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Lady North Cot orphanage was
situated on a small road between Babulnath and chowpatty. The orphanage
housed about 150 students who were given food, clothing and an education. In
the orphanage, the students had to wash their clothes and clean their
utensils. This practice fostered Yogeshwarji's love for hygiene and
cleanliness.
An expert gymnast used to
teach exercises at the ashram but initially Yogeshwarji had no interest in
it. During those days, he read an incident from Tilak Maharaj's life. Upon
reading it, Yogeshwarji realized that negligence of the body is not proper
nor advisable. He understood that one could not build the highest edifice of
spiritual growth upon a weak foundation of physical health. So he started
practicing dand-bethak, surya-namaskar and shirshasana besides other
physical exercises. As a result of this, his physical stature changed
drastically.
Yogeshwarji also had an
opportunity to see Gandhiji when he came to their ashram ground for a
prayer. Gandhiji left a deep impact on his young mind as an idol of freedom
struggle.
Yogeshwarji was bright in his
studies. At the age of 14, he pioneered a bi-monthly publication “Chetan” in
his school and thus began his literary journey. He also started writing his
daily journal, the very activity that flourished and resulted later on into
the publication of his priceless autobiography - 'Prakash
Na Panthe'.
Every year the students used
to celebrate their annual function. Yogeshwarji had a special liking for
drama and acting so he regularly participated in his school's annual
functions. He displayed his talents with superb performances in the roles of
Shivaji and Arjun. Once he also received a prize at the hands of Lady
Brabourne for his memorable role. However, that interest and aptitude were
not nurtured further. Yet, in a broader sense he continue to excel in the
great drama of life.
The superintendent of the
orphanage was despised by many students due to his harsh acts. Once the
superintendent fell seriously ill and students became very happy at
receiving this news. Yogeshwarji however convinced and inspired the students
to pray for the superintendent's speedy recovery. As if their prayer worked,
the superintendent recovered and his approach towards the students changed
completely! Thereafter, prayers became a regular affair in the institution
and system of doing prayer for sick student also started.
There were widely spread
stories that three ghosts lived on the orphanage's terrace. Some of the
students even had experiences of their existence. Yet, Yogeshwarji was the
only student who used to sleep on the terrace. He remained undeterred by
such stories and on the contrary waited anxiously at night for the ghost to
come! He had a firm faith that God will protect him and he never came across
any such elements.
It was here that he began
reading inspirational literature. He started to learn the Bhagvad Gita from
Shastriji - his Sanskrit teacher. He went through the biographies of great
saints and sages like Ramakrishna Pramhansa Dev, Swami Vivekananda, Swami
Ramtirth, Maharshi Dayananda and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It molded his
thoughts and consolidated his sentiments. He also learned that virtues and
purity are foundations of spiritual life. He felt that he should also strive
for the realization of God like Ramakrishna Dev. |
