ShanthiSandeshV1N2

Shanthi Sandesh

Hindu Temple And Community Center Of Mid-Missouri 2006, Holly avenue, Columbia, MO 65202-2043 http://shanthimandir.missouri.org (573) 814-1286 V O L U M E

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Happy New Year Vyaya! - Hema Srinivasan

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A new year brings new colors and happy beginnings

appy New Year! “But, aren’t you a bit late? This is April, you know, or is it the Indian New Year?” Well, there is no one day called the Indian New Year. Different parts of India have rich and diverse cultures with their own literature, music and art flourishing for over 2000 years.

It is no surprise that the

Message from the Executive Board

New Year Theme

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Kannappan Visit

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Sargam

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HTCC Helping Hands

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Bal Sandesh

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Origami

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Stress Management

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Shri Ram Navami

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Kirtan

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Hindi Classes

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Turmeric

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Let’s Talk Columbia

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Accounts Statement

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Satyanarayana Puja

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Youth Activities

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(Continued on page 3)

have made changes to Shanthi Mandir frontage, landscaping to improve drainage and aesthetics.

Many thanks to the numerous e take great pleasure in and excellent organizational volunteers who helped plant the presenting you another support. Our special programs colorful flower beds. We have information packed issue of and activities during the last few also invested in an additional Shanthi Sandesh. It is exciting months were also very well desktop computer. We are in the times for all of us -- our activities received. Short reports on our process of installing a wireless have grown in a steady manner participation in Clean-up network with internet access. at the Mandir and we have been Columbia, the Food n’ Thought This will greatly enhance our able to plan and offer new workshop on Stress capability to offer computer programs and activities. This Management, and Shri Ram classes and other programs. issue onwards, we also welcome Navami celebrations are With current activities at the Bal Sandesh to our fold. Bal included elsewhere in this issue. Mandir attaining a steady state, Sandesh, the tri-yearly Nanette Ward of City of our committees have started newsletter published by Bal Columbia’s Human Rights planning for additional activities Sabha of Columbia, Missouri Commission brings us up-to-date of interest to the membership. since January 1998 will become on the “Let’s Talk Columbia Among the new activities in the an integral part of Shanthi 2006” program; a city effort to works are the Summer Sandesh. The youth section of promote community-wide Workshops offered by the Youth Shanthi Sandesh will retain the discussions on several timely Activities Committee. The distinct Bal Sandesh flavor both topics of the day. Through her Service Programs Committee is in style and substance. The two efforts Hema Srinivasan and planning for volunteer services consequent changes are that Bal Vellore Gopalaratnam were able activities at elder-care facilities Sabha no longer has to be to represent HTCC in an and Central Missouri Food Bank. responsible for the production interfaith discussion at the Our Educational Programs issues or bear the costs of Columbia Public Library Committee is planning for regular production, and the Bal Sandesh organized by MU’s Center for Bhagavad Gita Study Circle will now be published on a Religion, the Professions, and Discussions. Details will be quarterly schedule. the Public. Through continued available from the Chairs of March-April traditionally involvement in such dialogues these committees. heralds the New Year in large we will be able to network with Lastly, on May 14 we fondly welcome Jagan Kandala and parts of India. In the thoughtful the City of Columbia and other lead article, Hema Srinivasan groups with like-minded interests family to the Mandir. Jagan has kindly agreed to help conduct our provides some timely and in serving the Columbia 2006 Samuhika Satyanarayana interesting information on the community to the fullest.

Puja during his short visit to subject. We also have several Included in this issue is a Columbia. Details of the sign-up accompanying features on the financial summary for the first ways in which our community in quarter of 2006 prepared by our for the Puja are provided in this issue and on our web site. As Columbia rings in the Indian New Interim Treasurer, Visala always, if you have ideas that Year(s?).

Palaniappan. We hope to can help us better serve the Activities at the Mandir, the provide financial report with committee structure of every issue of Shanthi Sandesh community, please let us know.

See you at the Mandir! governance, and membership so that our operations are have all grown in a sustained transparent and our members Vellore S. Gopalaratnam manner since our last report. The can provide thoughtful input on Inder Khurana Kirtan and Hindi Language our budget and program Visala Palaniappan classes are now growing priorities.

Anuradha Rajagopalan programs with good participation On the infrastructure front, we

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Inside This Issue

concept of the first day of a year differs as you move through India. For the most part, it occurs in the spring although in Gujarat it comes in October!

How indeed does one determine one’s New Year?

There are solar and lunar calendars. All of these new

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Kannappan’s visit provides an energizing start to HTCC A perspective by Vairam Arunachalam Mr. Kannappan (seated, center) with some of the attendees

Mr. Kanappan impressed upon the local IndianAmericans the need for community activism and spirituality in fostering the

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n December 4, 2005, the Hindu Temple and Community Center of MidMissouri (HTCC) had the privilege of hosting Mr. Sockalingam (Sam) Kannappan.

Sam is the Founding Secretary of the Meenakshi Temple in Houston and is recognized leader in Houston's IndianAmerican community, for a visit with our community.

The purpose of Mr. Kannappan’s visit was two-fold: 1. to discuss his first-hand experiences with the Houston Meenakshi temple from inception to its highly acclaimed international

stature today, and, 2. to impress upon the local Indian-American community the need for community activism and spirituality in fostering the well-being of the community and of its younger generation.

Mr. Kannappan’s visit was organized in two sessions. In the first (morning) session, his focus was on the organizational aspects of temples in the USA. In this session, he went through the details of how the Meenakshi temple was conceived, planned, organized, and built. He covered pertinent issues such as organizational structure, land and construction permits, fundraising, trust funds, charitable purposes, and the development of a mission.

In the second (afternoon) session, Mr. Kannappan focused on the spiritual and

community dimensions of temples in the USA. Specifically, he discussed aspects such as the rationale for a temple, and its benefits to community as well as to the younger generation.

Mr. Kannappan’s talks were very thought-provoking and made for a lot of discussion among attendees. His visit came at the right time for a venture that has since blossomed and taken on an admirable life of its own. We would like to thank Mr. Kannappan for his productive visit and vision and all community attendees for gracing HTCC with their presence for his talk. It is now time to move ahead in the spirit and substance of his words.

well-being of the community.

Ugadi: A New Year Celebration - Sangita Sharma

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olumbia Indian American Community had a get together and a cultural program on 25th March, 2006 for the “Ugadi” celebrations.

Ugadi is a “celebration of life”. It literally means - “the start of an era”. According to Hindu legend, it is celebrated on the

day Lord Brahma, the Creator, created the world. Time itself is supposed to have started on this day. During this holiday, religious rites include prayers

and worship seeking forgiveness for past misdeeds and invoking blessings to ward off all evils and misfortunes in the New Year. People celebrate by wearing new clothes, decorating houses, and offering gifts. A mixture of tender “neem” leaves and “jaggery”, symbolizing the mixture of bitterness and sweetness that is part of every life, is eaten.

The evening of celebration started with a warm welcome and an invocation sung by the children. The audience of about 250 people was then treated to a showcase of Indian dance and music. The program included two classical South Indian or “Bharatanatyam” dances. One dance praised Shiva, or Nataraja, the Hindu god of dance, and the other was a reenactment of how Lord Rama strung a bow to win his wife’s hand in marriage. A group of girls performed the “kolaata” or dance of sticks, portraying the

life of a village girl. A skit, performed by young children, showed how a greedy loan shark and miser person turned into “Saint Purandara dasa”, the famous poet and composer of classical South Indian music.

