Finals of a nation-wide sports competition Organized by Swadhyay Pariwar

"Charam Samkridan Utsav"

December - January 2002 16th January 2003, Dadoji Kondev Stadium, Thane. Mumbai. INDIA

A key component of the Swadhyay Pariwar, founded by Pandurang Shastri Athavale (Pujya Dada), has been the youngsters of the Divine Brain Trust (D.B.T.). This class of young people has been participating in various thought-provoking and constructive activities organized by the Swadhyay Pariwar on a regular basis. An integral part of this series of activities has been the Annual Sports Competition organized under the auspices of the youth wing of Swadhyay Pariwar and Dhananjay Krida Samooha.

Regarding the playing of sports, Dadaji says, "The young must play. Playing is an easy and powerful medium to attain enthusiasm and joy, which are inherent in playing, along with other good qualities. In the course of playing, the body becomes tougher, and qualities such as consistency and assertiveness are developed. We learn to accept both victory and defeat and to develop a sportsman's spirit. The notion of teamwork can be developed very well with this medium of play. The Lord Shri Krishna gave a divine angle to playing. Krishna made 'play' divine".

Dadaji has given a divine shape to an otherwise regular sports competition. With this medium, he has solidified the familial feeling of unity: "We are one". The Swadhyayee youth play with a feeling of love and closeness while keeping away "enemies" such as personal ego, selfishness, and spite, which are commonly seen in today's sports. In Swadhyayee sporting events, there is absolutely no place for internal fights, animosity, bitterness, and the betting of money with its associated ills. Like Arjun, the Swadhyayee youth play with dedication and "vichaar nishtha" (solid thought). That is why Dadaji has named the competition "Dhananjay Krida Samooha".

During 2002-2003, more than 200,000 youngsters participated in the competitive sporting meets organized in different parts of India. Thirteen different types of indoor and outdoor games were played in a competitive environment at these sporting meets, which were organized at the village, district, and state levels. The games were played at both individual and group levels.

The grand finals, the first of its kind at this level, was called "Charam Samkridan Utsav" and held in Mumbai from January 14-16, 2003 with the finale on the 16th at Dadoji Kondev Stadium in Thane, near Mumbai, in the presence of Rev. Dadaji and Aadarniya Didi. Approximately 800 finalists from ten states participated. Approximately 50,000 Swadhyayee spectators were present at the stadium on January 16th to partake in the joy of the event.

The day was marked with sheer joy and enthusiasm. In the morning Didiji declared the games "open". The finalists, members of the Swadhyay Pariwar, and other dignitaries present gave a warm welcome to Aadarniya Didi.

Youngsters representing various regions of India marched across the stadium, exuding the spirit of this event. All the participants took an "oath" of dedication and commitment to the ideals described by Rev. Dadaji.

About 50,000 Swadhyayees were present in the stadium to enjoy this grand event. There was a divine excitement and enthrallment amongst the spectators.

The evening finale, which took place in the presence of Dadaji, included a grand and colourful closing ceremony. Approximately 3000 youngsters presented "Krishna Said Play Divine - Dada Made Play Divine", an inspirational cultural program in which they presented Dadaji's philosophy behind sports.


In the evening, in presence of Rev. Dadaji a grand and colourful closing ceremony was organized. Around 3000 youngsters presented "Krishna Said Play Divine - Dada Made Play Divine" an inspirational musical cultural program in which they presented philosophy behind sports.

The Bhagavad-Gita says, "Life is a Game - Play it". The cultural program illustrated how Rev. Dadaji has given the vision so that anyone can excel in playing the game of life with enthusiasm and spirit.

The winners of various games were presented medals by Dadaji. The Pune-Raigad region secured 26 points from various games and won the Jayashree Shield Trophy for the year 2002-2003.

A representative delegation of 25 people from the Folklore Movement based in Italy (inspired by Respected Chiara Lubich) was also present for the ceremony. The message of Respected Chiara Lubich, praising the spirit of youngsters at the event, was read at the function. The message stressed the urgency of Swadhyay philosophy of "universal brotherhood under the fatherhood of God" in contemporary times.

The program concluded with a speech by Didiji. She reiterated the commitment of Swadhyay Pariwar towards Dadaji's vision.

We humbly offer our salutations to Dadaji, who inspired 200,000 youngsters to participate in sports on the basis of worship, devotion, and selflessness, defying the modern-day ills of self-interest and personal gain.