Udaipur, September 10: During the ongoing ‘Apno Se Apni Baat’ discourse at Narayan Seva Sansthan, institution president Prashant Agrawal explained the significance of Amavasya, remembering ancestors and service through inspiring stories. He said remembering ancestors is not merely a ritual but a way of expressing gratitude towards one’s roots and forefathers and developing a spirit of service towards those in need.
Narrating the story of generous donor Karna, Prashant Agrawal said Karna never sent anyone in need back empty-handed throughout his life, but he did not donate food and water in the name of his ancestors. According to the story, he received gold and precious gems instead of food in heaven. When he asked the reason, he was told that while he had donated wealth generously on Earth, he had not offered food and water for his ancestors. He said the story shows that while charity is important, expressing gratitude towards one’s roots and ancestors is equally necessary.
Prashant Agrawal said Tarpan does not simply mean offering water to ancestors, but also acknowledging that our existence is connected to generations that came before us. During Pitru Paksha, food donation and service to those in need should be viewed in the same spirit. Feeding a hungry, helpless, elderly or differently-abled person can become a true tribute to one’s ancestors.
Referring to the dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama, he said Nachiketa had even rejected worldly comforts in his quest to understand the mystery of death. Yama explained to him the difference between ‘Shreya’ and ‘Preya’. What feels good is not always beneficial, and what is beneficial is not always easy. He said courage to ask questions and seek the truth is essential for choosing the right path in life.
Through the episode of Jayant in the Ramayana, he said Lord Ram demonstrated not only firmness towards wrongdoing but also the spirit of giving an opportunity for correction. Referring to the tradition of offering the first morsel to a crow during Shraddha, he said it also conveys the message of being sensitive towards nature and other living beings.
During the programme, Prashant Agrawal also interacted with differently-abled beneficiaries who had received artificial limbs from the institution and learned about their experiences. He enquired about the changes in their lives, their journey towards self-reliance and the support they received through the service.
He appealed to people to observe Tarpan and other traditions during Pitru Paksha while also ensuring that at least one person in need is provided food. He said remembering ancestors becomes meaningful when the good deed performed in their name brings relief, dignity and support to someone in need. Hundreds of differently-abled beneficiaries and their family members attended the discourse.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.