GURU VANDANA REPORT – SHIVA JI (WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK) SHAKHA
Shivaji Shakha of Westchester, NY, for the second time had conducted Guru Vandana on May 19, 2012 at 5:30 PM at YWCA, White Plains. Hon. Ken Jenkins, chairman of the county board of legislators was invited as the Chief Guest, Dr. Vidya Sagar, a NY State certified Teacher working at the Blind Brook High School in Rye who is well versed in our scriptures as well as western philosophy as our Mukhya Vaktha and our NY Vibhag Karyavah, Rudra Upadhyaya for the concluding remarks. Besides them, we had nine invited teachers from different school districts in Westchester; Mrs. Christine Cecere, an English Teacher and Mrs. Alexandra D. MacDougall, a Science teacher, both from Edgemont High School of Edgemont School district, Mrs.Nithya Brahmadesham, an aloha Math teacher, Mrs. Leslie Mignault; a speech/language teacher and Mrs. Rayna Shapiro; school psychologist , both from Seely Place Elementary School of Edgemont School District, Dr. Sansar Sharma, a professor of Cell Biology from New York Medical College, Valhalla, Mrs. Amanda Franco, a teacher at Pocantico Hills school of Pocantico school district, Mrs. Jyoti Chitur, a Sanskrit and Yoga teacher and Mrs. Keri Zurlini; a teacher from Chappaqua school district were the distinguished teacher guests.
The function started with introduction of the chief guest, Hon. Ken Jenkins by Shakha Karyavah, Sivadasan Nair, in which he gave a brief description of the term guru and significance of Guru in our culture followed by lighting of the lamp by all the invited guests. Our North East Sambhag Seva pramukh, PragyaKant ji explained the significance of lighting the lamp and assisted them. Then teachers were introduced and invited to the stage where the respective students offered flowers, namaskar (touching feet) and a token of appreciation. After the namaskar ceremony Mukhya vaktha was introduced and invited for the talk. Dr. Vidya Sagar gave an enlightening talk on the concept of guru, respect given to a teacher in Bharat versus the United States. He also emphasized Tagore’s words “all the gurus are teachers but all the teachers are not gurus”.
Following the key note speech was an action song by our adorable young swayam sevaks and sevikas under 7 years old. The teachers were invited to respond to the program, our chief guest Hon: Ken Jenkins gave a brief speech and all the teachers expressed their gratitude for the respect and recognition given to them. At this time Hon: Ken Jenkins presented a certificate of appreciation for all teachers acknowledging Hindu Education Foundation’s effort along with a token of appreciation.
A cultural presentation by children above 8 followed in which the kids chanted praise for Shiva, the universal Guru, performed bharatha natyam, an ancient Indian claasical
dance form, in praise of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, slokas praising Guru and evolution and teachings of Sanatana Dharma and lastly, explained the benefits of Surya Namaskar and demonstrated all the 10 postures with opening/ ending slokas with 13 manthras.
Our NY Vibhag Karyavah Rudra Upadhyaya thanked all the guests and explained what Hindu Swayamseval Sangh is, its activities in individual / character development as well as its activities in the community. The two hour long program ended with a scrumptious homemade still authentic dinner. All the guests relaxed, enjoyed and blended in easily with the swayam sevaks and sevikas during the dinner time. It was very memorable and successful event to add to the events conducted by Shivaji shakha.
One teacher response after the event “The thanks is all mine! What a special day. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the honor bestowed upon my colleagues and me. The kids were a joy to watch—so talented and devout. The food was outstanding, and the gifts were too kind. I felt like a million bucks leaving the ceremony on Saturday.”
Big Aum to Jayaji and Vinayji for organizing such a good Guru Vandana Program for Shivaji Shakha. Big Aum to all Shivaji Shakha karyakartas and members. https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=shivajishakha&target=ALBUM&id=5744823063144484337&authkey=Gv1sRgCI_G697Q-PiaJg&feat=email
MY SUMMER IN INDIA
Our Atlanta karyakarti Amruta Houde is doing YFS internship in Pune. She is also keeping her activities posted through her blog. Her recent post describes a camp in Pune. Very inspiring read....
http://mysummerinindia.blogspot.com/2012/05/eye-opening-camp.html
Alongside Amruta in her adventures is Rhucha Joshi, yuvati from Bay Area. Her blog:
http://anadventureabroad.wordpress.com/
SANGH IN ACTION
Cleaning drive by Swayamsevaks in a Govt. Hospital in Tamilnadu
*Sangh in Action - Cleaning drive by Swayamsevaks in a Govt. Hospital in
Tamilnadu.