The grown-ups were not to be left behind – they sang a patriotic group song that had the audience cheering wildly! Following the cultural program, everyone enjoyed the delicious South Indian cuisine.

All in all, Ugadi is a fun, happy celebration of the New Year, and is celebrated with great pomp and joy in Columbia. Ugadi celebration provides an opportunity for the families and especially for the kids and youth to remain in touch with their culture, be more involved in the community, and just have a great time together. And having a great new year is really what Ugadi is all about!

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Happy New Year Vyaya! years center on Mesha Sankranti.

The solar calendar simply divides up the orbit by 12 according to 12 zodiacs and the months then start when the sun enters the zodiac or raasi, as it is called in Sanskrit. The months last from sankranti to sankranti. Orissa, Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu follow solar calendar. These new years start Mesha Sankranti, give or take a day from April 14 of the Western calendar. In the lunar calendar, there is a choice of starting with new moon or full moon. In Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra where lunar calendar is followed, the count begins with the new moon or Amavasya right before the Mesha Sankranti. In most of north India, the

Public festivities and fairs are a part of New year celebrations throughout India

lunar months start with the full moon and hence the New Year is around the full moon before Mesha Sankranti. These two New Years are naturally about 15 days apart.

January 1st is also a New Year in India and is celebrated in a manner similar to the West. In this article the New Year celebrations refer to the different new years coming out of the ancient Hindu calendars.

All through India, the months are twelve in number but in the lunar calendar, it has to be adjusted every 2-3 years by adding an extra month.

The names of the months are also the same although in Tamil Nadu, it starts with Chaitra and the rest of India with Vaishaka. In addition to all this, the Indian Government tried to unify with a National calendar according to Saka era, which is completely different from all of these.

Now, we come to the varied traditions for New Year. Naba Barsha or Poila Baishak, the Bengali festival is celebrated with a dip in a holy river like Ganga followed by morning processions and cultural programs with dance and music. The

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houses are decorated with Alpana or Rangoli, in Assam it is called Goru Bihu or Bohaag Bihu and as its name indicates, is celebrated by washing the cattle, decorating them with colors. This is somewhat similar to a Tamil festival called Mattu Pongal celebrated during Makara Sankrathi. In Orissa, the New Year, which also happens around Vaishak, is a great celebration with chhatu (made of corn), Pana (sweet water), and many decorations. A symbolic slow watering called Basudhara of Tulasi plant, considered very holy by all Hindus, is performed in many places. These and other rituals are said to symbolize the methods of saving human and other lives from the scorching sun. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala the New Year is called Varusah Pirappu and Vishu, respectively. As mentioned earlier, this also happens around April 14.

The New Year day starts with very special Pujas in all the temples.

Some temples have processions including “car festivals” (grandly decorated, manually drawn, wooden float that serves to respectfully parade the temple deities on special festivals around the vicinity of the temple) on that day. The Panchangam or the calendar is bought and read on that day. One should see auspicious articles placed before the lamp, called Vishukkanni, first thing in the morning. One’s first sight on the New Year is planned to be something that will usher in good luck all through the year. The houses are decorated with elaborate Kolams (Rangoli). Some of the special dishes for the feast are Maanga pachadi, a sweet dish made with raw mangoes and rasam made with neem flowers.

Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra are also celebrated with pujas, reading of the calendar and feasts. The feast must include something bitter and something sweet to indicate the cyclic nature of pleasant and not so pleasant events happening in any given year and to remind oneself to accept them both with equanimity. In Maharashtra, they hang “Gudi” on the windows.

The lunar calendar following full moon, the New Year is called Baishaki, which is celebrated, in (Continued on page 5)

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Poila Boishak - Bimal Ray engali community in Columbia celebrated Poila B Boishakh - Year 1413 on April 23, 2006 with songs, dance and drama presentation. Celebration ended with a scrumptious pot-luck dinner.

Poila Boishakh represents the first day of the month of Baishakh, the first month of the Bengali calendar marked by celebrations in families and communities. Family and friends visit and wish each other "Shubho Nabo Barsho" and of course, food is a major focus of the celebration.

On this day businessmen and traders purchase their new accounting books and start their new accounts known as Haalkhata and people worship goddess Laxmi for the well-being and prosperity of the families. The day is spent in feasting and participating in cultural activities.

Rituranga– A celebration for the new seasons to come Celebrations of Poila Boishakh started from Mughal emperor Akbar's reign 422 years ago. Under the Mughals, agricultural taxes were collected according to the Hijri calendar. However, as the Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar, it does not coincide with the harvest. In order to streamline tax collection, Akbar ordered a reform of the calendar. Accordingly, Fatehullah Shirazi, a renowned scholar and astronomer, formulated the Bangla year on the basis of the lunar Hijri and Bangla solar calendars. The new Fasli San (agricultural year) was introduced on 1584, but was dated from Akbar's ascension to the throne in 1556. The New Year subsequently became known as Bongabdo or Bengali year.

As part of this year’s celebration of Poila Boishakh, the Bengali community organized a cultural program which started with an inaugural Tagore song

by Alpana Ray. Following a stimulating introduction

by Ranadhir Mitra a group of small children performed a fabulous dance from a famous movie “Gupi Gain Bhaga Bain” of Satyajit Ray. It was followed by presentation of several dance, song and poem recitation. A group presentation of Rituranga included a combination of Tagore songs, recitation and dances. This performance depicted Mother Nature during six seasons (Griswa, Barsa, Sarat, Hemanta, Seet and Basanta) in Bengal. A classical presentation in violin was very entertaining. The program also included a short skit, a comic sruti natak and a drama based on a short story by Rajsekher Bosu. At the end of three and a half hour program, pot-luck dinner aptly provided a delicious finale for the auspicious occasion.

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Did you know?

Our calendars not only have seven days in a week and twelve months in a year, they also have a sixty year cycle with different names each year: the names of the celestial sage Narada’s 60 children!

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Vishu: The Keralite New Year - Kavita Menon

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eralites celebrate their New Year- ‘Vishu’ in a traditional manner. New Year or ‘Vishu’ for a Malayalee begins at the wake of dawn with the auspicious sight of ‘Kani’ on 14th of April every year.

'Kani-Kaanal' is the main event of the day. ‘Kani’ is set the day before the New Year using special yellow flowers called Konna puva (Cassia fistula), and items like gold jewelry, clothes, coins, money, coconut, rice, pulses, fruits and vegetables. The goal is to keep as many of the golden colored items as possible in view of the person sitting directly in front of the ‘Kani’. Behind the arrangement, a mirror and/or a garlanded deity of Lord Krishna is kept. Around the deity, lighted lamp(s) are arranged.

Early morning on the day of ‘Vishu’, the head of the household wakes at the crack of dawn and sees the ‘Kani’. He then awakens the rest of the family and takes them to the location where ‘Kani’ is kept. Children are brought blind-folded from their beds to see ‘Kani’. It

is believed that the ‘Kani’ and its good tidings will stay with the household till the end of the year.

Well-known temples in southern India such as Guruvayur, Sabarimala and Padmanaba Shetram are filled with devotees where special pujas are held.

They also view the ‘Vishu Kanis’ that are prepared in each of these temples which is later distributed among the poor people.

People buy new clothes or ‘Kodi vastram’ for the occasion and elders in the family give ‘Vishu kaineetam’ or nominal amounts of money to youngsters and bless them. ‘Vishu kaineetam’ is also distributed among friends, relatives and tenants for prosperity in future.

