Newspaper Interview with Anantadev

TEACHING THE GITA, THRU SIGN LANGUAGE

by Gladwin Emmanuel

He is perhaps the only one in the world to teach the Bhagavad Gita through sign language.
Not that it was a matter of choice for him. Anantadev Das had lost the capacity to hear when he was just a year old.
Going to deaf school first in Mumbai as a nine-year-old, Das, founder of Bangalore-based Sanatana Dharma, an organisation involved in cultural, educational, social and spiritual activities for the deaf, says that he found the answers he was seeking in the Bhagavad Gita, the divine discourse spoken by the Supreme Lord Krishna Himself and the most popular of all the sacred scriptures from ancient India.
It was in school that he first met deaf children wearing hearing aids. He studied the English language, learnt grammar and passed SSC. While some of his friends went to America, he had to stay back, more as an obedient son to his mother than as an option.
In an interview to this website's newspaper, with the help of an interpreter, Das disclosed that before his graduation in History and Philosophy from a university in Mumbai, he was searching for answers to questions like why he became deaf, why people kept fighting each other, hated each other and kept secrets to themselves.
Das then plunged into research, met people belonging to different communities, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike, and finally after reading the Gita, realised that “the body and not the soul was deaf.”
Happiness dawned on him only thereafter.
As a special leader and social worker for the deaf, Das who was in Coimbatore for the three-day India Deaf Expo last week, had visited the US and given a lecture for deaf children in a university there.
Currently teaching the deaf the meaning of life through sign language in Bangalore, Das said he wanted people with normal hearing capability to involve themselves more in helping the deaf.
Das has also plans to buy some land and construct a temple for Krishna, possibly in Karnataka.

( Taken from The New Indian Express, Chennai - 9th January 2007 )

India Deaf Expo in Coimbatore

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF INDIA DEAF EXPO
ON 5 TH JANUARY 2007

THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF INDIA DEAF EXPO

ON 7 TH JANUARY 2007

Dear Members,

It is to inform you all that India Deaf Expo 2007, an international conference on Innovative Technology and Education of the Deaf / Hard of Hearing was held from 5th to 7th January 2007 at Coimbatore, India. It was organised by DEAF LEADERS, Coimbatore.The Objective of the Conference is to provide the platform where educators, researchers, social workers, speech therapists, audiologists, linguists and deaf persons can share their knowledge and experiences together and finding good solutions.

About 350 participants attended the conference. Topics of many paper presentations were given as below.

1.Creating a new generation of deaf teachers and improved Deaf education- Mr.Kevin Long, Founder,Global deaf Connection, USA.
2.Deaf education for the changing Times: need for parallel thinking and resourceful persons - Mr.K.Murali, Organising Secretary and Director, Deaf Leaders,
3.Deaf youth can develop through education and communication- Mr.A.S.Narayanan, N.A.D. New Delhi
4.Study on development skills of children with hearing impairment attending phase 1 of ECE Programme- Mr.B.Nageshwar Rao, AYJNIHH.
5.Sign language and comparisons- Mr.Rajesh Ketkar, Vadodara Deaf Association
6.Computer Assisted Language tutor for children with hearing loss- Mr.Arunmugam Rathinavelu.
7. History of use of technology for rehabilitation- Dr.Manjula Waldron,USA.
8.AURED- An early intervention and cochlear implant centre for children with hearing impairment. Mrs. Vashishtai J. Daboo, Mumbai
9.Training sign Teachers: Why and How? for children with hearing loss- Dr. Gaurav Mathur, Columbus.
10. Indian Sign language- Introduction to sign Language- Mr. Sujit Sahasrabudhe and Mr. Mohammed Shafique, AYJNIHH.
11. Sign Interpreters - Mr. Virbhadra Rathod, Vadodara Deaf Association.
12. Visual Collection Album – Rajendra Joglekar, Pune
13..Ayurveda- Mrs. Minal U. Joshi.Pune
14.Empowerment is the Key - Dr. Madan Vasishta, Gallaudet University,USA.
15. Deaf culture by K.Samuel, USA
16. Opportunities for the Deaf- Mr.D.N.Tripathi, Lucknow
17.Government - Mr. Kiran R. Kumar, Vadodara Deaf Association.
18.Role of Parents in Rehabilitation- Suresh C.B. Mysore.
19.A Will and a Way- Mr. S. Poornachandran, Madurai.
20. The Deaf's Well Being- Mr. Anantadev Das, Spiritual Leader, S.D.D.
21.Study of social and cultural integration of NRI deaf persons with family and society in USA- Manjula Waldron, Standord University.
22.Social Inclusion and the deaf- Prof. Sarah Giri, Bangalore.
23 Raise your global hands- Mr. Alim Chandani, CSD student, Development Center.
24. The Spech Problems of the Hearing impaired Children - A Phonetic Analysis- Mrs. Didla Grace Suneetha, CIEFL, Hyderabad.
25. Hearing Aids; Then, Now and Future.-Mr. R.S.Allurkar, Bagalkot.
26. Quality of life of Adult deaf as a function of hearing aid usage and employment status.- Mr.Giriraj Singh Shekhawat. AYJNIHH.

