CHICAGO: Basant Panchmi will be celebrated at Gayatri Shakti Peeth in Itasca on February 9, according to Sheelaben Patel, a spokesperson and volunteer in the Gayatri movement at the temple.Basant Panchmi is one of the holiest days in Hindu religious calendar, celebrated in all parts of India, especially people of Punjab and Bengal.

This day however is sacred to the people of Gayatri Pariwar since it was associated with Shri Ram Sharma Acharya, the founder of the Gayatri Pariwar, as a day of his spiritual birth. On the day of Basant Panchami in the year 1926, while he was meditating during the morning prayer Acharyaji, as he revealed later, had the divine vision of his "Guru" in the astral form, who blessed him for "Jagrut Samadhi" (conscious merger with the Supreme).

Thus began the life of one of the greatest spiritual leaders and social reformers of modern times.Born to an orthodox Brahmin family, Acharyaji was bound to follow the customs and traditions prevailing then. Treatment of so called low caste people and degradation of women were the curse of Hindu society. But he had an inherent disapproval for irrational customs and showed unusual courage in resisting them. He joined the crusade against caste.

When 13, he did not for a moment hesitate to serve a so-called low caste woman who was suffering from leprosy.His monumental achievement however is opening of the recitation of Gayatri to every willing human being. He began to work for the reformation of society with Thought-Revolution, Intellectual-Revolution and Social Revolution, which became the foundation of his life-work through educational, spiritual and healing institutions across the country and then through his multitude of followers across the world.

Millions of adherents of Gayatri worldwide have become instrumental for the spread of knowledge and equality in India and abroad, which is changing the social mores.In 1958 he launched Yug Nirman Yojna (Building up a New Era) and Vichara Kranti Abhiyan (Thought Revolution).

As the Gayatri Pariwar reached almost all countries in the world, people are becoming aware of Acharyaji's social and spiritual thoughts. Year 2008 is opening with several programs and according to Sheelaben Patel, Shakti Peeth of Itasca is working on "Women's Awakening" through seminars group discussion and special presentations.

The group in Itasca Center will meet every Thursday from 8 to 9 pm. There will be emphasis on learning Yoga for physical as well as emotional well being and discussions on educational and professional advancement. Women are encouraged to take interest in this program.Sunday School for children is open in the Center from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Parents are requested to encourage their children to attend this class for learning Indian culture, traditions and about our festivals and history.Sheelaben further mentioned that Shantibhai Patel from Hardwar, a disciple of Acharyaji, is in Itasca.

He will conduct poojas and also hold talks on life and philosophy of Shri Ram Sharma Acharya. Last Sunday, he performed some religious activities besides officiating the Bhajan Arati and special poojas for children of the members of the Center.

He performed special prayers for Doorva Trivedi on her birth day. Yash had a special pooja for initiation into his education as he began with his first year of school. Om had his first birthday and Neel Naik, 2nd year student of medicine at Northwestern University also celebrated his birthday.