The families then celebrate the day with joyous abandon by bursting firecrackers. The feast or the 'sadya' is prepared by the women of the household using vegetables and fruits that are abundant in the season like jackfruits, mangoes, pumpkins, a variety of gourds, and coconuts.

The whole family sits down to enjoy the ‘Vishu’ lunch together.

In other places in Kerala, people

prepare ‘Vishu Kani’. It is a special dish made with different kinds of pulses, rice, jaggery etc.

In villages, young people dressed up as ‘chozhi' with dried banana leaves tied around their waists and masks on their faces, go dancing from house to house.

People give them money. In the evening, children can’t wait to go to ‘Vishuwela’ or the New Year fair where there is a lot of revelry, music and performances by various dance troupes.

Thus the day that starts with a bang ends similarly too. This tradition of preparing ‘Vishu Kani’ has been carried on through many generations, and hopefully, will be passed on among many generations to come. Viewing the ‘Kani’ is auspicious, is a belief, but it is this belief that helps in upholding tradition among the younger generations of today.

Baisakhi Celebration - Gagneesh Rawat Delicious food shared and enjoyed by all is a common feature of all the different Indian New year celebrations!!

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aisakhi (also called Vaisakhi) is a harvest festival that is celebrated on the thirteenth day of April according to the solar calendar. The festival is very popular in North India and is a celebration of life in the month of Baisakh. The festival heralds’ summer and farmers get going for cultivation of food grains and vegetables that nourishes and sustains life. It is celebrated throughout the subcontinent of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and carries diverse meaning at

different regions but all celebrate it with song, dance, food and music.

The tough agricultural operation is rendered into a lighter occupation by merry community festivities such as the Bhangra dance by men and singing. Women, too, break into revelry of dances, principally the Gidda dance, executed with fervor and rhythmic exactitude.

The students and many of the families gathered for Baisakhi celebrations on April 14th at Memorial Union, Columbia.

People donned colorful clothing

and exchanged greetings and pleasantries. There was highbeat Bhangra – Dandia – Disco music and lots of dancing. This was accompanied by some delicious snacks- Pakoras, Samosas and Chips.

Baisakhi is a festival of happiness and joy and was fittingly celebrated with great enthusiasm and song and dance in Columbia.

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Diwalian New Year (Gujrat) - Pinky Parikh

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n Gujarat, New Year, also known as Bestu Varash is associated with Diwali celebrations. The fourth day of Diwali festival, or the day of Govardhan Puja is Gujarati's New Year day. The fourth day of Diwali falls on the first day of the lunar New Year. On this day old business accounts are settled and new books are opened.

The books are worshipped in a special ceremony by the priests and everyone is encouraged to remove anger, hate, and jealousy.

Gujaratis use the Samvat Calendar. The Samvat was initiated on the day of Kartik Pratipada (the day after the full moon in the month of October). As per the Samvat calendar the present year is 2062.

According to legends, the Gujarati business community of attach great importance to this day because it follows the worship of the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. This calendar is widely followed

inviting Rangoli art form. A visit to the temple on that day is customary. The day is spent preparing foods and sweets.

Business resumes on Labh Pancham, the Although DIwali heralds the New Year for Gujratis, it is celebrated by all Indians joyously as a testimony for the triumph of good over evil!

by the Hindus, especially Gujaratis, while observing religious ceremonies and fixing muhurats or auspicious dates.

On Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, the shops stay open, but all business comes to a halt. Gujaratis worship Goddess Lakshmi the night before Diwali and make decorations with colorful and

fifth day of the New Year. Diwali evening is celebrated with lighting of lamps, candles, and fireworks. It is also the time to replenish wardrobes with new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets with friends and neighbors. The tradition also includes wishing “Nutan Varsha Abhinandan” and receiving blessings from elders. conclusion Diwali is celebrated by all Hindus, but for Gujratis, it heralds the New Year.

Happy New Year Vyaya! (...continued) most of northern India. People take bath in the holy river or temple tanks. This day has special significance to the Sikhs as this day marks the founding of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh.

A singular distinction is the Gujarati New Year. It begins with Diwali. Diwali, the single festival celebrated all over India with great pomp and joy. So, all of India celebrate the Gujarati New year with the holy bath, sweets, feasts, new clothes and yes, the fire crackers!

So, what is the Indian New year? One answer might be Mesha Sankranti for much of the new years in India center around that day. Our calendars not only have seven days in a week and twelve

months in a year, they also have sixty years with different names.

Naturally, we must have a story about the names of the years. The legend has it that once upon a time the celestial Sage Narada had to be born as a human being. He then had 60 children. The names of his 60 children in that order are the names of the 60 years. This New Year that starts around Mesha Sankranti, April 14, 2006, is called Vyaya.

Varusah Pirappu - Anantha Gopalaratnam

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he Tamil New Year or Varusah Pirappu, this year fell on April 14, 2006. As is customary in Columbia, Tamil families got together on a weekend nearest the actual day, this year, on April 16th, to usher in the new year and have fun at a picnic at the Shepard Boulevard Park. Since 1996 April, this has been an occasion to herald the arrival of spring in Columbia, to welcome the Tamil New Year and to mark the anniversary of our Tamil language classes, begun on the Tamil New Year’s day in 1995.

Some years the get-together has been at the Katy Trail State Park in Rocheport, riding bicycles, while some stroll down the trail following the course of the Missouri River, with potluck lunches and free-for-all soccer games. In other years we’ve met at Cosmos Park or other parks in the city with little ones on the swings and teeter-totters and the older siblings battling their parents at volleyball.

After lunch, we traditionally have a showcase of the young students of the Tamil Class presenting a small skit,

recitations from the Tirukkural, or jokes (in Tamil of course) to the delight and amazement of their family and friends. It is also a time to welcome new families and students to Columbia and to recognize the achievements of the adults in the year just ended.

While this is a departure from the traditional celebrations of Varusah Pirappu in Tamil Nadu, the spirit of the occasion, which is to come together with family and friends, is certainly kept alive in Columbia.

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SARGAM: An Evening of Indian Classical Dance and Music - Gagneesh Rawat

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Group song — A vocal prayer

Indian families in the area have watched the program grow through the years and become an integral part of community tradition.

he Cultural Association of India presented "Sargam", an evening of classical dance and music on March 18th at Whitmore Recital Hall, University of Missouri. The event held for the seventh year in succession featured a wide range of Indian classical and western instrumental music performances.

The title of the event “SARGAM” is derived from "SaRe-Ga-Ma" which is parallel to the “do-re-mi” scale in English.

Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, are simply the first notes (swar) of the Indian Musical gamut.

Although Indian classical dances and music were the night’s main focus, there were several western instrumental music performances to enjoy too.

Each of the classical performance was based on a certain Raga (the melodic modes of Indian classical music). For the music lovers, it was a real treat and delight, an evening full of several melodious songs, instrumental music and "Bharatnatyam" classical dances.

The program started with an invocation to Hindu God “Ganesha” sung beautifully by Shamita Misra and Namita

Satpathy. Six year old Rajesh Satpathy then showed his skills with hands and fingers on "tabla" (a pair of Indian drums) producing melodious music. This was followed by another impressive "tabla" performance

by Sidhant Misra.

MU Professor Hema Srinivasan then played 2 compositions of classical Carnatic music on "Veena" (a stringed instrument used in Carnatic music) and the audience wanted more. The devotional songs, which were based on different "ragas" also kept the audience captivated.

