Sri Swami Satyananda & Swami Niranjan
The first major convention was held at Munger in 1973 commemorating the fifty years of sannyasa of our Paramguru, Swami Sivananda, and the fifty years of physical birth of Swami Satyananda.
The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in form of an International Yoga Convention. The Convention had been publicized widely in India and overseas by travelling sannyasins.
In this convention many great exponents and masters of yoga, scientists, educationists and thinkers came from around the country and abroad to present an inspiring program. Gurus, Swamis and saints from all over the world came together during this event to celebrate 50th year of renunciation of Sri Swami Sivananda, and also to celebrate the 50th birth of Swami Satyananda.
People thronged in their thousands and chartered planes, buses and trains to attend the mega yoga event. It was like the yoga olympics. Delegates from abroad and all over India arrived in Munger which was at that time not prepared for such major event, with no hotels, hostels and other facilities.
Shankaracharya of Joshimath
At this function Sri Swami Satyananda was acknowledged by all as an adept and a foremost exponent of yoga. Included among the guests were:
The Governor of Bihar, who represents the President of India, inaugurated the convention. Shankaracharya of Joshimath led the sannyasin section of the Dashnami tradition, praising Sri Swamiji’s work in spreading yoga for the upliftment of the consciousness of humanity. Swami Chidananda Saraswati of Divine Life Society was the chief guest. His presence reinforced the source of inspiration. Many other spiritual dignitaries expressed their solidarity for the cause of yoga and Swami Satyananda’s mission.
