The 4th European Youth Exchange was held in M.A. Center Germany, surrounded by beautiful hills, forests and fields. This year our Finnish group consisted of six participants: Outi and Riikka had attended the Youth Exchange before but for Meira, Paprika, Reeta and Wille it was a whole new experience.

The camp began with a nice opening ceremony during which each national group presented their members and sang a song in their own native language. We chose to sing a popular Finnish children’s song and got a huge applause like every other group. I think it was great that we were given an opportunity to present our cultures and it was a beautiful way to start our multicultural camp.

Almost every morning we listened to inspiring talks given by Br. Shubamrita or Bri. Dipamrita. Topics of those talks were always linked to the theme of the camp – “The Future in Our Hands”. Br. Shubamrita also gave us some simple advice on how we could reach our goals in life. The five steps, or A,B,C,D,E that formed the basis of his talk, which we should try to adopt were, Acting in the present moment, Believing in oneself, Changing oneself before trying to change others, Do not give up and Embracing forgiveness.

Afternoons were dedicated to various workshops. It was very intriguing to get a chance to try
activities, such as rap, acrobatics, tai-chi or ayurveda, which we would probably never do at home. I especially enjoyed the bhajan-workshop where we learned a few traditional Indian songs and did some interesting rhythm exercises. In addition to workshops for smaller groups there was even a personality development workshop for all of us, during which we interviewed each other, reflected on our inner values and tried to discover our talents and potentials.

One day we spent several hours trekking in nature. The weather was excellent and we aimed to find a lake which was located somewhere in the forest. Finally “the lake” turned out to be a tiny pond which we could even circle by holding each others hands. After finding the pond we had some funny games, a question & answer session with Br. Shubamrita and Bri. Dipamrita and a delicious picnic lunch.

A great opportunity to get to know new people and share ideas was a group work that took place in randomly formed groups. Our task was to produce a little play concerning the theme of the camp. First we discussed the topic together and then started to plan and practice our play. Even though it felt a bit challenging in the beginning we finally managed to create a nice play and we definitely had fun while rehearsing it. All plays were performed in an evening program and it became clear that each group had really made an effort to present a serious matter in a humorous way. On the last evening we had different kinds of shows and presentations by the various workshop groups, which presented all the new things they had learnt in the workshops.

The Youth Exchange gave us an excellent chance to learn some new things about ourselves, develop our social skills and get new friends with similar values from all over Europe. I’m sure we all became so filled with positive energy during the camp that we can even spread it out in our own countries.

Riikka, 23, Finland

from AYUDH Europe Youth Exchange 2008
22 – 27, July 2008, M.A. Center, Frankfurt, Germany

Spending time with people who are enthusiastic and committed to bring positive change to the world is really refreshing.  The topic ‘The Future in Our Hands’ was very well explored; practical tips and inspiration encouraged all to grab the future with both hands and to be the change we want to see.

The gathering of people from all over Europe created a very diverse network, a nesting bed for ideas and great future Europe-wide plans.  It was a very exciting experience; AYUDH’s potential to reach out and bring positive change to our world became more apparent with every second.

Being present in such a positive atmosphere, I feel like I was recharged with positive energy.  In myself and the other participants from this country, I can see how this energy is spreading in our community.  So many people are interested to know what we did, and intrigued that such a multitude of young people have such commitment and courage to bring change.  Already looking forward to next year!

Simone Mc Laughlin, 21, Ireland
from AYUDH Europe Youth Exchange 2008
22 – 27 July 2008, M.A. Center, Frankfurt, Germany

Question 74:
“What is your belief about ”Death”? To what extend do you succeed in living in harmony with this belief?”
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The Servant of Lord Muruga  - Pithukuli Murugadas

Tonight’s bhajans were something special in several ways. As Amma arrived on stage there was an elderly sagely looking man waiting for her there.  Many might have been wondering who this person was. He was no other than the great bhakta, composer and singer Pithukuli Murugadas.

For those who don’t know, he is a living legend in Tamil Nadu and beyond. He was born in 1920 as Balasubramaniam and showed great devotion towards God from a very young age onwards. When he was 15 years old he took part in some anti British demonstrations in Bangalore and was severely beaten by the police leaving him blinded in the other eye. That’s why even today he wears his trademark sunglasses on stage. During a pilgrimage in his early twenties, Murugadas had a spiritual experience that changed his life. Meditating on the banks of the Saraswathi river in North India, he heard an inner voice telling him in the Tamil language that he should, “Go to South India. You have work to do there.” Cutting short his pilgrimage, he immediately left for Tamil Nadu to live the life of a singing saint.  He studied under the guidance of the great Siddha and Yogi Brahmananda Paradeshiyar , reputed to have great powers and who gave him the name Pithukuli and Swami Ramadas, the head of Anandashram in Kanjangad, North Kerala, added the title “Murugadas,” which means “the servant of Lord Muruga.” He has been granted many awards during his life including the Sangeetha Samrat by Swami Sivananda in 1956 and has also established a charitable trust called Sri Jyothir Maya Devi Trust. He has composed thousands of devotional songs that are sung far and wide. Many songs that are dear to Amma’s devotees have been composed by him, including Amma Amma Taye, Sri Krishna Saranam, Skanda Muruga etc.

