The last time we had joined the
morning walk was a few years back. On 1st October, the first Sunday
of the month, we decided to join the walk at Gardens by the Bay so as to bring
my Mother-in-law out for a mind and body refreshing morning. It was a good
decision as we enjoyed the day thoroughly right from the beginning. Enthusiastic
walkers, both young ones and those young at heart, joined and soon the finally
tally that day before we began the walk had reached a staggering 36.
The sun was up and bright
when we did our warm up exercise led by Devdutt Lal. We split into
smaller groups to suit each person’s individual walking pace. Later as we
started the walk, Sooriya Bhagawan was kind enough to hide behind the clouds
and a cool breeze accompanied us as we continued along the water front. There’s
nothing quite like a brisk walk along river with the panoramic view of the
skyline on one side and the gardens on the other. It was a great bonding time
as members shared their previous walking experiences. We spotted types of
floras, not commonly found in urban cities, such as Sanghu poo, Thumba poo and
sharing the medicinal value of those. Some bright wild flowers along the
walking path were feast for our eyes. Also saw few types of the flower of the
month, Hibiscus. Took group snaps and ended our walk.
When we reached the host, Uncle
Kashyap’s house, refreshing drinks and titbits awaited us. We began as usual
with opening meditation followed by bhajans sung by Kashyap Uncle and his
family members. We could join in with the heart-warming renditions of songs
such as “Jyothi Kalash Chhalke” thanks to the provided lyrics. We ended off
with a passionate beat box performance by the young man Amit, Kashyap Uncle’s
grandson. We were also very fortunate to hear the short and sweet lecture by Dr
Sachidananda Mohanty, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Orissa (Guest
Speaker) on how to involve youth in Sri Aurobindo Society Singapore’s
activities so that they become future torch bearers of this Movement.
It was indeed a joyous occasion
to celebrate the birthdays of members with a cake to be led by Uncle Kashyap
whose birthday also falls in the month of October. Later we had a sumptuous
spread for lunch. As Uncle Kashyap shared that the morning walk, which first
started in early 70s has since been going strong with newcomers regularly
joining the ever-consistent senior members of the society. This unbroken
tradition will go a long way from here with everyone’s participation under
Mother’s Divine Grace.
-
K.Chandrakala
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