Shantikunj
Shantikunj is a spiritual and social organization of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) headquartered at Haridwar(India). It is established in 1971 and has emerged over the years as a centre for the global movement of Yug Nirman Yojana (Movement for the Reconstruction of the Era) through its 18 points also known as Yug Nirman Satsankalp for moral-spiritual development of human being.
Location
Shantikunj is located 6 kilometers from Haridwar railway station towards Rishikesh/Dehradun on NH58 in India. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, though Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is preferred.
History
Shantikunj was established in 1971 by Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya on a small piece of land. Later it spread over a large area named as Gayatri Nagar. Several higher level spiritual practice camps were organised here under his guidance. In 1979 a satellite campus was added at a distance of 1/2 km south named as Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan (Research Institute).
Sharaddhanjali samaroh (1990) organised here in the memory of Acharya was attended by lakhs of devotees. In 1998 one more campus was added 1/2 km north named as Gayatrikunj. Now it is campus of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. In November 2000 Srijan Sankalp Vibhuti Mahayajna was organised here marking the completion of 12 years Yugsandhi Mahapurashcharan which was attended by 4 million devotees.
Shantikunj has been visited by several saints, leaders and scholars, including H.H.Dalai Lama, Mahatma Anand Swami of Arya Samaj, Swami Ramdev, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (vice president of India), famous environmentalist Sundarlal Bahuguna, Murari Bapu etc.
At present Shantikumj is functioning under Shri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, headed by Mrs. Shailbala Pandya, daughter of Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya.
Patron founder
Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya born on 20 September 1911 in the village Anwalkhera, Agra (UP) India. As a freedom fighter he also went jail thrice. In 1935, he embarked upon the task of social upliftment through spiritual means with the blessings of Mahatma Gandhi. He started a Hindi magazine Akhand Jyoti in 1940. In 1946, he married Bhagwati Devi Sharma. He established Gayatri Pariwar and for more than 20 years conducted its activities from Mathura. In 1971 he shifted its head office to Shantikunj Haridwar and spent his remaining life here, writing literature and directing the activities of the organisation.
Aim
Shantikunj is devoted to cultural, ethical, moral and spiritual awakening and national integration. Development of divinity in mankind is the foremost goal and avowed objective. Pledged for national peace, prosperity, amity, love, goodwill and fraternity irrespective of region, religion, faith, caste, creed, sect etc., Shantikunj is a unique abode true to its name. Visitors of all faiths & linkages visit the Ashram (Spiritual Center).[1]
Expansion of national unity, amity and brotherhood and extinction of ignorance, jealousy, hatred, and strife from globe are being attempted by popularizing Gayatri Mantra, Yajna and Sanskaars (sacramental rites), the adoption of which invokes celestial thoughts and inspires for divine deeds. The divinity may be seen firmly fixed in every activity of this holy pilgrimage center.
Training camps
For upliftment of the moral, cultural, spiritual and ethical values, national integration and development of youths, various trainings are organized frequently. Amongst these, the regular ones are:
- Nine days training of Sanjeewani Vidyaa (Art of Living & Art of Relating training camps)
- One month training of Yug Shilpi and Parivraajak (Art of Serving & Art of Leading training camps)
- Three months training for proficiency in Sangeet (music).
Occasional trainings of officers, and employees of Govt., local bodies, Corporations, Banks, factories etc. are also organized on: elegant life style, organizational management, efficient working methodology, work culture, glory of labor, health, behavioral science, value of time, inculcation of discipline, duty consciousness, national integration.[2]
For the all round development of villages and self-employment generation, 9 days training is also imparted to selected village folk. Training relates to: agriculture, horticulture, herbal production, Dairy and Cottage industries.
All these trainings aim at the all round development of the nation & integration of the country by inducing noble sentiments in the minds of individuals by adoption of scientific ways of spirituality, which can provide a remedy for all the ills afflicting the nation.
Other establishments
Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan
Established in 1979, this Research Institute is dedicated for the scientific establishment of spirituality. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory, a library and a garden containing rare Ayurvedic herbs, it is working on unique projects like Yagyopathy, Ayurveda and Mantras.
Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya
Established in 2002 by the act of the Uttaranchal Government is a fully residential university run by Sri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, Shantikunj Haridwar.[3] It provides different degree, diploma and certificate courses in areas like Yogic Science, Alternative Therapy, Indian Culture, Tourism, Rural Management, Theology (Dharm Vigyan), Spiritual Counseling etc. A new medical center is about to established.
Sri Ram Puram
It is the new extension of the shantikunj. place is established with the new residential buildings, a hospital, canteen, mega-teansheds.