Vat Vriksh Tapsya Sathali of Baba Balak Nath Ji at Shah Talai :

Vat Vriksh Tapsya Sathali of Baba Balak Nath Ji at Shah Talai :

There was a Banyan Tree, below which Baba Ji made his shelter and told Ratno Mai that He would meditate below Banyan Tree and graze the cows side by side. He asked her to leave the Roti and Lassi there for taking by Him after meditation. Baba Ji committed with Ratno Mai to work for her so long she would remain satisfied. Everything remained smooth till twelve years. People started complaining the damage to crop field by the cows by the end of 12th year.

Ratno Mai used to ignore such complaints; but the complaint of village Pardhan broke the patience of Ratno Mai and she started rebuking Baba Ji. At this, Baba Ji took Ratno Mai and village Pardhan alongwith other people to the field and saw the said spot where there was no damage at all. Everybody was taken aback by this miracle. Baba Ji came back to His place of worship and asked Ratno Mai to take back her cows and let Him go His way. Ratno Mai out of motherly affection/attachment tried to persuade Baba Ji and reminded Him about her providing Roti and Lassi for 12 years.

Baba Balak Nath Ji said that this had been coincidental and further affirmed that coincidence would always be predestined. Baba Ji further told that He has kept all the Roties and Lassi safely as He never used them. By saying that Baba Ji threw away His ‘Chimata’ on the stem of Banyan Tree and the Roties supplied for 12 years came out. Similarly, Baba Balak Nath Ji further threw the same ‘Chimata’ forcibly on the earth and spring of Lassi started coming out taking the shape of a pond and today that place is known as ‘Shah Talai’ BABA JI SHOWING 12 YEARS ROTIAN & LASSI TO MATA RATNO After this episode, Baba Ji’s stressed for going away from Shah Talai, Ratno Mai repented for her ignorance and got moved. On seeing all this Baba Ji kindfully told Ratno Mai that He would worship in forest land and she could see Him there.

BABAJI's TEMPLE AT SHAH TALAI:

A half hollow structure has been prepared to symbolize the ‘Hollow of Banyan Tree’. Nearby is a temple having the images of Baba Balak Nath, Guga Chauhan and Nahar Singh Ji. The soil of this place is used as anti-worm for cattle-foot diseases

Pondicherry (Puducherry),

Pondicherry (Puducherry), or the capital of one of the union territory of Pondicherry, means 'the new settlement' as the city was made when the French settlement decided to settle in these parts of India. The town of Pondicherry, fondly called as Pondy and three other cities of three different states namely Karaikal (Tamil Nadu), Mahe (Kerala), and Yanam (Andhra Pradesh), is what makes today's Union Territory of Pondicherry. On the way to Pondicherry, one can view the natural beauty of the scenic Deccan plateau. Striking red soil and deep green vegetation, consisting mainly of cashew, palm and neem,

combining to form a stunning landscape. Pondicherry is an ideal getaway if one wants to getaway from the maddening crowds and rush of the city. Pondicherry is also famous for the Aurobindo Ashram, an international institution that teaches the practice of yoga. This city has always been one of the calm and quiet in comparison to other Indian cities. Pondicherry still offers exquisite hand made papers and pottery also one can enjoy the French flavor that has captivated this town for a long while know. The earliest description of the city of Pondicherry can be traced back to 2nd century B.C.

Tour Attractions

Auroville - Auroville is a distinct place in itself. The not-to-be-missed tourism spot that is just 12 Kilometers off to the downtown Pondicherry is a model of perfect universal town. This is the place where people from different nationalities, religions, creeds and beliefs can live in peace and harmony. The construction of this 'universal town' was started in 1968 and is still under progress. Various countries have offered to build permanent colonies that will reflect the culture and ethos of the respective country.

The French Heritage - This is the hermitage or ashram of Aurobindo Ghosh, a militant turned mystic who made Pondicherry his home from till his death in 1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw admirers and followers from all over the world. The place is a must visit during Pondicherry tour.