Vadodara Deaf Association got an award for Best Organisation. Many other deaf persons including Dr.Madan Vasishta, Mr.Alok Kejriwal, Mr.Sujit, Mr. Aqil Chinoy, Mr.Rajesh Ketkar got awards. Shri K.Murali also presented to AnantadevJI a picture of Lord Krishna as a memento.

Many cultural programs including mime, drama, dance and others provided good entertainment to deaf participants.

Best regards,

Kiran R.Kumar.
( Vadodara )

Anantadevji's Presentation at India Deaf Expo

THE DEAF’S WELL-BEING

By Shri Anantadevji


Namasthe!

For many years I have been travelling throughout India to meet thousands of the deaf. Mixing with them has given me a lot of opportunities to understand their life and needs when I have signed to them about God, spiritual values and moral importance. I have seen that many of their hearing elders, superiors and siblings have not known how to educate them and make their life better but instead have negative attitudes/thoughts about the deaf. This is a major hurdle for the deaf’s progress in their life and mind. Thus the deaf are struggling hard to cope with the hearing people though only a small percentage of the deaf are fortunate to get good support from their family or their well-wishers to stand on their feet, and be well-being, well-educated, well-developed or well-earned and to match the hearing in many things.

More than two years back I started signing to the deaf adults about proverbs. I found that these proverbs delighted many of them who wished to absorb them to make their life more meaningful. Unlike the hearing, the deaf have not known about these proverbs since their childhood because they have no power of hearing to hear about them though they can have chance to read about them.


What is proverb? Proverb means a saying, usually short, that expresses a general truth about life. Proverbs give advice, make an observation, instills moral values or presents a teaching in a succinct and memorable way.

I would like to expand four following proverbs with examples and illustrations.


1) Dependence on another is perpetual disappointment

In India many deaf persons depend heavily on others like relatives and friends. The latter sometimes thinks that they are a great burden to them. The deaf should learn how to stand on their own feet. Since they are endowed with intelligence by God, they should use it to be advanced socially, educationally or economically and dependence will not be of disappointment to them both.

2) Learning is a treasure no thief can touch

Learning is really a valuable treasure. It can give you lasting happiness and peace. What is learning? It is knowledge which you acquire from reading, listening and studying. When you have learning, no one cannot take it away from you.


3) To loan is to buy troubles

This proverb proves to be true for many deaf persons who have bitter experience of loaning to their friends. Not only them but also many hearing persons. When your friend fails to repay you the loan, you may keep bothering your friend to repay the loan and this lead to your friend’s thinking that you give them troubles. But when you need money badly, you may ask someone to lend it to you. However you must repay the loan in time. So you may not buy troubles.

4) United we stand, divided we fall

The deaf in India must realize the importance of this proverb. It can strengthen their efforts to make the hearing people to recognize their abilities as being beneficial to the society when the deaf are capable to unite strongly. They should sink their petty differences, instead of finding fault with one another, to avoid falling down into deep divisions. We can see that many deaf persons are hopeless and jobless because other deaf persons fail to unite and support them. We, the deaf persons, should try to analyse our problems to unite and interact well with one another. The hearing should set aside their negative image of us and . `Union is Strength’ should be one of the mottos of this Expo and other groups like clubs, associations and institutions.

7th Annual Cultural Programme in Mumbai

Tanuj Marwah, Rajeev Bagga, Anantadevji, Meenakshi Bhatia, Vidyulata,
Sarah and Vaseem are chanting `Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna,
Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

From left to right: Reita Bansal ( UK ), Anantadevji ( SDD Guru, Bangalore ),
Malka ( UK ), Minal Joshi ( Ayurveda Products Maker, Pune ), Alok Kejriwal
( Businessman & Chairman of 1st India Deaf Expo, Mumbai ), Inayat Chinoy
( Mumbai ) & Geeta Saraiya ( Mumbai ). Pic of Rajeev Bagga is not included
because he is interpreting for the Indian audience.

