Now, with this installation at the corner, this will be noticed, we think by many more people. It may also act as a starting point to spark curiosity, for an awareness and understanding of some of his teachings.”

A landmark

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Jai Motiani secretary & trustee, Sadhu Vaswani Mission Mumbai Centre, said, “There were a few teachings like, ‘Children of the Earth ye all are one’ and ‘if you want to have peace, spread peace all around’ plus ‘service of the poor is worship of the Lord’ in English, Marathi and Hindi on three sides of the monument, as the bedrock of his teachings. Dada Vaswani who took over after T L Vaswani, continued spreading his message and carried on the philosophy. He has a book out titled, ‘peace or perish’ and this should resonate in today’s strife torn world.”

For Motiani, the awakening came, he said, when, “Dadaji was walking down Worli Seaface years ago, and I happened to be there. I had just met him once earlier for a few seconds in Pune, and yet, he put a hand on my head calling me by my name and blessed me. That is when I realised you may not need to find your guru, your guru eventually finds you.”

Good mix

Bella Shah, activist-organiser, added about the location, “This initiative is a perfect mix of the civic and spiritual. We hope it becomes a symbol of togetherness of communities, as peace and unity is at the core of the teachings. This is also the beginning of a planned uplift/beautification of the entire Marg, starting from here and stretching to the end of the road,” she said, indicating the entire area.

Social worker Navnath Lalge added, “In the hurly-burly of life, this may become a spot of quiet contemplation and introspection. We see employees rushing to their workplace or home. Visitors are seen searching for transport during peak hours. This installation may remind us that outwardly we all are on different journeys, but the most important one is the journey within,” he said.

Pets, privilege

Post bhajans which had set the audience clapping in sync, there was a burst of applause as former corporator Makarand Narwekar took the mic. Narwekar made a point about the site; terming it, “Particularly apt, as it stands next to S B Somani Garden. This garden is one of the few pet parks in the city and in that respect fully aligned with the philosophy of being good to animals,” he reminded. Former corporator Harshita Narwekar added that she had “Grown up listening to Dada Vaswani’s teachings”.

Chief guest Didi Krishna Kumari, global head, Sadhu Vaswani Mission highlighted three teachings to the audience which was, to, “Live in the world and enjoy the world but do not become attached. Live as a pilgrim or a traveller. Then, accept what life gives you, problems are not stopping stones but stepping stones and finally, save the planet. Plants and animals are necessary to maintain ecological equilibrium,” she ended as the sun slipped away too, perhaps to mull over a thought provoking Thursday.