Eglise de Sacred Coeur De Jesus - Eglise de Sacred is a catholic church that is noted for its Gothic architecture and stained glass planes. This must visit Pondicherry tour attraction has beautiful glass paintings that depict the entire life of Jesus Christ.

Serenity Beach -  Serenity beach signifies its name. The place is just a 15-minutes drive from the downtown Pondicherry. This splendid virgin beach is a must during your tour of Pondicherry. The place is ideal for a quick dip, a touch of the sun and a cool reprieve in the shades of coconut grooves.

Arikamedu - Apart from being a splendid tourism site, Arikamedu has special relevance in the chapters of history. The place acted as the garrison and ford for the trade ship of Romans at a period as early as 2nd century BC There are traces of early Roman settlement too. The major import item was wine where as textiles formed the major chunk of exports. This is a must visit tour spot for both researchers as well as casual tourists.

The Statue of Dupleix - This is Pondicherry' s tribute to Francois Dupeix, a French Colonial Governor, whose able governorship came to an end in 1754. The French government commissioned this statue in the year 1870. The statue stands 2.9 meters above the pedestal and has been sculpted in traditional French fashion. This tourism spot in Pondicherry is the best for spending a quiet evening.

19th Century Light House - A beacon that kept burning on the Red Hills guided the early seafarers to Pondicherry. The now-abandoned lighthouse standing on the edge of the sea near was lighted for the first time on 1st July 1836. The light was placed upon a masonry tower that stands 29 meters above sea level and was visible up to a distance of 29 kilometers into the Bay of Bengal. In 1931, a revolving lantern replaced the fixed light. It was finally shut down in the year 1979. Don't forget to take an after dinner walk near this lighthouse during your tour to Pondicherry.

How to Get There

By Air - Chennai airport is 135 kms from Pondicherry and flights connect to major cities in India and directly to destinations in Europe, Asia, Middle East and the US. Other airlines fly to Mumbai and New Delhi and have connecting domestic flights to Chennai.

By Rail - Trains are available to Villupuram station that is in turn connected to Chennai and Trivandrum. The trains to and from Pondicherry are very slow and too are very few in number.

By Road - The best choice for getting to Pondicherry from Chennai and Bangalore is by taxi or bus. Buses depart from Chennai on a regular basis and take about four hours to reach Pondicherry.

The Lakshadweep islands

The Lakshadweep islands are the only real coral islands in the country. They almost seem to float out of nowhere some 400 kilometers from the coast of Kerala and of the 36 islands, only ten are inhabited. Most of them are long and irregular with a lagoon enclosed by a coral reef usually on the western side. Believed to have been formed as a result of coral activity, each lagoon abounds with some spectacular growth of corals, which in turn supports a diverse array of marine life. The tiny, narrow islands with their coconut palms, white coral beaches and lovely, shallow and clear waters combine to make it a tropical dream, which few parts of the world can match.

Entry permit : - All visitors to the Islands of Bangaram Resort will need a permit. These are issued at Cochin. It would therefore be necessary to send three passport size photographs with full passport details to the management of Bangaram Resort to obtain the permit in advance in the case of foreign nationals. In the case of Indians only name and address required. Permits are ordinarily issued with a validity of 15 days. If required this may be extended from the resort itself. While advance arrangement for the permit would be desirable, this permit can also be arranged on arrival at Cochin.

Tourist Attractions Islands :

Kavaratti -  The administrative capital, Kavaratti is the most developed of the islands with the highest percentage of non-islanders as residents. Fifty two mosques are spread out over the island, the most beautiful being the Ujra mosque. A well, within its precincts, is believed to contain water of curative powers. The Ujra mosque has an ornately carved ceiling, said to have been carved from a piece of driftwood. Kavaratti also has an aquarium with several colourful species of fish. There is a glass bottom boat for viewing marine life and an array of remarkable coral formations that pro- vides a background to the lagoons and the islands: within them. Some Water Sports like kayaking canoeing and snorkeling are available for tourists.

