I am deeply honored and touched that despite my move to London, I am officially still the General Secretary of Vedic Heritage Inc., thanks to the graciousness of the Trustee-Board, kripa of Her Holiness Gurumaa Jyotishanand Saraswati, and the blessings of Lord Sri Hanuman. hough I have visited our Ashram every few weeks, this report is written on behalf of our organization’s Secretary, Motibhai Patel who has completely devoted himself to the well-being of the organization. I am, once again, happy to report that we continue to make good progress against the objectives of the trust. Our humble gratitude to a great team of trustees, directors, and above all, volunteers who stand by the organization whenever called for.
Our heartfelt thanks to…
…the congregates who continue to come in hundreds to show their bhakti and devotion to our Sanathana Dharma the selfless sevaks who have stood by us, especially during the last few months when we have had staff shortages. To name a few, Falguniben and Vishnubhai Patel, Rameshbhai and Manjuben Patel, Tinu Patel, Jyotiben Patel, Sadhna Uppal, Janakdidi, Mina Patel, Bakshi family, Rachna Sarang and Renu Jain, Sachdeva family, Shilpa Seth, Atul Patel… and countless others… heads of other religious organizations who continue to bless us, for instance, Maa Jaya from Florida, Manak Muniji from India, Yogi Harbachan Singhji from New Mexico, and Pandit Chandraprakash Kaushikji who was here for the lecture-series during the RamCharitra Manas festival... our staff, Pandit Amolji and Papaji for their untiring services… Sangeet Martandya Pandit Jasrajji for gracing the temple and giving numerous performances during the year. He is also instrumental in arranging the annual Dipawali concerts, and the competition of Sri Sri Gurudev Acharya Vishwanath Dev Sarma foundation… the classical, semi-classical and folk maestros from India for performing at the temple functions: Sri Ghanshyambhai Joshi of Long Island, famous Rajasthani folk performer, Rajendra Jain, vocalist Kankana Banarjee. In the upcoming Dipawali program, we have invited Pandit Jasraj, Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Niladri Kumar and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Also performing will be the inaugural winners of Sri Sri Vishwanath Dev Sarma Music Foundation winners: Hetal Mehta, Natesan Balsubramanium, Vidya Balsubramaniam and Rajni Ramsubramaniam.
The sponsors of the Tuesday/Saturday Puja/Prasads, the festive occasions and the 21 day Akhand Ram Charitra Manas Path
The contributors to this magazine, the editors, Suman Guha Mozumder and Srividya, our artist, Joji Samala, the Printer, Anton of GM Group and AnshuMitra Lunavat for his creativity. Last but not the least, I would like to thank the contributors and sponsors who help us run the organization. Thanks to you all, we continue to spread the good message of Baba in a Western society in Kalyug.
We continue to celebrate….
All major religious festivals of our tradition. We start the year with Shiv Ratri, Mataji’s Chowki during Navratri in Spring, Holi festival, Sri Hanuman Jayanti, Guru Purnima, Akhand RamCharitra Manas Path during the holy month of Sravan, Navratri, Karwa Chauth, Mahalaxmi Puja, Dipawali and finally, Sri Sri Gurudevji’s Punyatithi. We also have Satyanarayan Katha on every Purnamasi. We celebrate the traditional way, with rituals as prescribed in our scriptures, and with more enthusiasm and vigor. This helps the Indian population in the tri-state area to keep alive our rich traditions, and pass it on to the new generation.
Our new generation…
Continues to participate in increasing numbers. We have devoted the Holi festival to the younger generation. This year’s Holi festival, was one of a kind. All participants sang/dance according to the classical styles of India, and the show was compered by the younger generation too….in Hindi! That reminds me of the new Hindi classes which we have introduced this year by popular demand. We also have the dance classes every Sunday by Rachna Sarang. We are also planning to have a classical music workshop conducted by none other than Pd. Jasrajji. It is very heart-warming to see the young singing the bhajans and aarti, reciting mantras, and blowing the conch at the Mandir (Singh Saheb). Tinu Patel has taken the responsibility of all the audio-video co-ordination. Who says that our culture is at risk in this foreign land?
VHI Ashram In India is...
Finally taking shape in the picturesque hills of Lonavala between Mumbai and Pune. I request all the reader of this magazine to wholeheartedly support this cause. If the Ashrams in New York and Austin have managed to transform the lives of thousands, the Ashram in India will do so in millions. It is more ambitious, and comprises multitude of spiritual activities. I cannot wait till we accomplish this magnificent project.
In the meantime, once again, my humble thanks to you all with folded hands... Jai Sri Hanuman! |
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