In Athens, Morari Bapu conducted his annual Ram Katha for 9 days between 23rd July-31st July. In the Athenian ballroom of the Athens Intercontinental Hotel over 1000 Hindus from across the globe gathered to hear him speak. This year the main topic of discussion was Socrates and the thoughts and views old ancient Greece. The theme of nine days was of Satya, Prem, Kuruna, or Truth, Love, Compassion.
Organised by the Lady Popat Charitable Trust, the Youth were the main attraction with some of the major responsibility given to them under Mr Pavan Popat and 3 committee team. They coordinated the activities of 45 young volunteers who worked tirelessly, providing service to the devotees who attended. Among those attended were some prominent people included Amit Jogia, Anil Pujara, William Neel, Lord Biku Parekh, well known journalist Jai Vasavda and of course Mr C B Patel, editor of Asian Voice, with entertainment in the form of dramatic acting by Mr Chintan Pandya of the French opera.
On Saturday 23rd July, the Mayor of Athens, Georgios Kaminis attended the event and said “The people of Athens are proud to have Morari Bapu here. He is inspired by the message of love and compassion and was feeling proud and blessed. The Indian community are hard workers and clever. We are undergoing recession despite this you all came here. We are very happy”.
Answering to questions posed by local journalists, Morari Bapu said “I have gone to Rome, Africa, Jerusalem and other parts of the world, however India and Greece have an historic relationship. I respect the principles of Socrates and the new generation should know who he is. The roots of democracy, medical science, art have all come from Greece. Greek and Indian culture share a bridge and I have come to rebuild the ties.”
Bapu continued, “Socrates talks about truth. My message to Greece is the three principles of truth, love and compassion is very important. The world is fearful without truth. The world will be fearless when the world is against violence. Today no one is willing to sacrifice for on another, unless there is compassion there can’t be love for others. This is not a lecture, this is 9 days of Anusthan or worship. Normally Indians come to Greece and Athens so tourists, now they will for pilgrimage”.
Speaking during the event Asian Voice editor said “I know Lord Popat for 40 years, I am expecting to learn news things. The event which has been aimed at the youth has had an effect. I have seen an amazing transformation in the youth. I remember the Ram Katha in 1988 held in Preston where many were unemployed but they had inner power and dedication. Even though the numbers of Hindus are low the future of Hinduism is very secure.”