*
The Government hospital at Royapettah in Chennai is entering its 100th year
of service catering to the poor and needy. RSS, South Chennai coordinators
approached the management for taking up a cleaning drive in the premises,
for which they readily supported the effort.
As planned on 13 May, 2012 over 180 volunteers of various teams like sports
group, IT professionals, auditors, teachers and students assembled in the
morning at the hospital from different parts of Chennai.
There was a brief inaugural session presided by Ma. Sanghachalak Durai
Shankar ji, famous actor Damu, Hospital Sergeants Thirumal and Khaleelullah
Rahman. Shri Durai Shankar said that sangha inculcates spirit of Sewa
through Shakha.
Actor Damu delivered a motivating speech to the audience. He was highly
impressed by the young disciplined crowd assembled there while others of
that age are taking it easy. He said that, “India is a unique country in
the world which cannot be compared with others. I would like to salute the
parents of such blessed youth”. He also emphasized on the need for taking
care of body and mind. “There are 12 vital organs in the body. I know the
importance of them and take adequate care. I appeal to you not to spoil the
health by getting into habits such as smoking. Do not get carried away by
the movie scenes. Some of the scenes may be good but the majority is bad”.
He exhorted the volunteers to continue serving the society.
Six groups were formed to clean a huge sump of 48,000 litres capacity, 5
Over head tanks, 2 wards, open space around the hospital and a little
temple.
Among the other areas planned for cleaning was abandoned godown in the old
hospital premises, area which was filled with food packets probably dumped
many weeks was also cleared.
This Sewa activity was covered by leading dailies and media. One of the
camera men who came to shoot the event said “Sir, as a common man I am
telling you. You are doing a great job. People come to a hospital to get
cured of diseases but it is a pity that the unhygienic condition in the
hospital creates more health issues for patients and attendants. I really
appreciate your work.”
A patient near the tea shop sincerely thanked the swayamsewaks for the
service.
At the end of the programme Sewa Pramukh Raman ji briefly spoke
appreciating the effort of swayamsewaks and asked them to take the efforts
to Shakha level. The RMO who went round the hospital to survey the work
carried out was very impressed and said “Only RSS can do such a work with a
cohesive team of people from different walks of life”.
GURU VANDANA REPORT – LONGMONT SHAKHA, COLORADO
The Colorado Chapter of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), was conducting the Guru Vandana (Teacher’s Appreciation) program to honor the teachers. Longmont Shakha also celebrated Guru Vandana by inviting teachers from the Longmont School District region. Guru Vandana is being celebrated on May 6, 2012 at Friendship Center of the First Lutheran Church, Main Street, Longmont. The program was scheduled from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm in a very formal and structured format.
The basic goal of the program was to give our children an opportunity to honor their teachers by expressing his/her gratitude for imparting knowledge and wisdom to them. The baseline for success of the program was to gather as many teachers in this zone as possible by the kids. The mission was to familiarize the teachers with the positive aspect of our country backing with its geography and intellectual history and achievements. Any such program needs a calculative move to get the desired result which usually is shouldered by experienced elders. But not anymore, our next generation...our kids worked it out in the smartest, impactful, energetic way with a right dose of fun in it.
The program commenced with the Mukhya Shikshak Pranavji addressing the attention of everyone present to the customary and significant ritual of Dhwaja Vandan. Yuva Sevak and Dhwaja Pramukh Deepak did the flag hosting followed by Dhwaja Vandana. The program then took off by the anchors from yuva varg sevaks / sevikas viz. Rohan and Manasa Deepak and Satvik, through very interesting power point presentation and interactive play of words welcomed the guests, explained the bifurcated meaning of the consonant GU and RU wherein former mean darkness and later mean remover of darkness and thus the two consonants together makes the word GURU...one who enlightens our dark thoughts, wisdom and knowledge. They narrated part by part meaning of the famous Gurur Bhrama, Guru Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara prayer from our ancient scriptures. Thus explaining all the teachers present, the importance of Guru in the Indian society and acknowledged the effort and dedication they put for the Shishya, the student. They also presented some facts of India.
