Author: Yamini Nair
Publication: The Times of India
Date: January 11, 2010
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/This-foundation-provides-free-food-conducts-yoga-classes-/articleshow/5431759.cms
Making a difference to the underprivileged
by providing food for both body and mind is what Dhyan Foundation, a spiritual
and charitable organization, does.
Under the guidance of Yogi Ashwini, the foundation
functions from several locations across the country, feeding the hungry and
conducting free yoga classes. "I felt the only way to respect and follow
my guru was by spreading his teachings and following his acts of charity,"
says Anjana Rajguru, in charge of the foundation's activities in Bangalore.
Started in July 2008, the Bangalore branch
feeds migrant labourers at construction sites in Koramangala, apart from distributing
food packets in slums and old-age homes. "They give food to our labourers
and their family. For people who struggle to earn a meal a day, this is a
great help. I hope they continue with this," says Hayat H T, a site supervisor.
"I was bedridden for long due to an auto-immune
disorder. Guru (Yogi Ashwini) changed the course of my life. After I benefited,
I decided to share it with the rest of the world," says Anjana.
Food is cooked at the house of a member, Amanullah
Warsi, in Koramangala. The house is always busy on weekends with volunteers
gathering and dividing the task. "I have benefited a lot from the yoga
classes. That is how I got involved with the activities of Dhyan. There is
no religion in feeding the hungry. It is extremely rewarding and satisfying,"
says Amanullah.
"Money is raised through contribution
from members -- software, HR and other professionals, students and even homemakers.
We have not faced a dearth of funds so far," adds Anjana.
"Before I started practising yoga at
Dhyan, I was unable to handle things in my personal as well as professional
life. Now I need not even put any effort. It comes naturally," says Nandini
Matiyani, another active member of the foundation, who is general manager,
HR, Wipro Infotech.
The foundation feeds 1,000 to 3,000 persons
every week and conducts yoga classes at the National Association for the Blind
and a government school at Marathalli. It has conducted workshops at Cisco,
Infosys, Wipro and Intel.
The foundation extends a helping hand in other forms as well. "They give
provisions to our children. They have promised to get some jobs for the students
here," says Paul Muddha, who runs a school for the visually challenged.
