Sewa Dal Camp - Seattle, January 2011

With blessings of H.H. Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj, Seattle sangat was blessed with second Sewa Dal
camp under the esteemed guidance of Rev. Dev Raj Vijh Ji, Pramukh, Tracy,California and Rev. Ajit Sooch
Ji, Sanchalak,Tracy ,California. The first day of the event, January 22, 2011 opened with formal
inauguration by Rev. Dev Raj Vijh ji at 9.30 a.m. who then shared the history of the Sant Nirankari
Mission with the 20 participants (including kids). He defined Sewa Dal as ‘sangat in action’. He
elaborated on the rules and regulations for Sewa Dal as laid down by the Mandal. The guidance given on
conduct and behavior of a true Sewadar was highly motivating. He shared his personal experiences as
well which inspired all the Sewa Dal members to be ready at all times for the noble cause of selfless
service.

After blessings from the stage, the camp began with Sewa Dal prayer, followed by the practice of Guru
Pooja Diwas Song ,Marching song, Sewa Dal Song and the six physical training exercises under the
guidance of Rev. Ajit Sooch Ji. He explained the commands in detail and stressed on importance of
maintenance of discipline at all times. Rev. Sooch Ji threw light on the general difficulties that a Sewa
Dal unit might face in its functioning and how they can be solved. He highlighted that Sewa is always
done with a smiling face, expressing the pleasure and joy. Sewa is not to be treated as an obligation.

The interactive approach followed by the two visiting saints was highly appreciated by the participants
who asked questions on varied areas of interest. The importance of communication was also nicely
explained by Rev. Dev Raj Vijh Ji through an interesting game of ‘Sandesh’. At the end, the Self-
evaluation quiz proved to be a great opportunity for the group to introspect on their character and
behavior. It motivated the members to tread the path of selfless service and enjoy the resulting bliss.

The second day of the event, January 23, 2011 started with Sewa Dal rally presided by Rev. Vijh Ji. The
rally included the recitation of Sewa Dal prayer, inspection, Sewa Dal song and the demonstration of the
six physical exercises by the Sewadars in front of the Sangat. Rally ended with inspirational words from
Rev Vijh ji . He called our mission as an open book and the establishment of world peace as Babaji’s
dream. He highlighted that the path towards prosperity and world peace can be treaded only by making
ourselves humble and tolerant.
After a short break, saints gathered again for the weekly congregation with Rev. Vijh Sahib presiding
from Stage. Congregation began with recitation of verses from holy Avtar Bani. The various saints
expressed their opinions on selfless service i.e Sewa which was the topic for the Sangat. A local saint
from Seattle shared the example of Bhai Kanahiya ji, who followed his Guru’s words in true spirit and
performed selfless services. Saints also sang songs in praise of this true lord master in Hindi, Punjabi
Sindhi, English and Hebrew. The Bal Sangat sought blessings from all the saints with presentation of a
Punjabi Bal Sangat Geet.

Rev. Jaspreet Sooch ji, another visting saint from California shared his experiences as a Sewadar. He
emphasized that the Sewa Dal dress is not to be treated as just another pair of clothes, rather it is to be
worn with due respect for its sanctity. He also stressed on the importance of humbleness while serving
as member of Sewa Dal.
Rev. Ajit Sooch ji from California talked about the importance of Sewa, Satsang and Simran. He also
mentioned that Love is the only thing in the world that is priceless and thus we should spread love in
order to attain the objectives of universal brotherhood and world peace. He also shared his personal
experiences to stress the strength in selfless prayers that we offer for others.

The blessings from the stage came in the form of explanation of a verse from holy Avtar Vani, which
talked about the nature and character of a true devotee. Rev. Vijh ji cited examples from the history of
the Mission to explain the verse. He stressed on removal of all kinds of hatred and establishment of
love. He emphasized the importance of imbibing the qualities of a true devotee by quoting-“Talking is
good, Listening is better but Action is best”. He also warned against loss of humility and dominance of
ego, which could make us distant from the true Lord Master and his blessings. He further added that a
true devotee does not get attached to the materialistic world.

May Nirankar keep blessing the Seattle sangat with more visits of such great saints who not only
enlighten the lives of others with knowledge but also inspire by their own actions for unconditional
following of Baba Ji’s words.

-Ridhima Oberoi