VOICE OF ASIA 6
The Gandhi Legacy
FRIDAY, October 2, 2015
ICC’s role in perpetuating Gandhi legacy in Houston
The Mahatma Gandhi statue unveiling ceremony at Hermann Park.
A
ugust 16, 2015 was a historical event for the Indo-American community in Houston when an 8ft. by 6 ft. Marble monument was unveiled at the intersection of Highway 59 and Hillcroft Road in the Mahatma Gandhi District of what has come to be known as Little India. The monument was inaugurated by Harish Pavathaneni, Consul General of India in Houston. A large number of Community leaders and elected officials attended the monument dedication event. Mahatma Gandhi District itself was formally named on January 10, 2016.
The Gandhi Monument Project was only the latest in a series of Projects completed by India Culture Center (ICC), in promoting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy in Houston. Actually, ICC has been in the forefront on the efforts to establish concrete, physical mementos in honor of Mahatma Gandhi in Houston, since 2002. Mahatma Gandhi Statue at Hermann Park On November 20, 2002, Houston’s Director of Parks and Recreation Department offered the site of the international Sculpture Garden in Hermann Park for the installation of the sculpture. After careful examination of the site offered
and many other potential sites, ICC submitted the final proposal to the Houston Municipal Arts Commission (MAC) on May 1, 2003. After detailed presentations, MAC approved the proposal on June 26 and the Mayor accepted the statue donation on July 11. The Groundbreaking by Mayor Brown was held on October 2, 2003, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The inauguration of the statue was to occur in December 2003, but due the logistics, fundraising, and building issues, the statue installation could not be completed and the final inauguration of the bronze statue was held on Oct 2, 2004. Houston Mayor Bill White, India’s Ambassador to US, Ronen Sen, former Mayor Lee P. Brown, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Consul General Skand Ranjan Tayal were among the guests at the unveiling ceremony. Hundreds attended the ceremony including prominent community leaders including ICC’s former and active presidents and directors and ICC supporters. Mahatma Gandhi District Project About the same time as the Gandhi statue idea was conceived, ICC, with help from several community activists, started exploring the idea of having a portion of the Hillcroft
Houston Mayor Bill White, India’s Ambassador to US, Ronen Sen, Former Mayor Lee P. Brown, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Consul General Tayal were among the dignitaries at the unveiling ceremony at Hermann Park.
The Mahhatma Gandhi Monument on Hillcroft, Houston.
Road re-named as Mahatma Gandhi Road. However, this Project required consent of at least 75% of the property owners in the area. This requirement could not be easily fulfilled. Therefore, instead ICC started working on the Project to have the area designated as the Mahatma Gandhi District. With the hard work and dedicated efforts by the ICC Board and many community volunteers Indian American ladies wave India’s flags in a show of support during the and business com- unveiling at Hillcroft, Houston. munity, the Project was approved As described in opening of Peace and Non-violence in by the City of Houston and paragraph of this article, the Houston for generations to Sharpstown Management unveiling of the Marble Mon- come. Perhaps, some other District, The Mahatma Gan- ument at the Head of the Ma- similar projects will be undhi District was inaugurated hatma Gandhi District was dertaken in the future, by by Mayor Annise Parker on only the latest ICC Project in India Culture Center, the oldJanuary 16, 2010. promoting, preserving, and est community organizations Mahatma Gandhi District perpetuating the memory of for all indo-Americans in the Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle Houston Metropolitan Area. Monument Unveiling
“ In a gentle way,
you can shake the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Congratulations on the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi monument in the Mahatma Gandhi District. Houston’s Indian community is part of the rich tapestry that makes up our city. And because of the work of local community organizers, all Houstonians have a new opportunity to focus on the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi and continue to be inspired by his teachings. Thank you for making Houston a better place for all of us!
Message Dear Readers of Voice of Asia, The installation of a monument for Mahatma Gandhi at such a high visibility intersection in Houston will provide our citizens with a visible reminder of his contribution as an Apostle of Peace. Pearland is one of the most diverse communities in the country with a large and contributing Indian population. We are proud of our Indian community and I join with them in commending this special recognition of a great man of peace.
