My Father's 81st Birthday in Bharath Sewa Ashram, Kanyana, Karnataka

This year my father(appa) completed 81 years and we all decided to celebrate his birthday at Bharath Seva Ashram in Kanyana.This Ashram is known to most people as Kanyana Ashrama. Appa and amma have been giving lunch to everyone living here on the occasion of appa’s parents’ tithi.My mother's brother had arranged for a small bus to take us all to Kanyana. Kanyana ashrama is managed and looked after by Ishwara Bhat and his family and relatives. This ashrama was started in 1964 by Shri Dhirendranath Bhattacharya.During the partition of India Shri Bhattacharya came to India as a refugee from East Pakistan.Life as a refugee was very different from what his life had been in his home country.After facing and overcoming a lot of hardships,he got a job in Poddar & Company as and officer in the Iron ore research section. During the course of his work he came to Kanyana.After completing his work here he went to Shirdi for a few days, he was a great devotee of Shirdi Saibaba.In his dream,Shirdi Saibaba told him that his life’s work was in Kanyana. Resigning from his job,he came back.


There was a lot of poverty in those days.Shri Bhattacharya and his wife,Sarojiniamma started this ashram in a small hut with five orphans. In the beginning,he was not accepted by the local people who were suspicious of his intentions. But,slowly he and his family got the love and respect of the people. For almost fifty years this ashram has been a home to many children,homeless women,old people and mentally challenged people.They are looked after by Sarojiniamma,Ishwara Bhat,his wife,Sarita,her sister Vijayalakshmi ,her husband and relatives and well wishers.
Ishwara bhat grew up in this ashram,he is a lawyer and is managing all the affairs of the place.His wife,Sarita is the daughter of Shri Bhattacharya and Sarojiniamma.
The children go to the school in Kanyana and continue their higher studies. All those who are able to learn vocations,are given vocational training. Schooling and vocational training helps them to face life with confidence.Over the years,the girls who grew up in this home,got married and have settled in life.They were always welcomed here for their first delivery,this being their parents’ home. :thumbsup
In the small and beautiful, Shirdi temple,we offered prayers to Shirdi Saibaba. There was a beautiful surprise for appa and amma and all of us. Ishwara Bhat and Sarita had arranged for a small function. Appa and amma exchanged garlands,amma was blushing away and we all were so happy for them.All of us touched the feet of appa and amma and they gave us their blessings. It was a very emotional moment and we were all feeling very happy.Then some of the children came and sang ‘happy birthday to you’ and two other beautiful songs. Appa and amma had asked for a special lunch to be prepared for everyone. It was all prepared by the women of the household.After lunch,we met everyone and talked to them,then we gave sarees to those who wore sarees and nighties to those who did not wear sarees. Mr Ishwara Bhat had earlier told amma the number of sarees and nighties needed. The ladies were very happy and we were equally happy to see them happy.We left at about 3.30 after a very satisfying day.We all were happy to be a part of appa’s birthday celebration.
Bharat Sevashram- founded by Dhirendranath Bhattacharya | Sulekha Creative
Mr Ishwara Bhat’s phone number 08255 266235

 

Thank you rgsrinivasan
Lakshmi