BALAGOKULAM (HSS) AZ TIMES - November 2016 by Wishesh Magazine

VOLUME 1 l ISSUE 10

NOVEMBER 2016

H I N D U

S WAYA M S E VA K

S A N G H

Balagokulam AZ Times H I N D U D H A R M A F O R K I D S, T E AC H E R S & PA R E N T S

Vijaydashami Utsav WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Disclaimer

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Balagokulam AZ Times and/or HSS do not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented in this publication. The information provided in Balagokulam AZ Times Magazine is for educational or entertainment purposes only.

Contents NOVEMBER 2016

Vijaydashami Utsav Kutumb Prabodhan diwali food drive KID REPORTERS HINDUISM Q & A Yoga pose of the month person of the month story health tips

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HSS & Balagokulamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Events Vijaydashami Utsav (On Oct 23, 2016) Over 280 swayamsevaks, sevikas, our family members and guests including prominent members of the Hindu and Yezidi communities in Phoenix gathered in the gymnasium hall of Sunnyslope Highschool on Sunday, Oct 23rd to celebrate the Vijaya Dashami Utsav with HSS Arizona Vibhag. The celebration started at 9:25 AM and ended at 12:25 PM, followed by prasadam lunch. People of all ages enjoyed the utsav and had good words to say about Sangh.

Diwali Food Drive (On Oct, 2016) Our Sincere and heartfelt Thanks to all Donors , Supporters and Volunteers specially Kids who collected the food cans. We are happy to announce that its because of you, We could able to Donate 1046 lb of food and $600 to Desert Mission Food Bank in Phoenix & United Food Bank, Mesa. This Donations should be able to feed approx 4600 hungry people and make them Happy

Events

Vijaydasha

Over 280 swayamsevaks, sevikas, our family members and guests including prominent members of the Hindu and Yezidi communities in Phoenix gathered in the gymnasium hall of Sunnyslope Highschool on Sunday, Oct 23rd to celebrate the Vijaya Dashami Utsav with HSS Arizona Vibhag. The celebration started at 9:25 AM and ended at 12:25 PM, followed by prasadam lunch. The utsav started with dhwajaarohan, Saraswati Vandana by Kesari Shakha balas, shastra puja along with Lakshmi Ashtakam chanting, Devi geet by Vivekananda Shakha balas and an inspiring group song (Ho Jao Tayyaar Saathiyo) by Jijamata Shakha sevikas. This was followed by shaareerik pradarshan of Danda, Niyuddha, Samata, WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Yog chaap and Yoga pyramids by Tarun and Bala groups from 3 shakhas. The shaareerik pradarshan was grandly concluded by a Bhagavad Gita Pyramid formation. Shaareerik pradarshan was followed by the bauddhik part of the utsav. Ma Shyamji Byra, Arizona Vibhag Sanghachalak, welcomed the guests of honor and announced the following new daayitvas: Selvakumarji as Vibhag Sahakaryavaha, Rajalakshmiji as Vibhag Bala Pramukh, Sudeshji as Kesari Shakha Mukhyashikshak, Sudhaji as Vivekananda Shakha Mukhyashikshika, Ramyaji as Ramakrishna Shakha Mukhyashikshika. In his message, Ma Shyamji stressed on the importance of Action! 4

ami Utsav

Sri Jagadish Sagarji from Indo-American Cultural & Religious Foundation was the guest of honor. He spoke about the challenges and importance of inspiring the younger generation to retain Hindu culture and tradition as part of their lives. Sri Jayantji Rajyaguru, Pacific Southwest Sambhag Saha-karyavaha, shared the Sambhag message, including the new Sambhag and Vibhag rachana in Western USA. This was followed by samarop bauddhik by Sri Khanderaoji Kand, National Karyakarini Sadasya. In his bauddhik, Khanderaoji spoke about the primary importance of Hindu Dharma for the world, and critical role HSS plays in inculcating core Hindu values among Hindus and in uniting Hindu society. During the bauddhik part of the utsav, a separate activity was arranged WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

for the balas which included story-telling session and coloring activity. The utsav was a very nice and enjoyable demonstration of all the activities we do in shakhas, as well as the discipline, teamwork and unity that Sangh stands for. This was reflected in everything from the way karyakartas attended weekly shaareerik varg for almost 2 months leading up to the utsav, to the way over 280 pairs of shoes were arranged in an orderly manner at the entrance to the way the whole program was conducted in a very organized and timely manner, to the way in which karyakarta families came together to arrange lunch for all the attendees. People of all ages enjoyed the utsav and had good words to say about Sangh. 5