Kalpeni - Kalpeni has three uninhabited satellite islands, all surrounded by an immense lagoon of spectacular beauty. Sunlight on the water causes it to sparkle and flash like a million aquamarines. Koomel, the gently curving bay where the tourist facilities are located, directly over- looks Pitti and Thilakkm, two of the islands. Here you can swim, reef walk, snorkel or use water sports equipment like kayaks, and sail boats. Now the tourist facilities have been augmented and tourists can stay on the island in privately managed huts, depending on the package. This lagoon is specially rich in coral life.

Kadmath - A particularly fine lagoon, of even depth and an endless shoreline, perfect for swimming, makes Kadmath a haven of solitude. The tourist huts are situated some distance away from habitation, with only the splash of the waves to break the silence. During the day, when the heat of the overhead sun becomes too strong, the feathery network of coconut palms provides a canopy throughout the island, through which light dimly filters, green and cool. It is the only island with lagoons on both eastern and western sides. A Water Sports

Institute providing water sports facilities has been set up in Kadmath. Accommodation consists of AC and non AC tourist huts aesthetically situated in the coconut palm groves on the beaches. The island is becoming increasingly popular for honeymooners. As a testimony to its Water Sports potential, a Scuba Diving Centre has been set up there. With the Water Sports Institute, Scuba Diving Centre and the proposed augmentation of accommodation, the island is sure to become the focal point of tourist activities in Lakshadweep.

Minicoy -  Furthest from Kavaratti island, 200 km away to the south and also nearest to the Maldives, Minicoy has a lighthouse built by the British in 1885. Visitors are allowed up, right to the very top. Words cannot do justice to the incredible size of the lagoon, one of the largest in Lakshadweep, the green of coconut trees, and the mirror-like surface of an inland lake as it nestles in one corner of the island. Minicoy has a culture very different from any other island - dress, language, food, all differ. Minicoy has a cluster of 10 villages, which are called

over by a Moopan. A walk through the winding lanes of the villages is an indication of the culture here. Minicoy is renowned for its dance tradition: the lava dance is performed on festive occasions. There is a tuna canning factory - signifying its importance in tuna fishing and boat building activity. Privately managed cottages have been built on the isolated beaches and are available for tourists.

Agatti - Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep. This is where the airport is built. A virtual gateway to Lakshadweep, a 20 bed tourist complex has been set up here. The island will shortly be opened for tourists.

Bangaram -  There is something indescribably romantic about the very notion of an uninhabited island and Bangaram justifies that feeling. Teardrop shaped, it is encircled by a continuous halo of creamy sand. Like all the other islands of Lakshadweep, luxuriant plantations of coconut provide coolness even during the hottest part of the day. There are three uninhabited islands in the same atoll consisting of Tinnakara, Parali-l, Parali-ll, perfect for a day's outing. All the islands share the same lagoon, an enormous bowl of turquoise blue. At twilight, the

setting sun, a ball of crimson in a flaming sky, casts its reflection on the water, and with the ever present coconut palms as a black silhouette, Bangaram is at the height of its allure. That is the hour when every visitor promises himself another visit someday. If one were to cut the poetry, eulogising the beauty of the island of Bangaram, then one would still be left with the essential fact that it is a breathtakingly beautiful island quite out of this world. Surrounded by one of the largest and safest lagoons with its calm, unimaginable blue- green waters, lie the white coral sands and the half-a-square kilometer rise of Bangaram.And yet the lagoon is born out of a long coral reef that rings around three other islands as well, each easily accessible by out boarding, sailing, rowing and for the athletic, by kayaking or windsurfing from Bangaram. But that is not all.

Board and Lodging - The tourist huts in each island are situated on the beach in ideal locations, Each hut has one or two twin-bedded bedrooms, overhead fans, and attached baths, Meals are served out on the beach, An extra bed can be provided in each room. (The tourist huts along with the entire island receives its electric supply from diesel generating sets.)

