Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) takes up many charitable works in the field of education, medical aid and providing relief from adversities to the underprivileged, to fulfil one of the aims and ideals of the spiritual organisation "To serve mankind as one's larger Self."

The following charitable activities were conducted in YSS NCR during November-December 2017:

Paramahansa Yogananda Scholarships Given to Students at YSS Delhi Kendra

Following the path shown by him, in order to facilitate education of children who are in need, YSS Delhi Kendra started a Scholarship Programme in 2014 with the objective of providing financial help to academically bright students pursuing vocational courses, coming from financially weak background. The mode of selection is a written exam based on Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda's world renowned book 'Autobiography of a Yogi'. 

This annual scholarship test has been drawing enthusiastic participation from students all these years. In 2016, 24 students had been awarded this scholarship. This year, the two-hour-long test held in Delhi Kendra drew 45 students. The participants had to answer five to seven questions - which had been framed by the scholarship committee from the various chapters of the Autobiography of a Yogi. 

A forthight ahead of the examination, a copy of the Autobiography of a Yogi was given to the students in order to be able to read and prepare for the test. A large number of students attempted the examination in Hindi language, while the rest attempted it in English. A brief orientation was given to the students before the exam started, and they were introduced to the worldwide spiritual organisation founded by Gurudeva - Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/ Self Realisation Fellowship (YSS/SRF). 

On November 26, 2017, Swami Lalitanandaji distributed the scholarships to nearly 35 students - a majority of whom are pursuing teaching courses. Some of the awardees were also from engineering background. Swamiji congratulated the aspiring teachers and engineers for their well deserved success. He conveyed to the aspiring teachers that the students should be taught patiently and lovingly, and the teachers should be careful in managing their temperament and be fair with their students. As children tend to imitate their teachers, they have to aspire to become role models for them. 

The message was well received and appreciated by the recipients of the award. One of the officials who were present addressed the gathering briefly. The function concluded with a closing prayer by Swamiji.  After the function, lunch prasad was served to the awardees and attendees. To view pictures, click here.

YSS Noida Ashram Helps Restore Hearing of Two Hearing Impaired

As part of its charitable endeavours in the medical space, YSS Noida Ashram helped in restoring the hearing of two young individuals from underprivileged background. By donating hearing aids to 24-year-old Jitender of Dwarahat and 18-year-old Sarita from the Noida's Khoda colony.

Born with multiple congenital anomalies, Jitender had almost become a recluse due to his hearing disability. With the intervention of YSS Noida Ashram, he was provided with hearing aids without any charges from the capital's LNJP hospital. He is now a happy young man who can hear much better with the help of the new device, and is back in his village in Uttarakhand.

Having lost her hearing for the last four years owing to meningo encaphylitis (brain fever), Sarita had also stopped speaking. With the intervention and support of YSS Noida Ashram, she has been provided hearing aids from LNJP hospital in Delhi. With her hearing restored, she has now resumed taking tuitions.  

Clothing Donated to Earth Saviour Foundation by YSS Gurgaon Kendra

Following a collection drive initiated by the volunteers of YSS Gurgaon Kendra, old and new clothes to be used by the underprivileged were deposited by devotees. This collection was donated by the Kendra to Earth Saviour Foundation, an NGO located at Gwal Pahari, Gurgaon on December 2, 2017. This NGO houses nearly 400 people including abandoned senior citizens, mentally chalenged people, and rehabilitates them.