Aqil Chinoy, Meenakshi and Vaseem are enacting a proverbial play on
`A BAD WORKMAN BLAMES HIS TOOLS'

Anantadevji with International Participants ( including non-resident
Indians) from UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Japan


Participants are relaxing and enjoying after the programme is over

Hare Krishna!

The 7th SDD programme went well at Amulakh Amichand Vidyalaya, Matunga, Mumbai on 24th December 2006. About 100 deaf persons attended it.


Prayer by Anantadevji in signs began. Anantadevji's proverbial play ` Death, the Great Leveller' which lasted for about 20 minutes entertained the audience greatly.

There were seven special guests on the stage – Malka Ben David and Reita Bansal ( from UK ), Minal Joshi ( from Pune ), Alok Kejriwal ( businessman and chairman of India Deaf Expo, Mumbai ), Geeta Saraiya ( housewife, Mumbai ) Inayat Chinoy ( Aqil's father, Mumbai ) and Rajeev Bagga ( Former National Badminton Champion who has settled in UK recently ). Anantadev introduced them to the audience. Each guest spoke about Anantadevji and importance of SDD. Sandeep Agarwal, businessman, who had been selected to be one of the guests, came late. Anyway we acknowledged him for his donation towards SDD.

Aqil Chinoy had trained Meenakshi, Sarah and Vaseem for three proverbial plays. The audience were greatly appreciative of these plays.

Minal Joshi's lecture on Ayurveda won the hearts of the listeners. She explained about it beautifully. Anantadev interpreted for the audience.

Spiritual Lucky Dip was arranged. Masqood Chinoy ( Anantadevji's former classmate and Aqil's uncle, UK ) distributed prizes to the winners of the dip. About 15 foreigners and non-resident Indians introduced themselves to the audience while Aqil translated for them.

Anantadevji performed a puja for Lord Krishna. Everyone enjoyed prasadam.

Acknowledgement to Volunteers – Jyothindra Saraiya, Vipul Shah, Tanuj Marwah, C.H.Mehta, Ajoy, Kripal Singh, Mihir, Mohammed Shafique and others.

---------------------------------------------------------------

SANATANA DHARMA FOR THE DEAF

WILL HOLD

ITS SEVENTH ANNUAL CULTURAL PROGRAMME

At

GUJARATI KELAMANI MANDAL
AMULAKH AMICHAND VIDYALAYA
close to SNDT COLLEGE, near AURORA CINEMA,
76/A, KIDWAI ROAD, MATUNGA,
MUMBAI – 400 019

At 3.30 pm on Sunday, 24th December 2006

PROGRAMME:

LECTURES, PLAYS, CONTESTS, POOJA & DINNER

TICKET:

Rs. 100/- only per an adult
Rs. 50/- only per a child (below 15)

For further information, please contact:

Shri Tushar Kansara ( Sms: 9892592528 )
Smt Geeta Saraiya ( Sms: 9867296830 )

Email: hkwad108@yahoo.com
sdd108@rediffmail.com

Anantadevji at Ichalkaranji in November 06

Dear Members,

Hare Krishna!

I am very pleased to inform you all that INTERNATIONAL ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD (RYLA)- THE DEAF WAY program was held at Ichalkaranji, District Kolhapur, Maharashtra State, India from 5th to 10th November,2006. These programs were organized by Dr.Dilip Desmukh who was the first person in India introduced Bilingualism in Deaf Education in India for the first time. I had participated in these events and enjoyed the same very much. I am telling you about these programs as follows.

About 150 deaf persons including those from Australia, Philippines, Belgium and Nigeria and attended the event. Inaugural ceremony was held on 5th November 2006.

1) Mr.A.S.Narayanan, General Secretary, National Association for the Deaf, New Delhi gave his lecture in his sign language on “ The Self-Image of the Deaf Individual”. This paper deals with the importance of Identity, the development context, family life, education, communication barrier and how a deaf person relates with the world around them, Perpesective of Deafness and understanding of the concept of rights and empowerment.

2) Mr.Sujit Sahsrabudhe and Mr.Shafique Khan, both deaf from Mumbai gave their lecture in sign language on “ Sketches of Deaf Education in India and Adult literacy”. This paper describes a comparative statement between sign deaf school using sign language and using deaf school using oralism. They explained about education of deaf adults.