Events : VIJAYDASHAMI UTSAV

VIJAYDASHAMI UTSAV By HSS

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Events : VIJAYDASHAMI UTSAV

VIJAYDASHAM UTSAV By HSS

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Events : KUTUMB PRABODHAN

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Events : DIWALI FOOD DRIVE

Our Sincere and heartfelt Thanks to all Donors , Supporters and Volunteers specially Kids who collected the food cans. We are happy to announce that its because of you, We could able to Donate 1046 lb of food and $600 to Desert Mission Food Bank in Phoenix & United Food Bank, Mesa. This Donations should be able to feed approx 4600 hungry people and make them Happy People across the valley participated, Few kids went to door to door with Diwali message and appeal to Donate for needy people, giving them unique way to give Samskars and opportunity to Serve. Couple of people like it so much they placed Food Box in their office and appealed to colleagues to Donate Please watch this wonderful Video and do not miss the Thank You note from United Food Bank Representative Melissa Forrester https://youtu.be/ILLffNYavHI

To participate in similar monthly volunteering events and other service programs of Sewa international like Family Services and Youth empowerment,

PLEASE CONTACT : PHOENIX@SEWAUSA.ORG WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016 OR VISIT : WWW.SEWAUSA.ORG

DIWALI FOOD DRIVE By Sewa

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Kid Reporters

My experience with

Shakha... Abhay Gagan Bhardwaj

(2nd grade. Kesari Shakha. Chandler)

One day my dad came to me and asked if I could come with him for Shakha. I thought the Shakha would be like all the time we play games, say stories, do exercise and have fun. On the very next sunday we went to Kesari Shakha, that was my first day experience in going to a Shakha. As soon as the shakha began mukya shikshak gave commands to all to assemble for Dhwaj Pranam and Prarthana. After that we did Warm ups, Surya Namaskaram standing in Mandala, took part in games, exercises and I made few new friends. Balagokulam is a part of shakha. We all kids learn Shlokas here. Shikshak tells us about our Indian culture. They tell about Ramayana, Mahabharatha and also sometimes another interesting stories. I was excited after attending shakha for the first time. After that we started going to shakha regularly. Some days after we had teachers day celebration called `Guru Vandanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at our Shakha. We invited our teachers to

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

shakha. We gave flowers, gift cards and touched their feet for their blessings. On that day we did a group dance. Looking the way how we thanked her, my teacher was so happy that tears were coming out of her eyes. With this I learned that our teachers were the most important because they teach us. If we had no teachers we would not be intelligent, not knowing anything. So we have to always thank and respect our teacher. This was a great moment for me in Shakha. Me and my dad with our Shakha friends got a chance to attend family camp at South California. It was a two day camp. The first day at camp we lined up in groups. Each group of lines was taken to a different spot. The kids line went to a building in the camp site. We played games did exercises. After sometime we watched a video about when krishna was born and defeated three demons called Trinavarta, Putana and the Fire demon. The most exciting part of the camp was we went for hiking. We walked to a nearby hill that was a part of the camp site. After

getting down from trail we crossed a shaky bridge. Further walking down we went to waterfalls. At camp we slept in wooden cabins. That was the first experience for me inside a cabin with bunk beds. In camp there were a lot of indians. On the second day evening people from all of the shakhas performed cultural dances and plays. Attending camp was a good experience. Rakshabandhan was another event we celebrated in Shakha. We invited police team as guests. We tied rakhis to the police. Also we tied rakhis each other with shakha friends. We talked with police team. We discussed about how to follow traffic rules. We also discussed about fake calls. The best and fun part was the police team played games and did exercises with us. By celebrating this event we learned that who ever ties a

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Rakhi to someone they should take care of each other.

