Bo’ness, 29 June 2025 — In a landmark celebration organized by Bhuvana Vijayam, with support from JET UK. His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji received a vibrant traditional welcome on 29 June and delivered his inaugural discourse on 29 June to his FIRST-EVER visit to Scotland with an audience of over 350 devotees at Bo’ness Town Hall.
The festivities began with a grand welcome procession on the evening of 29 June. Founder Vijay Kumar Raju Parri honoured Swamiji with a fresh flower garland, followed by a stirring bagpipe performance from Adviteey Arjun Raju Parri (Vijay’s son) alongside local Scottish pipers. Bhuvana Vijayam team member Prasad Mangalampalli and Chief Guest Dr Srihari Vallabhajousula performed the ceremonial Poornakumbha Swagatam. Sai Dodda and his troupe captivated the gathering with a spirited Kolatam folk dance, and a classical dance offering—with bouquet presentation—culminated in the auspicious Mangala Aarathi by Sailaja Ganti, Himabindu Jayanti and Mamatha Vusikala, while Ranjit Nagubandi coordinated and Mithilesh Vaddiparthi anchored the event. Rajasekhar Jala played a key role in coordinating with JET UK in making this program a reality.
The stage programme featured a Kuchipudi dance by the Bhuvana Vijayam troupe, devotional Rama Sankirtana singing, a veena recital by Sailaja Ganti, the Sri Vishnu Sahasranāma Parayanam led by Aneesh Kandada and Mithilesh Vaddiparthi, and heartfelt chanting by the Prajna kids.
Swamiji delivered his discourse, “Ego, Equality & Eternity — A Journey from Self to Supreme,” weaving timeless Vedic wisdom with modern insights. He exhorted the audience: “When we transcend ego, we discover true equality in every heart and eternity in every breath.” He went on to express his admiration for Bhuvana Vijayam, saying its very name gave him goosebumps and that reviving these sacred traditions after 500 years was “nothing short of phenomenal.”
A dedicated team of 30 volunteers, under the guidance of the core team, ensured seamless operations. Children under ten enjoyed two hours of crafts, games and storytelling upstairs, while the main hall remained respectfully silent during the discourse. Following the talk, volunteers distributed 500 boxes of Pulihora/Daddojanam prasadam in the dining area, with clear signage guiding guests to water urns, toilets and parking.
Founder Vijay Kumar Raju Parri acknowledged Swamiji’s speech and reflected on the success: “From the flower-garland welcome to the final prasadam distribution, this event wove Scottish and Telugu traditions into a beautiful tapestry of devotion and unity.”
Kodanda Rao Ayyagari’s poems in honour of Jeeyar Swami were presented to him by the Bhuvana Vijayam members as a heartfelt letter of appreciation. Equally inspired was their choice to publish these verses under the theme “From the Seven Hills of Tirupati to the Seven Hills of Edinburgh.”
“It was a mind-blowing traditional event which made Scotland and Bo’ness full of colour and pride,” said one spectator.
