Since the country went under lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus, Parmarth Niketan and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance have been actively engaged in helping in a way possible, and has continued to serve both those within the ashram as well as those under lockdown in the surrounding area. Some of our service has included:
Parmarth Niketan’s Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Feeding the Hungry During Lockdown
From the very beginning of the lockdown Parmarth Niketan has been engaged in feeding the hungry. It began with feeding the hundreds of sadhus and homeless sisters and brothers. Click here to read more!
Providing Food Rations
We have been providing food rations for approximately 2,000 families, sending families months’ worth of supplies including grains, flours, cooking oil, tea, salt, and spices.
Swami Shukdevanand Hospital, Nature Cure Centers & Yoga Halls at Parmarth Niketan
We have offered both the ashram’s Swami Shukdevanand Hospital, Nature Cure Center, and Yoga Hall spaces to the government to use for the treatment of patients with the coronavirus or for quarantine.
Preparing Personal Protective Suits (PP Suits) in Partnership with Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
In partnership with Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, 10,000 PP suits are being prepared for the frontline workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Production of Masks
The women and girls of our Divine Shakti Foundation vocational training center have made hundreds of high-quality durable masks so far and are continuing to produce them daily by hand.
Organizing the Interfaith Response to Coronavirus
Parmarth Niketan & the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, in partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA, WSSCC, Eros Now, Sanskar Channel and other organizations, have brought together eminent faith leaders of the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh and Buddhist community on the faith response to COVID-19, including:
- Interfaith Response to COVID-19 Webinar
- Proactive Faith Leadership in Times of Crisis in Africa and India in Responding to Covid-19 Webinar
- Earth Day 2020: Planting Seeds for a New Normal Panel
- Ramazan, Jaan Aur Jahan Webinar
- Africa’s Faith Leadership in Times of Crisis: Ramadan Response to COVID-19 Panel
- Maintaining an Aviral (Free Flowing) and Nirmal (Clean) Ganga Post COVID-19 Special Ganga Dussehra Webinar
- World Environment Day 2020: United Nations to a United Creation Webinar
- Global Handwashing Day Webinar
These gatherings aim to inspire leaders to inspire their communities to behave responsibly during this time, teach proper ways to stop the spread of the virus, and to eliminate any misconceptions about who can be infected, and erase any stigmas between race or religions.
Additionally, in partnership with UNICEF, UNFPA, and WSSCC, GIWA has put together videos from faith leaders regarding the response to COVID-19 for massive social media sharing, to use the power of faith to encourage people to make smart decisions with regard to their health and safety, as well as the health of their community, the nation, and the world. This includes messages from faith leaders on topics such as staying at home, stopping the spread, and taking the pandemic seriously, and reminding people that the coronavirus doesn’t impact only people of a certain religion or race.
These videos aim to remove any stigma or discrimination against people or groups of people surrounding the coronavirus, as such discrimination only further creates borders and boundaries in this global fight against the virus.
Providing Uplifting Inspiration for People Locked Down at Home
For our global family locked down around the world, we are providing online through our social media channels a full-day of yoga, satsang, meditation, Ganga Aarti, inspiring videos, and special celebrations (such as live recordings of Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, Easter celebrations, etc.) to help them stay peaceful, calm, connected and grounded during this challenging time.
Creating a Covid Secure Gurukul
As we move towards a New Normal, the ashram is instituting measures of greater sanitation, hygiene and health to ensure that we prevent and curb the spread of Covid-19 as well as boost our immunity and promote a greater sense of wellness. Click here to see NDTV coverage of the Covid-19 measures we are undertaking at the Parmarth Gurukul!
Helping Poverty-Stricken Areas During COVID-19
In addition to the devastating sickness and the tragic loss of life, one of the major effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has been its economic effect on impoverished and indigent groups and the loss of livelihoods and life’s essentials. Parmarth Niketan has undertaken bi-weekly visits to some of Uttarakhand’s poorest neighborhoods, including those within Rishikesh, to provide much-needed assistance to our most-deserving and most disenfranchised neighbors.
