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Collective Yogdaan = Societal Growth #'Daan Utsav' - 2017

Rightly said, Giving is the art of living. Daan means ‘giving’ or ‘charity’, which is derived from the word 'dena’ in Hindi. It holds great importance in today's world of self-centered orientation. Donation and contribution go hand-in-hand. When you donate your belongings to someone who needs them more than you, you contribute towards the welfare and wellbeing of society as a whole, you do your part, and you make your own small difference. However, donating and giving with awareness and realization is the actual contribution one can make towards society.

Even though the tradition of 'Giving’ through 'daan’ has been embedded in the Indian culture since ages, but it has all the more lost its meaning among the masses. To overcome this shortcoming, the tradition of Daan Utsav was started in the year 2009. Every year, on 2nd October, on the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a week long Daan Utsav 'Giving Festival’ is celebrated with the participation of hundreds. Through this fest, people from all walks of life come out and do their part for the society, for self-fulfillment and realization.

Manthan Sampoorna Vikas Kendra, the initiative by Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan - intended towards providing holistic education to underprivileged children - this year, celebrated Daan Utsav on a grand scale. The festival was inaugurated by Swami Narendranand Ji, Secretary, Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan, on 2nd of October, 2017, at the Divya Dham Ashram, New Delhi. At the opening of the seven-day long event, Swami Narendranand Ji spoke, through an impactful address to the gathering, about the importance of ‘giving’ in life, and about the ‘satisfaction’ one gains through the generous contributions. He explained that the main motive of the celebration was to realize and recognize the essence of and peace in 'giving’. 

The fest was marked by great support and enthusiastic contribution by people from all walks of life, be it students, schools, colleges, institutes, corporates and communities. Educational stalls were set up at various places including DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Omax city, Bahadurgarh, prestigious schools and apartments as well as at Crown Plaza, Rohini, New Delhi. People and contributors did their part by giving and sharing their skills, knowledge, wealth, time, belongings, and sincerity towards underprivileged children's education. An event on the eve of Deepawali #DaanUtsav was also celebrated with Manthanites and their sponsors at Anmol House, Vikaspuri, New Delhi. Sapient consulting private Limited also celebrated #DaanUtsav#Deepawali with Manthanites at Gurugram center by enjoying with the children through various fun-filled activities , having sweats and gifts sharing.  Giving and rather YogDaan is a privilege only some get and a gift to those who are in need, but most of all it is a contribution and a declaration made by one telling the world that they are willing to help and are there for those who are in need.

This realization would not have been possible without the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj ji who is the sole source of inspiration behind the philanthropic moves of lacs of selfless volunteers involved in shaping a better society for a peaceful world.