3) Dr.Surinder Radhwa, Lady educator from Dehradun presented her paper on “Bilingualism in Deaf Education”. This demonstrates how deaf school can use Bilingualism in deaf education. Bilingualism means teaching two languages to the deaf. The first Langugage is Sign language and the second language is the spoken language (not speech). Sign Language is the mother tongue of the deaf.

4) Ms.Natividal P (Hearing) . and Ms.Jessie (Deaf), both from Philippines gave LCD presentation on “Deaf Culture in Philippines”. And it deals with behavior, food taste, humors, communication and education of deaf people of Philippines.

5) Dr. Jorson Fernades, a cardologist (Hearing) from Goa present his paper with help of sign language interpreter on “ Adult Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Course”. He demonstrates how we can make emergency aids on any person who suffers from heart attack or choking in throat. He gave useful tips. He also presented one paper on “Leadership is Action, not Position”. It gave us a lot of inspirations about leadership qualities.

6) Ms.Josie Hodgetts and Mr.Joshua Levitzke both deaf from Australia gave their presentation through sign language and LCD Projectors on “Deaf Culture in Australia”. They explained about technology used in Australia for deaf. i.e. TDD, alarm, door bell, T.V. caption device etc. This made all of us strive for need for such technology in India.

7) Ms. Ruma Roka, Noida, Delhi gave her presentation in sign language on “ Deaf Issues and Communication”. This lecture is very wonderful.

8) Dr. Anil Mokashi, hearing lecturer, gave his lecture with help of sign language interpreter on “Education of the Deaf- Practical Experience” It deals how deaf children start to learn in deaf school and home and sign language is very important tool for communication for early age children.

9) Mr. R. Narasimham, Chennai, gave his lecture on “Vocational Rehabilitation of the Deaf in Developing countries”. He gave detailed charts about technical training institutes, various trades, educational qualification and opportunities, colleges, Job opportunities, reservations etc for the deaf in India.

10) Ms. Monica Punjabi, Indore gave her lecture on “Role of Interpreter in Deaf culture”. It deals with importance of sign language interpreter. Her lecture is very interesting and I can understand well what will sign Interpreter do for deaf persons.

11) Mr. Alok Kejriwal, Chairman, India Deaf Expo2007 and deaf businessman from Mumbai was a Chief Guest for the event on 10th November. He explained to all participants about deaf issues. He asked all deaf persons to join one unity to fight against government on deaf issues.

12) Three deaf persons from Nigeria – Jonathan Tinat, Lucy Upah and Anthonia participated. They know American Sign Language very well. They said that all deaf persons use ASL and are well educated in Nigeria. Many deaf participants from Australia, Belgium and Philippines use ASL to communicate with us. We both use both Indian Sign language and ASL.

13) Shri Anantadev Das, a deaf spiritual leader and a preacher of Bhagvad-Gita gave his lecture on Yoga, Spiritual values, Messages of Bhagvad-Gita, Meditation, proverbs, Moral values from 6.00 am to 8.00 am daily for 5 days. All participants like his lecture very much. His lecture gave us peace of mind. We consider him as Guru.

14) Cultural programs were seen on every night. .

We thank Rotarian Dr.Dilip Desmukh, who organized these programs very well and these programs were very successful. We will not forget this.
Best regards.

Kiran R. Kumar,
Vadodara District,
Gujarat State
India.
Email: krkumar70@yahoo.co.in

International Day of the Deaf on 26th September 2006

Laxmeshwar (Gadag): International Day of Deaf would be observed at the residential school for hearing impaired children, run by the G.D.Tatti ( Annavaru ) Memorial Charitable Trust, in Laxmeshwar on Tuesday. (26th September 2006)

Somanath Mahajanashettar, secretary of the trust, said the annapoorna scheme would be launched on the occasion. Kotrabasappa Bari and his wife, who have donated Rs. 1 lakh for the scheme, would be felicitiated.

Established in 1997-98, the school stands on a five-acre plot donated by the Tatti family. It has 170 students, fifty per cent of them being girls. The school imparts education from Standard 1 to 10. The first batch of SSLC students would pass out this academic year.

The school does not collect any fees from the students and is run with aid from the Central government and philanthropists. The school has a well-equipped building, hostel and qualified teachers. Besides formal education, children are provided training in computer, tailoring, gardening and embroidery.

Somanath said several software companies like eMphasis, Mindtree, and Texas Technologies among others had come forward to donate computers and technical know-how. Plans were also afoot to set up a special computer laboratory to train students. The institution was also planning to start a pre-school where the children are given speech therapy at an early stage.

