In 2006, Pujya Swami Sahajananda initiated the Sivananda Sunlit Path Programme to assist youth to cope with social evils such as drug & alcohol abuse, gambling, etc. and those suffering with depression and contemplating suicide. Numerous programmes have been conducted throughout the province, and over 1 700 children have signed a pledge to stay away from the above-mentioned social evils. They have now become members of the prestigious Sunlit Club, and receive a free supply of a quarterly magazine, Sunlit Path, which contains helpful articles written by Sri Swami Sivananda to help them in their daily lives. Daily prayer and turning to God for help are the main themes of the programme.
Sivananda Sunlit Path Centre
When a beautiful property in Chatsworth was donated to the Society by the Vedanta Mission in 2006, Pujya Swami Sahajananda decided that it will be the home of the Sivananda Sunlit Club, aimed at assisting youth afflicted with the above-mentioned problems.
Construction commenced in 2009, and the Centre was opened in April 2011. Although its primary focus is assisting youth, the Centre also comprises a Prayer Hall with a Peace Centre and Ganga Rani, an indoor sports centre, counselling rooms where youth having problems with drugs & alcohol, depression with suicidal tendencies, etc. are given assistance, an alternate remedies clinic, a sewing training centre, computer training centre, soya milk making facility, organic vegetable gardens and residential quarters.
The counselling of those afflicted with drug related problems is based on the teachings of the Divine Master and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The approach is purely spiritual. Youth are given guidelines and a spiritual diary to fill in, as well as literature to help them with their problems. Those seeking assistance with the above-mentioned problems may call at the centre from Monday - Friday between 9am and 4pm.
The skills training centres equip the unemployed with skills that will help them to secure jobs. Skills are taught in sewing, computer literacy, organic gardening and soya milk-making. Weekly programmes are also conducted for senior citizens.