Offering Prayers & Support
Since the beginning of the lockdown, Parmarth has held a number of special prayer ceremonies for the healing of the world, including Special Prayers of Healing, Prayers for Corona Frontline Workers, and Lights of Hope & Healing in Times of Corona.
STAY CONNECTED ONLINE WITH PARMARTH
Please join us online for live yoga classes every day at 6:30am IST on our Youtube and Facebook, livestream of our renowned Ganga Aarti every evening on our Facebook page at 5:30pm IST, and a livestream of Satsang on both Facebook and YouTube Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday nights at 7:00pm IST.
Divine Messages & Blessings in the Time of Coronavirus
During this uncertain time of the coronavirus, Pujya Swamiji, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, and all of Parmarth Niketan are sending our heartfelt prayers and blessings to everyone around the world. Please see below to watch special inspirational messages from Pujya Swamiji, Pujya Sadhviji, and Parmarth.
Prayers in Response to Coronavirus
Pujya Sadhviji’s Prayers for Divine Healing in the Time of Coronavirus
In the beautiful Yoga Garden of Parmarth Niketan, at the feet of our divine Lord Shiva, Pujya Sadhviji offers soothing words of comfort and support in a heart-felt prayer for all of our brothers and sisters around the world during our current period of strife. May her beautiful words provide the strength and courage you need to see you through whatever lies ahead.
World Peace and Health Yagna
Join us for our World Peace Yagna as we pray for the health and well being of the world free from the Corona Virus. We also offer prayers to all of our Corona Warriors and frontline workers working tirelessly around the world.
Prayer from Himalayas for Corona Frontline Workers
Beautiful prayer and appreciation ceremony took place on the banks of Maa Ganga, in the lap of the Himalayas, at Parmarth Niketan with HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji in support of the #JantaCurfew and appreciation of all the frontline workers who are serving tirelessly during this time.
Lights of Hope & Healing in Times of Corona
Parmarth Niketan joined in solidarity with the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Narendra Modii and the entire nation as we switched off and turned on earth lamps and diyas across the Ashram premises for a spectacular symbol of hope, healing and resilience in the times of the Corona Virus, shining as a symbol of the light at the end of the tunnel and of hope and healing.
Special Webinars & Panels in Response to Coronavirus
Interfaith Response To COVID-19: LIVE Online Forum
A beautiful Webinar on the “INTERFAITH RESPONSE TO COVID-19” hosted by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) in collaboration with Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and with the technical support of UNICEF India on how Faith Leaders and Faith Based Organisations are responding, serving and working together in light of the Corona Virus pandemic.
World Environment Day 2020 Webinar: United Nations to a United Creation
GIWA and Parmarth hosted a celebration of Biodiversity, uniting the worlds of science and spirituality for a healthy, sustainable future for our Mother Earth, as they brought together revered interfaith leaders from across the globe, leaders of the United Nations and WSSCC, and world-renowned scientists on World Environment Day 2020.
Sadhviji Joins the Coronaspection Discussion
Sadhviji was a part of Elijah Interfaith’s wonderful new project, Coronaspection, an amazing opportunity for the world’s foremost religious leaders to reflect on the spiritual challenges and opportunities of Coronavirus.
Special Online Webinar on “Proactive Faith Leadership in Times of Crisis in Africa and India in Responding to Covid-19”
Hosted by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, in partnership with UNICEF Tanzania
Earth Day 2020: Planting Seeds For A New Normal
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, Parmarth Niketan and GIWA brought together Faith Leaders, the United Nations and Leading Faith Based Organisations from all over the world to unite with one vision of how humanity can move forward from this Covid 19 crisis into a period of healing and harmony with ourselves and Mother Nature.