Nirjanjana Mahaswamy of Hoovinashigli Viraktamath will grace the occasion. Shirahatti MLA G.S.Gadadavarmath will be the chief guest. President of Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf Anant Devaji and prinicipal of the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing Dr. I.PGouramma will be the guests of honour.

( Taken from Times of India, Hubli - September 2006 )


Anantadevji's Speech is as follows:

Two weeks back Ms Janani from International Deaf Children Society (Bangalore) spoke highly of this esteemed school of the deaf, remarked that this school is one of the best ones which she has ever visited. Later I got sms from the secretary Shri Somanath requesting me to be the Chief Guest at this function during International Deaf Day Celebration. I agreed to be so because I want to boost these deaf students’ morale and narrow the gap between the deaf and the hearing.

Since in India the deaf in general have backwardness in many areas like education, profession, and others and the hearing people generally also have some negative attitudes about the deaf, I am very glad to know that the school’s aim is to motivate the students to be socially and economically advanced. I don’t want the deaf to depend heavily on their parents and siblings but to learn how to stand on their own feet.

My group is called Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf ( SDD ). It strives for the cultural, educational, social and spiritual activities of the deaf not only in India but also in a few parts of the world. It instills confidence into the deaf as the better citizens. Bhagavad-Gita gives a lot of wonderful information about science of soul. It can give the deaf spiritual strength if they understand it - The deaf may be physically deaf but actually they are not spiritually so. So they should not be disheartened about their deafness but should be always positive about their abilities. We should always be grateful and pray to Great God. In this way we can live our better lives.

May God bestow His chosen blessings upon you all.

( 26th September 2006 )

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI COMMENT

APPRECIATIVE COMMENT by Anita and Prakash Prabhu (Bangalore)

It is our pleasure to share our experience on our visit to SDD Janmashtami activity at National College on Tuesday, 15th August along with our son. Anantadev was explaining Bhagavad Gita when we arrived at the spot, we were surprised to see so many deaf assembled in the lecture room at National College, Jayanagar, Bangalore. My son enjoyed being a part of the deaf world where he could enjoy seeing us playing games such as drawing a circle covering the word 'KRISHNA' on a blackboard with our eyes being blindfolded, and the other game was that of hitting the mug which was hanging from the ceiling with blindfolded eyes outdoors. It was a good programme where some activities were included. We had a nice chat with our old mates and had exchanged such news with them. At the end of the programme, prasadam dinner was served to all of us and we enjoyed talking with people while eating the prasadam.

It was really great to understand some slokas of Bhagavad Gita as these are indeed applied to the real meanings in our daily routines of our lives. We would appeal to you all to attend the program on every first Sunday of every month if you can because it imparts some valuable information and helps you to get a clear picture of what Bhagavad Gita is all about. Anantadev takes pains to explain the meanings of the existence of life to the deaf and make all of us lead good & peaceful lives. Obviously, we are well known that we can't understand what other hearing Gurus talking about God. Why don't we take this opportunity to understand Anantadev's explanations where we have the ability to understand and ask questions if any. Never miss an opportunity! Kindly accept the blessings of Lord Krishna by chanting....

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

Always be Happy.

Best Regards

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI PHOTOS

The wonder kid, Deepak, the deaf son of Shri K.S.Chandramouli is chanting Hare Krishna mantra in signs in front of the audience while Anantadevji is smiling

Anantadevji is speaking to the audience about Bhagavad-Gita and Proverbs in signs

Anantadevji is giving a prize to a school student, one of the painting competition winners

Krishna Janmashtami Celebration Programme

About 70 persons including a few hearing ones attended Janmashtami programme at National College, Bangalore on 15th August 2006. Everyone enjoyed it - Anantadevji’s lecture, K.S. Chandramouli’s brief speech, two contests (games), pooja and prasadam dinner.

Krishna Janmashtami Painting Competition

Anantadevji ( Middle ) and Sharath ( Right ) are with deaf students who took part in painting competition at Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf, Bangalore.

In Bangalore Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf (SDD) held Krishna Janmashtami painting competition for the deaf school students on 10th and 11th August 2006. About 120 deaf students from Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf, R.V. School, National Residential School for the Deaf, Kannada Amrutavani School for the Deaf and and J.S.S `SAHANA School took part in it. On 12th August in Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf, a panel of judges - Shri M.N. Srinivas, Smt Bindu Rao, Smt Latha Santharam and Ms R. Janani – selected eleven students including two consolation ones for prizes. On Tuesday, 15th August during Shri Krishna Janmashtami programme held by SDD in National College, Jayanagar Shri Anantadevji, the founder of SDD, distributed prizes among these students.

