The Bengali Miracle Man
by Sri Chinmoy
Just an hour ago I spoke to my sister in India. Two days ago in an Indian newspaper in Calcutta there was an article about my lifting the big elephant. The paper said I was a “miracle man,” and claimed me as a Bengali. — 25 November 1986
Published in My Weightlifting Tears and Smiles, part 2
50 CONCERTS BEGUN FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE
Sri Chinmoy offered on Nov. 23 the first of a series of 50 peace concerts he plans to give in honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary of India’s Independence next year.
The concert was held at the Manhattan headquarters of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (USA).
A second concert was held two days later in the Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium of the United Nations.
Both concerts included performances of significant Indian national songs by the Sri Chinmoy Singers, as well as readings of statements about India offered over the years by various spiritual and political leaders.
Sri Chinmoy’s project to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of India’s nationhood won warm praise from luminaries the world over.
“We in the Bhavan salute Poojya Sri Chinmoy ... who has consecrated himself heart and soul to the mission of transforming human hearts and fostering human harmony through divine music,” declared S. Ramakrishnan, Executive Secretary of the worldwide Bhavan.
Bhavan President C. Subramaniam said: “I am glad that Sri Chinmoy has come forward to participate in this great movement of bringing back spirituality to practicing politics.”
India's Prime Minister, H.D. Deve Gowda, said: “Such concerts, which transcend all kinds of barriers, promote peace and understanding, wherein lies true independence.”
Ramaswami Venkataraman, former President of India, said: “Sri Chinmoy is one of our outstanding servants for peace.... I am sure that his program, will further spread the message of harmony amongst nations.”
Patricia Mountbatten of Burma, daughter of the last British Viceroy of India, who oversaw the transition to Independence, said she was “delighted” by the Master’s project. “I know what a deep affection both my parents felt for India and her people....” she added.
Published in Anahata Nada, Volume 25, August-November 1996