Tips For Travelers : Lakshadweep islands are India's only coral islands formed from coral rock, and beautiful formations can be seen all over the lagoons. Tempting as it is to pick one piece up as a souvenir, it is strictly Illegal, being punishable with heavy fines. This is because in doing so you are seriously endangering the environment. Local cuisine resembles food from Kerala for the spices it uses, and for the extensive use of coconut. Breakfast could consist or idlis or poorie subji and lunch and dinner of rice with a dry vegetable, sambhar and fish, chicken or mutton in a gravy. Tuna fish, curried, fried or barbecued is generally available from October to March, Vegetarian meals are available.

How to Get There

By Air - NEPC has started operating flights from Cochin to Agatti island for Bangarani. From Agatti, passengers are transported to Bangaram by fast boat and brought back to Agatti in time for their departure. A helicopter service links Agatti to other islands.

By Ship - Vessels ply between Cochin and Lakshadweep. They have air-conditioned cabins for first class tourists and an air-conditioned Lounge hall with push back seats for tourist class accommodation. Rates vary according to the type of accommodation as well as the package chosen. Domestic package prices are inclusive of ship fare, meals on the ship and islands, ferrying charges between ship and island (the ship anchors 30-45 minutes away from each island), transport charges in the islands, sightseeing charges, lagoon cruising and accommodation on the islands. Every journey of the· ship-between Cochin and an island as well as between one island and another takes anything from 3 to 20 hours. Indian meals are served on board. Some cabins are fitted with a wash basin and have common bathrooms. First class AC cabins have attached toilets. Bed-linen and towels are provided. From October to April, Catamaran speed vessels operate as per monthly schedule between major islands in the northern group.

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!

Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa!

Since the dawn of time, the ancient land of Kerala has been a haven for seekers of the eternal truth. Like the rest of India, it is steeped in tradition and is home to a million shrines, big and small. A most important pilgrim site of Hinduism in this miniscule South Indian state is Sabarimala.

The presiding deity at Sabarimala is Dharma Sastha/Lord Ayyappan/Ayyanaar, one of the most venerated deities among the Hindu pantheon of gods. Every year millions of Indians, irrespective of caste, creed or religion throng the tiny complex to have darshan of Lord Ayyappan. True to the Hindu philosophy of 'thathvamasi' (that thou art), at Sabarimala, Lord and his devotee commune directly, sans intermediaries.

Legend has it that the temple at Sabarimala was built by Parasurama, the warrior-sage who reclaimed the Land of Kerala from the sea. Sabarimala is one of the five 'panchashastha' temples erected by the powerful yogi to protect Kerala from destructive elements, the others being Kulathuppuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli. At Kulathuppuzha, the Lord is worshipped as an infant boy, at Aryankavu as an adolescent on the verge of matrimony and at Achankovil, he is depicted as a 'grihasthashrami' with his wives, Poorna and Pushkala.

However, on Sabarimala Lord Ayyappan/Dharmashastha is a brahmachari in a state of eternal bliss or Samadhi, holding 'chinmudra'. It is said that the lord sought this solitary abode to meditate soon after vanquishing the demon, Mahishi in a ferocious battle. The sabarimala sannidhanam (temple) is open to devotees only during mandalapooja (November to January), makaravilakku , vishu and the beginning of every month in the malayalam calendar.

Surrounded by lush tropical jungles and 18 hills, the shrine is over 1260m/4135ft above sea level. Sabarimala is part of Sahyadris (Western Ghats); remnants of ancient temples are visible in the adjoining hills and at Nilackal, Kalaketi and Karimala offerings are still made to the devis/devas. East of the sannidhanam is 'Vavarnada' which commemorates Vavar, a muslim associate of Lord Ayyappan. This gateway speaks volumes about the prevailing amity amongst religions in Kerala. 

