An Overview of Gopali Ashram: Service Projects

Introduction:

Gopali Ashram is dedicated to the multipurpose uplift and welfare of those who are socially and economically backward and neglected. Our so long uncared for "Banabasi" Brethren have been living in this outstretched region of Midnapore in distress for ages. They have gone for self exile in those remote villages and forests on account of their deplorable poverty and vulnerability. Our society must wake up to lend the helping hand for changing their lot. They should be made to feel through love and rapport that they form very much the part and parcel the whole edifice of our society.

Land Distribution:

On the auspicious day of the Vijaya Dashmi 25th October 1974 the "Bhoomi Poojan" ceremony was held at the Ashram. The Ashram was se tup on 4 acres of land donated by Late Hari Pada Bhanja and Sri Radhanath Bhanja of Gopali. In addition to that Sri Nandalal Joshi donated another chunk of land measuring 1.5 acres attached to it on 26th December 1974. Next Sri Darshanlal Ji of Holdowani, Madhya Pradesh transferred 0.75 acre of land to the Ashram.

Location:

Gopali Ashram is situated 7 kilometers to the south from Kharagpur Railway Station on the bus route from Kharagpur to Keshiary. It is 3 kilometers away from the IIT Kharagpur. Buses fly along the road flanking the Ashram. It is encircled by Govt. forest areas stretching out the north, the east and the west.

Aims and Objectives:

The goal of the Ashram consists in rendering service to the backward Banabasi people (tribals) scattered around and inculcation in them the lofty of the Indian Culture.

Students' Hostel:

A students' Hostel named "Aurobindo Chhatrabas" was built on the Ashram premises in 1980. Students study at the school (Shaarada Shushi Mandir) in the Ashram itself. Students come over here from a number of districts outside Midnapore. Most of them are destitutes, orphans and Vanabasis (tribals). Two teachers always look after the students in the hostel.

School (Saraswati/Sharada Shishu Mandir):

The Saraswati Shishu Mandir was started in 1988 and the Sharada Shishu Mandir came up next to it. Both schools run parallel in two sessions, Morning and Day. There are total 475 students enrolled in the school. Choldren from about 50 villages come here for learning their lessons. 17 teachers are engaged them tireless in this onerous service. Mr. Abani Kumar Bhanja is the Principal of Morning-Session (07:00am - 10:30am) and Mr. Anand Sur is the principal of Day-Session (11:00am - 03:30pm). The schools are affiliated to Vivekananda Vidya Vikas Parishad, West Bengal.

Library:

The "Vivekananda Granthagar" has a good collection of books on Indian history and culture which are lent out to the Ashramites and the villagers.



Charitable Dispensary:

There is one Charitable Dispensary in the Ashram and there are three others in the adjacent villages catering to the need of about 40 villages around. One Doctor is always posted here.




Goshala (Cow Shed):

Indian culture has been unfailing in preserving and flurishing the breed of cows. Sri Sankarlal Soragi a munificent person from Kolkata constructed the a cowshed on 26th March 1998. Two persons are all the time engaged in nurshing the cows. The "Goshala" inside the Ashram campus has a capacity of more than 30 cows (at present there are 10 cows only). All the milk produced is used up for consumption in the Ashram only. The cow dung is used in preparing bio-fertilizers, which are again used in farming inside the Ashram campus.

Sanskar Kendra:

A one-teacher-school (Ekal-Vidyalaya) is there in almost every earmarked unity village to cunduct the reformation activities. At present this project is operating in three villages. It is specially meant for those who do not have any access to formal education.

Shiva Temple:

The foundation stone of the Temple was laid by His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Avinaba Vidyatirtha Maharaj from Sringeri on Monday, 22nd November, 1982. His Holiness Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswati Maharaj from Kanchi Kamkoti Pith flung the Shiva Temple open for all worshipers on 26th February, 1987 and christened the God as Omkareshwar. The Temple was built up by devout Sri Satyanarayan Bhagchandka and Sri Lakhi Prasad Bhagchandka in the secred memory of their father. The "Maha-Shivratri Utsav" is held annually in the Temple with great splendour.

Shishu Vatika (Children's Park):

There is a "Shishu Vatika" inside the campus. Children use to play there in the evening. There are swings inside the park.

Physical and Vocational Training:

Students take regular exercises, Yoga, Aasan and games to build up their bodies. They have also been given equipment for physical exercises. They are also taught handicraft, electrical work, sewing and preparing greeting cards and likewise vocational trainings.

Patriotism:

Daily wreath is put to the picture of "Bharat Mata" in the morning. Once in a year an "Educational Tour" is organised by the Ashram authority.