SHRI KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI PROGRAMME

ll Hare Krishna ll

Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf will hold Shri Krishna Janmashtami (Krishna's Appearance Day falls on 16th August 2006) programme from 3.30 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, 15th August 2006 at the following venue:

LECTURE HALL
NATIONAL COLLEGE
near FOOD WORLD
JAYANAGAR 7TH BLOCK,
BANGALORE, INDIA

The programme will include lectures, contests, congregational chanting, pooja and pradasam dinner. You and your persons are cordially invited to attend it.

You are welcome to contribute for SDD out of love.

Further information, please email SDD: hkwad108@yahoo.com or sdd108@rediffmail.com

Yours in the service of the Lord,

Shri Anantadevji
Shri K.S.Chandramouli
Shri K.D.Chandramouli

Shri Samir Munshi
Shri R.Sriram

Note: Shri Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita that whoever remembers Him with devotion and love surely returns to the spiritual world. So celebration of Shri Krishna Janmashtami brightens this opportunity. All glories to Lord Krishna!

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

(from to right) : Shri Alex Bilenko, Shri Anantadev and Shri Shri Ravi Shankar

In January 2006 Alex ( deaf energy healer from USA) introduced Anantadev to the renowned spiritual messenger of peace and harmony Shri Shri Ravi Shankar in the latter's ashram of Art of Living in Kanakapura, Bangalore, India. Once again they met Ravi Shankar in 17th February. Ravi Shankar is one of the world spiritual masters in the world. His non-sectarian messages are enthralling millions of people all over the world.

Vadodara Newspaper Report

In Vadodara, Gujarat, Shri Paras Jha, a reporter from a local Gujarati newspaper `Divya Bhaskar' interviewed Shri Anantadev Das on 1st March 2006. The following day, this interview was printed in the newspaper.

Translation in English by Shri Tushar Kansara of Mumbai as follows:

PREACHING GITA THROUGH FINGERS OF ANANTADEV

By Paras Jha

Vadodara:
Our city guest on Wednesday, Anantadev Das is the world’s the only deaf person to teach Gita through sign language.

It is common to see sadhus, saints and mahatmas – swamis preaching and devotees becoming religious. It is uncommon to see a deaf person, who lost his power of hearing during childhood, to teach about religion through sign language. Other deaf persons become lucky receivers of this message through sign language. Fifty one year old deaf Krishna devotee not only teaches the deaf but also common people through sign language.

Currently staying in Bangalore, Anantadev Das is the world’s only deaf person to teach Gita through sign language. On Wednesday, he became a city guest to give a lecture to deaf group on Bhagavad-Gita and Dharma. Before renouncing, Anantadev Das was known as Ashok Rao, a resident of Mumbai. At the age of one, he became deaf due to prolonged illness. He overcame even this limitation. He studied in a deaf school and fortunately finished BA in History in 1980. In Mumbai he became the first deaf to pass BA (History) and made a small history.

Born to a big family of father (doctor), mother, three brothers and two sisters he unsuccessfully attempted 10th Std due to long illness. Due to this his interest veered towards spirituality. He was in search of Truth through temples, Jain temples, churches, mosques and gurudwaras till he came upon Gita. He joined ISKCON activities from 1982 to 1986 for four years. Afterwards he founded Sanatana Dharma in Bangalore where he imparts spiritual knowledge to the deaf. “I want to teach spiritual knowledge to the deaf through sign language. They don’t know how to sing bhajans like Krishna devotees but I teach them the meaning of life through their language - sign language. Thereby I left ISKCON activity and started imparting knowledge of Gita through sign language daily”.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

GREAT VALUE OF SILENCE

Anantadev Das started Sanatana Dharma to impart spiritual knowledge through printing.

He regaled his common and uncommon audience in Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore through his speech.

He preached in UK and Gallaudet College in USA.

Due to his preaching, more than hundreds of meat eaters have converted into vegetarians.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

(Taken from DIVYA BHASKAR, Vadodara, 2nd March 2006)

Vadodara Programme

Shri Anantadev Das is lecturing to the deaf persons

SDD programme was held in Vadodara, Gujarat on Wednesday, 1st March 2006. Members of Vadodara Association Deaf enjoyed it greatly.

