East-West Ambassador

Over the years Sri Gurudev was a frequent guest speaker and advisor to Indian communities around the world. In the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean islands, he became a principle advisor to Indian communities in planning their temples and cultural centers, often suggesting that Jains, Hindus, and Sikhs combine their funds to build one facility that could be shared by all.He transplanted examples of his beloved heritage to Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville through the Fine Arts Society, the Lord Nataraja Shrine, and various aspects of the Ashram. Thus, in his gentle, gracious manner, Sri Gurudev was able to impart the value and richness of his spiritual tradition and make it accessible to the Westerner.

Sri Gurudev also served as a friend and counselor to Indian children growing up in Western cultures. Through his Fine Arts Society, Sri Gurudev was able to give these children direct experience with the richness of Indian culture through music and dance classes. Since 1988, he founded the Bharata Natyam Summer Camp, and invited the renowned V. P. and Shanta Dhananjayan to be its permanent instructors. Through the camp, the children learned Bharata Natyam, the ancient Indian dance form, as well as traditional chanting and forms of worship. They also spent many informal evenings asking Sri Gurudev questions. As they shared their cares with him, he deepened their respect for their own heritage and encouraged them to feel that they belong to both the East and the West.

Throughout the years, Sri Gurudev and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (the Institute of Indian Culture) had extensive connections. They shared one another's dedication to human welfare, a philosophy of education, Hindu values, and world peace. In 1994, Sri Gurudev was presented with the Bhavan's highest distinction of "Honorary Patron," in recognition of his role in recognition of Sri Gurudev's role in sharing the ancient wisdom of Yoga with the West, his service to the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community, and his efforts to foster a a deeper understanding of Indian culture.

West to East

After establishing his international headquarters in the United States, Sri Gurudev never forgot his motherland and she did not forget him. At least yearly, he would travel to India.

He was always invited to speak at programs and conferences; he was interviewed by journalists, and he made many visits to hospitals and orphanages. The many honors he received included: the Peace Award by the Chennai Branch of UNESCO, the honorary title of Perarul Perumunivar ("Grace-filled, Great Sage") by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, and the Honorary Patron award by the interfaith organization, Divyodaya.

Sri Gurudev wanted there to be an exchange from West to East as well. He often brought groups of his Western disciples with him during his regular trips to India. They had the opportunity to take part in the numerous conferences and programs that he attended, as well as to visit ancient temples and ashrams. Sri Gurudev also brought a team of doctors, including Dr. Ornish and Dr. McLanahan, to study and to exchange ideas on Yoga and medicine.

During the 1990s Sri Gurudev expanded his service in India. The Integral Yoga Institute in Coimbatore constructed a large facility including a satsang hall to accommodate several hundred people. With Swami Divyanandaji serving as Executive Secretary and Sri K. Ramaswamy as the President, the IYI is flourishing, offering many Yoga classes, Yoga teacher training programs, and spiritual retreats for local residents and visiting foreigners.

"Satchidananda Alayam," Sri Gurudev's birthplace in Chettipalayam is being preserved as a holy pilgrimage site and shrine to Sri Gurudev. It will also continue to be the site of charitable services and Yoga programs.

Sri Gurudev's service in the health field continues in India. Dr. S. Dharmalingam dedicated his medical services and a wing of the Kovai Medical Center and Hospital as the "Swami Satchidananda Gastroenterology Unit." Dr. K. Sundaramoorthy named his opthalmology clinic and research center as the "LOTUS Vision Trust" and performed extensive cataract surgeries and other eye services in Sri Gurudev's name.

Dr. Amrita McLanahan and Dr. Craig Bradley arranged for a team of plastic surgeons to travel from the U.S.A. to South India to perform free lip and cleft palate repairs on children in need. Dr. Aruna Vishwanathan and her family founded the Integral Ear Institute (IEI, named after Integral Yoga) in 1999. The IEI offers early identification of childhood hearing loss, sound amplification, cochlear implants, and a residential school.

With Sri Gurudev's assistance, Dr. Ornish's programs are being offered in India and the Dr. Dean Ornish Holistic Health Foundation in Chennai. Additionally, Dr. Ornish's books are now printed in India, his program is used throughout the country, and several centers training medical staff in this approach have been established.

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