With deep appreciation,
Tom Reid, Mayor, City of Pearland, Texas.
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Pol. adv. Sylvester Turner Campaign. David Mincberg, Treasurer
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Special Issue
VOICE OF ASIA 7
What is Gandhi’s Legacy?
FRIDAY, October 2, 2015
A Tribute to Gandhi You will succeed, you will succeed One day you will surely succeed Not at one nation Not at one continent But all over the world You will succeed. A day will dawn And the world, tired of violence Will appreciate you, follow your steps And accept the path of non-violence. You will succeed, you will succeed One day you will surely succeed. -Dhirajlal Shah Houston, TX (age 93 - one of our devoted readers).
Mahatma Gandhi before the traditional Indian Charka or Spinning wheel. Credit: Life Magazine. by Aparna Basu, PhD
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andhi did not leave behind any legacy of wealth or property since he did not possess any. His legacy is the ideals and principles that he preached and practiced. His contributions in various fields are recognized the world over more today perhaps than during his lifetime, when he was often thought of solely as the architect of India’s freedom struggle. The American civil rights struggle against racial discrimination and segregation in the 1950s and 1960s was influenced by Gandhi’s technique of satyagraha. Martin Luther King Jr. had heard of Gandhi ‘s role in the Indian freedom struggle but not much more. He later acknowledged that his inspiration was Jesus Christ but he learnt the method of his struggle from Gandhi. In South Africa, non violent protest and mass resistance were highly important in thwarting apartheid policies and white domination especially between 1950 and 1960. Nelson Mandela has acknowledged how Gandhi’s “philosophy contributed in no small measure to bringing about a peaceful
transformation in South Africa and in healing the destructive human division that had been spawned by the abhorrent practice of apartheid.” .
There are centres of Gandhian studies in India and across the world. Books and articles on Gandhi continue to be published.
In 1968 and 1969, following the Warsaw Pact invasion, Czechs and Slovaks held off full Soviet control for eight months with improvised non violent struggle and refusal of collaboration.
The National Gandhi Museum at Rajghat in New Delhi , together with other half a dozen Gandhi Museums and other Gandhan institutions attempts to spread the message of Gandhi specially among the youth. The NGM organizes various programmes includinng youth camps and has an excellent library of books by Gandhi and on Gandhi as well as copies of journals edited by him. It has a large collection of photographs and photo exhibitions are held twice every year .
The solidarity movement in Poland began in 1980 and concluded in 1989 with the collapse of the Communist regime. Lech Walsea, leader of the Solidarity movement, writes, “I too consider myself a follower and student of Mahatma Gandhi. ‘Following the example of Mahatma Gandhi we found that by adopting peaceful, non violent measures we could re-organize the society and empowered by the resulting solidarity and togetherness we could effectively lead the struggle.” In India, Gandhi’s ideas have influenced movements against deforestation, big dams, and the struggle for a safe environment. The Self Employed Women’s Organization (SEWA) of women in the unorganized sector is another example of a movement shaped by Gandhian ideology.
Gandhi’s ideas of pluralism, liberalism, the resolution of conflict by peaceful means, of preserving the environment are better understood and their relevance appreciated more today than during his lifetime. Sixty seven years after his assassination his legacy is not dead. Dr Aparna Basu, PhD is currently Chairperson, National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi. She was formerly, Professor of History, University of Delhi.
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Special Issue
VOICE OF ASIA 8
FRIDAY, October 2, 2015
A Personal Memoir: Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to my hometown, Rajahmundry by Krishna Vavilala
ter dark.
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A diminutive bespectacled man clad in a knee-high dhoti and white shawl appeared at the door of his compartment and the train moved back and forth to enable all people to have good darshan of the Mahatma. Subsequently, Gandhi ji stepped out of his compartment onto a specially built raised platform which was illuminated by electric flood lights for all to see him clearly.
eing one of the few first generation IndoAmerican immigrants born in British India, I have had an opportunity of experiencing Mahtama Gandhi ji’s aura when I was 9 years old in my home town, Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. I distinctly remember the evening of January 20,1946 when Mahatma Gandhi’s special train carrying him and his entourage stopped briefly at Rajahmundry. I was accompanied by my grandmother, my older sister and a younger brother. All of us traveled in a bullock cart up to the railway station and then walked an extra mile on a dirt road to reach a railway marshaling yard designated for Gandhi ji’s special train.