Shri Rajesh Ketkar's Words to Anantadev

"Our deaf members of Vadodara Assocation Deaf were inspired by your lecture on proverbs! Best warm regards."

Shri Anantadev's Message

"In Vadodara some deaf persons - Rajesh Ketkar, Smt and Shri Anand Ketkar, Rajesh's and Anand's deafparents, Smt Jyoti and Shri Kiran Kumar, Smt and ShriDigant Dani, Smt and Shri Vidbhadra Rathod and others- are lovely and co-operative. They arranged nicely for SDD programmes in Vadodara. That is why I am keen to visit there again and again. Bangalore is very very far from Vadodara, but my heart is becoming closer to them."

18th December Programme in Mumbai

Congregational Chanting of Hare Krishna on the stage


I am glad to tell you that 6th Annual Cultural SDD programme in Mumbai on 18th December 2005 went well. Less than 100 deaf persons attended it. Everyone enjoyed it.

6th ANNUAL CULTURAL PROGRAMME

SANATANA DHARMA FOR THE DEAF

6th Annual Cultural Programme

5 pm, Sunday 18th December 2005

Gujarati Kelamani Mandal
Amulakh Amichant Vidyalaya

(near SNDT College
opp. Union Bank of India)
76/A, Kidwai Road, Matunga,
Mumbai – 400 019, INDIA

Programme: Lectures, Plays, Contests, Pooja,
Prasadam and others.

Donation Ticket: Rs. 50/=

Further information: contact Tushar Kansara (SMS: 98925 92528), Tanuj Marwah (SMS: 98925 90290) or Geeta Saraiya (SMS: 98672 96830)

Email: hkwad108@yahoo.com or sdd108@rediffmail.com

DEEPAVALI

Diwali which falls on 31st October 2005 is one of the brightest festivals not only in India but also in other parts of the world. The original form of Diwali is Deepavali which means a row of lights. It is also known as the festival of lights. During Deepavali a house is lit with little earthenware vessels containing oil and a lighted wick. A few days before the festival, the houses are usually cleaned. Deepavali also marks the advent of new season and the sowing of new crops.
Deepavali usually commemorates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demoniac king Ravana and Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It is generally celebrated on four days. The first day is Narakachaturdasi - the day when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. The second day is Dhanalakshmi Pooja. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Mahavishnu, would fulfil the wishes of the devotees on this day. The third day marks " Bali Padyami" - the day when Lord Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, humbled the demon king Bali. The fourth day is " Yama Dvitiya" or " Bhaiya Dooja" - the day which is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers.

LET DEEPAVALI LIGHT UP OUR LIFE
LET SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE ILLUMINATE OUR INTELLIGENCE AND MIND

Hare Krishna!

Anantadev Das

ALWAYS CHANT:

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

STEVEN WILHELM

Steven and Anantadev

We, the members of SDD, miss Steven Wilhelm who left Bangalore for USA on 11th October 2005. Being a professional analyst, he was instructed by his company in USA to work for its branch in Bangalore from January 2005. During SDD programme in National College, Jayanagar on 2nd October we hosted short farewell party for him. Being admirer of rich heritage and culture of India, he enjoys being absorbed himself in Indian culture.

During Janmashtami programme in Bangalore on 28th August, Steven helped Anantadev a lot. Since he usually hugs others (whenever they meet), Anantadev called him `Hugging Steven’. He and K.S.Chandramouli are very close to each other. And he is greatly impressed by Chandramouli’s character. He is also dear to students of Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf.

Steven was very disappointed to leave Bangalore unexpectedly as instructed by his company. He misses deaf persons here, people here, Indian culture, Bangalore and India. He hopes to visit here again in the future.

Activities of SDD

Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf (SDD) under the guidance of Shri Anantadev Das Prabhu strives for the cultural, educational, social and spiritual revolution for the deaf not only in Bharat (India) but also all over the world.

The main activities of SDD are as follows:

1. SDD gives the deaf opportunities to cultivate their healthy and non-sectarian faith in Lord Krishna and Bhagavad-Gita.
2. SDD contributes to the improvement of their written language.
3. SDD organizes food distribution programme.
4. SDD organizes cultural programmes in Mumbai and Bangalore.
5. SDD holds Bhagavad-Gita and Proverbs programmes regularly in Mumbai, Bangalore and other parts of India.
6. SDD educates the deaf to give up smoking and drinking and to appreciate the importance of vegetarianism.
7. SDD strive for the development of sign language in India.
8. SDD gives the deaf opportunities to improve their relationship with the hearing community.
9. SDD emails spiritual messages regularly to its members all over the world.
11. SDD guides foreigners (especially the deaf and hearing interpreters) to learn about spiritual values and tour the ancient and spiritual places in India.
10. Other activities.

