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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 7 CITY VIEWS October 10, 2025 Thousands In US Attend Commencement Of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji’s 60th Birth Anniversary Celebrations S piritual learning and service to humanity were the overarching goals at the Shrimad Rajchan- dra Spiritual Center, USA (SRSC USA) “Festival of Bliss,” a special three-day event commencing its founder, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji’s, 60th Birth Anniversary celebrations. According to organizers, thousands from around the world, attended the festivities which took place from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28, 2025, at SRSC-USA, a community- integrated sanctuary focused on spiritual growth, wellness, and service. The center is located in picturesque Stroudsburg, PA, where attendees gathered to greet and pay homage to Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji. The celebrations began with birthday wishes to Pujya Gurudevshri, followed by a soulful musical dedication by devotees. A spiritual discourse and a serene lake- side veneration, made it a truly unforget- table occasion for attendees, organizers said. Addressing a large gathering, Pujya Gurudevshri explained the difference between human birth and human life. “He said that if we transform human birth into a Festival of Bliss, then it will be said that human life has truly been lived,” the press release quoted him saying. He further explained that it is an opportu- nity to be awakened. “By awakening the true discrimination between worthless and worthwhile living, a true seeker can remain detached even amidst worldly entanglements.” “With this spirit at heart, Pujya Gu- rudevshri guided seekers deeper into the journey of devotion, dissolving all delu- sions along the way,” according to the press release. The Festival celebrated the teachings and humanitarian work of Pujya Gurude- vshri. Attendees participated in various activities, including a tribute to the spiri- tual leader’s commencement of His 60th year; discourses by him providing guid- ance on inner peace and spiritual growth; and a special devotional performance by acclaimed musician and singer, Sachin Sanghvi. One of the biggest highlights of the three days was an massive initiative that aimed at reflecting the Mission’s core val- ues of compassion and social upliftment for the community – More than 100,000 meals were hand-packed by volunteers for communities worldwide facing star- vation and malnutrition. Also noteworthy was the Poconos Health andWellness Fest: The Shrimad Rajchandra Love & Care USA (SRLC USA), in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network, hosted the Poconos Health andWellness Fest on Saturday, September 27, 2025. This free community event brought together licensed medical profession- als, preventive screenings, and wellness workshops for over 250 residents. The health fair addressed critical healthcare access needs in the Pocono Mountains. Among the services and workshops provided were vision and dental health checks, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, diabetes screenings, bone density and BMI assessments; and dementia screenings for adults over 50. An Ask-a- Doctor booth gave interested attendees the option to talk to licensed physicians; a CPR & First Aid Training booth as well as free wellness kits and family-friendly educational materials were provided. Dr. Chintan Mehta, an internal medi- cine specialist, who is also a Trustee of SRLC USA, said, “Working alongside St. Luke’s University Health Network allowed us to bridge community service with pro- fessional medical expertise. This event reflected SRLC USA’s belief that true well- ness includes not only mindfulness and stress relief but also access to healthcare and preventive education.” Among other initiatives, organizers held the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care (SRLC) Evening of Gratitude, the goal of which was to pay tribute to the spirit of selfless service to all. A Diksha Ceremony was also held, where Pujya Gurudevshri initiated three “blessed seekers” into Atmarpit Diksha. This act was meant to also inspire others “to deepen their bond and walk the path of selfless dedication,” organizers said. The three dovotees who were initiated into a life of spiritual pursuit, included: * Neil Shah, Indianapolis, IN – B.S. from Indiana University, MBA from UC Berkeley * Kevin Shah, Mumbai – Chartered Ac- countant, B.Com * Smriti Kothari, Mumbai – M.A. in Counselling Psychology & Diploma in Hindustani Classical Music. By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Screengrabs from Instagramvideos Thousands gathered to greet the arrival of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji at the Festival of Bliss celebrated at the Shrimad Rajchandra Spiritual Center September 26-28, 2025, to commence year-long celebrations of his 60th birth anniverary. Neil Shah, one of the three young devotees as they embrace Atmarpit Diksha at Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, USA, in the divine presence of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji – a sacred initiation into a life of spiritual pursuit. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji being greeted by organizers at the Shrimad Rajchandra Spiritual Center in East Stroudsburg, PA, September 26, 2025. Kevin Shah from Mumbai, receiving blessings from Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji during the Atmarpit Diksha ceremony. Devotees of all ages, from children to youth and adults wished Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji at the commencement of his 60th birth anniversary celebrations, at the Shrimad Rajchandra Spiritual Center in the Pocono Mountains, PA, Sept. 26-28, 2025. Smriti Kothari receiving the blessings as one of the three devotees embracing Atmarpit Diksha. Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji imparting his spiritual wisdom to the hundreds of devotees gathered for the Festival of Bliss for the commencement of his 60th birthday celebrations, in East Stroudsburg, PA, Sept. 26-28, 2025.