As Amma came to the stage and saw Murugadasji sitting there she requested the Brahmacharis to bring him a seat and a harmonium so everyone could hear him perform some of his classic songs. He treated the audience to a kind medley of songs that lasted perhaps 45 minutes during which Amma sat playing the cymbals and clapping, occasionally glancing lovingly at the aged maestro who was so lost in his song that perhaps those in the audience who did not know who he was started wondering if he would let Amma sing at all. But finally he wrapped up his session with a prayer and a few words about Divine Motherhood. I felt very happy watching the old man - such a beautiful figure dressed in a most traditional way resembling an ancient sage and who has been singing the name of God throughout the years and has the great blessing that a Mahatma like Amma has popularized a number of his songs making them perhaps more immortal than anybody even realizes at this point.
After the set of Sri Murugadas Amma sang the following songs:

• Sri Krishna Saranam
• Nilambuja Nayane
• Om Namah Shivaya
• Kanna Ni Yenne
• Sarvavyapiye
• Jinki Karuna Hai Apar

5.8.2008
Vishwanath

To cross into Sikkim, you’ll be subjected to identification checks, almost as if you are crossing an international border. As we moved in, it was indeed like stepping nto a different country, maybe even a different era. The winding roads alongside the gushing Teesta river was a magnificent sight. Large monasteries and constant chanting of sacred mantras bestow  it a sanctimonious ambience. Sikkim has a very strong Tibetan influence - as it has been in close contact with it for many centuries. It even has an Institute of Tibetology. A large number of Tibetan refugees have made Sikkim their new home, and the influence is distinct – in architecture, culture, religion, cuisine. Yes, it includes the famed Tibetan steamed ‘mo-mo’ - usually prepared with yak meat (We tried the vegetarian one of course ; at least they told us as such!).The road to Lhasa remains closed but one can advance upto the Nathula pass, and actually come face to face with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) personnel. (Not much to write about the emotions on their face though). We were told that the guards on either side of he border engage in  regular volleyball games to foster personal contact and spirit of camaraderie. We wish that  they might conduct IAM sessions together  someday too someday soon!

Owing to the restraint of space (Gangtok is a vertical town having only two directions to find your way – up or down!) classes were conducted on the first day right in front of the Sikkim Assembly building in Gangtok. This ensured that we were joined by a few security personnel – though mostly as spectators (even the dog squad was watching intently –  especially our ‘çat stretch’ exercice). So the next day we arranged to shift to a quieter place.

Time seems to be standing still here. The Chogyals – the royal family of Sikkim - still command some semblance of authority and reverence. Sikkim enjoys a lot of autonomy – the people here are not governed by Indian Tax laws. The most striking aspects  that stand out here  are its enchanting beauty and the surprising cleanliness. In fact, one of the avowed goals in the election manifesto of the present government is to bring Sikkim on par with the western countries  - I hope they only have the better aspects in mind..

Though the soldiers of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) are not generally involved in armed combat – but just staying in extreme inhospitable climatic conditions and terrain - away from family and cut off from the rest of the world for indefinite periods of time creates a lot of stress. They have to be battle ready at all times. Frost bites and amputations are common occurrences. We witnessed a heartbreaking sight on the day we reached there. One young soldier had to have his arm amputated. He was in one of the frontier posts. His only ‘mistake’ was that he unconsciously pulled his arm out of the sleeping bag while sleeping and put it under his head to support it – thus exposing the arm to the frosty condition. By morning it was frozen – there was no option but to amputate it.

We take the seemingly simple things for granted but these courageous sentries of the border forces sacrifice so much so that we can live in peace and safety.  And it is in this context that knowing about Amma, Her life and  Her mission creates so much impression on them. In the beginning its just one of those meditation classes that they have been ordered to sit through. But by the end of the classes it is wonderful to witness them palpably transformed and  touched. Amma works in her own wonderful way to bring Love into even the remotest and inaccessible parts of the planet.  It is only in these rare moments that we can just begin to fathom the immensity of the good fortune to be so close to Amma - even if for a few moments…

– Mukesh & Kalesh

watch more photos here 

Braving the cold and icy breeze
Where even time seems to freeze
This lonely sentry stands guard
On this frozen terrain so hard

There seems no way to brace
Against icy winds lashing his face
No place to hide, no place to rest
Nature torments this unwelcome guest

There the sentry stands tall
Answering his Motherland’s call
Shouldering such an onerous task
So that his brothers may bask
In sunshine – across this glorious land
& as free citizens they can stand

Does somebody care? – he knows not
He manages with what he’s got –
A picture – of his wife and newborn son
& hope – that their future will be a better one.

He knows not what he’s fighting for
-This endless, dirty, mindless war
Many of his mates are already dead
“For the country” – it was said.

But this country never really cared
Or even noticed how they fared
Maybe for ‘progress’ a price is to be paid
And such small sacrifices to be made

He believes-
It’s said, “India’s making many a stride”
“If so, I can also stand with pride
Braving this cold and icy breeze
Where even Time seems to freeze”.

Mukesh

IAM Classes were conducted for the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on the Indo-Nepal border in Bihar. The SSB is entrusted with the task of safeguarding some very tough terrains in the high Himalayas (Nepal and Bhutan borders), and are also deployed in the fight against Naxal terrorism. Classes were conducted at SSB Training Centers at Narkatiaganj, Barauni (Bihar) and Jalpaiguri (West Bengal). We received an enthusiastic response from over hundred young recruits and trainees who attended the classes at every place. The question and answer sessions were always fun as they were really receptive - and actively curious to know about Amma.

The place was very conducive for meditation too as there was hardly any electricity (which meant no television!) , and hordes of mosquitoes always kept us in the present moment. Lack of roads, electricity or sanitation notwithstanding, this land is the cradle of numerous religions, vast empires, democratic values and path-breaking movements. This reflects in the deep undercurrents of faith, devotion and simplicity abounding in the people here. Even though they had never heard about Amma before, the receptivity and reverence they exhibited when we told them about Amma was very touching.

We learnt a lot of  lessons too.  Though the entire area is flooded annually during the monsoon season, they welcome it – for them it’s a new start. The flood waters deposit new alluvial silt all over their fields – and a new cycle can begin.

- Mukesh & Kalesh