Gandhi ji greeted the crowd with a Namaste as they chanted repeatedly “Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai”. Gandhi ji did not however speak on that day, as it was a Monday- his silence [“mauna vrat”] day. A local Congress leader, read Gandhi ji’s message written in Hindi which called upon people to have preparedness with discipline to become free people of Independent India.
More than 100,000 people waited patiently to greet Gandhi ji as his train arrived 3.5 hours late at about 7.30PM af-
This childhood impression of witnessing Mahatma Gandhi in live person and his principles of non-violence an Peace became inspiration for my role in the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Herman Park, Houston. Incidentally,it happened to be the first brick and mortar project of ICC. Further gratifying is the fact that the certain area in Hillcroft popularly called Little India has been named as the Mahatma Gandhi district - another successful venture of ICC. As Congressman AL Green aptly declared on the day of unveiling the Monument, “without Mahatma Gandhi there is no Martin Luther King Jr.” It was a profound statement for all Indians to be proud of. On February 10,1959 MLK Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King arrived in India on a month long tour and King wrote:
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Mahatma Gandhi on one of his walks to Greenfield Mills. Credit: ibnlive.com “To other countries, I may go as a tourist but to India I come as a pilgrim.” Fifty years later, in 2009, the
U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) recognizing Gandhi’s influence on King Jr..
Krishna Vavilala is the Chairman of Foundation for India Studies and the initiator of the Mahatma Gandhi statue Project in Herman Park.
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Special Issue
VOICE OF ASIA 9
FRIDAY, October 2, 2015
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“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish every South Asian living in Houston and convey my joy at what we have achieved in the business district of Hillcroft of erecting a Mahatma Gandhi monument to remember his values of non-violence to achieve peace.” I’d like to thank all the businesses and supporters who have stood behind this project to help make it successful. By doing this, we have shown our strength as a people and nations who value the true principles of what Gandhiji stood for. Jai Hind!”
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“I would like to wish the South Asian Indo-American Communities here in Houston for achieving the feat of installing the Gandhi monument in the famous Mahatma Gandhi District. I would like to congratulate India Culture Center, the District business owners, the Indian American organizations and supporters who have made this historic day and event possible by their tireless efforts.” - Swapan Dhairyawan
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an exemplary model to follow! “Gandhiji was an untiring soul who walked the walk of peace and tolerance. We have so much to learn from him, that if the collective human race were to follow his ideologies, we would have a peaceful existence in this world. “I would like to wish the South Asian Indo- American Community for making great headway in achieving what they have by the installation of the Gandhi monument in the Business District of Hillcroft, known as Mahatma Gandhi District.
His lessons and practice of non-violence defeated the British even before they left India. India took courage in the foot steps of Mahatma Gandhi. Let us learn from the examples that Gandhiji laid out for us. I personally wish we can learn from the values and principles that he stood for. His teachings are timeless.” - Surendran Koran Attorney at Law
Hearty congratulations to all the businessmen and women, the organizations and supporters who have made this possible.” - Officer Muzaffar Siddiqi
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Special Issue
VOICE OF ASIA 10
FRIDAY, October 2, 2015
The day humans stopped believing Mahatma Gandhi An Apostle of Non-Violence that peace works By Chandra K. Mittal, Ph.D.
Kedar Pandya, Elkins High
T
he day the world ended was not a day that started with war or famine or disease, it was the day that humans stopped believing that peace works.
In their most simple forms, peace and violence are just different types of relationships. Peace and violence is the most fundamental cycle in the universe. They can even be defined in ecological terms, examples are found in the most rudimentary of life systems. One cannot understand the violence in the world without defining peace and the man who most exemplified this peace in all of humanity’s recorded history was Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma in Hindi means great leader, this foremost defines Mahatma Gandhi. With his Quit India and Inquilab Zindabad (Long Live the Revolution) movements he freed Bharat from foreign exploitation and oppression.
