Tai Maa, my inspiration

By Nikhil Mehta, USA

When I first saw and finally met Acharya Shri Chandanaji, my first impression was that Mother Theresa had been reincarnated. I mean, there was a certain aura about her purity.  It is her selfless nature, and her intense desire for Seva (service) for the needy without any boundaries that drove me to contemplate on what I can do myself to make a difference? I still remember her sweet touch on my head and my face and blessing me with her gentle hands. If those gentle hands could accomplish so much, then why can't we do something to expand her cause? I got to know more about Veerayatan and Acharya Shri Chandanaji when she came to New York. We had over 300 hundred people attend the event at the Indian Consulate and I saw the video of Veerayatan Compassion in Action work and Acharya Shriji's vision. I was blown away. The schools, the education, and the values instilled in those kids who had no future were incredible. Can't imagine Acharya Shriji's accomplishments, she is just an ordinary human doing God's work!  As they say, you can accomplish anything that you put your mind and heart to. This little lady has crossed all the borders, she has gone above and beyond what I can ever imagine. 

The song that the kids were singing in the video is still echoing in my mind, and I get quite emotional.  As they say, instilling good values is key to transforming lives. Seeing this taking place at Veerayatan each and every day is quite an accomplishment.  When I think of Acharya Shri Chandanji, the famous quote by Bhagwan Mahavir Swamiji comes to mind for Acharya Shri Chandanaji -- "She is the flame of the candle which has lit thousands and thousands of people." Acharya Shri Chandanaji's spirituality and inner peace are something to talk about. Her morality and her insatiable appetite for teaching everyone to do good in life, to have good thoughts, and to think positively have certainly changed my life. These ideas are so simple, and yet we have difficulty to implement!

We are in a tangled web, but it is possible to get out of this with these simple and pure thoughts.  I have certainly, in my short life, learned that I want to follow Acharya Shriji Chandanaji's path. I have everything in the world, a loving family, a beautiful home, brothers and sisters, grandparents, and all the financial and emotional support.  I certainly would be selfish if I don't do something to help Acharya Shriji's mission and hope to continue with this as I move into my adult life and encourage many friends to further her cause.  One of Acharya Shriji Chandanaji's biggest accomplishments is in healthcare, especially the Eye Care and Eye Surgery for the rural people of Bihar.

My only one question to Acharya Shri Chandanaji is how does she do it?  She is everywhere! They say some people come in your life as blessing; some come in your life as lessons.  Certainly, Acharya Shri Chandanaji has changed my life forever.