Interfaith Information Online

Hindu Vidyapeeth-Nepal (HVP) is an educational institute run on a non-profit basis by Matribhoomi Sevak Sangh (MSS). MSS is a socio-cultural organization devoted to development of society through disciplined, dynamic and well cultured individuals. HVP-Nepal has been emerging as a centre for providing value based education and selfless service to all. Under the Private Educational Trust HVP currently has three branches - in Balkumari, Thali and Dang.

HVP aims to produce a generation of capable, dynamic, committed and thoughtful individuals who would devote their lives for world peace. HVP emphasizes the development in students of ideals such as love, peace, harmony, tolerance, fraternity and non-violence.

Contact: Hindu Vidyapeeth-Nepal, Balkumari, Lalitpur, Nepal, P.O. Box No: 6807, Kathmandu, Nepal

Shanti Sewa Ashram (SSA) was founded in Kathmandu for the promotion of peace as a reflection of Mr. Yogi’s effort to bring organizations working in several areas of the society into a common forum. It dreams of fostering selfless service towards humanity through peace and non-violence and various spiritual and philosophical awareness programs such as discourses, seminars, conferences and worship on a regular basis. For the realization of these, SSA has future plans such as running an orphanage, an old people’s home, a Yoga, meditation and naturopathy centre, an organic farm and a vocational training centre.

Contact: Phulbari Marg, Koteshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal. Phone No: 00977 -1 - 4601804

The Youth Society for Peace (YSP) was founded in 2060 B.S. (2003A.D.) by youths associated with SSA. YSP aims at bringing social harmony and transformation by fostering peace in society. It focuses on the younger generation's potential and thus works specifically to promote peace through active participation of youths. YSP is mainly led by the ex-pupils of HVP. It has been helping other colleges and schools of Nepal in establishing peace clubs, and also organizes seminars, Youth conferences, camps and peace programs.

The Children’s Peace Home (CPH) based in Dang has been serving orphans, war victims, destitute and homeless children of Nepal by providing them with free education, food and accommodation. At present the Home has 25 children who are fully sponsored to receive value based education at HVP Dang along with training in life-skills. Situated in the very natural and peaceful countryside of Parsa, Dang, the Home has a plan to house around 50 children.

Contact: Parsa, Dang: Phone No: 9857830465 / 00977–82-560465; Email: yogibhola2000@yahoo.co.in

The Society for Value Education (SVE) is committed to bringing overall transformation in society through promoting a value based education for all. As such, SVE provides orientation, teacher-training opportunities and modern methodology to the founders, principals and teachers of schools and colleges in Nepal. This acts as a common forum for like-minded educational institutes to work together to promote value education.

National Interfaith Coordination Movement – Nepal: The movement (NICM) is a campaign committed towards bringing different faiths together. It comprises spiritual and religious leaders, saints and gurus (teachers) from various backgrounds for peace, social harmony, and religious tolerance. It aims to foster equal respect for all faiths/cultures whilst joining hands to tackle common social problems.

The Peace Family (PF) is a network of several different organizations. It is actively involved in helping street-children, preserving the environment, working for the welfare of women, serving old-age citizens, discouraging drug abuse, and helping HIV victims. As part of this it offers spiritual discourses, yoga, meditation and naturopathy.

Dr. Chintamani Yogi: Dr. Yogi has been serving humanity for the past two decades. Dr. Yogi's contribution is substantial towards culture, education and social service, particularly in Nepal. Dr. Yogi was born in Dang in 2020 B. S. (1963 A.D). He is an internationally renowned philosopher and orator, leading with vision and firm commitment to humanitarian goals. Dr. Yogi is helping several institutions worldwide. He is coordinator and founder principal of HVP Schools, founder of SSA and SVE, patron of YSP, and chairperson of NICMN. He has also been closely associated with several national and international organizations such as HVP-UK, HVPSG-USA, FPS-USA, COE-USA. With the philosophy of “The world: just one family”+, he has been traveling throughout the world to promote values and peace.

We would like to humbly request you all to help our various activities and projects in any way you can. Let us offer our selfless service to attain the goal of life. Let us be guided by the philosophy: “Let everyone in the world be happy” and join our hands together. Let us preserve and honour every caste, creed, culture and religion as equal parts of the whole. Let us develop a sense of universal brotherhood, co-existence and mutual understanding, to truly live a human life…

A volunteer's view: Shanti Sewa Ashram - Hopes and Dreams

Shanti Sewa Ashram, situated in Koteshwor , Kathmandu, just 15 minutes walk from HVP Central, continues to be a community and spiritual centre and hub of activity. The Ashram has recently been extended, and now consists of 3 floors providing ample space for the community groups which use it.

Whilst volunteering here in Nepal, I have had the pleasure and honour of being invited to several programs here. The programs are hugely spiritually uplifting - the bajans wonderful to hear, and it is here that I personally feel spiritually awake and surrounded by people who support and understand each others goals and dreams for peace. I also like the fact that the centre is used for more concrete pursuits - training woman, and helping children, providing them with guidance and some fun.

The Ashram was established five years ago, under the leadership of Dr C M Yogi, and 21 various community groups who continue to support him. Is used regularly for various programmes,

• meetings and satsangs which strengthen the intention of peace and promote interfaith co-operation

• Workshops and discussion groups for YSP (Youth Society for Peace)

• Saturday morning programs for local children - the so-called Seeds of Peace (SOP)

• A place for training local woman - most recently with skills to make handicrafts

The Ashram is supported financially and spiritually by members of the Yogi family, by close friends in Nepal, and the community groups mentioned above. The focus is very much on spirituality based community service.

The ultimate dream of the leaders of the Ashram, is to diversify and expand the range of services it can provide and the people is can help. Inspired by the dynamic and dedicated Dr CM Yogi, the plan is to obtain a bigger site on a piece of land in a more rural area, still in the Kathmandu Valley., but closer to nature so that all the benefits of being away from the city can be enjoyed. Funds are needed at this point, only to purchase the land. Once bought, it is planned for many, many social groups to benefit from activities on the site. Old people, orphans, and war victims are all people in desperate need of shelter and guidance, and this will all be provided. In keeping with Dr Yogis philosophy, there will be no restriction as to the people who will benefit - underprivileged woman, Dalit (the so called untouchable caste), Janjati (ethnic community) , and any other needy groups - all will be offered shelter regardless of caste, creed or religious belief. There are plans too, for a centre for visitors from anywhere in the world to visit and so support the Ashrams efforts. An area where holistic pursuits such as yoga, meditation and retreats will be arranged along with courses to teach naturopathic medicine and alternative health. The land will also offer an opportunity for young and old to work and learn together - producing organic fruits, vegetables and herbs for consumption by the occupants, and making the site more self sufficient.

To conclude, Dr Yogi says, " There are so many people in need here in Nepal, and we are in a fortunate position to be able to assist them. We hope our dream will be fulfilled, and our friends will continue to support us and help us to expand and realise our vision. "

I share Dr Yogi's hopes for the Ashram, and hope that he and his friends and followers will be given the opportunity to reach their ultimate goal, thus helping the most needy and vulnerable people in this wonderfully inspiring country.

Sue Cooper, UK Volunteer