Menstrual Health And Hygiene: During COVID-19
Join Sadhviji on Menstrual Hygiene Day for a special webinar hosted by WSSCC to share about how #MenstruationMatters, periods don’t stop in pandemics, and that #ItsTimeForAction!
Global Handwashing Day Webinar
Join us for a special webinar on Global Handwashing Day, organised by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and the Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC).
Ganga Dussehra Webinar on Maintaining an Aviral (Free Flowing) & Nirmal (Clean) Ganga Post Covid-19
Tune into a beautiful, interactive conversation on Mother Ganga, now and post lockdown & Covid-19, on how can we maintain an Aviral & Nirmal (clean & free flowing) river for all.
#MAYDAY World’s Largest Meditation & Prayer in History
Science has shown that when people come together to meditate and pray electromagnetic fields shift, violence reduces, healing occurs, and peace prevails. We call forward over one billion people to unite with the world’s leading spiritual teachers and artists of our time. Thank you for joining #WorldMeditationDay to shift the global energy from fear to love.
Managing Fear & Anxiety During Times of Covid-19
Join GIWA in an inspiring and uplifting session on Managing Fear & Anxiety During Times of Covid-19, presented in a virtual session hosted by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce and AUM Capital.
Inspiring & Informational Messages Regarding Coronavirus
Corona Virus: A Wake-up Call
As the Coronavirus continues to spread, and the global health and economic crisis deepens, it’s easy to lose heart and hope.
But, Pujya Sadhviji shares that in the midst of this crisis is an extraordinary lesson: It’s a Global Wake-Up Call.
Is Coronavirus God’s Punishment?
Is Coronavirus God’s Punishment to the human race? Is Mother Earth Punishing Us for exploiting the natural resources? Is God sending this kind of suffering out of vengeance?
Calm The Restlessness Of The Mind & The Body During Lockdown
Pujya Sadhviji talks about techniques to deal with the stress, the boredom & the frustration during this time of lockdown, and how to train our minds and bodies to go through this period grounded & anchored.
Mother Earth is Telling Us Something
There is something that Mother Earth wants us to realize. We’ve been running around in the rat race without valuing its resources to the point of absolute depletion. Pujya Sadhviji shares her Divine Wisdom as to what Mother Earth is trying to convey in the time of Coronavirus & sincerely prays that we co-create a planetary wellness & health, wellness, wholeness & togetherness.
How to Spend this Time in Lockdown? (in Hindi)
A beautiful zoom interview with Rohit Vishwakarma on his Youtube Channel Desh Online in which an inspiring and uplifting conversation took place with Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji on how best to spend this time in lockdown.
Read Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s article in Elephant Journal on the response to COVID-19 worldwide and the way to move forward.
Eating for the Health of Body, Mind, Spirit and Planet
During this new and life-changing period of Covid-19, we are faced with so many choices about how to live even the most basic elements our lives. This includes what and how we eat, and the most important thing to remember as we face the virus is to eat healthfully. Sadhviji shares with us how to eat in a way that keeps our immunity at its highest!
Coping with the Coronavirus Anxiety
As the Coronavirus continues to spread, and the global health and economic crisis deepens, it’s easy to lose heart and hope. But, Pujya Sadhviji shares her Divine Wisdom & shows us a way during these times that’ll help us deal with the anxiety and the fear that is gripping us at the moment.
Quarantine – An Opportunity to Dive Deep
As we are kept from venturing out externally, and as the energy of fear, anxiety, stress & concern is building up each moment, there are so many ways we can go about this entire situation. How do we make the most of the quarantine period, conducive for our spiritual growth?
Read Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s article on Thrive Global regarding coronavirus, saying that staying alive, staying healthy, staying inspired and connected need not be at the cost of the environment, and that we should focus on filling our Self rather than our Shelf.
Simple Lockdown Tips for Kids
Sadhviji gives beautiful advice for parents to make the lockdown fun and safe for children. Children need extra guidance, love and attention during this challenging time. She offers tips to keep them engaged, connected and happy in this uncertain and confusing time.