He inspired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the struggle for civil rights for Blacks. He freed a country that would eventually become the world’s largest democracy. His words impact students and elders alike today through the work of great organizations such as the Mahatma Gandhi Library. He and his ideology of nonviolence and truth will remain forever immortal in the chronicles of history. Kedar Pandya is 14 years old and attends the Engineering Academy at Elkins High School as a 9th grader in Fort Bend ISD. He is avid reader and loves to mess with computers. He has participated in the Mahatma Gandhi Library essay contest and won 3rd place last year.
At no time in human history, a person has been more relevant than Mahatma Gandhi is today when the entire world is engulfed and embroiled in wars, religious strife, military conflicts, social injustice, women exploitation, institutionalized corruption, political instability, etc. Gandhi, who endured gross injustice, inhuman treatment, discrimination, racial insults, and various other forms of British wrath, but never surrendered. In face of tyranny Gandhi resolved to fight the human evil with his own innovations involving “Non-Violence”. He experimented with this and won every conflict of his times. Mr. Gandhi had an uncanny ability and wisdom to mold the devilish human psyche into a positive force to bring a change in the situation. He always appealed to the conscience of the “aggressor” in order to compel an introspection, which ultimately resulted in a positive change.
This approach was so effective that it worked whether it was to deal with racist “goons” who harassed Gandhi on the streets of South Africa in his youth, or later in 1947 during the Hindu-Muslim riots in East Bengal when he provided solace to a grieving Hindu who was feeling guilty of killing a young Muslim boy in retaliation of his son’s death. Gandhi felt that human evil was the reflection of one’s inner conflicts, which could be resolved only from within. Today, it is ironic that despite massive global build-up of arms and ammunitions including nuclear ones, the world is more insecure and aspires for peace. This is because wars and violence only beget more violence, not peace. Lasting peace can only be achieved through “Non-Violence” – the Gandhi’s formula. And, that is indeed, the essence of all Treatises and Accords between and among the nations today. Dr. Chandra Mittal is Professor at Houston Community College, and can be contact at drckmittal@ yahoo.com.
Dr. Krishna and Michele Dronamraju Foundation for Genetic Research “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi.
“We send our sincere best wishes to the community and Voice of Asia on the release of a special commemorative issue highlighting the installation of the Mahatma Gandhi monument in the famous Mahatma Gandhi District that houses Little India, the well known Hillcroft Shopping Center.”
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I take this opportunity to celebrate this historical moment, and stand in awe of what we have achieved collectively in helping Houston recognize the greatness of Mahatma Gandhiji and his timeless values and principles. I know we can pass on these values to our future generations. - Harish Jajoo, Council Member, Sugar Land.
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Let us take the time to promote the Apostle of Peace and non-violence “I would like to wish the South Asian Indo-American Communities living here for installing the Gandhi monument in Hillcroft, which is called the Mahatma Gandhi District. It is fitting to honor this Apostle of Peace, who valued non-violence over anything else. We should follow his example and hold him as a shining example for future generations.
You are cordially invited to: Our Annual Fundraiser and Gala October 3rd, 2015 Saturday at 6:30 PM Shri Radha Krishna Temple 11625 Beechnut St, TX 77072
I would like to congratulate all the families and businesses, the Indian American organizations and supporters who have made this possible, so that Americans may learn more about Gandhiji.” - Sam Kannappan
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Special Issue
VOICE OF ASIA 11
FRIDAY, October 2, 2015
Mahatma Gandhi – The man who changed the course of history ha that “the common man’s requirements are thus disregarded in comparison with those of the higher ups. This hut of Gandhi demonstrates to the world how the dignity of the common man can be brought up. It is also a symbol of the happiness that we can derive from practising the principles of simplicity, service and truthfulness.
Gandhi also insisted that we should lead the life in tune with nature. Our dependence on artificial things and machine made goods are increasing day by day. Therefore it creates waste. If we live close to the nature, there is nothing is wasted. All will be recycled and nature will take care of. We can live in a pollution free environment.
