Swami Ishwarananda and Brahmachari Achyutananda conducted a two-day public talk programme on May 14–15, 2016 in the Town Hall of Puri. The talks were in Hindi and based on Gurudeva’s commentary on the Bhagavad Gita – God Talks with Arjuna. Around 450 people including devotees, attended the programme on the first day and 250 on the following day.

     The programme began with bhajans followed by the discourse by Swami Ishwarananda. The topic of the first day’s talk was: “Being Victorious in the battle of Daily Life”. Quoting from Gurudeva’s interpretation on the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Swamiji said that a war is being continuously waged in our consciousness between the evil propensities – the Kauravas – and the divine propensities – the Pandavas. He explained how we can always choose to side with the “Pandavas” within us and thus re-establish the kingdom of God in our consciousness.

     On the second day Swamiji spoke on : “Kriya Yoga – The Key to Success and Prosperity”. He explained why this particular technique was revealed to mankind in this atomic age. Citing the shlokas in the Bhagavad Gita where reference is made to the science of Kriya Yoga, he showed how its regular practice can establish the temple of God in the hearts of men and thus bring success and prosperity to each individual and to the society at large. Both these talks were interspersed with recitation of relevant shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita.

     One of the devotees attending the talk said that Guruji’s interpretation of Gita is so unique and lucid that he remained spell bound till the end of the programme. Thse audience appreciated the manner in which the Gita was explained.

     An Information Booth, Book Stall, and Lessons Registration counter were setup. Many devotee-volunteers were available to answer queries regarding the organization and Lessons membership. Many new members signed up for the Lessons or took Introductory Literature with them. The Book Stall also had a good response.

     With the help of local devotees, a wider outreach programme was planned to make people aware of the function. The function was well covered by several local newspapers and the TV channel “Focus”. The local FM channel Aakashvani Puri interviewed Swamiji; this was later broadcast from Cuttack.

     We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all the devotees whose untiring efforts made this event a success, and to our Gurus for their ceaseless blessings.