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial

Location: Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), India

How to Reach: The Gandhi Mandapam is near to Kumari Amman Temple.

Opening Times: Open from 7am to 7pm, entrance is free

Best Time: Throughout the year


The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial was built in the year 1952. The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial has been built on the spot where the urn containing the ashes of the Father of our Nation was kept for public viewing. Later the ashes was immersed in the sea.

The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial resembles Oriyan temple.The memorial was constructed in a way on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday(October 2nd), the first rays of the sun fall on the spot where his ashes were kept through a hole in the roof.

Saturday, 29 September 2007

Swami Vivekananda Rock

Location: Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), India

How to Reach: The Swami Vivekananda memorial is reachable from Kanyakumari by ferry services that connect the island

Opening Times: Open from 7am to 5pm, closed on Tuesday

Best Time: Throughout the year



Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located where three oceans meet the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea , it is located 400 meters from Kanyakumari.

This magnificient structure was built in the year 1970, under the guidance of Shri Eknath Ranade and Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee. The cost of building the memorial was up to 1 crore 35 lakhs. The rock on which the memorial is contructed measures about 164 mtrs. x 130 mtrs. at the water level and has a spacious level top at an altitude of 17 mtrs.

Swami Vivekananda visited Kanyakumari, on December 24 ,25 and 26 in 1892. He swam across the sea meditated in the isolated rock, known as ‘Sripada Parai’.

He meditated about the past, present and future of India. It is believed that he received enlightenment here after meditating for three continuous days. The meditation transformed Swami Vivekananda into one of the most charismatic spiritual leaders of this century who will be remembered by everyone. This rock were he meditated is now popularly known as Vivekananda memorial and is a major tourist attraction.

The memorial has two main portions the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Sripada Mandapam, on two adjacent rocks which are separated by 70 meters from each other. The smaller rock known as 'Sripada Parai', it is believed in ancient times the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari medidated on this rock and there is a mark on the rock similar to a human foot which is believed to be 'Sripadam' or the feet of the Virgin Goddess. It is now surrounded in a square shrine or Sripada Madapam.

Vivekananda Mandapam has dimension of 534' x 426', a Meditation Hall ( Dhyana Mandapam) and it also has an Assembly hall (Sabha Mandapam) . A statue of Swami Vivekananda in a standing posture, has also been installed in the Assembly hall, with its vision directed towards the 'Sripadam'.

Monday, 24 September 2007

Ancient History of Kanyakumari

In ancient times, Kanyakumari was a great centre for art and religion. It was major area for trade and commerce.Kanyakumari was governed by several rulers they are the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks.The architectural beauty of the temples was contributed by these great rulers.

Then Kanyakumari became a part of the Venad kingdom. The capital of Venad kingdom was at Padmanabhapuram.The Venad king, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma during his time in power 1729 to 1758, established Travancore by extending his province further north up to Aluva. At that time , the Kanyakumari District was popularly known as Southern Travancore.

King Marthanda Varma conquered the Dutch East India Company at the famous Battle of Colachel in 1741. British control was completely established over Venad and continued their rule till 1947, so kanyakumari was also under the control of the British till 1947.

Travancore joined the independent Indian Union in 1947.
The British rule ended. In 1949, Kanyakumari was a part of the Travancore-Cochin State.
By this time, the popular campaigning for the merger of Kanyakumari District with Tamil Nadu was raised by the predominantly tamil speaking people of the southern division of the former Trivandrum district. The campaign was under the leadership of Thiru M.A. Nesamani .In November 1^st 1956, Kanyakumari was joined with Tamil Nadu (which was known as Madras State at that time) with the four Taluks i.e., Agasteeswarem, Thovalai, Kalkulam and Vilavancode. Now, Noverber 1^st is a local holiday in Kanyakumari district.