Being Grateful in the Midst of Tragedy
At this time of tragedy and challenge I find myself even more grateful than ever…. Every minute and moment I am more and more deeply aware of how incredibly blessed I am. We are all incredibly blessed — blessed to be alive, blessed to have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, water coming out of a tap, a toilet in the home…..
At this time of fear and contraction, ask yourself “What am I blessed with?” The question that arises next is, what can we do? How can we help?
Read Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s article in the Sunday Economic Times regarding the lessons of Covid19 especially as they relate to our Indian culture!
Corona Virus: Facts and Faith
The world is facing something that most of us haven’t witnessed in our lifetimes: A virus that sprang out of nowhere and now threatens literally hundreds of millions of our brothers and sisters around the world with the ultimate finality. Not only that, but this very same virus is devastating the global economy, with scores of businesses across all spectrums shuttering their doors to prevent the spread of the virus – and, therefore, signing their own metaphoric death sentence.
In this beautiful Satsang – offered on the occasion of her recent birthday – Sadhviji brilliantly explains the spiritual cause of the disease, and the ways that we can spiritually cope with and cure it for maximum benefit to our bodies and – more importantly – our Selves.
Tips To Bolster Immunity At This Time Of Coronavirus
How to bolster our #immunity at this time of #COVID ? What to eat? What to do? So many of our traditional Indian foods and herbs are exactly right these days for immunity. But our #thoughts #emotions & #beliefs can also be great for #immunesupport.
Precautions Against the Coronavirus
Pujya Sadhviji explains so beautifully that the challenging time of the Coronavirus has given us the opportunity to shift from Corona to Compassion. What are the things we can do so that we may not risk our lives, the lives of our loved ones, our communities, our societies & do our best to stop Coronavirus from spreading further?
Dealing with Isolation in the time of Coronavirus
How do we deal with the Isolation that we all are going through in this period of Coronavirus while we are home quarantined? And What do we do to make the most of it?
Make Your Home a Temple
How can our homes be happy, healthy and holy? How can we cultivate a vibrant, joyful and peaceful environment during our #lockdown challenge at home? Especially for families, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati gives beautiful advice on how to embrace togetherness and the importance of making some space for yourself.
How to Survive a Layoff
As the Coronavirus ravages lives and the economy, more and more people are being faced with layoffs and structural changes that are drastically altering both the social landscape and our self-image and sense of place in the world. Sadhviji explains that in order to cope, it’s important to recognize that these changes are not because there is something wrong with us, but are an exciting, albeit not easy or necessarily pleasant, opportunity to take our lives and even our connection to God to the next level.
Holiday Blessings & Messages in the Time of Coronavirus
The Sacred Ram Navami Message
Sadhviji beautifully describes the story of how Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for 14 years where He had to forage for food and shelter, He went without hesitation, without complaining or grumbling or looking for a way to cut corners. We are now, during our Corona Lockdown Challenge, being asked to go not to the forest for 14 years, but the comfort, safety and privilege of our own homes. Let us give birth to Lord Rama in our own hearts and lives and truly live His message. When we emerge from our quarantine we will create together Ram Rajya, the reign of Righteousness, of integrity, of Dharma, Truth, Love, Oneness and Health not only here but all across the planet.
Earth Day Musings
For us locked down, it’s as if Mother Earth has metaphorically sent us all to our rooms until we learn our lesson. We need to find a way to live in balance, harmony, and love for Her. Sadhviji discusses how we must move from the old “normal” of abusing, consuming and exploiting Mother Earth and our sisters and brothers with whom we share this sacred planet, into a new normal of embodied oneness, wholeness and health together, for all.
Dhanteras & Diwali – A Time of Giving at Parmarth
We welcomed a group of some the most disadvantaged and impoverished families of Swargashram, Rishikesh for an offering of love and light – plus, some essentials to help make their holiday brighter during the pandemic!