Vijayadashami event was the another wonderful experience through Shakha. Me and my Shakha friends chanted Saraswathi Vandana. We also did a yoga pyramid. We watched Dandh, Yog chap and yoga pyramid performed from other shakhas. I liked the Bhagavad Gita pyramid performed by my dad and his shakha friends. Till now I have just began to experience the shakha activities. I still have to learn more things from shakha. I would suggest that if someone does something good, wants to know more about our Indian history and culture they should go to Shakha regularly.

Q&A

Hinduism Volume 10

Hinduism is the oldest religion of this world. During the period when people in other areas were hunting down animals, the great Hindu sages, holy men and Kings were leading their people in virtuous life by chanting the vedas, carrying out great yagas (yagna) and medical research in Sittha, Ayurveda and also in astronomy.

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Q: Which is the land of Hinduism? Is this discipline specific to any land? Could it be followed by anybody in the world? Vaidhika dharma is collection of the paths that lead to the betterment of the world, Humanity. It leads to the eternal bliss when one makes sincere attempts in the pursuit. It provides the various platforms through which various types of people in this whole world depending upon the nature and inclination attain the perfection. All it asks for is for the whole world. All it tells is for the whole world. One can keep on listing the statements from the holy scriptures lokA samastA sukino bhavantu (May all the worlds (people) be comfortable), yathA naH sarvamijjagat ayaxmahuM sumanA asat (through which our this whole world stay free from diseases and in friendly-terms) .... This list does not end here. The thoughts of this religion goes beyond boundaries when it wishes swastir mAnuShebhyaH, UrdvaM jigAdhu bheShajaM, saMno astu dvipate, saM chatuShpateH (humans be happy, may the herbs grow high, may the two legged be happy, may the four legged be happy), vAzka andhanar vAnavar Aninam ( (long) live the kind hearted people, divine celestial powers and the cow herds) and so many hymns wellwish not even for just humans without any discrimination, but even for the other two and four legged creatures (which often one looks down at) and for the plants and divines even ! Nobody gets spared in this well-wish list. These are not one or two hymns here and there. When one undertakes the study of the sanAtana dharma scriptures it is more often these kindling statements are found than not. The direction taken is the betterment of the whole humanity or more wider the Universe. This is not a global religion, but it is a Universal religion!! WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Q: But isn’t the name Hinduism associated with the name Indus - the river that flows in the Indian subcontinent? And how does one explain the words, rituals etc. which indicate the Indian subcontinent? The name Hinduism is in fact the derivative of the word Indus. But like the fact that while the land and people of America were always there, historians write that somebody “discovered” America, this ancient religion which was in practice for undeterminably long time, was given the name Hinduism as the practices were found flourishing beyond the river Indus. The names that the people of this religion used were sanAtana dharma (eternal discipline) and vaidika dharma (discipline of vedas - knowledge). In both these terms there is no indication of the land. When we realize that it is a coined term that solves the puzzle

Q: But has Hinduism been followed in other places ever? Yes, the puranas (written thousands of years before) indicate that this religion once was spread completely on all the seven subcontinents (1) and later due to reasons unexplored, it remained only in the Indian subcontinent. (Indicators like the commonality between Indian and other languages, cultural similarities and some of the excavations add weight to this standpoint. Many may be aware of how the far east - Vietnam and other countries - lost their Hindu tradition in near past. (2) ). It is because of the continued practice of this religion in India that made the influence on the rituals and Hindu encyclopedia. So this would certainly not inhibit people of any land or creed following the Hindu practices. Anybody who wants to benefit could follow any path in Hindu school of philosophy. After all science is for everyone!! Source : http://shaivam.org/

INDIAN YOGA

Yoga Pose of the Month

Padangusthasan

BIG TOE POSE

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

“

Big Toe pose also known as Padangusthasana is an asana where Pada – Foot, Angusta – Big Toe, Asana – Pose are put to tandem for the benefit. This asana is one of the easiest yoga asanas. If you are a beginner, this will be one of the first few yoga asanas you will be introduced to. It helps you stretch all your muscles from head to toe.

