM’s teachers successfully completed 18 Gnyan Yagnas of the Hanuman Chalisa and Shree Suktam on facebook and 33 of SHYAM’s WhatsApp Groups. Every day for 840 days Riddhi Ben and our teachers shared each of the chaupais of the Hanuman Chalisa and each of the mantras of the Shree Suktam to over 340,000 people in 161 countries around the world.
7 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met UK Home Minister Priti Patel MP.
8 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP on the day of Gita Jayanti.
8 December 2019 - Veena Ben met UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP on the day of Gita Jayanti.
8 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai presented UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP with a copy of the Shrimad Bhagavat book.
8 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai and Veena Ben presented UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP with a copy of the Hanuman Chalisa book.
8 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai met UK Home Minister Priti Patel MP on the day of Gita Jayanti.
8 December 2019 - Veena Ben met UK Home Minister Priti Patel MP on the day of Gita Jayanti.
8 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP and UK Home Minister Priti Patel during their visit to a Ram and Krushna Mandir in North London.
8 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP during his speech at a Ram and Krushna Mandir in North London.
9 December 2019 - Article in the Eastern Eye newspaper on the historic first ever recital of the Devi Mahatmaya at the British Parliament by Dhruv Bhai and SHYAM's speakers hosted by Lord Gadhia.
18 December 2019 - A historic day as Bob Blackman took an oath with the Bhagavad Gita as the Member of Parliament for Harrow East.
21 December - Bob Blackman MP, Dhruv Bhai and Vishal Bhai featured on Indian channel NMF News for special coverage on Bob Blackman taking an oath as the Member of Parliament of Harrow East on the Bhagavad Gita.
27 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai included in The Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people
27 December 2019 - Official public record of Dhruv Bhai being included in The Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people
27 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Hendon and Finchley, Barnet and Potters Bar, Edgware and Mill Hill Times newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
27 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Evening Standard newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
27 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Mirror newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
27 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the INews website after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the New Asian Post newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Times newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Metro newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Hindustan Times newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Asian Today newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Daily Mail newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Desi Blitz newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
28 December 2019 - Dhruv Bhai featured in the Daily Express newspaper after being included in the Queen’s 2020 New Year Honours List for the award of a BEM for voluntary service to Hinduism and developing young people.