Monday, 17 September 2007

Marunthuvazh Malai - The Story

It is believed when Lord Hanuman was carrying a mountain of life saving herb to Lanka during Rama and Ravana war to cure Rama and his entire army.
Lord Hanuman dropped a piece of the mountain earth. This piece which dropped is known as Marunthuvazh Malai.
The Marunthuvazh Malai is filled with lots of medicinal valued herbs and plants. Marunthuvazh Malai is located on highway towards Nagercoil which is about 7 kms from Kanyakumari town.

KanyaKumari Name Origin

• Kanyakumari name comes from Goddess Kumari Amman or the Kanyakumari Temple, which is situated at the shore on the union of the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
• Actually, Kanya Devi, an avatar of Parvati, was to marry Shiva, but she could not marry him, she vowed to remain virgin all her life.
• The princess Kanya Devi is a virgin goddess. Hence the name KanyaKumari.

Sunday, 16 September 2007

KanyaKumari District

Kanyakumari (கன்னியாகுமரி) is a town in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu state, India. Located at the southernmost tip of India, it is also called Cape Comorin. The closest major town is Nagercoil, the capital of Kanyakumari district.

PROJECT DEVI: SPONSOR A CHILD!

PROJECT DEVI: SPONSOR A CHILD!

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 11:22 What is Project DEVI? Founded by Vivek Oberoi through the Yashodhara Oberoi Foundation, Project DEVI focuses on enriching the lives of the underprivileged girls of Vrindavan, providing them with the skills and the education to become productive, self-sufficient adults. Project DEVI operates through Food for Life Vrindavan whose work includes food distribution, basic medical assistance, training courses for women, assistance to the elderly and the disabled as well as primary school education for disadvantaged children. Food for Life Vrindavan is a 100% transparent charity. Anyone is welcome to check their books or visit them. It is an organisation that helps those in need and they do so with passion and with the belief of serving a higher purpose. Sponsoring a Child Sponsorship is as simple as a donation and any length of commitment is greatly appreciated. For just Rs 60/day (approximately USD$43, 32 Euros, £23 per month - please check xe.com for current rates) is sufficient to ensure a child receives an education, medical care, nutritious diet, and clothing. In addition to that we ask that sponsors give an extra $5 a month for each girl sponsored. This is to help prevent her from being taken out of school for premature marriage. This will give us an extra $60 a year, which will be placed in a special bank account. When the girl reaches the age of 18 and has completed her studies, that money will be given to her. We would like to extend our thanks to the sponsors of the first and second batch of angels whose lives you are positively changing forever thanks to your contribution! This is our third batch of angels. Vivek-Oberoi.Com will be posting the profiles of 5 girls at a time until a sponsor is found for each girl. For more information on Project DEVI, sponsoring a child or volunteering, please email us: management@vivek-oberoi.com Rani Rani is 7 years old and studies in the 2nd grade. Her father is a rickshaw-puller and her mother is a housewife. Rani has three brothers and the family of six live in a small rented room. It is very difficult for Rani's father to provide and take proper care of his large family.  Rani is a brilliant student who excels in every subject. She has great aspirations for the future and the potential to excel in life. By supporting Rani you will be relieving her family of a lot of pressure. Sponsoring Rani will help in keeping her at school for many more years, giving her quality education and the opportunity to fulfil her dreams of making a difference in this world. To sponsor Rani or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com  Pragati Pragati is a happy and high-spirited 8 year old studying in the 2nd grade. She has a large family with two brothers and two sisters. Her father is a watchman and her mother is a housewife. The large family of seven live in a small rented room and it is very difficult for Pragati's father to support his family.  By helping Pragati you will be relieving her family of a lot of pressure. Your donations will be used to improve her living situation and help her achieve her dreams. Sponsoring Pragati will give her a ray of hope and opportunity and importantly will help her to continue her studies at school which she thoroughly values and enjoys.  To sponsor Pragati or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com  Neelam Neelam is a very sweet and caring 9 year old and studies in the 2nd grade. he has a large family with two brothers and two sisters. Her father is a watchman and her mother is a housewife. The large family of seven live in a small rented room and it is very difficult for Neelam's father to support his family.  