To give a clear visual representation of cultural aspect of our tradition, many meaningful and entertaining cultural programs were lined up. Bala Sevika Divya Bhat enchanted everyone with her Bharatanatyam dance performance, followed by a devotional song sung by sevikas viz., Surekhaji, Lathaji, Barnaliji, Sunithaji and Mamtaji. There after a skit was presented to reflect the relationship of Guru - Shishya. Yuva sevak Surya enacted as the Guru and the obedient shishyagana were Amay, Manas, Abhinav, Aryan, Pranav, Rohan, Divya, Deepak, Satvik, Manasa. This was a very impressive skit wherein Guru and Shishyagana were having deliberation about their relationship and whom do they respect most... Eshwar, Mata-Pita or Guru. Witty replies maintained the mood of the skit and guest teachers’ laughter’s spoke for the entertainment part of it. Last but not the least, Bala sevak and sevikas viz., Divya, Advika, Prashansha, Aryan, Manas and Amay rocked the stage with a beautiful bhangra dance number i.e Yeh desh hai veer jawano ka, albelo ka..” from the movie Naya Daur ... where in Indian youth is iconically represented as smart and mesmerizing.
Then came the most awaiting felicitation time. Teachers representing their respective school from Niwot High School, Altona Middle School, Twin Peaks Charter Academy, Eagle Crest Elementary School and Small Wonders Preschool were invited on stage. During the setting up time, yuva sevika Manasa and yuva sevak Rohan shooted puns on the routine questions any child from Indian origin is surely asked... like the dot on the forehead of ladies, corruption, poverty. They did a commendable job of reflecting such serious questions or views in a very witty way. By now the stage was set and each kid with the parent assistance honored the teacher with flower and putting kumkum on their forehead as a customary of Hindu culture. Each student got the opportunity to speak their heart felt about the teacher and thanked them. In return, the respective teachers also reciprocated their views and happiness over this felicitation and rich Indian heritage of thanking the teachers. They unanimously expressed the same feeling how such an occasion makes their profession worth working.
Colorado Vibhag Karyavaha Madhusudan Bhatji presented the momentos and certificate assisting the kids to their respective teachers. There were in all 11 teachers with thier family members being felicitated, the ratio being 1: 1, lots of memories were captured in frame. It would be a memorable event for all the kids as they got to do in fact , exactly what they have been preached all through by family and in Balagokulam weekly shakhas.
Felicitation program was followed by customary Shakha conclusion of Sangha Daksha, Prarthana, Dhwaja Pranam and finally Sangha Veekira. But how can such an interesting function end up so dry. It was snack time with mouthwatering samosas, noodles, sweets, ice-cream, juice and fruits. Most of all, parents, respective teachers and students sat in an informal way chit-chatting and enjoying the snack time.
All in all, the most impressive of all is kids ranging from preschool to high school participated and got equal opportunity to render in Guru Vandana program. Interactions with teachers revealed how happy they felt and how much did they enjoy the program. Thus, may we say Guru Vandan program was a great success and we should endeavor to continue doing such programs in future.
SANSKRIT MAKES A MINI-COMEBACK, IN THE U.S.
Samskrita Bharati USA http://www.samskritabharatiusa.org/index.php
As you pull into the driveway of the Sri Lakshmi Hindu Temple in the Boston suburb of Ashland, Sanskrit chants reverberate from a building across the way where free classes are being held. From seven-year-olds to 70-year-olds, people in Boston, New York, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and other cities over the U.S. are attending Sanskrit classes, not just to chant shlokas but also to learn to speak, read and write this ancient language. A revival is brewing.
This endeavor is being led by Samskrita Bharathi, a non-profit organization that is working to bring Sanskrit back into the mainstream. Sanskrit, traditionally a classical and liturgical language, has a position in India and South Asia similar to that of Latin and Greek in Europe, and it is a central part of Hindu tradition.
Samskrita Bharathi runs weekly Sanskrit classes and camps for children and adults. Weekend and vacation classes and camps are one thing, but a full-fledged, well-structured three-year high school language program is another, particularly when it’s being driven by an organization primarily run by volunteers.
SAFL (Sanskrit as a Foreign Language) was created in 2008 as a resource for high school students, who wished to continue their Sanskrit studies without interruption after their summer camps and weekend classes. “The idea for such a course came about after discussions with several parents of teenagers who had attended our classes and camps,” says Giri Bharathan, a volunteer who is the director of the SAFL program.
“An online course to meet the requirements of a foreign language study was created similar to normal high school courses. At $700 per student per year, SAFL runs through the year and has continuous evaluation in the way of homework, projects and exams. Grades and transcripts are issued and students will potentially be able to get credits as a foreign language course or as an independent study.”
