With the blessings, inspiration, and guidance of Pujya Tai Ma, a beautiful ceremony was organised at Veerayatan Kutch on 10 May, the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, to mark Sadhvi Shri Sumedhaji's completion of the Varshi tap (year-long fast). The annual Academic Award Ceremony was also celebrated on that day. The event was graced by the presence of Pujya Upadhyaya Shri Yashaji, Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji and respected sadhvis.
Prior to the day’s ceremony, Sadhvi Shri Sumedhaji visited Pune to seek Pujya Tai Ma’s blessings. Pujya Tai Ma congratulated her on the successful completion of her fourth year-long fast, emphasising the significance of austerity in Jain tradition. Pujya Tai Ma spoke extensively about the essential role of food in sustaining life and the immense resolve required to renounce it as part of austerity practices. She highlighted that controlling one’s desires, especially the desire for food, leads to mastery over all other desires, thus playing a crucial role in Jainism.
It was humbling to have the presence of Shri Sunderji Bhai, President of Veerayatan Kutch, and Shri Yogesh Bhai from Dubai. Held at the magnificent and artistic Adani Auditorium, the event was attended by students and teachers of Veerayatan, along with leading members of the Jain community from Mandvi, Gandhidham, Bhuj, Jamnagar, and Ahmedabad.
The event commenced with a melodious invocation by Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji. Pujya Upadhyay Shri Yashaji, in her address, emphasised the importance of giving and commended the relentless efforts of Sadhvi Shilapiji, Sadhvi Manasviji, Sadhvi Sumedhaji, and Sadhvi Pranitiji, for the upliftment of Veerayatan Kutch. Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji in her address acknowledged Sadhvi Sumedhaji for her active participation in compassionate activities despite her fasting.
Sadhvi Sumedhaji said, "I am deeply grateful that, with the immense power of blessings, I was able to complete this Varshi Tapa without any obstacles. Throughout this year-long worship, I received boundless affection from Pujya Tai Ma and unparalleled support from Sadhvi Shri Shilapiji who personally took great care of me during both Pārṇā and fasting. I also sincerely thank Sadhvi Manasviji and the entire Sadhvi Sangh for their special support. If any of my actions during this year-long worship have caused anyone any distress, I seek forgiveness from the Lord, Guru, and Dharma, saying -"Tassa Micchami Dukkadam"
Pujya Upadhyaya Shri Yashaji initiated the 'Pacchakhan' ceremony. The audience in the auditorium enthusiastically participated in the Pārṇā (breaking of the fast) ceremony. After enjoying the delicious and cold sugarcane juice as prasad, everyone partook in a sumptuous meal, and with sweet and joyous feelings, the event concluded. Professor Hard from Veerayatan Institute of Engineering made the Pārṇā celebration even more delightful and sweet with his devotional songs.
As part of annual academic day, those students of Veerayatan College who had scored 85% or more in their final exams were awarded laptops as prizes. Every year, Veerayatan, Kutch allocates between one to one and a quarter crore rupees as educational assistance for bright, talented, and disadvantaged students, benefiting hundreds of students annually. As part of this scheme, scholarship cheques in the form of financial aid were given to meritorious students.
