Happy birthday

Shyama Didi (Manjhli Didi)

Shyama Didi was born in Mangarh in 1954 on the day before Radhashtami. Shyama is another name for Kishori Ji and just like Kishori Ji, Didi possesses a reserved yet scholarly personality which attracts everyone. Whenever she speaks, her words carry the mixture of intellectualism, sweetness and divinity. Our scriptures mention that saints, despite possessing infinite knowledge and power, externally remain calm and reserved like the ocean. Didi is the embodiment of this very statement. No one can imagine the depth and divinity of her inner personality. Her face constantly radiates a scholarly glow, which is experienced by all who have come in her association.

Didi completed her PhD in Sanskrit, after which she studied the Vedic scriptures under the divine guidance of Shri Maharaj Ji. After completing the intense study of the scriptures (merely within a few months), Shri Maharaj Ji appointed her to teach the preachers (after 1986). Didi's command over the sanskrit language is extraordinary. Shri Maharaj Ji often used to say, "Shyama has the best enunciation [of sciptural verses]". When she recites the Vedic mantras, it feels as if she herself is the personification of the mantra that she is reciting. Such is the intensity in her voice.

For many years she was the chief editor of the 'Adhyatma Sandesh' magazine. She would review, edit, as well as contribute her own words of philosophy in the magazine. Even now, any formal publication from JKP is reviewed and revised under Didi's guidance.

Shri Maharaj Ji has appointed Didi as the president of the Vrindavan ashrams. She also manages the residential aspect of all JKP ashrams.

All three Didis are tirelessly working day and night to take us towards Shri Maharaj Ji. We must wholeheartedly obey their every instruction, as indirectly they are Shri Maharaj Ji's instructions - as He has left them in charge. They are the setting the perfect example of how one must spend every moment in the rememberance of God and Guru, while performing one's duties externally. Didis are the embodiment of selfless devotion to Shri Maharaj Ji.

(Photo: Mangarh, 1980)

Post Courtesy: Janki Prasadji