Live happily and peacefully and at the same time contribute your might for uplift of the needy and nation building. A.Annamalai is the Director, of the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, India. He can be reached at: nationalgandhimuseum@gmail. com
10th Annual Mahatma Gandhi Week 2015 Speech Contest
H
A young boy leading Gandhi during a walk
by A. Annamalai ahatma Gandhi himself declared that he has nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Nonviolence are as old as the hills. All he has done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as he could. He very humbly declared it. But it does not mean that he has done nothing new. He has changed the course of history from violence to nonviolence. Hitherto violence was the ultimate weapon to resolve the political conflicts but after his contribution through non-violent resistance i.e. satyagraha, nonviolence has occupied the centre stage of the recent political struggles all over the world. In a nut shell we can call ‘sarvodaya’ as the core philosophy of Gandhian thought. It is an inclusive philosophy of welfare of all with the emphasis on unto this lost. He was against the domination of anything in the name of
M
political power, money, social status, religious identity or gender. In South Africa he fought against injustice and inhuman treatment of Indians. In India resolving on the same principle, Gandhi fought the British Government. Simultaneously, he also fought for justice for the downtrodden, especially for the untouchables. Gandhism is not a set of doctrines or dogmas, but it is an ever widening philosophy of life. It gives a new attitude and a new direction to understand the problems and to help arriving at a solution through traditional wisdom. It consists of actions and ideas, which Gandhi presented before the world as his experiments with truth. Truth and nonviolence are the foundations on which the whole philosophy of Gandhi has been constructed. Nonviolence is the surest mean to reach the ultimate, i.e. Abso-
lute Truth. Truth for him is God. Therefore he completely rejected the path of violence to achieve even nobler goals. In his view, means should be pure and good, then only we can reach the nobler goal. He considered means to be the most important than the ends. If we take care of the means, it will definitely take us to the goal. He never accepted that the end justifies the means. Simple living and high thinking is the basis for his philosophy of life. In the name of comforts, actually we are complicating our lives and finally end up in dissatisfaction, discontent and unpleasant relationship with all. Simple living is needed for sharing our scarce resources by all concerned without omitting the voiceless and the powerless. Ivan Illich, a famous author of Deschooling Society once said after visiting Gandhi’s Ashram in Sevagram, Ward-
OUSTON - Many know him as Mahatma and many more know him as father of Bharat, India. But the world knows him as an apostle of peace and non-violence. Anyone ever wanted to know more about Gandhi ji and his values should have listened to the mesmerizing speeches delivered by about 40 children at Arya Samaj Greater Houston on Saturday September 26thduring Mahatma Gandhi Library Speech Contest 2015 as part of annual ‘1000 Lights for Peace’ celebration. The speech contests now in its 10th year and has seen a steady increase in the interest and number of children participating. About 40 children took part in the contest divided in to two categories. The age group 10 and below delivered a speech on the topic “Bullying: My Perspective”, whereas the age group 11 and up delivered a speech on the topic “Does War Lead to Peace?”. Those who had a chance to listen to these young participants were simply hypnotized by the confidence and composure of the contestants. ‘They were simply bril-
liant’ as Mr. Karam Gupta – the coordinator of this year’s contest said while commenting on the speeches delivered by children. All the participants did an excellent job in presenting their thoughts about Gandhian values often relating their own personal experiences with the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Mr. Rajan Chawla – the cocoordinator for this year’s contest started the program with a brief orientation and extended a warm welcome to the participants. He noted how encouraging it has been to see the enthusiasm of children and growing interest in the speech contest. He also provided the rules and guidelines to ensure that the entire contest is conducted in an organized and timely manner. The audience was treated to a fascinating experience with children as young as five years speaking about their perception and experiences of bullying. It was amazing to see how much these kids are aware of as well as prepared to handle this prevalent social issue. Elder age group presented a lot of diverse opinion about
a complex topic “Does War Lead to Peace?”. Many children quoted Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Ashoka and other great leaders. They also quoted examples and verses from ancient scriptures that impressed the audience. The topic seemed aptly suitable for the current days and time when the world is facing conflicts in many parts and when terrorism has become a new tool for some to inflict pain on humanity. Children drawing examples and references from their own lives to illustrate points about peace, non-violence, truth and values was very impressive. Mr. Vijay Singh, the board member of Mahatma Gandhi Library applauded the kids for their efforts and parents for their support. He thanked the judges and volunteers for their selfless service towards spreading Gandhian values. He also invited all the participants and parents to join the grand finale ‘1000 Lights for Peace’ - an international cultural program to be organized as part of Gandhi Jayanti week at 05:00pm on Sunday October 4th at Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park Houston.
