The 60th birthday celebrations of spiritual guru Gurudevshri Rakeshji, founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD), were done in a grand style in Mumbai recently. Titled ‘Aho Gurudev’, the two-day gathering drew thousands of devotees from 23 countries, alongside spiritual leaders, noted industrialists, and prominent names from cinema and public life.Marking six decades of the founder’s life, 60 new initiatives were announced for the benefit of a large section of society. Among the prominent names present at the celebration were Ranbir Kapoor, Hema Malini, Sonam Kapoor, Sajid Nadiadwala and more.Soaking in the moment, Ranbir said he was left speechless on walking into the hall. “I have been in many places with large crowds, and you can sense the energy. Here it was very spiritual, very calm, full of love and smiling faces. That is very rare,” he said, adding, “To see doctors travelling to the remotest parts of our country to help those in need is something that stands out to me in the mission’s work. I think that is what true spirituality is.” Ranbir also highlighted that fatherhood and his portrayal of Lord Ram in the upcoming Ramayana brought him close to spirituality. On a lighter note, Ranbir added, “Even in a school, you can’t get 30 children to listen to one teacher and follow. To see so many young people come together and believe in something shows it has touched them and made them more empathetic. I think Gurudevshri Rakeshji is a youth magnet!”Hema Malini, on her part, began her address with Sanskrit invocations and paid tribute to the guru-shishya tradition. “A guru gives you the right path. When we are confused, it is the guru who holds our hand and takes us forward. At this event, we celebrate not merely 60 years of a life, but 60 years of light.” Welcoming the mission’s plan to open 60 Love and Care Centres, including one near Mathura, her constituency, the actor-politician thanked Gurudevshri and prayed for his long life and good health.
Sonam Kapoor shared a personal experience and how spirituality is helping her post her pregnancy. She revealed that she had been practising sound healing with the mission’s disciples through her recent pregnancy. “I am five months postpartum, and it really held my hand through some very difficult times.”
Meanwhile, filmmaker Subhash Ghai spoke of how one person’s vision can transform so many people. “To me, Gurudevshri’s work represents a different kind of spirituality – that of serving others,” he said. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala said he was overwhelmed by the faith of devotees. On meeting Gurudevshri for the first time, he said, “It was a magical feeling. When anything is done without selfish reason, this is how people respond.“