Gayatri Balan sang devotional songs of Saint Eknath and Meera Bai. There were more devotional songs from Mansa Kotha, Meghna Srinath, Shuba Ratneshwar, Alpana Ray and Sanjib Bhattacharya.

It was a real pleasure watching Meghna Srinath performing the Bharatnatyam dance (based on raga malika) in praise of Lord Shiva and in the process describing his creation of the basic elements of life. Equally entertaining and artistic was the performance by the younger dancers who performed the group Bharatnatyam dance (based on raga keeravani).

Among the Western Instrumental Music performances, Ashok Cutkosky did a great performance playing "Maple Leaf by Joplin” on Piano.

Also, there were impressive

performances by Uma Pattarkine playing "Forelise by Beethoven" and "Summer on the Shannon" on piano with Nahush Katti playing “The Hokey-Pokey,” and Sumidha Katti playing a gavotte, a French baroque piece on Piano. The loud applauses from the audience were testimony to their appreciation of the artists’ performance as well as their respect and appreciation of the western instrumental music.

Indian families in the area have watched the program grow through the years and become an integral part of community tradition. The program encourages and provides an opportunity to the second generate on of Indian Americans to integrate its heritage with American culture.

Sargam is the Cultural Association of India’s secondlargest event. India Night, which is held in October, is the organization’s biggest event and includes classical and modern Indian music and dance.

A performance on East west quartet, instrumental music.

HTCC Helping Hands Pitches in for Clean Up Columbia 2006

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lean-up Columbia is an annual event conducted by the City of Columbia, where volunteers work as individuals or in groups, to pick up trash throughout the city.

This year, as part of the service projects undertaken by members of HTCC, we decided to participate under the banner HTCC-Helping Hands. The children of

Bal Sabha and their parents met in one group at Ridgeway Elementary School and a second group of persons cleaned up around the Shanthi Mandir and neighboring streets.

It was a cool morning, quite ideal for some brisk bending and picking up of candy wrappers and empty soda bottles. The enthusiastic participants were rewarded with juice and cookies.

A few went on to enjoy the lunch get-together arranged by the city for all the volunteers, at the Twin

Lakes Park.

The city presented “Helping Hands” with a certificate of appreciation for their sustained support of the clean-up program for the past five years. Prior to the HTCC’s involvement, a smaller group from our community had been participating in the program under the name “Helping Hands”. HTCC- Helping hands will continue the tradition in the future.

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NewsleƩer of Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO

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April 2006

EDITOR’S NOTE President Bharath Srinivasan Vice President Uma Srinath Secretary/Tresasurer Kalai Kumar Cultural Secretary Surya Mantrala Bal Sandesh Coordinator Hema Srinivasan

This issue marks the merger of BalSandesh with Shanthi Sandesh.

This is a new beginning in this transitory year, yes pun intended. The new Indian year is called Vyaya, meaning transitory, liable to change.

In this issue, there is an article about India as it changed over time by Sheela Lal. There is also the regular feature of

BalSandesh Poets as well as some drawings and the impressive list of Kudos.

These will be listed in the Bal Sabha web page It can be accessed from Shanthi Mandir’s web page.

If you have accomplishments that are not listed here, please send them to Ashok or Hema and they will be on the web page.

Ashok Cutkosky

Bal Sabha Kudos!

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al Sandesh congratulates all the members on another phenomenal year of accomplishments. Here are some, by no means all, of the success stories of this year 2005-2006. We are proud of each and every one of you!

Math Competitions: Congratulations to Ashwath, Urmila, Atreyo, Sumedha, Nahosh, Nikhilesh, Vikram, Arjun. Manoj and Uma on being chosen to represent their schools in the MCTM or Math Counts.

In MCTM regional competitions, Ashwath won third place in both 4th grade problem solving and concepts and Arjun won 7th place in seventh grade. Ashwath will compete in the state finals. Ashok competed in the Great Plains Math league for 9-12 grade, and won two second place medals in the individuals and two first place medals in the team for Hickman in the regional held in Truman State. In the State round he placed fourth among 9th graders in the state of Missouri.

Raj and Sangita won third place. Manoj, Maya Cutkosky, and Mythily competed from Smithton Middle School which placed fifth. Arjun, Amit and Reshma represented Gentry Middle School. Individually, at the regional level, Ashok won three first place medals and one third place medal. Adithi won 2 first place and one each of second, third and fourth palce medals. Sangita and Anchal each won one first place medals.

Arjun and Manoj won a third place medal each where as Amit, Arjun and Reshma each won a fourth place medal in different events. Adithi, Uma, Sangita, Ajay and Swathi advanced to the State level.

Sinquefield Foundation’s Creating Original Music project in the Junior (6-8thgrade) level. Maya will also get a cash prize of $50 and an award for her school.

Spelling Bees: Sumedha represented Ridgeway at the elementary school Spelling Bee. At the junior level Sidhanth Misra is the Mid Missouri Spelling Bee Champion for 2006.

Quiz Bowls : Maya R. on Fairview Team won first place in the State Quiz bowl.

Chess Tournaments: In the Columbia chess tournament, Vikram from Mill Creek elementary is the champion in 4-5th grade Open Chess tournament in Columbia.

Music: Uma, Maya C, Prerna, Ashok, Ashwath and Nidhi from Ridgeway Nikhilesh participated in the National elementary both won 3rd place plaques in Federation of Music Teachers festival in fourth and fifth grade respectively. Vikram 2006 and all of them won Superior rating or and Arjun participated in Missouri state five points in Piano. Maya Cutkosky and chess tournament. Vikram won 3rd place Mythily Ramachandran were selected to in K-5 grades. represent Smithton in the District music Taekwondo: Nikhilesh won 3rd place choir this year. Sangita went to the district trophy for Forms in the Show-Me choir festival and qualified for the state Science Olympiad: West Junior team with showdown ATA Taekwondo tournament. level.

Adithi, Ashok and Uma on their team won Maya received the honorable mention first place in the regionals and will compete award for her original composition in the in the state. Jeff Junior team with Anchal,

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Change Over Time - India Sheela Lal, 10th Grade, Rockbridge High School

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India is a perfect example of a nation where a vibrant present and a rich heritage of the past co-exist!

ndian society started several thousands of years ago with the Indus River Valley civilizations. Because it was the first civilization in the area, the culture that flourished became the foundation for Indian society today. How the Aryans in the Vedic Society behaved with other civilizations and how they organized their society still plays a huge part in how India operates today. Throughout history there are six relevant themes that can be seen and they are the impact of interaction among major societies, the relationship of change and continuity, the impact of technology and demography on the people and the environment, social and gender structures, cultural and intellectual developments along with social interactions, and changes in function and structure of states.

One of the first civilizations in the world, the SindhuSaraswathi (Indus) River Valley civilization, formed in Asia.

Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations formed around the same time in the Middle East.

Harappa and Mohenja-Daro, two cities excavated in the Indus River Valley, developed an intricate society both of which had a written language, but they are not decipherable by archeologists today, and so there is not a lot of information about these societies. There is evidence that there was domestic trade and later, in about 2300 BCE, there was trade with the Mesopotamians. A majority of the people lived in the cities, which is where markets formed. Other technology flourished , for example, wide roads were constructed and there was standardization of weights. It was common in these cities to have class groups. Most of these social distinctions were by living

styles. Aryans developed agricultural tools made of iron, to further cultivate in the Ganges valley. Their religion later came to be known as Hinduism. The basis of this religion came from Vedas. The social groups were called castes. There were four main groups, Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, and Sudras.

Centuries later, the lowest group, the untouchables, were formed.

