Ahmedabad:
More than 30,000 Amdavadis attended the "Annam Brahm", a grand event organized by The Art of Living and Sri Sri Ravishankar near Shivranjani crossroads. This event served two purposes -- to seek entry in to the Guinness Book of World Records and to spread happiness among underprivileged children.
More than 5,000 Indian vegetarian dishes, prepared by the devotees were put on display here. These dishes totalling nearly 5 tonne of food items were prepared at 250 community kitchens across the city and state. This mammoth task is likely to gain an entry in the Guinness Book for the sheer quantity of food prepared. The food will later be distributed among poor children.
On the occasion, Sri Sri Ravishankar thanked all the devotees who prepared these dishes. He mesmerised the audience with his speech, followed by some meditation and bhajans. According to him Gyan, Dhyan and Gaan are the pillars of life. "It is impossible to concentrate on Gaan, which means bhajans and Dhyan, which means dedication, without having good food," said Shri Shri.
He further said "Anna (food) purifies the mind, so it has been given the position of Brahm, hence it is called Annam Brahm. This food will be distributed as prasad to 25,000 underprivileged children as Baal Bhoj."
On the occasion, Narendra Modi made a short speech, in which he stressed on the advantages of being a vegetarian. He recalled his visit to US many years ago, where he met George Bush senior in Huston. According to Modi, the US president was overwhelmed to know that he was from Gujarat.
"Mr Bush actually got up and hugged me after knowing that I am from Gujarat. He thanked me and the land of Gujarat, because it made him turn vegetarian," said Modi.
The CM also announced a plan to organise a music event in memory of sisters Tana and Riri. He said the event will set a record for being the longest running singing event ever.
It should be noted that Tana and Rir were residents of Vadnagar who sang raag Deepak in Akbar's darbar in 1564.
Maninagar Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan president Purushottamdasji Maharaj was also present on the occasion.
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