Neelam is a bright student and enjoys going to school, learning and spending time with her school friends. Neelam enjoys the many activities that are available at the Sandipani Muni School. Sponsoring Neelam will not just relieve her parents of a lot of pressure, but it takes pressure of Neelam too, giving her the ability to concentrate on her studies and achieve everything she dreams of becoming.  To sponsor Neelam or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com  Maya Maya is a very intelligent 8 year old and studies in the 2nd grade at the Sandipani Muni School. Her father works as a labourer and her mother is a house wife. The family live in a very small rented room.  Maya is a very optimistic young girl who dreams of making the world a better place for other young girls in situations similar to hers, which she hopes to achieve through education. By sponsoring Maya, you can help make her dream a reality! To sponsor Maya or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com The following angels have been sponsored! Thank you to the sponsors, your support provides each sponsored child with an education, a childhood and a real chance at life! Sona--SPONSORED! Sona is a sweet and cheerful 8 year old studying in the 2nd grade. She has a large family of three brothers and  two sisters. The family of 8 live in a very small rented room.  Sona's father works very hard as a labourer to support his large family.  By helping Sona, you will be relieving her family of a lot of pressure. Your donations will be used to improve her living situation and help her achieve her dreams. Sponsoring Sona will give her a ray of hope and opportunity and importantly will help her to continue her studies at school which she thoroughly values and enjoys.  To sponsor Sona or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Geeta--SPONSORED! Geeta is a bright and bubbly 8 year old studying in the 2nd grade. Geeta  has two brothers and one sister. Her family of six live in a very small rented room. Her father is a servant in a local shop and her mother is a house-wife.  Geeta is a very optimistic young girl who dreams of making the world a better place for other young girls in situations similar to hers, which she hopes to achieve through education. By sponsoring Geeta, you can help make her dream a reality! To sponsor Geeta or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Sandhya--SPONSORED! Sandhya is a very sweet and caring 8 year old studying in the 2nd grade at the Sandipani Muni School in Vrindavan. Even at her young age, Sandhya has great aspirations and a keen willingness to help the less fortunate. She is a bright student and excels in every subject. Sandhya has two brothers and two sisters and her family live in a small rent room. Her father is a labourer and finds it very difficult to fulfil the basic needs of the family.  By supporting Sandhya you will be relieving her family of a lot of pressure. Sponsoring Sandhya will help in keeping her at school for many more years, giving her quality education and the opportunity to fulfill her dreams of making a difference in this world. To sponsor Sandhya or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Suman--SPONSORED! Suman is a happy and high-spirited 7 year old and studies in the 2nd grade at the Sandipani Muni School. She has one brother and one sister. She is a bright student and enjoys going to school, learning and spending time with her school friends. Suman enjoys the many activities that are available at the Sandipani Muni School. Suman's father is a labourer and finds it very difficult to fulfill the basic needs of the family. The family of five live in a small rented room. By sponsoring Suman, your donations will be used to improve her living situation importantly will help her to continue her studies at school which she thoroughly values and enjoys.  To sponsor Suman or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Nancy--SPONSORED! Nancy is a very intelligent 7 year old and studies in the 2nd grade at the Sandipani Muni School. Nancy's family live in a hut made of bamboo and plastic, a crude 4-foot high tent that is too low for them to even stand in. The floor of the hut is made of mud and cow dung. Cooking, eating and recreation are all performed outside the hut as it is too small and cramped. There is no toilet or kitchen and food can only be prepared using a hand-made oven made of mud.  By helping Nancy, you will be relieving her family of a lot of pressure. Your donations will be used to improve her living situation and help her become the person she dreams of becoming. Sponsoring Nancy will give her a ray of hope and opportunity and importantly will help her to continue her studies at school which she thoroughly values and enjoys.  