1. Stand upright with your feet parallel to each other. The feet should be at least six inches apart. Your legs also need to be straight. 2. Contract your thigh muscles, which will lift your knee caps outward. 3. Keep your legs straight as you bend forward with an aim of touching your forehead to your knee. Your torso and head should move together. 4. Grip your big toes with fingers of each foot. Grip your toes firmly with your fingers. 5. Press your toes into your hand. If you are not able to catch your toes with changing your posture, you can also use a band or a strap to hook under your toes and hold that instead. 6. As you inhale, lift your torso and straighten your elbows. 7. Do this for as high as you can without stressing any WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

“

How to do

other part like your neck for instance. 8. Exhale when you release your torso and bend towards your toes again. Do this repeatedly. 9. Straighten as if going back to the starting position but holding your toes. Do this cycle of inhalation and exhalation a few times, increasing the stretch of the torso every time you stretch. 10. Come back to the starting position by slowly releasing the band and straightening up.

Benefits 1. The asana improves flexibility as you stretch from head to toe, even giving your spine a good stretch. 2. This asana is known to regulate blood pressure and anxiety while calming the person down. 3. Stretching in this pose increases the blood flow to the brain, improving the concen-

tration and retention power. This enables you to work better and more efficiently. 4. This pose helps you to stretch your thigh muscles, hamstrings, calf muscles along with the back, lower back and your arms. 5. It helps all muscles to burn fat while increasing their density with the inhaling and exhaling. 6. Relieves you of that bloated feelings and any excess gas you may have trapped inside. 7. If women are trying to conceive, this pose is a good one as it stretches all muscles. 8. Helps with the incidence of flat feet. 9. It is also important that your muscles feel stretched but not worn. 10. This pose helps tired muscles to feel rejuvenated.

Person of the month illustrious Pashupatinath temple. Balbhadra Kunwar was the first among three sons of Chandra Bir Kunwar who belonged to the Hindu Rajput clan. Historical records suggest that the family had arrived in the Terrai region following the fall of Chittorgadh fort, in a siege by the Muhammadan Warlord Akbar, in the year 1568 CE. The Kunwars had since set up an alliance with the Shah kings of Nepal from the dynasty of the Hindu monarch Prithvi Narayan Shah and held several important positions under the dynasty, helping to consolidate the Shah rule over Nepal.

General Balbhadra Kunwar The Hindu Lion of Nepal (1775-90)

While not much is known about the early life and exact year of birth, it is estimated that this brave Hindu warrior was born between 177590 in beautiful valley of Kathmandu home to the

“As a tribute of respect for our gallant adversary Balbudder Commander of the fort and his brave Gorkhas who were afterwards while in the service of Ranjit Singh shot down in their ranks to the last man by the Afghan artillery.” Later Capt. Balbhadra Kunwar´s descendants and family members were to establish the Rana dynasty in the middle of the 1800´s led by Jung Bahador Kunwar Rana. Today the decendants of Balbhadra live mainly in Nepal (kathmandu and pokhara, other cities too) but are also found Internationaly in the India, USA, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, U.A.E among other places.

Source: http://www.hinduhistory.info/ WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

Story

Bharat, son of Shakuntala and Dushyant Bharat was the son of Shakuntala and Dushyant. Dushyant was the king of Hastinapur and Shakuntala had been found and raised by Kanva rishi and his wife. Once while hunting in the forest, Dushyant came to Kanva’s ashram and saw Shakuntala. He fell in love with her. Shakuntala too fell in love with the king and they married. Dushyant had to leave for his kingdom. He promised Shakuntala that he would come later and take her to Hastinapur. Shakuntala missed him very much. Once, lost in his thoughts, she forgot to serve Durvasa rishi when he arrived. Durvasa had a very short temper and he cursed her, WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