For further information, please contact Shri Anantadev Das ( email: sdd108@rediffmail.com ) ( SMS Cell: +919845457727)

SDD PROGRAMME IN COIMBATORE

Coimbatore is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, one of India’s states. It has many salubrious areas and more than 25,000 small, medium, large and tiny industries and textile mills. There are also many educational and religious institutes. Though Anantadev had been told a lot about Coimbatore, he had never been there till he visited there on 18th September 2005. Thanks to Shri K.Murali of Deaf Leaders (Coimbatore) who, for a few years, kept pursuing him to come and lecture to deaf persons there, he came, saw and appreciated some charming areas in it. In the morning on Sunday, Murali took him to his bungalow from Coimbatore railway station. Anantadev saw an awe-inspiring hill some thousands metres away from the bungalow. Murali said there is a big well-known Hindu ashram on the hill. Due to a paucity of time Anantadev was not able to visit it and hoped to visit there in the future. Perhaps Murali is the most prominent deaf person in Coimbatore. He is fired with a lot of enthusiasm for his projects to help the deaf, especially in the educational field, not only in Coimbatore but also in many parts of India. He is greatly impressed by Anantadev’s lectures and talks. His aged hearing mother, deaf wife Sudha and eleven years old hearing daughter Sneha are staying with him. Sneha has extraordinary ability to grasp any talk between persons in signs.

Anantadev was scheduled to lecture to deaf members of Coimbatore Association of the Deaf at 3.00 pm on Sunday. Murali rode with him on his scooter to the association’s office in YMCA complex. Anantadev was introduced to some members of CAD including Vice-President Subramaniam and General Secretary Balasubramaniam. Murali had told him that Anantadev would lecture in an open air. Since the open area was exposed to the sun, the sun is still shining and more and more deaf members were expected to come pouring for the programme after 4.00 pm, he was requested to wait till 4.00 pm and agreed to it.After 4.00 pm the members of CAD arranged everything for SDD programme both outside and inside the border of a basketball YMCA ground. Shri Anantadev began with his lecture on `Proverbs’ like 1) A bad workman blames his tools, (He advised the audience not to point out others’ faults without realizing their own faults. Otherwise it could boomerang on them). 2) A friend in need is a friend indeed (You can have friends everywhere but it is difficult to find a true friend. True friend means someone who is helpful to you in need. But Lord Krishna is the True Friend who always remembers you and want you to come back to His spiritual world. He never leaves you). 3) A tree is known by its fruits. ( When you taste any fruit you come to know the basic nature of the tree. For example, when you taste a mango, you will have a real concept of a tree. Similarly you should not judge a person by his outward appearances and garments but judge him by his inner qualities and manners). 4) Barking dogs seldom bite. (Someone criticizes you too much without reason but fails to hurt you if you can tolerate him, knowing he has his own faults). 5) Charity is universal duty. (Everyone should be charitable. Charity is everywhere in the world. When you contribute for others’ betterment, you sometimes feel better. But when you do your charitable work for the Lord’s activities, you will feel more better and safe.).Then Anantadev asked the audience to give examples of the proverbs. A few members in the audience did it.

He spoke about Lord Krishna and His childhood friend Sudama, Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna’s refusal to kill his enemies, Krishna’s disapproval of such refusal, His cruel uncle Kamsa’s murdering six babies and Krishna’s effortless killing the demoniac persons including Kamsa during His childhood. He appealed to the audience to chant ‘Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare’ regularly and not to expect quick results of such chanting. The results should be surely manifested in due course.Later Shri Subramaniam the Vice-President of CAD garlanded Shri Anantadev and Shri Balasubramaniam presented him a souvenir of Lord Ganapati. Finally with the audience totalling 50 CAD members,Anantadev recited Hare Krishna mantra. Snacks which were offered to Lord Krishna by him were distributed among everyone. Everyone was satisfied.

New URL for Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf

Sunday, 25 September 2005

Hare Krishna!

I am pleased to tell you that this new blogs url has been created for Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf in order to keep you informed about the worldwide activities of SDD, my and members' messages. You are welcome to send your messages, ideas and news if they are beneficial to both SDD and members.

Yours sincerely in the service of the Lord,

Anantadev Das