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SPECIAL FEATURE FEBRUARY 03, 2023 | The Indian Eye 43

Long-lasting Impact & Life Transformations

Rakeshbhai Ramanbhai Patel Vraj Prajapati Shri Jay Yagnik
Lavarpur, Gujarat Piplag, Gujarat VP & Engineering Fellow at Google
I was addicted to alcohol since 1992. For the past 10- Vraj found a bag in Bal Nagari and had called the “I think it’s this truly wishing for an amazing betterment
15 years, it became quite extreme. I ended up selling 3 person who lost it to personally give it to him. Any of every person, and hence by extension, society, and
vighas (1.2 acres) of my property to fund my addiction. 18-year-old would be tempted to keep the cell phone, then just working selflessly towards it is what [Pramukh
Every morning we would have arguments during tea, money, etc. “But I didn’t really have any such thoughts. Swami Maharaj’s] life exemplifies to me and is evident
where my mother would yell from the other room Instead, I thought whoever’s bag this was, obtained his through what is shown here in various exhibits and
saying he does not want tea, he wants alcohol. So let money through hard-earned means. The inspiration to shows as well... If you want to experience a truly
him go otherwise he will continue arguing. I would pass not take the money was from Pramukh Swami. He used integrated version of spirituality – that integrates across
by the nagar from time to time so I would see people to say to never take anyone’s belongings, to not wrong ages, facets of life, family, profession, spirituality – this
working here and it has become the talk of the town. anyone and to never steal. So, this has been ingrained is a very unique and well-done combination of all of
The Festival of Pramukh Swami is going to be celebrated in my mind. These values have been instilled in me by them. It’s bound to get a person to think more deeply
there. People were registering for seva, but I was not a attending Bal Mandal sabha.” about things.”
satsangi, so did not know whom to contact to register. I
saw a car that was regularly coming to the site. It would
come in the morning and leave in the evening. They
offered to take me to the site if I wanted to join. So once
during the month of Bhadarva, I joined. It was extremely
hot, so I left.
One night, I felt as if someone was waking me. I
packed my bags to which my wife asked what is this.
I replied, don’t worry, I have to leave in the morning.
Next morning, I left without telling anywhere where I
was going. Upon leaving, per my routine, I was walking
towards my regular place (where I would drink), but
then I changed my route and instead came here (the
nagar). My regular place was on the opposite side of the
road. I didn’t go to drink alcohol. I came straight here.
It felt as if someone had pulled my hand and brought me Shri Akshay Kothari Shri Sharman Joshi
here. I then registered to do seva for 15 days, where my Co-Founder & COO at Notion Indian Actor
seva started in the landscaping department.
Over time, I became more involved where I became “I think it’s really inspiring to see how it all came “Swamiji says about spending time with your family,
attached and did not feel like leaving. I have been doing together ... something like 80,000 volunteers giving being connected with each other. That will bring about
seva for over 4 months. I was freed from my addiction their most precious time. It’s not only about your own peace and happiness and effectively prosperity in your
to alcohol and everything fell into place. Such deep happiness ... this is one of the key lessons I am taking lives, professionally and otherwise. We all at some point
rooted addiction could never be uprooted without the away ... to respect him and follow the life he lived, and know what the right things are to do, we lose track of
inspiration of Bapa. In order to free myself from this do those acts yourself.” that, and festivals such as these will be those reminders.”
addiction, I had gathered 2 lakh rupees so I could be
admitted to Kaneria Hospital. But upon hearing about
this Centennial Celebrations, I told my wife to keep this
money on the side – that it will come into use. I will
ask for it if I need it. After coming here, I saw how the
volunteers are serving without any addictions. Upon
seeing their affection and with Swamibapa’s inspiration,
I began doing seva, puja, tilak chandlo – all of which
I had despised as one time. After coming here, I was
inspired to bathe daily and do puja.
There is something about Pramukh Swami, that the
thought of alcohol does not even enter my mind. Now,
I’m embarrassed even talking about it. Today, I feel that
my past life was a waste, and this is my new birth!

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