Few days back I came to know that there has been a padhuka yatra conducted in Chennai to drive funds for a Periyava project that is happening outside of India!!!! There are folks who donated money thinking that this drive is for Orikkai manimantapam – later they realized that this is for a project abroad! It was both hilarious and upsetting to know this. I have a very strong opinion about this and I thought I should write about this.
We need lots and lots of funds to do so many charity work in India. So many cows are dying due to lack of funds to rescue, temples are not functioning due to lack of funds to pay Sivacharyars – talk to Smt Mahalakshmi mami to know how hard she is finding sponsors to continue nithya puja in those temples. Our matam needs our support. Orikkai needs funds, Tiruvanaikka patasala needs funds. Talk to Sai – he can tell you how many cows we could save if we have funds. When we have so many noble causes right in our backyard to support – why on the earth someone should send money to US?!
It is appalling to see that these ideas arise in our people’s mind. This is not the first time – few years back someone appealed to all ghanapadigals in an atirudram to support the same project and many vaideekas in that crowd got upset. I personally know the NJ Manimandapam team, who have been an outstanding job in mobilizing funds by doing many padhuka yatra in US. Besides, they are backed by some big donors. I often appreciate their team work and commitment. I would be very happy to see a place for Mahaperiyava here but not at any cost. I wish them all the best. There is absolutely no reason for them to do this in India. This is a very poor strategy. When we do Mahaperiyava project, our actions should also comply with His teachings. If not, there is no meaning for the project.
I would rather suggest these devotees to do the same padhuka yatra for fundraising for projects in India – let them sponsor few temples, patasalas, ghosalas or some major vedic event that is close to Sri (Bala) Periyava’s priorities – that would be highly commendable.
Devotees in India – do not support any projects that are happening abroad – ever! Folks sitting in US are much much richer than you imagine! There are so many noble causes that need your support in India. Let us stick with that.
I know I just rocked the boat but that’s ok. Worst case scenario, some are going to trash-talk about me. That’s fine – I am used to that.
Periyava Sharanam.
