Page 61 - SocialHarmony

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Service to the Progeny of Shabaridham

(Speech delivered on the occasion of Shabarikumbh
Mahotsav, Dang district, Ahwa Taluka, Subir Village.

January 11, 2006)

In the coming years, Shabaridham in Dang district will become
a place of pilgrimage for forest people of the entire nation.
Just as every Hindu from all over the country shares the desire
of Gangasnan (bathing in river Ganga), similarly, every forest
dweller of the country will nurture the desire to visit
Shabaridham once in his lifetime. As the message of
Shabaridham goes all over the country, many new opportunities
for development will open up for Dang, enabling the forest
people to have greater scope to earn their livelihood and
bringing their art, grace and achievements into the limelight. I
can envisage huge progress in Shabarikumbh.

Life in India is dotted with religious celebrations and fairs,
which are celebrated almost once in every three days in different
corners of India. It has been observed by experience that the
middle and higher middle classes of the society have power
and prosperity and hence they can arrange such functions
according to their desire. However, the forest people are
exceptions as they are the last to be noticed. But, today, they
have been given first priority with respect to their feelings to
pray to Mother Shabari. The Hindu society has a tradition of
praying to Lord Rama; but for the forest people true fulfilment
lies in remembering Mother Shabari who waited all her life for
Lord Rama. Mother Shabari’s long wait can be compared to the