“In forgetting to serve me, the one you were thinking of will forget you.” Dushyant had forgotten Shakuntala because of that curse. He did not recognise Shakuntala when she went to Hastinapur. Thereafter, She did not have the heart to return to her father’s ashram and started living in sage Marich’s ashram. Here, unknown to Dushyant, Shakuntala gave birth to a son named Bharat. He was a very brave child. He was not afraid of anyone or anything. Bharat played with lion cubs everyday. Dushyant had forgotten his wife Shakuntala and had no idea that he had a son. Once, Dushyant happened

to pass by the ashram. He watched a little boy playing with a lion cub. The boy opened the lion’s jaws by his hands and said, “O king of the jungle ! Open your mouth wide, so I can count your teeth.” Dushyant was very astonished by the child’s bravery. Later Shakuntala came there and Dushyant realised that Bharat was his son. He was overjoyed at this and hugged Bharat lovingly. Dushyant took Shakuntala and Bharat along with him to Hastinapur. Later Bharat grew into a great king. Our country’s true name is Bharat (pronounced Bhaarat), named after him. Bharat is remembered by all for his bravery. Source : kids.baps.org

Health Tips

WATERMELON SMOOTHIE

FOR WEIGHT LOSS Weight loss is considered as the most important solution to remove almost any type of severe health problem. However, this is a long and very tiring process. You need to be highly patient to get the result of it and for that you should have tremendous control over your eating habits. According to the experts, fruits and vegetables are the most common diet solution if you are considering losing your excess weight. But, many people just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go for it as eating fruits and vegetables regularly is highly unexciting. Therefore, smoothies for weight loss can be a best idea for these people. Smoothies are highly easy to make and you do not require any extra materials to make them, if you have all the basic materials as well as equipment. We have brought you the list such easy to make smoothies, which you

can try to boost your fat burning process. WATERMELON SMOOTHIE Ingredients: One and half cups of cut watermelon, half cup fresh lime juice, half cup ripe bananas, eight ounces of pineapple juice and plain Greek yogurt in two scoops. Watermelon is considered as the perfect fruit for weight loss as they are rich in vitamin A, C and B6. Additionally watermelon is low in calories and contains water in high quantities. Along with the benefits of watermelon, the addition of protein from Greek yogurt, vitamin C from lime juice as well as fiber from banana and pineapple juice, makes this smoothie a perfect choice for weight loss. Source : www.healthspectra.com

NAMAMI GANGE INTEGRATED GANGA CONSERVATION MISSION

THE RIVER, ITS POLLUTION AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO CLEAN IT ‘Namami Gange’, or National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is a $3.0 Billion ambitious coordinated river cleaning program launched by Government of India in 2014. NMCG projects focus on creation of sewage treatment plants and related infrastructure for stopping pollution caused by domestic/industrial sewage, and pious refuse.

Sewa with IDF-OI is soliciting philanthropic funds from Overseas Indians to fund ‘Namami Gange.’

Sewa International P.O. Box 820867 Houston, TX 77282-0867 Phone: (708) USA-SEWA EMAIL: NG@SEWAUSA.ORG WWW.SEWAUSA.ORG/PROJECTS/NG

India Development Foundation of Oversees Indians

LET US CLEAN UP GANGA

DONATE NOW!

Donations will be 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt

www.sewausa.org/Donate

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Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh

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Balagokulam Every Child has the spark of divinity within... Balagokulam is a forum for children to discover and manifest that divinity. Balagokulam will enable children in the US to appreciate their cultural roots, learn Indian values in an enjoyable manner and make good friends.

• To facilitate children to appreciate, learn and practice Hindu way of life. • Instill pride and confidence in Indian children about their identity. • Character building and leadership skills among children. • Develop social awareness and connectivity in the society. • Stronger bonding among Indian children. • Awareness of our rich cultural heritage and traditions.

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Vivekananda Shakha at Ekta Mandir 2804 W Maryland Ave Phoenix AZ 85017 (602) 790-9205 Kesari Shakha at 5955 W Ray Rd Suite #16 Chandler AZ 85226 (913) 484-1869

WISHESH DIGITAL | NOVEMBER 2016

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Jijamata Shakha at Deer Valley Village Apartment 3010 W Yorkshire Dr Phoenix AZ 85027 (937) 877-2242

Shivaji Shakha at Villa Salerno Apartments 17030 N 49th St Scottsdale AZ 85254 (602) 427-8863

Shakti Shakha at

Ram Krishna Shaka at San Valientine Apartment 2220 W Mission Ln Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 715-1001

16880 N 73rd Ave Peoria AZ 85382 (623) 330-0721