Thondunathan sends some recent photos from Sri Lanka and a little history:

In March 2005, after the devastating December 2004 Tsunami, I visited the Tsunami hit areas in the Eastern part of Sri Lanka. I was invited to an orphanage named Yogaswami Girl’s Home. At that time 44 girls were living in a small house which was in very poor condition. My heart was moved by the children.

In the summer of 2005 I was giving a talk to a group in Toronto, Canada and I mentioned the Yogaswami Girl’s Home. Afterwards, 12 year old Nayani Rajamohan came forward and told me that she wanted to help these children. In the years since, whenever I went to Canada, Nayani would again talk to me about her desire to raise funds for the home.

In 2009 she formed an organization called “Change for Orphans”.

Last July Nayani Rajamohan organized and performed in a benefit dance show which raised CAN$6000 for the girl’s home.

Nayani is a true Sivathondar! Even at this young age her soul realizes the spiritual rewards of helping her sisters half-way around the world.

In October I visited the girl’s home and met with the administration and children to discuss uses for the money. The decision was to use this money to build a much needed new kitchen, as the old kitchen is leaking and in very bad shape. I was able to meet with the building contractor and initiated the project.

Last month the kitchen construction began, however, we have learned from the home’s administration that they will need more money to complete the project. Nayani is starting her second round of fund raising to meet this need.

The Yogaswami Girls’ Orphanage also has an endowment with the Hindu Heritage Endowment. When you give to this fund you are helping build a long term source of financial stability for the orphanage. Go here to learn more and contribute online.