They did all of the dirty work such as moving corpses and cleaning the streets. In addition, gender roles started to form distinctively.

The society was a patriarchal, and as a result, the women had no rights or benefits.

Alexander invaded in the northwestern part of India. After the departure of Alexander, Chandragupta Maurya seized control of the Magadha kingdom.

His grandson, Ashoka, is probably one of the most important rulers that India ever had. He ruled almost the entire Indian subcontinent, which is the closest to unification ever experienced in the subcontinent.

During his time, Buddhism and Jainism became popular religions of salvation. Buddhism was more popular than Jainism possibly because it was less demanding and the king of India, Ashoka, may have converted to it.

In 711 CE, Arabs conquered the Sind region of India, but had no effective authority. However, the Arab intellectuals took the Hindu mathematical and astrological work and translated it into Arabic. A man named Mahmud of Ghazni, who destroyed Hindu and Buddhist sites in India, had a huge impact on the relationship between Islam and India. He invaded India several times, getting further and further in it, in order to take riches from the Hindu temples.

The British took over India in the mid 1700s, and at first, there was not resistance because they were not exploiting them, just using them for land, natural resources, men, and manufacturing. To take over, the

British intervened in conflicts between the princes. The princes thought that British were their allies and so they trusted them. Then they took over. The conquerors had to merge in with Indian society to fully take over.

British married Indian women, which could boost them up, and influence opinions. In addition, in the 1830s, the British, outlawed sati, the ritual of a widow jumping into her husband’s pyre while he was being cremated, which shows that females were starting to become somewhat important.

They exploited the caste system to get what they wanted, obedience. They used the sepoys (Indian soldiers) to fight against the Chinese, Afghans, and Malayans in the first and second world wars. Indian industries created cotton textiles, and exported it to other places around the world. Part of Britain’s Industrial Revolution was the use of Indian workers to help manufacture cheap products to sell back in England. This caused India not to have its own Industrial Revolution. Mohandas Gandhi brought Indians together to fight against the British.

Gandhi spoke out against maltreatment of the untouchables, saying that they were also God’s children, and tried to even out the gender roles.

Today, India is considered one of the world’s upcoming players because it has nuclear power and has an alliance with the world’s most powerful nation, the United States. Indian society proves to be very important now, as India-American relations are becoming front-page news, and outsourcing to India has occurred.

All six themes of world history have at one point or another been important to the development of Indian society, but it is the interactions among societies, gender and social structures, and cultural and intellectual developments that have shaped India into what it is today.

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Oh Birdie!

Trisha Chaudhary, 4th Grade Mill Creek Elementary School Oh Birdie, Oh Birdie Where have you gone?

I have been looking for you all day long I am telling the truth, I will not lie, How far could you possibly fly?

I have looked high and low, Here and there I have looked everywhere.

I can not spot your pretty blue feathers Because of this bad rainy weather!

The sun is still up we can play hide and go seek.

But since you are hiding I guess I’ll have to seek.

Please show your self.

Please, please, please, please.

This day is no fun without your cheerful tweets.

Oh Birdie, Oh Birdie Where have you gone?

I really have been looking for you all day long!

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Bal Sandesh Poets A Little Kitten

Ipsa Chaudhary, 5th Grade Mill Creek Elementary School

I had a little kitten, Her name was Mary-Lou. And when you’d give her milk She’d sit down and mew!

She was a lazy kitten, She always used to sleep Her eyes were always closed, And she wouldn’t make a peep.

Sometimes she went outside, To catch herself a mouse And when she got all dirty, She’d come back in the house.

Wind

Maya Cutkosky, 6th Grade Smithton Middle School A quiet little voice it can have You may not even slightly notice it Though if wanting to be loud What a racket it will make Howling or blowing fiercely!

It is funny how the quietest Most unnoticeable and unheard Is the one that every one notices Which really makes me marvel How unique and queer wind is!

She thought she was real smart, But she couldn’t catch a mouse And when you’d try to teach her, She’d wreck the whole house.

This is my little kitten, She’s tiny and stuck up.

I love her quite a lot, I love her very much.

Bal Sabha meets every fourth Sunday of the month from 3:00 5:00 p.m. at Shanthi Mandir Bal Sandesh needs your help!

We welcome submissions of all types (reports, poetry, short stories, artwork, puzzles, jokes etc.). Work can be submitted to the Editor or the Parent Advisors. We prefer electronic version of the submission (e-mail or diskette).

Artwork can be submitted on paper. Older kids interested in volunteering to serve on the editorial/production team should contact the Editorial Staff or the Parent Advisors.

From the Sketch book of Shreyas Srinivasan, Kindergarden, Paxton Keeley Elementary School

Editorial Staff Ashok Cutkosky Maya Cutkosky Sheela Lal Vidya Mantrala Meghna Srinath Anchal Sethi Adithi Vellore

Phone 445-2854 445-2854 445-9290 446 0865 446-8403 514-0486 446-0063

E-Mail asho44124k@yahoo.com

Parent Advisor Hema Srinivasan

445-2854

srinivasanh@missouri.edu

pyari_ajnabi@hotmail.com eggnog68@hotmail.com danzingdivas@yahoo.com vsadithi@aol.com

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Photo Gallery

Clean-up Columbia, Shri Ram Navami and the Food n’ Thought Workshop on Meditation and Stress Management were few of the recent events at the Mandir

Bal Puja at the Temple - one of the many programs bringing the community together at the Mandir.

Origami For beginners - Nandhu Radhakrishnan

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rigami has been popular among children and adults for several years. Every one of us would have gone through some amount of training in this art, for example, to make a simple paper boat. Many of us graduate from elementary school leaving behind this wonderful skill. Origami need not be an art for school kids alone.

You can not only make a boat or an airplane but also come out with paper trays, serving bowls etc if you are creative. One cannot be bored or feel lonely if you have a piece of paper

around you. You need not invest on sheets of paper to try your creativity, thanks to the junk-mail service that brings good quality paper to your mailbox. Origami, when practiced by children, not only enhances their creativity but also improves their fine motor skills and memory.

participated in this program. In this two hour course, they learned some simple folds that can make baskets, paper trays, airplane, fancy photo frame, Chinese serving pan etc. The kids were enthusiastic and actively participated in learning this art. It was a surprise to see parents gearing up to compete The Youth Activities with their children while they Committee of HTCC on March 17, 2006 offered a short course were also helping them. The on Origami, the Japanese art of Youth Club plans to offer this course again in summer based paper folding. Several children and their parents from the Indian on the response from children and their parents. community in Columbia

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Finding that quiet place within: A workshop on meditation and stress management Leela Jashnani I recently had an opportunity to attend the Food ‘n Thought workshop on “Meditation and Stress Management” organized by the Hindu Temple and Community Center (Shanthi Mandir). The workshop idea which included food seemed to be a novel one and sparked my interest. I was seeking something for “spiritual enrichment” and the added opportunity to try native cuisine from the Indian sub-continent provided a perfect fit.

Also, the speaker’s note seemed so true and reflective of our everyday life and motivated me to enroll right away for the workshop.

The speaker’s note said “In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we sometimes fail to note that presence within that provides peace and quietude in our lives. It is this presence that guides us. We have only to learn to open to this presence, to find that energy, calm and delight, that is there for our use “.

I am glad that I participated in the workshop for there was so much to gain and learn some everyday techniques that would help me relax and live a stress free life.

