More than two decades ago, the Fiji Sevashram Sangha began its journey in the country. Known for its humanitarian and spiritual world view, the organisation believed to be Fiji’s largest service organisation.
It celebrated its 22nd anniversary last month. Fiji Sevashram Sangha was established in April 2000 with the arrival of Swami Sanyuktanand from India.
The organisation’s assistant secretary, Akhilesh Prasad, said the aim of the organisation has been to bring the work of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha to Fiji.
“In 1979, a delegation of monks visited Fiji and their objective was to introduce the work of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha,” Mr Prasad said.
“When Swami Sanyuktanand came to Fiji in April 2000, he was based at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple on Suva’s Holland St.”
Mr Prasad said Swami Sanyuktanand began building his relationship with Fijians to set up the Sevashram Sangha.
“While based at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Swami Sanyuktanand worked with prominent community and business leaders and youth groups to establish the trustees and office bearers of the Sevashram Sangha.”
Mr Prasad said Swami Sanyuktanand also ensured the Sevashram Sangha was legally registered.
“He started organising activities and relief work from the Lakshmi Narayan temple.
“Some of his activities included monthly Purnima pooja, student camps, Ganesh Utsav and relief services.”
Mr Prasad said the Sevashram Sangha acquired a property on Bau St in Flagstaff in 2004.
“Straight after its establishment, Sangha activities started gaining popularity around Fiji.
“So, in 2006, well-known businessman Kishore Kapadia of Kaysons came forward and offered his family property at 10 Nasoki St in Lautoka to be used as the Lautoka Ashram of the Fiji Sevashram Sangha. “Hence, a second branch of the Sangha was set up in Lautoka to cover Western Fiji.
“Swami Sanyuktanand also coordinated the establishment of a Hindu mandir in Labasa.”
Mr Prasad said the Fiji Sevashram Sangha was now regarded as one of the largest and most effective humanitarian, spiritual and service organisations in Fiji.
“It has become known for its prompt relief response during national calamities or to youth and community development initiatives.
“While setting up a charitable organisation such as the Sevashram Sangha, which is totally dependent on donor funding and volunteers to run it, there is always the risk of its continued sustainability and existence.
“However, looking back at the journey of the Sevashram Sangha, it gives one great pride and inspiration to witness the hard work, sacrifice, selfless commitment and kind heartedness of the members and well-wishers of the Sevashram Sangha.”
Mr Prasad said the pillar, the vision and the main driving force behind the 22-year journey of the organisation has been its founder, Swami Sanyuktanand.
“Swami Sanyuktanand, ever since the first day of his arrival in Fiji, had a mission and selfless commitment to share the values, spiritual guidance and support for the needy in line with the wishes and values which the founder of Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Srimat Swami Pranavananda Ji Maharaj, wanted to preach to the world when he established the Bharat Sevashram Sangha in 1917.
“With this determination and blessings of Srimat Swami Pranavananda Ji Maharaj, Swami Sanyuktanand reached out to Fijians at all levels to establish the structure required for the Fiji Sevashram.”
Prasad said Fiji Sevashram Sangha’s activities grew day by day and Swami Sanyuktanand ensured that communities all over Fiji were reached.
“Apart from organising student and youth camps at major centres in the Central, Western and Northern divisions, Swami Sanyuktanand put much effort
in promoting Ganesh Utsav as a
festival of Hindu unity.
“Looking back at the past
harder to be able to serve Fijiansbetter through the Sevashram Sangha.”
Since its inception, the Fiji Sevashram Sangha has been actively involved in relief work after every natural disaster.
Mr Prasad proudly believes his organisation has been the first to reach out to needy families.
“The regular activities conducted at the Sevashram Sangha Suva and the Lautoka Ashram include daily ashram aarti, yoga classes, gita chanting, Purnima celebrations, Vasant Panchami celebrations, Ganesh Utsav celebrations, annual student and youth camps and writers and poets seminars.”
The founder and president of the Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Swami Sanyuktanandji, said the past 22 years had been a journey of selfless service to all Fijians.
“With its limited resources, the Sevashram Sangha has tried to reach out to as many needy as possible,” Swami Sanyuktanand said.
“While its activities were affected by COVID restrictions, we were always ready to reach out with a helping hand to needy Fijians and we will continue to do so.”
