Braj Foundation Newsletter 14

oundation.org www.brajf Vol:14

Ramtal: New Heritage Destination developed near Vrindavan Mr. Kamal Morarka dedicates it to the nation

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kms from Vrindavan 2700 years old Ramtal now posses a magnificent look after the site has been restored by The Braj Foundation, with the financial support of Gannon Dunkerley Group (Mumbai). It was recently inaugurated by Ex. Minister of PMO Mr. Kamal Morarka and Mrs. Bharti Morarka in a grand ceremony. The site which was once a barren land has been transformed into a heritage tourism destination for devotees and visitors visiting the holy city.

Ramtal now has beautiful landscape and tourist facilities, with an upcoming Lilly pond in its centre. A Yagyashala (place of oblation) has been added to revive the legend of the place associated with Saubhari Rishi who finds mention in most revered Hindu scripture Shrimad Bhagwatam. Ramtal was his place of meditation and so his stone figure has also been installed, in an aesthetic way, under a 1000 years old Banyan tree.

Ramtal presents a magnificent look of Ghats of an ancient water body. The unique feature of having steel sheet all along the base of this newly discovered site has attracted archaeologists and media from far and wide.

The initial plan was to develop Ramtal as a huge water

reservoir. However after digging 15 feet deep, the ancient foundations suddenly emerged and therefore in order to benefit the Archaeology students, historians and tourists, original plan was changed into developing this site like Mr. & Mrs. Morarka interacting with media at Ramtal Indus Valley Civilization sites in India. The site is already attracting large number of tourists throughout the day.

Inside Stories Pg-2 Action in field.

Pg-3 Mata Amritanandmayi 'Amma' visits Braj Foundation's projects in Vrindavan.

Pg-4 Sankarshan Kund taking final shape.

Action in field

Chairman's Message 2017 began with a big bang for The Braj Foundation as multiple projects took off simultaneously. We have started the beautification of Vrindavan Parikrama Marg, which had been in demands from the last three decades. During this period many public figures made tall claims to take up this herculean task.

However, by the mercy of Shri Bankey Bihari Ji and the initiative of Hon’ble PM Mr. Narendra Modi to revive heritage towns, we could get major allocation for this project from the MoUD/GoI. The district administration of Mathura, municipalities of Mathura and Vrindavan and MP Ms. Hema Malini are taking keen interest to ensure speedy progress of this project.

Similarly the beautification of four leelasthalis on NH-2 and that of Shri Krishna Janmasthan approach road has also began. These projects are being implemented under the HRIDAY and PRASAD schemes of GoI. Restoration of many other projects of Braj Foundation are also progressing speedily. The restoration works of Brahm Van (NH2) and Jai Kund (Jait) is in advance stage and that of Chandra Sarovar (Chaumuha) has just started.

We warmly invite you to visit these transcendental sites with your family and friends where Lord Krishna performed His transcendental pastimes. To seek information or logistic support for your trip, you may contact Prawal Krishna (9927337333/ pk@brajfoundation.org).

Vineet Narain vn@brajfoundation.org

Krishna Sarovar Baad-Mathura, NH2

This place is also the birth place of medieval age s a i n t H i t H a r i v a n s h Mahaprabhu who was believed to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna 's flute.

Restoration of K r i s h n a Sarovar, Baad vill., Mathura at NH2; where Krishna & Balram took bath after killing fierce demon Dhenukasur.

Banmali Kund Akbarpur- Mathura, NH2

De-watering in progress at Banmali Kund, also known as 'Akbar ka Taal', where Mughal King halted before going for the darshan of Swami Haridas Ji, in Nidhivan (Vrindavan).

Beautification of Yamuna Ghat at Vrindavan Parikrama Ghats at Vrindavan Parikrama are getting revamped under the GoI's HRIDAY scheme.

City-Anchor for M a t h u r a B r a j Foundation is monitoring and guiding

the restoration works. 2.25 kms. parikrama is being beautified in the first phase. The rest will be taken up in next phase.

Braj Rakshak Dal : Community wing of Braj Foundation Established by Braj Foundation to maintain & secure the restored heritage sites, Braj Rakshak Dal, the community wing of our volunteers arranged a day long workshop at vill. Jait.

To support this noble mission, you may donate online at brajfoundation.org. Donation to The Braj Foundation are exempted u/s 80G & 35AC of Income Tax Act. Please feel free to contact Ms. Bhavna Kansal (9873946810/ bhavna@brajfoundation.org) Volunteers of Braj Rakshak Dal with its Convener Anand Yadav

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It was here King Akbar shed off his royal robe and wrapped a blanket as servant of Tansen as SwamiJi would not have entertained someone attached to his royal aura.