The speaker, Kate Walker has 35 years of experience in yoga, meditation and stress management. She has also has been a disciple of the Aurobindo ashram in India.

comes from “wanting things to be different” center and the head center. The heart and the manner in which we respond to center includes steps to conceive of divine presence in the core of your heart, while In the hustle and bustle of our daily life we the head centers consists of turning your sometimes fail to note the presence within attention upward and conceive of a solid that provides peace and quietitude in our silence, peace or a vastness above, but lives. keeping the mind open to that higher consciousness. During meditation one stress.

Kate suggested that we follow “Patanjali’s recommendations” in order to be able to create that inner peace and quiet. Patanjali’s five ‘yamas’ (how you treat others) include non-violence, truth and honesty, non-stealing, non-lust and non-possessiveness and the five ‘Niyamas’ (inner discipline and responsibility) include purity, contentment, austerity study of the sacred text (Shastras) and living with the awareness of the divine. She explained the distinction Destressing with meditation between meditation and concentration. In order to prepare the body for these may even experience subtle sensations of peaceful processes one must be sight and sounds, regardless, what conscious of the body and its presence. matters are the sense of peace, purity and One must be detached from the thoughts aspiration. that rush into our minds when we sit down The important lesson is to remember to to meditate. In order to accomplish this, let keep the spirit of meditation throughout the the thoughts flow and be a distant day and not to disturb that inner peace. observer. They will eventually ebb away Some physical exercises after meditation and your mind will come to a stand still. do enhance the entire experience. Kate let Finally, it is time to start your meditation us experience some hands on techniques by following the first step to “Breath developed by Andrew Weil, which made Awareness.” We try to breathe slowly and us realize the importance of destressing The workshop be aware of our inhalation and exhalation with meditation.

The workshop began with the process. After some concentrated effort After the workshop we enjoyed a tasty, participants settling down on the carpeted out breath slows down and brings our simple lunch of South Indian cuisine which floor or in chairs. Kate asked us to assume mind into focus, riding us of all unwanted included, idlis (steamed rice cakes), vada the most comfortable position and create a thoughts. In order to succeed in this effort (deep-fried lentil fritters), sambar (lentil climate for meditation. She explained that Kate explained that one must choose a soup), and coconut chutney (dip) with hot one needs to live in an atmosphere of quiet consistent place and time and be Indian Chai. In the end, I can only inner peace and quiet by learning to say alert. At this point we did some breathing summarize the workshop as being a “Yes” to life, by learning to “step back” and exercises. She also explained that there wonderful experience for the body, soul learning to “laugh” more. Our restlessness are two centers of meditation, the heart and a tasty palate.

In t he hustle and bustle of our dai ly life we sometim es fail to note t he pres ence wit hin that provides pe ace and quietit ude i n our lives.

The stimulating session was followed by a hearty snack of south-Indian delicacies.

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Shri Ram Navami Celebrations At The Mandir -Chandra Rawlani and Kusum Malhotra

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Devotees reciting mantras at the Ram anvami celebrations.

So long passion for attaining God is not firm you shall fly hither and thither, without knowing, like a kite.

hri Ram Navami celebrations at Shanthi Mandir were spread over three days, with Pujas and Bhajan offerings for devotees with varied interests. Devotees participated in one or more of the observances.

Ashtotra Puja and youth Slokha recitation was held on Sunday, April 2, 2006. Archana was performed and led by Shri M.R. Srinivasan.

All devotees gathered to mark the occasion recited the Rama Jananam (birth of Lord Rama) from Valmiki Ramayanam. Sloka Calss youth led the singing of.

Naama Ramayanam and Rama Bhujangastakam. There were baby Rama, Bharath, Lakshmana, and Shatrugna in cradles.

Additionally several youth and adults sang songs in praise of Lord Rama. The Puja concluded with distribution of Prasad and serving of a sumptuous dinner.

The Sai Bhajan Group organized the Shri Ram Navami Special Bhajans on Thursday, April 6, 2006 (the actual Shri Ram Navami day). The bhajan started

with recitation of the Sai Ashtotra Naamavali. Numerous bhajans dedicated to Lord Rama were sung by all present. The special bhajan concluded with the usual Aarti and distribution of Prasad.

The Sundar Kaand Puja held on Saturday, April 8, 2006 started with Pushpa Archana

performed by Vishesh Mathur with the chanting of Shri Rama Ashtotra Naamavali. This was followed by team reading of the Sundar Kaand from the Tulsi Ramayan. The team comprised Sunita and Rakesh Bajpai, Santosh and Gopal Krishna, and Jagdambika and Sudhanshu Mathur. All devotees gathered for the Puja joined in singing the refrains

during Sundar Kaand reading.

The devotional gathering concluded with Aarti dedicated to Hanumanji, and Shri Rama followed by the universal Aarti.

Smt. Padma Gulati , mother of Anjana Sethi, shared a few thoughts on the satsang and the Mandir and sang in praise of Lord Rama. Her extempore contribution to the devotional gathering was greatly appreciated. Prasad and dinner followed the Puja.

All three observances were very well attended and well received. Special thanks go to all the volunteers who put together the devotional programs, cooked and served the meals during the Pujas and also helped clean up the Mandir after the various events. The HTCC Devotional Programs Committee has compiled a Rama Prayer book to add to the collection of prayers available at the Mandir. The archive of prayers todate will also be available in digital form shortly on the Shanthi Mandir web site.

Hindi Language Classes

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indi classes are being offered twice a month at the Shanthi Mandir. These classes are held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month (after Bal Puja) and the 4th Sunday of the month (before Bal Sabha).

Currently, classes are being

offered at three different levels of teaching: 1.

2.

3.

Beginner (taught by Arpita Kumar) Intermediate (taught by Saroj Mohan).

Advanced (taught by Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary).

Kirtans Kirtan is now a regular event and is held every first Sunday of the month. Everyone is invited and welcome to join us. The usual program is as follows: Sukhmani Sahib 10:00 a.m.

Shabad Kirtan (Hymns) 11:30 a.m.

Anand Sahib Path 11:45 a.m.

Ardas & Bhogh 12:00 p.m.

Aarti 12:10 p.m.

Langar 12:30 p.m.

Sukhmani Sahib is the name given to the set of hymns divided into 24 sections which appear in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scriptures. Each section, which is called an Ashtpadi, consists of 8 hymns per Ashtpadi. The word Sukhmani literally means Peace in your mind. this set of Hymns or Bani is very popular and is frequently recited on holy places of worship called Gurdwaras and at home. The full recital takes

about 60-90 minutes. This Holy Scripture blesses everybody with peace of mind and happiness Contact details: For Kirtan & program: Kuljit 442-4471 For Langar: Rajna 256-5802 For all other matters: Chandra 446-5960

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Turmeric: Useful as Spice and Medicine - Shefali Srivastava T

urmeric is a well known name in India and has been used as an important spice in Indian cuisine since 4000 years. It is a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is also known as Curcumin because of its botanical name Curcuma longa. Turmeric’s common name in northern India is Haldi, which is derived from Sanskrit word Haridra. It is grown all over India and is known in different names in different parts of India. In Tamil Nadu it is known as Manjal, Halodhi in Assam, Halud in Bengal, and Halad in Gujarat / Maharashtra; while the British call it “Indian saffron” due to its saffron color. Turmeric has also been used in India as dyes and cosmetics. Turmeric is associated with fertility and prosperity, symbolizing good luck. It has always been considered as an auspicious and used in religious ceremonies for worship of Gods. India is the biggest producer of turmeric, supplying 94% of the world’s requirement.

