It is a long-cherished wish of listeners as well as organizers of Naimisharaṇyam yearly SBTSS to have a permanent hall for listeners to sit comfortably and listen to the day-long Śrīmad Bhāgavata exposition. The auspicious śilā-sthāpana (laying the foundation stone) for the proposed Satra Sabha Niketan was done by Poojya Swamiji on Jan 18, after the traditional Bhoomi-Poojā by the priest. This year’s SBTSS is expected to be held in the new Hall.
After the welcome address by Sri T Purushothaman Master, the Chief Guest Sri A C Moideen, Hon’ble Minister for Co-operation and Tourism, Kerala, spoke about the significant role played by the Satram in shaping the society.
Swamiji, in his benedictory address, paid rich tributes to the cooperation and collective efforts of the people of Paralikad, Wadakanchery and surrounding areas in successfully conducting the Satram all these years. Swamiji said the events leading to the construction of the auditorium “Satra Sabhā-niketana” are significant; the structure will remain as an integral property of Paralikad. Swamiji added that during the next Satram, Viśnusahasranāma will be chanted 18,000 times as a special austerity to mark the 18th year of SBTSS. A plan to recite the Mahā-
mantra “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” in 108 Carnatic tunes (rāgas), as another sublime austerity, is also being thought of.
Sri Anil Akkara, Hon’ble MLA (Wadakkanchery) spoke about the Satram and its benedictory influence on people. Many other dignitaries of Wadakkanchery attended the program. At the end, Sadhu Padmanabhan proposed vote of thanks. More than 400 devotees took part in the program. All were served bhaktibhojanam at the end.
