THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE (17TH JAN 2013)

An abridged report of The 8th International Conference on “Yoga: Tradition, Modernity, Technology”
Held on 17th January, 2013, at Lonavla

In Fond Memory of Dr. M. L. Gharote

Organized by The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India)

An International Conference on “Yoga: Tradition, Modernity, Technology” was organized on 17th January 2013 at Della Adventures Lonavla. This one day yearly event was held to solemnize loving memory of Dr. M.L. Gharote who is the founder of The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India), Lonavla.

The occasion was presided over by Dr. Sunil-ji Kale, who is Doctor by his profession and scholar in the fields of alternative therapies’. His Highness khemsawant Shivramsawant Bhosale of Sawantwadi, Maharashtra, the Chief Trustee of Sadguru Samartha Satam Maharaj Samadhi Mandir Trust, was also present as a Guest of Honour. Shri. Suhas N. Gurjar, Trustee of The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India), was also present for this occasion.

To begin this auspicious occasion a light was enkindled by the honored guests on the dais as it dispels darkness and brings light.

Miss Ketki Shetye, a well–respected classical singer sang soulful prayers in the praise of the Supreme Lord. Her mellifluous voice toned and christened with delicate emotional tenderness enthralled the august audience and transcended them to the lofty state of peace and harmony.

Shri. Suhas N. Gurjar, Trustee, The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India), welcomed the guests on the dais by offering them bouquet of flowers.

Dr. Manmath M. Gharote, Organizing Secretary and the Director of ‘The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India)’, welcomed all the guests and participants through a short speech. In his speech he stressed on the topic “Yoga: Tradition, Modernity, Technology” and the importance of Traditional knowledge of Yoga and its utility in modern times. He expressed that unfortunately modern teachers are deprived from the traditional knowledge and that is the reason why there are several misconceptions we see in all over the world. With rich knowledge and wisdom of yoga, aspirants may progress on the path of self-regulation and Self-realization. He also threw some light on the salient features of the new publications ‘Encyclopaedia of Traditional Asanas” (second edition), Guidelines for Yogic Practices” (Third edition), and “Miraculous wisdom of Sadguru shree Satam Maharaj” which were released during the conference. While speaking about the new publication of “Miraculous wisdom of Sadguru shree Satam Maharaj” Dr. Manmath stressed that to know “true yoga” one should be blessed by “Yogeshwara”.

Mr. Stefano Castelli, Ph.D. Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Italy, Prof. Hiroshi Aikata from Japan, Ms. Sayuri Hongo, from Japan, Lucilla Monti from Italy, Mr. Cornelius Woelke, from Germany and Miss Ketki Shetye, the famous T.V. singer were respectfully honored with a memento and bouquet of flowers at the end of pre-lunch session.

Special Guests like, Shree Gurav Maharaj, a Great Siddha of Gorakshanatha Tradition, Shri. Shrikrishna Vyavahare, President, Ghantali mitra Mandal, Thane, Dr. Samprasad Vinod, Director, Maharshi Vinod Research Foundation, Pune were respectfully honored with a memento, a shawl & a bouquet of flowers.

A number of messages from well-wishers and close associates of The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India) like Dr. Daya Mullins, Germany, Katharina Mainhard, Germany, Regine Wagner, Germany, Mr. Kim Je Chang, Korea, and Mr. Kawee Kongpakdepong, Thailand, Dr. Pedro De Vicente Monjo, Spain were received from all over the world for this occasion.

It was the time of the Guest Speaker to deliver his speech. The speaker, Dr. Sunil Kale, who is erudite scholar from the fields of Ayurveda, alternative medicine, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Sujok therapy, Homeopathic medical science, Barakshars or 12 salts therapy, colour therapy & pendant diagnosis technique, ancient Indian knowledge disciplines like gemstone therapy, palmistry, horoscope or Kundali, calligraphy, numerology and other occult areas like spirituality, Mantra-shastra, Yantra-shastra & Tantra-shastra, elaborated on the value of traditional approach of Yoga. He was emphatic on importance of Nada and its ancient meaning. He also gave several ancient quotations to prove the importance of tradition and traditional knowledge. Especially he mentioned that one can follow this system to reach the highest state of Consciousness. He also was in praise of the textual work being carried out by The Lonavla Yoga Institute for restoration, preservation and also spreading this wisdom.

His Highness khemsawant ShivramSawant Bhosale of Sawantwadi, the Chief Trustee of Sadguru Samartha Satam Maharaj Samadhi Mandir Trust, graced the occasion by his highly spirited presence. He spoke on the role of Sadguru in every one’s life. He also shared some of the miracles of Great realized soul and incarnation of Lord Dattatraya, Sadguru Shree Satam Maharaj. His message was “true blessings of Sadguru can also help one to go beyond the mind and the intellect to enjoy the Supreme Bliss. He too praised the work of The Lonavla Yoga Institute (India) in the exclusive area of Traditional Yoga literature.

Publications like ‘Encyclopaedia of Traditional Asanas” (second edition), Guidelines for Yogic Practices” (Third edition), and “Miraculous wisdom of Sadguru shree Satam Maharaj” were released on this occasion.

Post-lunch session began with the panelist speaker Swami Govind Dev Giri-ji, President of Veda Vyasa Pratishthana, Pune.

Swami Govind Dev Giri-ji, who is a erudite scholar and great spiritual head, explained the importance of Yamas and Niyamas in day to day life. He also stressed that in modern era unfortunately we forget the necessarily of all the ethical and moral values. In his joyful talk, explained certain situations where we can apply all the ethical and moral norms.

The second panelist speaker Swami Chaturvedi-ji, is an spiritual head of Ramanuja Mission Trust. He is spiritual Master per excellence. It would be quite difficult to find another personality of his stature. He mesmerized the audience with his extraordinary speech. He explained lucidly the topic of the conference and correlated three concepts namely Tradition, Modernity and technology.

Swamiji’s erudition truly is matchless. This was truly inspiring…..

While giving concluding remarks Dr. Manmath M. Gharote, Organizing Secretary of the Conference offered thanks to every one for successful organization of the conference. In his speech Dr. Manmath specially mentioned that this is a grand success and a great gathering of more than 400 participants from all over the world, only because of the support from well wishers of The Lonavla Yoga Institute. He also wished that all will meet again for the next International Conference which is to be held on 17th January 2014. The conclusion of the Conference was spirited with a promise to meet again on such highly educative and informative Congress of scholars and experts of international repute.

The Conference came to an end with the prayer ‘Pasayadan’ of one of the greatest saints of Maharashtra, Shri Jnaneshwara.