Turmeric has a long history of medicinal use in India in Ayurvedic system for the treatment of swelling and sprains. Hot water extracts of dried rhizome is used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce inflammation. However, turmeric also finds medicinal application for treatment of anaemia, atherosclerosis, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-coagulant, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-carcinogenic, antidiabetic, cough, hypolipemic, hypoglycemic, hemorrhoids, hysteria, indigestion, inflammation, liver- disorder, oedema, psoriasis, sinusitis, skin disease, wound and bruise healing.

Turmeric is a non toxic natural product with various medicinal activities and could offer a cure for cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in future. Curcumin, the phytochemical responsible for turmeric's yellow pigment, is a potent antimutagenic agent and is being studied for its activity against cancer, inflammation, and platelet aggregation.

This pigment has been shown to aid the support of healthy bones and cartilage, and also supports proper liver functions and lowering of cholesterol levels.

Additional Reading • Ishita chattopadhyay et .al., (2004).

Current Science, 87: 44-50.

• Ringma J M et .al., (2005) Curr.

Alzheimer Res., 2: 31-36.

• Frank B et. al., (2005)Ann. Clin.

Psychiatry, 17: 269-286.

• Glasson B T et. al., (2000) Science, 290: 985-989.

“LET’S TALK, COLUMBIA!”

Citizen Dialogue on Diversity - Nanette Chun-Ming Ward

OUR VISION STATEMENT… “To strengthen community relationships by engaging citizens in dialogues on diversity.”

OUR MISSION STATEMENT… “People from all walks of life in Columbia hear, appreciate, understand, respect and trust each other in an inclusive OUR VISIONthat STATEMENT community celebrates the oneness of humanity.”

“To strengthen community relationships by engaging citizens in dialogues on diversity.”

The MISSION City of Columbia Human Rights sensus. Participants examine their asricher the dialogue is.

OUR STATEMENT Commission began a Community Study hear, sumptions and understand, deepen their respect understandI welcome yourinparticipation!

“People from all walks of life in Columbia appreciate, and trust each other an inclusive Please ing about diversity and community. community that celebrates oneness of humanity.”

Circles Program known as the “LET’S contact Nanette Chun-Ming Ward, Pro-

Trained volunteers help facilitate. Diagram Coordinator at (573) 874-7488 (v/ TALK, COLUMBIA!” in 2001. Since logue their is stimulated by challenging ques- have successfully brought friends and he City of Columbia Human Rights examine assumptions and deepen tty) or by e-mail at: that time, more than 500 people have tions, videos, and experiential exercises. strangers together for enjoyable, Commission a Community HRC@GoColumbiaMo.com. Find out come togetherbegan in small and large num- their understanding about diversity and Study Program known ascircle “LET’S stimulating learning and listening through Trained volunteers help bersCircles for city-sponsored study dia- community. more at www.GoColumbiaMo.com (Go Once a year in February there is a TALK, COLUMBIA!” in 2001. Since that facilitate. Dialogue is stimulated by dialogue that has connected people in logue.

Word: GoStudyCircles).

Sign up for “LET’S TALK, COLUMBIA!” time, more than 500 people have come challenging questions, videos, and weekend surprising new ways.

Web Mail (Go Study Word:Circle GoWebMail) to get together in small and large numbers for experiential exercises.

Community Programs event of intensive but fun study circle This thought-provoking program engagup-to-date announcements. city-sponsored circle dialogue.about Once a year in theme February there ais More a are free and open to the public, and are dialogue on the “Toward es citizens instudy honest discussions This thought-provoking program TALK, COLUMBIA!” Perfect Union in and Ageweekend of Diversity”. appropriate for mature teens and all difficult issues. Many of these issues are “LET’S engages honest discussions event of intensiveCircles” but fun study circle adults. The more diverse the participants, “Community are monthly at the citizens heart of in community concerns – about difficultand issues.

Many of these theat theme “Toward a MoreLi- the richer the dialogue is. eventson held the Columbia Public personal national identity, and cur- dialogue issues the heartrelations of community inp.m. and – Age of p.m.

Diversity”.

I welcome your participation! Please braryUnion from 6 8:45 The focus rent are andathistorical among differ- Perfect monthly concerns – personal and national identity, “Community varies eachCircles” month. are Since 2004, events Com- contact Nanette Chun-Ming Ward, ent groups of people. and current and historical relations among heldmunity at theCircles Columbia Public Library from 6 Program Coordinator at (573) 874-7488 have successfully brought different groups of people. p.m.

– 8:45 p.m.

The focus varies each friends and strangers together for enjoyIn a “study circle” a group of 7-10 people (v/tty) or by e-mail at: In adiverse “study circle” a groupparticipate of 7-10 in month.

2004, learning Community able,Since stimulating and Circles listening from backgrounds HRC@GoColumbiaMo.com people from diverse backgrounds through dialogue that has connected a democratic process to listen, share participate a democratic process to people in surprising new ways.

On a personal note, I want to express personalinexperiences and perspectives, Find out more at: listen, shareapersonal experiences and my appreciation for the wonderful consider variety of other perspectives, perspectives, variety ofground. other Communityand Study Circle Programs are www.GoColumbiaMo.com experience hospitality my and exploreconsider areas ofacommon perspectives, and explore areas of respectfree and open to the public, and are apThere is a safe setting for open, husband, 10-year old daughter, and I (Go Word: GoStudyCircles). Sign up for common ground.notThere is aorsafe setting propriate for mature teens and all adults. ful dialogue, debate to reach conreceived at HTCC when we attended a Web Mail (Go Word: GoWebMail) to get for open, respectful dialogue, not debate The more diverse the participants, the meditation workshop there recently. up-to-date announcements. or to reach consensus. Participants

T

On a p ersonal note, I want to express m y appr eciation for the wond erful exp erien ce and hospitality m y hu sband, 10-year old dau ghter , and I r eceived at HTCC when we attend ed a m edit ation wor kshop th ere r ecently.

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Statement of Accounts and Quarterly Fiscal Report Prepared by Visala Palaniappan, Interim Treasurer, April 13, 2006 Balance Forward (on Jan. 1, 2006) Quarterly Revenues (Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2006) Membership: Lifetime Family Members (LFM) 23 @ $1,000 LFM via Installments (1 @ $250, 1 @ $500) Annual Family Members (AFM) 25 @ $50 Annual Individual Members (AIM) 3 @ $30 Donations: Hundi Donations Check Donations Special Events: Food n’ Thought Workshop - Stress Management Facilities Use: Dance Classes (Jan. – Mar. 2006) Bal Sabha (Feb. 2006) Total Quarterly Revenues (Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2006) Quarterly Expenses (Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2006) Start-up costs Maintenance and supplies Upgrade and repairs Utilities (includes $406 in deposits) Postage and stationary Food N’ Thought Printing Shanthi Sandesh, V1, N1 Total Quarterly Expenses (Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2006) Ending Balance* (March 31, 2006)

$244.56

$23,000.00 $750.00 $1,250.00 $90.00

$25,090.00

$449.03 $2,245.00

$2,694.03

$288.00

$288.00

$260.00 $20.00

$280.00 $28,596.59 $302.69 $187.33 $87.83 $624.28 $31.77 $34.71 $60.40 $1,329.01 $27,267.58

* $20,000 invested in 2 CDs (8 Month maturity @ 4.65% APR), ending checking account balance: $7,267.58 Statement of Accounts and Quarterly Fiscal Reports will be included in every issue of Shanthi Sandesh. This will provide transparency and accountability to our operations. It will also facilitate HTCC Members in providing input to the Executive Board on budget and program priorities.