The curriculum for the three years, (six semesters and three direct contact programs, or residential camps) was designed by Sowmya Joisa, who also teaches in the program with another teacher, Vrunda Thakrar, and some university level Sanskrit professors.
The number of students signing up for this program has risen steadily. In the first year (2009-2010) there were 17 students from seven different states. The next year, there were 30 students from 11 different states, and this year there are 48 from 13 states. For the 2012-2013 year, the number is expected to increase to 75. The first group of eight students completed the third year course in 2011.
Giridhar Anand, a junior at Newton High School in Newton, Massachusetts, finds that the sound of the spoken language itself is so different from any other he has encountered: “The language is phonetic, and so it rolls off the tongue. There is little slurring, and there are no accents, as there are in English and Spanish,” he says. “I’ve also found the Sanskrit community to be very inviting. Every camp and every Samskrita Bharati event I have attended has been a fun, informal experience, and I have learned a lot in the process.” His siblings Aneesh and Suma (they are triplets) say they feel the same way about the program.
“While some refer to Samskritam as a ‘dead language,’ learning Samskritam has proven to be one of the most challenging and rewarding endeavors. It has taken me on a journey of self-discovery and helped me identify with my Indian roots,” adds Swathi Krishnan, a freshman at the University of Chicago who completed the SAFL program at Rye Country Day School in New York. Last summer, she attended a two-week immersion camp in Bangalore, an experience she describes as “one of the most intellectually stimulating” of her life.
Nandita Kumar a Senior at Westview High School in Portland, Oregon echoes that view. “I am an American of Indian origin, and I don’t want to lose that Indian part of me. Learning Samskritam directly lets me understand my culture and religion in the language it was written: it keeps me grounded.”
This ancient language that has served as the backbone of Hinduism is evolving into a resource for those who want to learn more about their roots, culture and tradition.
Visi Tilak is freelance writer with bylines in publications such as the Boston Globe, Indian Express, India Today and Tehelka. She can be reached via email visitilak@gmail.com, her website www.visitilak.com or on Twitter @vtilak. You can India Real Time on Twitter @indiarealtime.
HINDU CONTRIBUTION TO MATH & SCIENCE
http://satyameva-jayate.org/2012/05/21/hindu-contribution-to-maths-science/
NZ HINDU BUSINESS DELEGATION TO ATTEND WORLD HINDU ECONOMIC CONFERENCE
Thursday, May 10, 2012
IWK Bureau
Making Society Prosperous will be the theme at the World Hindu Economic Conference
The first World Hindu Economic Conference with the theme “Shaping the World Economy along with making Society Prosperous” will be held in Hong Kong on Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 1st.
This two-day conference will be inaugurated by Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius.
The conference organisers, World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF), have invited New Zealand Hindu business community to participate in this conference and to have discussions with successful business leaders who have established well internationally.
Responding to the invitation, Hindu Council of New Zealand (HCNZ) is co-ordinating the first New Zealand Hindu business delegation to Hong Kong.
Vinod Kumar, a successful businessman from Auckland and the president of HCNZ, will lead the delegation.
"This is an opportunity to meet with established and successful business people from around the world," Mr Kumar said.
The conference will feature Group discussion sessions to discuss industry success stories, challenges and opportunities. Eminent panellists will discuss the future trends and expectations of various sectors.
Some of the keynote speakers at the conference include:
* Dr Subramaniam Swamy (Harvard Univ and former Union Minister, Government of India);
* Dr G Madhavan Nair (Ex-Chief of Indian Space Research Organisation);
* Dr Vijay Bhatkar (Scientist and designer of Param and Padam Super Computers);
* Dr Gautam Sen (London School of Economics);
* Prof R Vaidyanathan (Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore).
The world economy has greatly changed since the 1960s, and individually Hindus have created vast business empires. Many Hindus have also become the heads of a number of major corporations throughout the world. This impressive performance of individuals needs to be translated to the Hindu society on the whole as well by encouraging creation of wealth while being guided by the principles of Dharma.
The World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) promotes activities that make society prosperous, primarily through the generation and sharing of material wealth. Through this conference, WHEF aims to bring together disparate financially successful business people such as traders, bankers, technocrats, investors, industrialists, so that each group can share their business knowledge, experience, and expertise with their fellow business people to generate surplus wealth in service of society and Dharma.
"The sharing of this information will lead to the creation and strengthening of effective business networks to link financially successful Hindus together," said Dr Manoj Kumar Motwani, co-ordinator of this conference.
