DEVELOPMENT OF THE SEEDHA PROGRAM
HINDUISM teaches us that giving (SEVA) and making a SACRIFICE (YAJNA) are the highest means to SALVATION or MOKSHA, NIRVANA, or THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
“Acts of sacrifice (YAJNA), charity (DAAN) and penance (TAPAH) are not to be given up; they must be performed. Indeed, sacrifice, charity, and penance purify even the great souls. “
“All these activities should be performed without attachment or any expectation of result. They should be performed as a matter of duty, O son of Prithaa. That is MY final opinion.”
Bhagwad Gita Ch. 18 – Lord Krishna to Arjun Verse 5 and 6
Around 1982, during a committee meeting, a discussion was brought up by Shri Donald Williams, to provide SEEDHA BAGS (with household foodstuff for a week). He was the then President of PREMA. There were deep sentiments expressed as to whom these regular gifts must be given – since many were well dressed and seemed to be able to afford it. Donald was a very generous businessman, and he said something never to be forgotten:
“WHAT WE GIVE IN A GOOD, GENEROUS MANNER, NOT ONLY BENEFITS THE NEEDY RECIPIENTS, BUT THOSE WHO GIVE SELFLESSLY.”
Shri Donald Williams
Initially, we were giving out bags to 15 needy individuals, monthly. As things got stiff, we have increased this to 20, on a weekly basis, and since the onset of COVID19, we have further increased to twice per week. Several individuals had to have their homes refurbished or built by the organization.
This program has been sustained over the years by those members and families, by their cash donations and managed by the Presidents.
Fundraising assisted much. A noted fundraising event was one done by the Sunshine State Softball Cricket Association in which Sri Terry Gajraj performed (January 2020). We appreciate the magnanimous contributions by our friends and families. Recently, we were recipients of an additional supply by the new INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER, Shri Rungsung Masakui.
It has been meaningful not only to myself, but all members of my family, my wife foremost. Not only PREMA, but all members of our small community can hold our heads high, to know that we can set an example amongst ourselves. We impact our Nation whose Motto is: “OUT OF MANY ONE PEOPLE.”
Inspiration by Hame 