To sponsor Nancy or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Saroj -- SPONSORED! Saroj is a caring and high-spirited young 9 year old and studies in the 1st grade at the Sandipani Muni School. She enjoys going to school every day and learning as well as spending time with her school friends. Her favourite subjects are English and Maths. Saroj aspires to become a policewoman when she grows up. Her parents work as labourers to support her and her infant brother.  Saroj's family live in a hut made of bamboo and plastic, a crude 4-foot high tent that is too low for them to even stand in. The floor of the hut is made of mud and cow dung. Cooking, eating and recreation are all performed outside the hut as it is too small and cramped. There is no toilet or kitchen and food can only be prepared using a hand-made oven made of mud.  By helping Saroj, you will be relieving her family of a lot of pressure. Your donations will be used to improve her living situation and help her become the person she dreams of becoming. Sponsoring Saroj will give her a ray of hope and opportunity and importantly will help her to continue her studies at school which she thoroughly values and enjoys.  To sponsor Saroj or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Baby-- SPONSORED! Baby is a cheerful and intelligent 9 years old and studies in the 1st grade at the Sandipani Muni School in Vrindavan. Her favourite subject at school is Hindi. Baby aspires to become a policewoman when she grows up. Her family of 8 live in a very small one bedroom house which is made of brick, the floor is made of mud and cow dung and the roof is made of slate. The family do not have access to running water from their house and must travel 10 mins to a water source.  By sponsoring Baby, you will be giving her a brighter future, keeping her in school and giving her the opportunity to fulfill her dreams!  To sponsor Baby or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Rekha -- SPONSORED! Rekha is a happy and polite 9 year old who dreams of becoming a teacher just like her favourite teacher at the Sandipani Muni School. Her favourite subject at school is English and she enjoys riding her bicycle with friends. Rekha's parents both work very hard as labourers to support their 4 children. The family live in a rented one bedroom house made with walls of cement and the roof of slate. The family do not have access to running water and must travel 10 mins to a water source. In addition there is no kitchen and no gas. Rekha's parents have made a makeshift oven using mud which they use to cook meals for their children outside the home.  Rekha is a very optimistic young girl who dreams of making the world a better place for other young girls in situations similar to hers, which she hopes to achieve through education. By sponsoring Rekha, you can help make her dream a reality! To sponsor Rekha or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com Beeram-- SPONSORED! Beeram is a bright and lively 9 years old studying at the Sandipani Muni School. Her favourite subjects at school are English and Maths. Beeram has high hopes of working for the Government when she grows up. She has six sisters and lives with her family in a small two bedroom house made of cement and the roof of slate. The house has no toilet or kitchen and they must use a makeshift oven made of mud to cook meals. Beram's father works hard as a labourer to support his family of 8. Beeram's eldest sister who is 18 years old is married and lives with her new family.  By supporting Beeram you will be relieving her family of a lot of pressure. Sponsoring Beeram will help in keeping her at school for many more years, giving her quality education and the opportunity to fulfill her dreams of making a difference in this world.  To sponsor Beeram or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write tomanagement@vivek-oberoi.com  Radha -- SPONSORED! Radha is a very caring and sweet 6 year old girl studying at the Sandipani Muni School in Vrindavan. Even at her young age, Radha dreams of becoming a doctor one day to provide healthcare to the less fortunate. She is a bright student and her favourite subject at school is Hindi. Radha lives with her parents and 3 brothers in a rented one bedroom house with brick walls and a slate roof. The family must travel 10 mins to a water source as they have no running water at home, nor a gas stove. An outdoor makeshift oven made of mud is used to cook the family's meals.  Radha is a high-spirited young girl who, despite her tender age, studies hard and is motivated to make the world a better place for other young girls in situations similar to her which she hopes to achieve by one day becoming a doctor. By sponsoring Radha, you can help make her dream a reality! To sponsor Radha or for more information on sponsoring a child through Project DEVI, write to