Date:09/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/09/stories/2006010918840300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

`Tell children the importance of forbearance and perseverance'

Staff Reporter

About 27 p.c. of the population has depression and spirituality can help cure it: Sri Ravishankar

BANGALORE: Children should be told about the suffering and struggle of our forefathers to make them understand the importance of forbearance and perseverance, said Sri Ravishankar, founder, Art of Living Foundation here on Sunday.

Speaking after inaugurating the golden jubilee hall and auditorium built by Sindhi Seva Samiti at Sindhi School, Hebbal campus, he stressed the importance of spirituality for "stressed out souls" who are groping in the dark to come out of self-caused conflicts. "About 27 per cent of the population is suffering from depression as the concept of community and concept of family is missing. Only spirituality can cure this illness," he said.

Lauding the Sindhi community, he said that it has contributed to the welfare of society, though its numbers are small. "Sindhis are living in peace although they were displaced from their place of origin. They have always worked for the development of the place where they live in and never retaliated," he said. "The community is also aware of protecting its food habit, language, folk songs and other cultural individualities. Our culture is our national heritage. It should be preserved for the future generation," he asserted.

To a question from a member of the audience on the purpose of life, Sri Ravishankar said that if someone knew the answer for this question, he would not give it. "It is a million dollar question but the answer is worth cents," he said.

He said today's children were receptive to the language of love and it was the bounden duty of everyone to spread the message of love and peace through them.

Rajkumar L. Kukreja, president of Sindhi Seva Samiti, who welcomed the gathering, recalled the effort made by the community members in successfully completing the "Mission Hebbal" project. The vision of "Mission Hebbal" was to build a quality educational institution with good facilities. "The mission has been accomplished today," he said.

The Sindhi community subscribes to the spirit of service though it suffered during Partition and believes in self-reliance, he said. The community has not approached any government for reservations or assistance, Mr. Kukreja added.

The samiti secretary Deepak Narang proposed a vote of thanks.

Established in 1956, the Bangalore branch of Sindhi Seva Samiti is celebrating its golden jubilee this year.