Dear Readers,
Last Sunday, I got a unique opportunity to listen and learn in a six-hour discourse by Bhaishri Rameshhbhai Oza in Manchester. The Katha titled 'Radha Shyam Ki Katha Bhagwati' was as expected, jam-packed with over 3000 people and full to the brim with infectious energy. Bhaishri recited Sanskrit shlokas and gave commentary in Hindi, Gujarati, and English. The audience consisted of impeccably dressed people of various age groups. One of them to catch my eye was a five year old girl who had traveled with her family from Portugal. She could flawlessly recite shlokas from the Bhagwad Gita, thrilling the audience with her skill. The event as a whole was stunning; Bhaishri's preaches paired really well with Indian music and clever and interesting anecdotes.
Bhaishri in his talk, spoke about the difficulties faced by Lord Krishna in Mahabharata, as Arjuna's guide. In my opinion, the Battle of Kurukshetra was and will be the greatest war of all the times. The war was fought between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Lord Krishna's sister, Subhadra was married to Arjuna, while his son Samba married Duryodhana's daughter Lakshmana. Bhaishri explained how Krishna maintained an impartial stance in the battle even though he was related to both the families.
Over the years, I have come to learn that Ramayana and Mahabharata serve as illuminating pieces of advise and learning for management of enterprises, life, family and relations, especially with one's parents, children and extended family members.
The Katha was flanked by several members of UK's elite society. In the audience were Bhupendra Kansagra, and Sanjay and Vipul Vadera. There were millionaires and multi-millionaires present, mostly from the UK. Two portraits of Jayantilal Vadera, who passed away at the age of 81, was displayed in the backdrop of the stage. Jayantibhai was a well-established businessman in Uganda. However, during the expulsion, he was forced to leave for the UK with his two sons and daughter, Meena. With little to no money, they initially stayed in re-settlement camps and later settled in Bolton, Lancashire. Jayantibhai struggled to meet ends and his children grew up in those challenging times.
His sons found their feet in the fragrance sector and are now recognised multi-millionaires. Most importantly however, his wife Kalavatiben had gone all-out with the arrangements of the katha.
Bhaishri is well-known for his communication skills amongst other things. I found myself and other people in the audience engrossed in his speech like they were receiving a nectar. In his katha, he spoke about how problems can arise and how they can be resolved.
He also spoke on our Varna Vyavastha; the much-debated Indian caste system. He said it's not what it's supposed to be. In what was a rather inspiring description, Bhaishri explained the original idea of the Varna Vyavastha as intended by Lord Brahma himself.
He said, the human body has the brain on top- implying the Intellect. (The Brahmins are the priests and the teachers). Then comes the arms, indicating strength- (the Kshatriyas are warriors and rulers). Then comes the abdomen, the stomach- indicating the main hub that runs the entire body. The Vaishyas are merchants, farmers and traders. The last part of the human body are the legs. Indicating action, hard work, (it is the fourth and final part of the caste system, the Shudras- who are labourers).
Bhaishri said everything is Karma. He extensively spoke about Karma (Work), Sukarna (Good Work) and Dushkarma (Misdemeanour). Energy, concentration, and positivity creates a better human, family and society. He gave a unique discourse of entrepreneurship, harmony, family and happiness.
I myself, was mesmerised with his every word. All the while I saw Bhaishri speaking about transparency and accountability in every person, I remembered Lord Krishna speak about duty.
To me, the Katha was an excellent learning opportunity and I am grateful to Bhaishri and the Vaderas for the uplifting event.
