Remembering Ashadevi and E.W.Aryanayakam

Ma- Baba  Smriti Diwas

 

 To pay tributes to Ashadevi  and E. W. Aryanayakam, Nai Talim Samiti Sevagram  organized  a prayer meeting at  Anandwan   Samadhi Sthal  on June 30, 2024. The teachers and staff members of the Samiti conducted the interreligious prayer.  Dr. Prabhakar Pusadkar, Secretary, Nai Talim Samiti, Sevagram addressed the gathering after the prayer meeting.  He gave a brief outline of the life and work of Ashadevi   and E. W. Aryanayakam,  and their contributions in furthering Gandhi’s vision of Nai Talim.  The Aryanayakam  couple had intimate  relations with the Nai talim community  and they were described as  Ma- Baba. 

 Dr. Siby K. Joseph , Director, Library and Research  Centre, Sevagram Ashram Pratishthan, Wardha also spoke on the occasion. As June 30 marks the death anniversary of  Ashadevi  Aryanayakam he spoke about her unique personality. He brought into the notice of the audience that  though the Government of India honoured Ashadevi in 1954, with the award of Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award for her contributions to the society, she refused to accept the same .  However her name remains in the list of first recipients of the award.  He also referred to her contributions in the field of education. The programme concluded with paying floral tributes to the departed souls.

Photo Credits Ms.  Yugandhara, Nai Talim Samiti , Sevagram