Pumzile Mthiyane tells us how the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda has impacted on her life.

The Sunlit Path Programme in Raisethorpe, Pietermaritzburg on 17 April 2015, was a great success.  Two hundred and fifty six learners (256) from the following ten schools attended: Arthur Blaxall, Carter High, Raisethorpe Secondary, Woodlands Secondary, EPS Secondary, Northbury Park Secondary, Kharina Secondary, Eastwood Secondary, Haythorne Secondary and Silver Heights Secondary. We are indeed extremely pleased to report that 215 learners (83.98%) heeded our call to fill in the pledge to try to stay away from drugs and other social ills.

The Sunlit Path follow-up programme for Verulam learners was held at the Kraydeb Conference Centre in Verulam on Friday, 6 March 2015. The following five schools participated: Verulam Secondary, Mountview Secondary, Glenhaven Secondary, Sacred Heart Secondary and Waterloo Secondary. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda's 59th Sannyas Anniversary was observed on Friday, 10 April at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. It was on this day in 1956 that the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda initiated Pujya Swamiji into the Holy Order of Sannyas. After the Sannyas Ceremony in 1956, the Master said, "Swami Sahajananda is styled as the spiritual king of South Africa, Durban. He is also called the African Chota Guru. He does not want anything. He is a silent worker. He is a man of renunciation, Vairagya and meditation. He is a very good organizer."

Ganga Saptami and Ganga Dussehra were observed on Saturday, 25 April and on the Thursday, 28 May, respectively.

Ganga Saptami commenced with Havan at Sivananda International Cultural Centre at 2pm, followed by a Yatra to the four sacred pools at SICC. The large gathering of devotees was given the opportunity to offer Ganga Jal in each of the four pools, paying homage and seeking Mother Ganga's blessings. The waters of Mother Ganga bless, purify and heal. Ganga Jal was also offered for those who are ill and for the peace of the souls who have departed. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda wrote about the healing powers of Mother Ganga. It is possessed of mysterious powers which are not found in any other river in the world.