Changing the world begins with an open heart.

Dr. C.M. Yogi and his sincere efforts for peace (By F.A. Hutchison)

I have known Dr. C.M. Yogi, founder of Shanti Sewa Ashram in Kathmandu, Nepal, since 1998.

We met by chance in the home of Narayan Panthi (in Kathmandu, Nepal), having come together in an effort to aid the Panthi children. They had a rare form of cancer (Xeroderma Pigmentosa) and no doctor or hospital in Asia seemed to be of any help. Mr. Yogi, at the time was headmaster of Hindu Vidya Peeth Nepal School in Kathmandu (one of many positions of leadership he holds). As Mr. Panthi’s closest friend and advisor, he was the titular leader of this ad hoc group of people. It was obvious at the time of Dr. Yogi’s leadership qualities. For one thing, we were successful in raising thousands of dollars and with such able to send the Panthi children to the U.S. for treatment—two out of the three have survived.

During this period of time, Dr. Yogi invited me to visit Hindu Vidya Peeth- Nepal School in Kathmandu, which I did. I spent the day in awe of his enlightened students, one of which asked me during an assembly, ‘Sir, what is the true meaning of the ‘Bhagavad Gita?’ I wrote an article about my visit entitled, ‘Mr. Yogi’s School.’ Since, I have tried to support the school one way or another, believing in their philosophy: ‘HVP is an educational institute run on a non-profit basis by Matribhoomi Sevak Sangh (MSS). MSS is a socio-cultural organization devoted to the development of society through disciplined, responsible and well-cultured individuals. In an age of growing materialism, fundamentalism and intolerance, HVP-Nepal is working to bring up a generation of people who have holistic leadership qualities. Those who can maintain and develop human virtues such as peace, harmony and love in the form of international brotherhood.”

Successful at establishing the family of Hindu Vidya Peeth Schools in Nepal (Kathmandu, Dang, and Thali), Dr. Yogi has evolved into a leader of international scope, having created a support group that reaches around the world (particularly in the U.K. and the U.S.).

Next, Dr. Yogi established, Shanti Sewa Ashram (‘An Ashram dedicated to the promotion of peace through selfless service.’). This a result of collaboration between HVP, MSS and several other spiritual and charitable organizations which grew out of the ‘Journey for Peace’ ( 2001) movement.

The Ashram’s objectives are as follows : To promote peace and spirituality at every level of society, to help the poor and disadvantaged, and to provide a forum for spiritual and peace-oriented organizations in an attempt to unite the effort.

SSA’s resolutions include : providing services for every caste, creed, sex and nationality, while avoiding fundamentalist and political affiliations. SSA is open to all, night and day!

Out of Shanti Sewa Ashram, Dr. Yogi established, the ‘Youth Society for Peace.’ It’s goals include helping young people to understand the importance of peace by practicing it in their daily lives, to encourage young people to serve poor communities, war victims and orphans[1][1], to create a global forum in which young people can share their problems, skills, experience, and wisdom, and to help young people realize their own spirituality.

One project of ‘YSP,’ is a street-children food program (Bal Bhojan). This program is designed to provide food, care and education to many unfortunate street children living without a home in Kathmandu.

In YSP’s brochure there is a quote from Mahatma Gandhi : ‘When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won out. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they seem invincible. But, in the end they always fall away!’

I believe Dr. Yogi to be the present day ‘Gandhi’ of Nepal ! He is unmarried (highly unusual in Nepali culture), lives simply in one room of the Ashram, and takes no salary from any of his organizations. His entire life (42-years old) has been devoted to inspiring and leading people ‘for a changing world!’ Now, he leads the peace movement in Nepal, a culture torn a part by war that has been ravaging now for ten years!

It is the hope of Dr. Yogi that Shanti Sewa Ashram will be able to provide a residence (room and board) and nurturing for Nepal’s war orphans. ‘…They do not understand their situation, cannot provide for themselves, and are lost! Thus, we will provide for them! The children will live in the Ashram and be provided a free education.’ The cost, roughly $50U.S. per month, per child.

Finally, a poem from one of Dr. Yogi’s students:

Forgive us!

Between the blast of bombs and missiles,

Among the dead body pile,

Don’t leave us alone, we beg!

If we have made any mistake please forgive us.

The world is becoming hale of bullets for all,

Never curing pain in the soul,

Everywhere a scene of destruction,

Floods with blood in the name of change.

Everyone jealous of one another,

Thinking and making ourselves greater,