An appeal

[Guest guest]

Dear Desikabhaktas,

 

Desika Bhakta Ratna Sri Nallur Srinivasaraghavachariar Swami, popularly known as

Sri Seva Swami, was one of the most eminent scholars and preceptors of the

twentieth century. Born in the spiritual lineage of the great poet/philosopher,

Sri Venkatadhvari Swami (author of LAKSHMI SAHASRAMAM and other works ), Sri

Seva Swami began his life mission of spreading Sri Vedanta Desikas philosophy

and works even in his early twenties, immediately after his spiritual education

and continued it with great vigour till he passed away last year. He was a

Presidential awardee and also the recipient of many titles and recognitions.

 

Among his significant and lasting contributions are the Mani Mandapam, the

Desika Darsana Annual Diary, the monthly journal called SEVA ( now SRI DESIKA

SEVA ), Sri Vedanta Desika Research Centre and numerous publications in prose

and poetry. Besides, he was a much sought after speaker in several fora,

spiritual and secular, for his erudition and delivery. Thus he was instrumental

in

spreading awareness about Swami Desika and his teachings throughout India and

abroad as well at different levels.

All the activities initiated by him are being continued diligently by his sons

and disciples, friends and wellwishers. Prayers are daily conducted at Mani

Mandapam, the annual diary is brought out, the monthly SEVA published ; and

every month a lecture is arranged at different parts of Chennai by an eminent

scholar on any of Sri Desikas works. The translations of Sri Desika stotras in

several languages which Sri Seva Swami had organised under the umbrella of the

Research Centre are also continued-the latest is DASAVATARA STOTRA in Tamil,

English and Kannada. The next Stotra to be translated is the ABHEETISTAVA as

advised by Acharyas in view of the general atmosphere of fear pervading the

world at this juncture.

 

All the abovementioned activites have adequate funds except that of the Stotra

translations which requires a minimum of Rs. Fifty to Sixty thousand every year

and is presently taken care of only through Bank loans carrying heavy interest.

Perhaps this could be avoided by an annual inflow of about a 1000 Dollars from

the acquaintances and disciples of Sri Seva Swami in USA. If each one of them

contributes just five or ten dollars per family per year, it would be a great

help in continuing the service to Swami Desika started by Sri Seva Swami. I

thought of making this appeal through the esteemed pages of SRIRANGASRI and with

the blessings of my good friend Sri Anbil Swami and hope the rs will

respond. There is no problem in accepting dollar cheques. Necessary approval

exists.

Donations to the Centre in Indian Rupees are exempt from IT under Sec. 80-G.

Cheques may be made in the name of SRI VEDANTA DESIKA RESEARCH CENTRE and sent

to the undersigned at 7 NARMADA FLATS, T.NAGAR, CHENNAI 600017, INDIA. Telephone

no (44) 434 7799.

 

With pranamams,

 

M.K.Srinivasan

 

 

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