Voice of Asia thanks its advertisers for making this a momentous issue
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“We Must Become the Change we want to see” -Mahatma Gandhi
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Mahatma Gandhiji
From Prof. Chandra K. Mittal, M.S., Ph.D., FCP (Co-Founder, Indo-American Association - Houston) & Sarita Mittal, M.S.
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“Hindu Dharma is like a boundless ocean teeming with priceless gems. The deeper you dive the more treasures you find” - Mahatma Gandhi.
COMMUNITY
VOICE OF ASIA 12
FRIDAY, October 2, 2015
Swami Suhitananda ji’s inspirational address to VSGH devotees by Sanchali Basu
I
t was an eventful couple of days for the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH), when the General Secretary Maharaj of Belur Math, Swami Suhitanandaji graced the center with his presence along with Swami Sarvadevanandaji, Head of the Vedanta Society of Southern California and Sw Shubhakaranandaji of Belur Math Sept 24th and 25th. A reception for the Swami was arranged on the evening of September 24, which was attended by important community members like Imam Mubasher Ahmed of Ahmadiya Muslim Community, Matt Kahn, Associate Director of Interfaith Minisries of Greater Houston, Bhai Bhupinder Singh Paras and Mandeep Singh of Gurudwara Sahib of Southwest Houston and Pandit Suman Ghosh, ace student of Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj. An alumnus of Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission School, from where Panditji imbibed his training and interest in classical mu-
sic, paid homage by singing a melodious Bhajan to begin the evening program. Swami Suhitanandaji spoke on, “Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi – The Epitome of Motherhood.” He quoted, “Just as a mother needs no language to speak to the child, similarly, for the Holy Mother, language was never a barrier and she could communicate with everyone.” Even Swami Vivekananda derived inspiration from her as she represented Godliness and provided the strengthening force in the Ramakrishna order after the passing of Sri Ramakrishna. A Youth Forum dedicated to discussing, “The Different Facets of Swami Vivekananda,” was the highlight of the evening of September 25. Swami Suhitanandaji addressed the youth by saying that, “Only one word can describe Swami Vivekananda – Superlative. With him a new chapter of world civilization started. He explained how to utilize knowledge to give a new dimension, to religion,
organization, science, morality, spirituality and concept of human life and utilize God for the development of the world through JivaSeva and seeing God in every human being NaraNarayan.” The youth presentations started with a Bhajan by a 9 year old. The enthusiastic participants then talked about Swamiji as a story teller, poet, educationist, young spiritual seeker, and an Epitome of strength. Swamiji’s sense of humor and the human side of Swamiji were also among the other topics of discussion at the forum. Participants ranged in age groups from 12 to 27. All the presentations were very well received by the audience and each presentation was well researched. The concluding portion of the forum dealt with the topic of Swamiji as a Musician and aptly enough, the children of Pandit Ghosh interspersed their presentation with Bhajans. The Swamis were impressed by the tremendously dedicated group of devotees and men-
tioned feeling the good vibrations at the center. The devotees were indeed touched and honored by the visit of the high ranking officials of the Belur Math and this may lead the way to definitely getting a resident Swami at VSGH. The next program scheduled at VSGH is its Annual Sri Durga Puja on October 17, 2015. Please visit the website: www.houstonvedanta.org for updates on Sri Durga Puja and other Swami Suhitanandaji, General Secretary Maharaj of Belur Math delivering his upcoming events address at the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston. Photo by Jiten G. Patel. at the society.
Jain Vishwa Bharati Houston, Texas
“The best tribute to Gandhiji is to follow what he followed – Ahimsa, the main pillar of Jainism”
We invite everyone to our Anniversary Celebration Event and Pooja on Oct 10th & 11th, details of which are available at: Members of the Youth Forum with Swami Sarvadevanandaji, Head of the Vedanta Society of Southern California. Photo credit: Jiten G. Patel
www.jvbhouston.org