2006 Samuhika Satyanarayana puja Limited slots are available due to space restrictions.

Please sign up early to guarantee puja sponsorship!

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Sunday, May 14, 2006 Our dear friend and former Columbia resident, Jagan Kandala will lead us in conducting the 2006 Samuhika Satyanarayana Puja (yearly multifamily puja).

Due to space limitations at the Mandir we will only be able to accommodate the first 25 families/individuals to sign up for the puja sponsorship. Sponsors will be able to perform the puja on their own with guidance from Jagan.

Families/individuals can sign up for sponsorship by sending a check for $51 favoring Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC) to Kusum Malhotra as soon as possible but no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 8, 2006. Please send your checks and contact particulars (preferred e-mail address, phone number) to: Kusum Malhotra, 4803 Royal Heritage Drive, Columbia, MO 65203. Her e-mail address is <kusum65203@yahoo.com>. Sign-up is considered complete only when Kusum receives your check. The amount will cover the cost of the puja materials and dakshina for the priest. Balance monies will be used towards the operating expenses of the Mandir. Most of the puja materials will be provided just prior to the puja in prepackaged kits. Families/individuals performing the puja will however be expected to get 2-3 items from their homes for the puja (list will be provided on May 9 to all who have signed up).

Members who are not able to perform the puja this year are welcome to attend the puja and partake in the ceremonies and the Prasad. Special arrangements will be made for individuals who would like to perform the puja and cannot sit on the floor due to medical conditions. Please let Kusum know if you would like to avail of this facility when you sign up.

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HTCC Youth Activities for Spring/Summer Keep’em Busy and Out of Trouble!

Youth Summer Workshops

Other upcoming Youth activities:

June 26-28, 2006 (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)

If you are interested in these, please contact Kala Kumar at <kumark@missouri.edu> or 573-445-9579.

Basic Computer Skills Workshop

June 17-18, 2006

Ages: 9 – 12 (3rd to 7th grade) Tennis Tournament Interested participants can reserve a spot or get more Ages: 8 – Open-ended information by contacting: Kirthi Rangnekar at <krangnekar@yahoo.com> or 573-446-8678, June 26-28, 2006

Creative Writers Workshop Ages: 12 - 14

June - August, 2006

July 22, 2006

The Moviemakers

An all-summer flexible instruction workshop for 10-12th graders (interested adults are also welcome to participate). Deliverables include documentary/fictional stories in digital video format Interested participants can reserve a spot or get more information by contacting: V.S. Gopal at <vsgopal@aol.com> or 573-446-0063

Chess Tournament Ages: 5 – Open-ended

August (Dates TBA), 2006

Number Crunchers—A Math Workshop Ages: 8 - 12

August 19, 2006 HTCC Youth Day

A day of fun to recognize and reward our youth All age groups (including adults) INVOLVE, MENTOR and REWARD our Youth

All programs will be open to HTCC member families at no cost. Non-members will be charged nominal fees to recover costs. Details of these programs will be finalized by early April 2006. If you have interest in participating in one or more of these summer programs please contact Kala Kumar at 445-9579 or via e-mail at kala.skumar@gmail.com. Additional information on these programs can also be obtained from Kala.

Thank You! Lifetime Family Members

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Arunachalam, Vairam and Alagu Bhattula Ravindra and Vijaya Kattumuri Bhaskar, Gowda and Shoba Chandrasekhar, Holalkere and Meera Chaudhary, Kunal and Ritcha Mehra Cutkosky, Dale and Hema Srinivasan Dhand, Rajiv and Upinder Gangopadhyay, Keshab and Shubhra Gopalakrishna, Srinath and Uma Gopalaratnam, Vellore and Anantha Katti, Kattesh and Kavita Khurana, Inder and Jasmit Kulkarni, Rajesh and Indira Kutikkad, Kiratadas and Geetha Lal, Sunder and Nila Gupta Loyalka, Sundarshan and Nirja Malhotra, Anil and Kusum Mitra, Ranadhir and Roma Palaniappan, Kannappan and Visala Patel, Nitin and Harsha Raghuraman, Kannan and Anandhi Upendran Ramachandran, V and Anuradha Rajagopalan Rangnekar, Nitin and Kirthi Rawlani, Ramesh and Chandra Sadhu, Vijay and Smita Satpathy, Sashi and Namita Sethi, Sanjiv and Punam Sethi, Yash and Anjna Sharma, Krishna and Sandhya

Bal, Sharanjit and Ranjit Basu, Asit and Sandra Batchu, Sudhir and Priya Chandrasekhar, Anand and Moe Choudhry, Prabir Kumar Elangovan, Bala and Abi Jashnani, Ghanshyam and Leela Jonathan, Roberts and Sangeeta Khanna, Sanjeev and Vinita Kumar, Senthil and Kalai Lakshmanan, Soundhra Mahal, Satnam and Jasvir Mantrala, Murali and Suryamani Nair, Satish and Jyotsna Nathan, Vivek and Manjula Neupane, Prakash and Kamala Puri, Ravi and Mona Ramaswamy, Ram and Indira Ratneshwar, Srinivasan and Subbalakshmi Rawat, Gagneesh and Aditi Raychaudhuri, Aniruddha and Sriparna Rumi, Faizer and Archana Ramaswamy Satish, Anand and Sushma Sehgal, Om and Toshi Srinivasan, Bharath and Manjula Narasimhan Srivastava, Shefali Subramanian, Krishna and Raji Thawani, Ravi and Meena Tolani, Bhisham and Rajini Viswanath, Dabir and Pramila

The HTCC is grateful to the following families who have signed up as members as of April 26, 2006. The membership drive will continue through out the year. If you would like to sign-up as a member, please visit our web site and download, complete and send off your membership application with appropriate dues. We sure would appreciate your support for all our activities. Please also consider upgrading your annual membership to lifetime membership. The lifetime dues provide the HTCC with a strong ownership base and steady stream of revenue for delivering quality devotional, education, service and youth programs.

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16

Current Programs at the Mandir Devotional Programs Open prayer time/Aarti Sai Bhajan Venkateshwara Suprabhatam/Vishnu Sahasranaamam Open prayer time/Aarti Kirtan (Monthly event) Educational/Youth Programs Tamil Classes Hindi Classes Bal Puja Bal Sabha

(April 30, 2006)

1st

Tuesday Thursday Saturday Saturday Sunday

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

1st /3rd 2nd/4th 2nd 4th

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday Sunday

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Service Programs Shram Daan (Labor Donation) Narayan Seva (Sai Group - St. Francis Home Lunch) 2nd Non-Perishible Food Collection (Ongoing continuously) Fitness and Cultural Art Programs

Shanthi Mandir Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC)

2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202-2043 http://shanthimandir.missouri.org, (573) 814-1AUM (286)

Please visit our web site and send us your e-mail address if you would like to be included on the Friends of the Mandir distribution list to receive timely program notices.

Directions: Take Exit 127 on Interstate 70, Head north on Rangeline Street, Right at first traffic light on Vandiver Drive, Left on Parker Street, Right on Holly Avenue, Shanthi Mandir sign will be visible on the right after 5-6 homes. (Note: Holly Avenue is immediately before the Sunrise Optimist building) Shanthi Sandesh is a quarterly publication of the Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC). It is published on behalf of HTCC by itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Relations and Publicity Committee. Editors: Gagneesh Rawat <shanthimandir@yahoo.com> and Arkasubhra Ghosh <arka.s.ghosh@gmail.com>