Shivoham | Vikram Hazra

Vikram Hazra singing Shivoham at the 100th Birthday Celebrations of Rev Dada J P Vaswani in Pune

Dada J.P.Vaswani is one of the leading spiritual luminaries of India, a practical philosopher and a modern day saint who has influenced thousands all over the world. He is a rare sage who reveres every sentient being, from flower to animal to human, under the living conviction that they are all forms of the Divine. He is the life-force at the helm of the renowned Sadhu Vaswani Mission, an international, non-profit, social welfare and service organisation with its headquarters in Pune, and active centres all over the world.

Born on August 2,1918, in Hyderabad-Sind, Dada J. P. Vaswani was a brilliant student who earned a number of double promotions, which enabled him to graduate at the young age of 17. He was awarded a fellowship at the D. J Sind College for standing first in the University. His M. Sc. Thesis on “The Scattering of X-Rays by Solids” was examined by none other than the Nobel-Laureate, Dr. C.V Raman. Although Dada's conclusions were in divergence with those of Dr. Raman, the originality of his views impressed the eminent scientist.

A world of brilliant opportunities lay open to him, but his heart and soul were irresistibly drawn to his Master, Sadhu Vaswani. In the year 1939, he accompanied Sadhu Vaswani to the Pan Asia Conference at Ceylon, when a lucrative offer of a lecturer at D J Sind College Karachi came his way, which would avail him to also become the Principal of the College in due course. But Dada had chosen a different path for himself. The offer of a prestigious job and the prospects of a successful career no longer held charm for him. He had made a decision to take the “road less travelled”. At the young age of 21 ,he firmly resolved to renounce all worldly ambitions and dedicate himself completely to his guru.

A gifted writer, he has authored over 100 books, some of which have been translated in various Indian and foreign languages. Dada's writings reveal practical tips on happy, successful, spiritual and peaceful living. His words are backed by the witness of his life. Hence they stir the chords of every heart.

An internationally acclaimed thinker and a brilliant orator, Dada, has addressed distinguished audiences worldwide. He has spoken at eminent venues including the UNO, the World Parliament of Religions - Chicago, South Africa and Melbourne, the House of Commons, London, the Global Forum Of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival, Oxford and Kyoto, Japan, The World Vision 2000, Washington, the World Hindu Conference, Sri Lanka and USA, the first World Parliament of Spirituality in Hyderabad and a number of other Global Forums. His philosophy encompasses the essence of every religion, presenting a universal, all-encompassing approach to various belief systems of humanity.

An educationist par excellence, he believes that the frontiers of knowledge must be saturated with true values and ideals. The byproduct of acquiring knowledge must be the creation of strong, courageous individuals who will live lives of unselfish simplicity, service and sacrifice. He believes that a new humanity, a new race, thereby a new world order can only be built by investing in a value–based education.
Awards and honours have been heaped on Dada; the U Thant Peace Award, Sant Shree Dnyaneshwara World Peace Prize and the World United's Lifetime Achievement Award, among others; cities and towns in the five continents have opened their gates and hearts to welcome this man of God and his message of love. But Dada J.P.Vaswani has remained what he always was the very picture of simplicity, humility, love and compassion.

Dada has travelled all over the globe, in the spirit of a pilgrim carrying his Master’s message of love and compassion, peace and brotherhood to all people; Dubai and China, Japan and Ecuador, Spain and Nigeria, Melbourne and Jakarta, Singapore and Switzerland – wherever he has gone, he has conquered hearts with his utter humility and unconditional love! Clasp God to your heart and give the service of love to all children of God; birds and animals too are His children. This forms the core of Dada’s teachings.

August 2, Rev. Dada J. P. Vaswani’s Birthday is celebrated as a Global Forgiveness Day. On August 2 at 2 pm, young and old alike, across continents, observe the Moment of Calm by forgiving all those who have wronged them.

Forgiveness, Dada says, is the golden key to peace. It is a bridge over which one can get to any human heart. Never does a man stand so tall as when he forgives an injury and pardons a revenge.