The general annual meeting was held in the second week of May instead of the first as every year. It commenced at sharp 5:00pm in Her Holiness Guru Maa Jyotishanand Saraswati's office. The meeting was attended by the trustees Pragyamitra Bhangdia, Ram Wadhwa, Mangal Thakker, Kusum Gupta, Seema Sehgal, Motibhai Patel, Annapurna Bhangdia (India), Raj Jain, Renu Jain, Anil Jain, Sunita Jain, Mukesh Malkan, Kamlesh Mehta, Falguni Patel, Nimmy Mehta and Veena Wadhwa, who were invited to attend the meeting were also present.
With prayers and Guru Maa's blessings, the meeting started. As a principal, all trustees resigned from their respective posts. Nayan Kisnadwala handed his resignation from Hong Kong over the phone to Pragyamitra Bhangdia. Guru Maa accepted everybody's resignation and the new election was called upon.
Traditionally, the election process takes place every year with the exception of the position of the General secretary which takes place every three years.
Guru Maa then blessed the newly elected committee and advised them to take a very personal interest in their new responsibilities. She told them that as long as her health permits, she will continue the most challenging work here in New York, but is hopeful of spending more and more time in India. Since Vedic Heritage India was in its initial stages of development, she needs to dedicate more and more of her time and energy there to give it the firm foundation that it requires at this stage. The more the new committee members take interest in their new responsibilities, the more Guru Maa will be able to stay in India for the Vedic Heritage project. She humbly requested everybody to serve their organization with total commitment and progressive sincerity. Everybody expressed their commitment and dedication to the organization and assured Guru Maa to pursue her mission in India, as they will take pride in serving their beloved temple and organization.
Guru Maa announced her decision to open a very important new chapter in the history of Vedic Heritage, with the creation of the 'Active Advisory Board.' The members of this committee will function more or less like the trustees, without actually holding any official rights or portfolio. This is her brainchild to asses the commitment of potential trustees for the future, in a comfortable and cordial environment.
Among other important issues the board of trustees and all invitees expressed their views and concerns on how to make cultural and financial success of the Vedic Heritage programs. One of the issue being the upcoming Deepawali celebrations and the Grand Musical program of Vedic Heritage to be held on later on the 11th and 12th of November. It was announced that this year we will be privileged with the gracious performances by the millennium's three Padma Vibhushan award winners, Pandit Jasraj for vocal, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia for flute and Pandit Kelucharan Mahapatra for dance (Odisi). The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest award/honor in India. We will also be graced by the melodious voices of Pandit Ratan Mohan Sharma and Ashwini Bhide Despandey, the young and charismatic Aayan Ali Bangash on the Sarod, and the tantalizing beats of the Tabla with Vijay Ghate and Akram. This will be two great days for all music lovers with great performances with magical craftsmen and jugalbandis between maestros of music.
Another important decision was made at this meeting. Since the judges of the music competition could not pick winners worthy of the competition last year, it was decided that there will be no competition this year. Guru Maa has also requested the committee of the Acharya Viswanath Dev Sarma Charm Art Foundation to put in more awareness of this great opportunity to potential musicians of tomorrow so as to make this competition a success.
As the meeting neared 8:00 in the evening, the executive meeting was adjourned and everybody moved to the temple for the general meeting open to public. A small crowd of between 200 to 250 people were awaiting their participation.
After receiving Guru Ma's approval and blessings, Mukesh Malkan introduced the newly elected committee to it's people.
The new Executive trustee Pragyamitra Bhangdia was introduced to the public. Doctorsaheb as he is fondly called by many, has served the office as the Executive Trustee for 10 years in a row. He is hardworking, committed, humble and respectful to all, has a great temperament, loves everyone and is adored by all. Guru Maa asked the Board if they would like a different Executive trustee. There was a unanimous “No!”
Following this, Pragyamitra Bhangdia welcomed the audience after paying his respects to Guru Maa. After expressing his support to his new brotherhood he made a small announcement. He said that one of the oldest Executive trustees of Vedic Heritage Dr. Swain who in the early days had put in unaccountable hard-work and effort with the utmost sincerity was present with us at this moment. Due to health restrains, Dr.Swain cannot be physically present with us as often as he would want to be, but his spirit is with us, in this temple all the time. The crowd welcomed Dr. Swain with applause and enthusiasm.
The committee then requested volunteers to come forward and contribute their time and energy to serving the organization. Many came forward to help out in different areas that was most suitable to them.
With this, a great day in the chapter of Vedic Heritage came to an end with great achievements to look forward to with a new trustee board, advisory board and innumerable volunteers with fresh ideas, rejuvenated enthusiasm and commitment to the an organization that we have all grown to love under the guidance of our beloved Her Holiness Sri Sri Guru Maa Jyotishanand Saraswati. |
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