"Greater economic cooperation among Hindu entrepreneurs will also help create the conditions amenable for the generation of surplus wealth.”
Registration to the WHEC is selection-based, as this is a platform for a new group of entrepreneurs who believe in developing business skills that can aid in generating new streams of wealth which in turn encourages the overall development of the Hindu society as a whole.
The primary objectives of WHEF are to promote activities of developing enterprise and entrepreneurship globally; to develop solutions for most crucial of the issues on world economy like sustainable development, education, eradication of poverty, climate change and infrastructure development; and to promote a value based corporate governance system through organizing seminars, conferences, and research activities.
This conference gives an opportunity for New Zealand business people to cooperate, collaborate, and share business ideas and opportunities with investors.
"We will invite the Hindu business leaders from around the world to look for opportunities and invest in New Zealand," Dr Guna Magesan, co-ordinator of NZ Hindu business delegation and the General Secretary, Hindu Council of New Zealand.
This delegation is self funded. Those who are interested in being part of the NZ Hindu business delegation, please email hindu.nz@gmail.com
or contact one of the following:
Auckland: Vinod Kumar - 021 795 721; Wellington: Dr Rajiv Chaturvedi - 021 0795036
Rest of NZ: Dr Guna Magesan - 021 034 5621
The World Hindu Economic conference 2012 will be held at Holiday Inn Hong Kong-Golden Mile, 50 Nathan Rd, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong on 30 June and 1 July, 2012.
WHEF website: http://wheforum.org/
Hindu Council of New Zealand website: http://hinducouncil.org.nz
CITY OF HASTINAPUR IN ARGENTINA
Very few person in India would know about the city of Hastinapur in Argentina. People here also pay homage to the gods of India and Pandava princes who ruled the Indian city by the same name for thousands of years ago. CITY OF HASTINAPUR IN ARGENTINA WORSHIPING INDIAN GODS
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According to the Mahabharata, Hastinapur was the capital of an ancient Indian kingdom. The throne of this kingdom was the prize over which the Kurukshetra war was fought between the Kauravas and their cousins, the Pandavas.
Spread over 12 acres near the Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, Hastinapur houses a dozen Indian temples of the gods. The air around this holy place is filled with the smell of agarbatti (incense) that devotees gather in droves to gain wisdom.
Hastinapura is clearly a place worthy of the god, to be satisfied with the cleanliness of the place, serene and green garden with trees rosewood. The only noise comes from the hundreds of birds that nest in trees. Then there’s the soft music of devotees singing bhajans. In fact it is a heavenly place that inspires holy thoughts and Holy Spirit.
During the weekend, the human population increases to over a hundred. Argentines do not go there looking for favors as many Indians do in Tirupati. They go there to wisdom. This is why it is called Hastinapur as the City of Wisdom. Many Argentines visit Hastinapur as a retreat from the hectic life of Buenos Aireswhich is about 50 km away.
The statues of the deities are placed in a flower garden, some standing on a pedestal, while some hang from the side walls and pillars. Lord Ganesh, Krishna, Surya Narayana and Shiva have their own temples, and the Pandavas also has one.
Yoga, meditation, philosophy, devotional songs, sacred theater, workshops and seminars, among other activities are organized. Festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and the Baisakhi are also held.
The founders and directors of the foundation work as managers, engineers, teachers, volunteer their time.
Hastinapur has a postgraduate course in yoga, which has three years to complete.Classes are held on weekends only. There are 2,500 students studying yoga and philosophy at the centers of Hastinapura. Students are taught by 100 teachers and 120 teachers philosophy of yoga.
HINDU AMERICAN VANAPRASTHI NETWORK
Hindu American Vanaprasthi Network
Presents The First ever Seminar for Retired Hindu Seniors
Sunday June 3rd, 11am to 4pm
At Sindhu Center 14117 Clarkdale Ave, Norwalk
(at Rosecrans) CA 90650
· Discover joy of engaging in meaningful activities.
· Stay connected and Learn the Art of Aging .
Topics : Health (physical, emotional & spiritual)
Happiness (Giving & Receiving)
“ Complimentary Lunch”
RSVP : Register by May 30th and save on Admission
Please Call : Sheela Kene 949 786 1364
Or e’mail to
Admission : $5 per person with RSVP/$10 without RSVP
Organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad Of America, Inc. L A Chapter,
in cooperation with Sindhi Association of So. California