Hundreds of youth and village headmen attended the workshop to learn issues about environment protection and organic farming, from experts.

Mata Amritanandmayi 'Amma' visits Braj Foundation's projects in Vrindavan

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ata Amritanandamayi Amma, showered motherly love and blessings on Brajwasis during her first ever visit to Vrindavan. She came on the invitation of our Chairman Vineet Narain. On arrival she, along with her 3000 plus international disciples, marched in a beautifully decorated Shobha Yatra and visited Brahma Kund, restored by The Braj Foundation with the financial support of Piramal Group, Mumbai. Looking at this heritage site she told our team, "By decorating Braj you are realising my dream."

Later during her pandal programme, she hugged and blessed over 25000 Brajwasis, till 2am. Many people started crying in ecstasy after Amma hugged them. All prominent saints of Braj gathered in a special programme to felicitate her for the services she has been rendering to humanity.

In his welcome speech Mr. Narain got quite emotional and in a choked voice he appealed to Amma to save our sacred river Yamuna. His heart touching words brought tears to many eyes.

The programme was followed by Amma's discourse, bhajans a n d g u i d e d meditation to the audience. Speaking in Malayalam with a Hindi translator, she said, “If each one of us become careful in maintaining zero garbage life style then there is no doubt that Yamuna will also be cleaned.” She has set

an example by leaving Vrindavan with zero waste. Her disciples kept sorting out the garbage for recycling during her programmes.

She added, “The problem will only be solved when the chemical waste and sewage disposal won't get dumped in the river. Without a collective effort, in which all strata of society participate, there will be no success.”

Later in the day Amma dressed up like Krishna when she enjoyed Child Krishna's 'Makhan Chori Leela' in a special programme. Her visit stirred whole of Braj. People were very appreciative of Braj

Foundation's team for having arranged the biggest ever spiritual programme in the recent history of Braj.

The UP State Govt. also accorded full state honor to Amma and Mathura Admn. and Police shared full responsibility in arranging this mega event.

Amma's disciples at Brahma Kund

Media Coverage

Shobha Yatra in Amma's honour

Amma and Bade Swamiji at Brahma Kund

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Sankarshan Kund taking final shape

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ankarshan Kund is amongst the most important heritage sites of Braj located on Goverdhan Parikrama and is named after the elder brother of Lord Krishna, namely 'Sankarshan' or Balram. By the inspiration of Shri Shri Chinna Jeeyar Swami Ji (Hyderabad), The 5 acres project is now into its final stage of restoration, by The Braj Foundation. Two ghats and spiral pathways have already been beautifully developed and the boundary wall with chain link fencing of the premises has been completed.

Now a 24 feet tall idol of Lord Sankarshan is awaited, which has been carved in Tirupati Balaji. The idol will be installed over a 12 feet high podium, making it the tallest statue in Braj region. In addition, heavy

Testimoniol Braj Foundation is doing great job by restoring the ancient sites. my compliment & best wishes are with them.

Ravindra Chamaria Chairman, Infinity Group

plantation is under process so that in the first monsoon the whole premises would look beautiful and lush green.

At different stages, this project has been funded by Gannon & Dunkerley Group (Mumbai), Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation (Mumbai) and My Home Group (Hyderabad).

"Braj Foundation has taken great initiative to revive the ancient heritage sites with historical importance.

Foundation must be congratulated to undertake this task from limited funds and I wish them all the best " Balvinder Kumar I.A.S. Secretary Mines, Govt. of India

Clockwise from top : 1. Clean water in Sankarshan Kund after restoration. 2. Entry gate of Sankarshan Kund, being constructed in South Indian style. 3. Parikrama Marg and Giriraj temple under construction. 4. Proposed plan of the kund

Sankarshan Kund will soon be developed as heritage site as shown in the proposed view (above). Parikrama marg will be encircling a temple of sacred Goverdhan hill (under construction, as shown on left side) and ghats will facilitate the devotees who wish to perform any austerities.

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Our Team

Mr. Rajneesh Kapur, is the Secretary of the Braj Foundation. He is also the Managing Editor of New Delhi based Kalchakra. Through this bureau, he has been involved in unearthing several high profile political scams in India. He is associated with Mr. Vineet Narain for the past two and half decades. His selfless dedication for public causes and high integrity has won him many admirers in high circles.

Published for private circulation by Rajneesh Kapur, Secretary,The Braj Foundation, C-6/28 Safdarjung Development Area, New Delhi - 110016

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