Pujya Didi’s message at the inauguration of Lohana Mahajanwadi
Explaining the deeper meaning of steadfast faith, unity and service

By Hemang Palan 

“Those who are prosperous must use their wealth, intellect and capabilities for the welfare of all humanity. Rather than merely extending a helping hand to the underprivileged, they must empower them to stand on their own feet with dignity. Using one’s capabilities to help every individual stand tall as a human being is the true meaning of service,” said Pujya Dhanashree Didi of the Swadhyay Parivar while addressing members of the Lohana community at the inauguration of the ‘Thakkar Raghavji Devji Lohana Mahajanwadi’ in Nashik.

Expressing the forthright view that “the government does not build human beings, nor does it allow those who are already humane to retain their humanity,” she emphasised the need to awaken the goodness within people and help them recognise their own potential. She also conveyed that genuine social transformation begins by recognising the divine essence in every individual and fostering bonds of affection beyond caste, sect and social distinctions. Achieving unity through steadfast faith and collective organisation, and serving society selflessly without seeking publicity or prestige, are the guiding principles of meaningful social change.

The Mahajanwadi building, located in the Akashvani area, was inaugurated by Pujya Didi on Sunday evening. Vallabhkul Acharya Pareshkumar Goswami, Lohana Mahaparishad President Satish Vithlani, trustee Advocate Mahendra Ghelani, Jitubhai Thakkar and other prominent members of the Lohana community were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Pujya Dhanashree Didi said that while government schemes, education and skill development are important, the real key to comprehensive social transformation lies in awakening goodwill within individuals and helping them recognise their own capabilities. Instead of merely providing assistance to underprivileged sections, it is essential to build relationships of affection and trust with them, provide education and understanding, and enable them to become self-reliant.

Explaining the concept embodied in the Lohana community’s motto, “Sannishtha, Sangathan and Seva thi Siddhi” (fulfilment through steadfast commitment, unity and service), she said that devotion confined to an individual, institution or community alone cannot be considered complete steadfast faith; it becomes sannishtha when it is rooted in the divine. Organisation does not simply mean gathering people together. It means cultivating friendship, affection and a sense of oneness among them. True unity can emerge when people set aside distinctions of caste, religion, social background, education and status and recognise the same divine essence in every individual.

She further stressed that social work should not be driven by the desire for publicity, prestige or personal gain. Understanding the needs of the underprivileged, reaching out to them, treating them with dignity and using the resources and capabilities of prosperous sections for the larger welfare of humanity are the true expressions of service.

Acharya Pareshkumar Goswami expressed the hope that the Mahajanwadi would become a symbol of collective strength, observing that “the power of organisation is the mantra of our times.” Vithlani provided detailed information about the Lohana Mahaparishad’s activities across the world. He expressed confidence that the Mahajanwadi would be more than a community complex—it would inspire future generations through its spirit of commitment and collective effort.

Jitubhai Thakkar narrated the journey behind the construction of the Mahajanwadi. He said that the project could become a reality because it was touched by the thoughts and teachings of Pujya Pandurangshastri Athavale, fondly known as Dadaji. “Until the conviction that God is with me becomes firmly rooted within us, we cannot create a true identity or brand for our work,” he said. He also outlined the initiatives planned for the Lohana community through the Mahajanwadi.

Chetan Batavia, President of Nashik Lohana Mahajan, delivered the introductory remarks. Families who contributed to the development of the Mahajanwadi were felicitated with certificates of appreciation.

Vraj: Bringing His Great-Grandfather to Life
Manohardas Thakkar, whose contribution brought the Thakkar family to Nashik and who donated the land for the Mahajanwadi, was remembered with gratitude in a unique manner during the ceremony.

Vraj, grandson of Jitubhai Thakkar, dressed in the attire worn by his great-grandfather, Manohardas, and engaged in an impromptu interaction with the audience. Speaking fluent Gujarati while portraying his great-grandfather, Vraj won everyone’s admiration. Through his words, he conveyed the sentiment that Manohardas was, in a way, patting Jitubhai on the back for fulfilling the long-cherished dream of the Mahajanwadi.

When Vraj finished his speech, Pujya Didi rose from her seat and blessed him. She also reminded him of the responsibility he had taken on by wearing his great-grandfather’s turban, saying, “You have worn your great-grandfather’s turban; that carries a very great responsibility.”