Guru Purnima Celebration 2021

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा ग्रुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः ।

गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः ॥

Guru is Vishnu (Vishnu is the Organizer), and Guru is Maheshwara (Shiva or the destroyer). Guru Sakshat Parabrahma means Guru is Parbrahma, the Supreme God. Since Guru leads us to a path of light, the Guru is Parabrahma. Tasmai Shree Guruve Namah means 'we bow to that Guru'.

Today is 24th July, a day dedicated to all Gurus by the name of Guru Purnima. Today’s auspicious day is celebrated by expressing gratitude and worshipping the spiritual gurus and educators. Also known as Vyasa Purnima, the day also commemorates the birthday of sage Ved Vyasa, author of several revered inscriptions such as Mahabharata and Puranas. On this day, disciples offer pooja (worship) or pay respect to their Guru (spiritual guide). In addition to having religious importance, this festival has great importance for Indian academics and scholars. Indian academics celebrate this day by thanking their educators as well as remembering past educators and scholars. Guru Purnima is an auspicious festival for Buddhists, as it is popularly believed that Lord Buddha gave his first sermon on this auspicious day. That is why, the day is also known as Buddha Purnima. No matter what religion you follow, what culture you have been born and brought up in, Buddha's teachings are universal.

Let’s talk about what a guru used to be like. A guru guided the spiritual progress of their learners known as shishya. Through the guru's spiritual, psychological, and practical insight, instructions were tailored according to what they saw and what was required for the learner to learn and advance spiritually. A sage with such attributes could fit the description of a true Guru. He was always absorbed in the Self and remained in constant remembrance of the Supreme. He was satisfied in every circumstance and participated in holy congregations. Not only he helped in the spiritual journey but also guided in household life — he gave intuition powers to decide what was good and what was bad for shishya’slife, he gave powers to decide what path to take which benefited the soul and guided about which path to avoid.

Today’s educator is no different from them. The only difference is that instead of a single guru who takes care of all aspects of teaching, present educator pass on their knowledge and facilitates in learning according to their expertise. Not only they impart their knowledge but also they provide counseling as and when required for all their learners. Our school is too paying tribute to all our educators on this auspicious day. A programme was specially organized for the educators by our educators. It begun with lamp lighting was done and a prayer was offered to Smt. Shantaben Haribhai Gajera and Shri Haribhai Gajera. After the prayer a bhajan was sung, followed by speech given by educators. Shields bearing their name and photos with a message dedicated to them was presented. Our respected principal too gave a speech on the importance of an educator in the learner’s life. Since only the educators who were organizing knew about the proceedings, it was a wonderful surprise for all.

A guru is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others. Happy Guru Purnima!