ShanthiSandeshV2N2

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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A Call to Action - Vellore and Anantha Gopalaratnam

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Wonderful News!

The Shanthi Mandir property now belongs to the Hindu Temple!

Thanks, Shubh Kaam!

Another milestone in our collective endeavor!

Inside This Issue A Call to Action

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Akhand Ramayan

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Sri Rama Jayam

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Call of the Whirring Motor

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Sunrise Optimist Club

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Metta Bhavana Talk

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The Animal

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Clean-Up Columbia 2007

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Bal Sandesh Classical Dance Forms Jai Mahabharatha Three Animals Poems Book Reviews Summer Reading List

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Youth Summer Programs

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Bhishma

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Planning for Rainbow II

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Rainbow II Fundraiser

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Educational Programs

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hanthi Mandir has completed its first year having successfully served our community by offering a range of devotional, educational, youth and service programs.

As our signboard outside proudly proclaims, Shanthi Mandir is A Place for Worship and Service. In the formative first year, we have taken baby steps to serve the community.

Our membership has come up with many innovative ideas on how to better serve Columbia by interfacing with up-andrunning service projects being organized by various city departments and other service organizations. Thanks to many of you, we are already a part of some of these activities as detailed in the inset on Page 4.

Success in this modest start emboldens us to plan for a sustained and substantial effort in the months and years to come so that we can truly achieve our potential to serve our fellow citizens. According to a recent Columbia Tribune article, the 2000 US Census documents 854 individuals of Indian origin as residents of Boone County. If we include our other South Asian friends,

our strength would probably be well in excess of a 1,000! It would not be presumptuous to assume that a significant majority of these individuals is very well educated and are professionals connected to the university, government or hospitals in Columbia and its vicinity. Given this enormously skilled resource and given the infrastructure support HTCC and other city agencies can provide, the time is ripe for us to explore service opportunities in Columbia where we can collectively make a significant and positive impact in the lives of fellow Columbians.

which at that time targeted our youth group. Even while many of those observations are still relevant, we have also included other observations based on our recent experiences with the service group at the Mandir which we fondly call HTCC Helping Hands. Typically, when we put our passion into serving others, we become aware of our own intrinsic values and of the actions that bring real happiness in our lives. Our attention grows from personal concerns to the well being of a broader community and we inspire others to give of themselves as well. It is an amazing process that builds an “There is no higher religion overall positive outlook and a than human service. To better, stronger community! work for the common good Volunteerism provides self is the greatest creed.” fulfillment, which is a reward in itself. There are many amongst Woodrow T. Wilson us who regularly serve the Columbia community as Volunteerism and Self volunteers and have Fulfillment experienced first-hand the We revisited a January 2003 pleasures of such selfless article we had penned for Bal actions. Many others amongst Sandesh (with the same title as us have considered this piece) with the hope of volunteering but have not got being able to share with the around to it yet because of the larger Shanthi Sandesh preoccupations of an readership some of our ideas

Continued on Page 4...

completed the process of transferring the Shanthi Mandir property over to HTCC! These status (under IRS Section 501 three very significant (c) 3) was a significant accomplishments allow us to development during this proceed with the Capital quarter. We received the good Campaign in the weeks and news that our application was months ahead. Meanwhile approved “as is” in mid-March, members of the HTCC attesting to the strength of our Facilities and Renovation documentation effort. Earlier, in Committee have been working mid-February Shubh Kaam, behind the scenes to draw up a LLC. arranged for surveying proposal for medium-term and platting of the Shanthi repair and renovation of Mandir minor subdivision. Just Shanthi Mandir so that we will as we go to press, Shubh have a safe and convenient Continued on page 3...

Kaam, LLC. members have

Message from the Executive Board

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o say that we have been busy in Mandir-related activities since our first anniversary celebrations in January would be an understatement! A lot has transpired since then in terms of behind the scenes administrative and planning activities as well as new programs to keep our hands full.

The IRS approval of our application for tax-exempt

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Akhand Ramayan - Chandra Rawlani Thanks to our Ramayan Readers!

Sushma Anand Satish Anand Mukul Chaudhuray Upinder Dhand Bandhana Katoch Kala Gupta Mangal Gupta Manorama Gupta Leela Jashnani Vinita Khanna Sanjeev Khanna Inder Khurana Gopal Krishna Arpita Kumar Adarsh Kumar Sangeeta Kumar Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary Kusum Malhotra Shamita Mishra Rajiv Mohan Mona Puri Ravi Puri Chandra Rawlani Namita Satpathy Santosh Sehgal Poonam Sethi Yash Sethi Preeti Sinha Meena Thawani Ravi Thawani Ranjitha Tiwari Rajini Tolani Ashish Upadhyay

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khand Ramayan, a nonstop recitation in Hindi (Avadhi, a eastern dialect of Hindi) of the entire Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas for over 24 hours, was held on Saturday, March 24, at Shanthi Mandir, immediately after the regular Saturday morning prayer services. The epic poem, Ramcharitmanas, consists of rhyming couplets grouped into books called Kaands. The seven "Kaands" are: "Baal Kaand", the boyhood section; "Ayodhya Kaand", Rama's life in Ayodhya, until his banishment; "Aranya Kaand", Rama's life in the forest and Sita's abduction

by Ravana; "Kishkindha Kaand", Rama's stay at Kishkindha, the capital of his monkey ally, Sugriva; "Sundar Kaand", Rama's passage to Sri Lanka; "Lanka Kaand", Rama's battle with Ravana, recovery of Sita, and return to Ayodhya; and "Uttara Kaand", the section narrating Rama's life in Ayodhya as king, and dialogues

highlighting the essence of devotion to Ram. This recitation of Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas, a new event at the Shanthi Mandir, was possible with the blessings of Sri Ram and the selfless devotion, commitment, and dedication of numerous volunteers. Preparations for Akhand Ramayan started several weeks in advance.

Hema Srinivasan and Varsha Pherwani lined up volunteers for food and coordinated the menu.

Sunita Bajpai organized practice sessions for reciting Sundar Kaand so that novice readers became fluent before the actual event. Punam Sethi identified readers for reading during the 24 hours puja. Anantha Gopalaratnam and Meera Chandrasekhar helped in ensuring that all devotees who visited the Mandir during Akhand Ramayan were served food. Kusum Malhotra, Gopalaratnam, and several volunteers worked behind the scene to make things run smoothly. Even the Columbia Police Department conducted extra patrols around the Mandir during the all-night puja.

Several volunteers decorated the prayer hall in the evening before the actual event. The

altar area was set with two texts of Ramacharitmanas. Each text was assigned to one of two main readers. The two main readers alternately read a line of each couplet. This sequence was followed during the puja.

Several devotees joined the main readers in reading the sacred text. Copies of the text were also available in the prayer hall for the audience to recite the text. Once the reading was in full swing, many enthusiastic devotees were playing dholak and bells. Even the kids got into the rhythm and joined the adults in singing the refrain “mangal bhavan amangal haari drabahu sudasarath achar bihaari” at the end of the chaupais. The prayer hall was indeed a place of spiritual bliss!

Many thanks, to all, for your contributions towards this event.

We hope we can continue to feature Akhand Ramayan as an annual event to celebrate Shri Rama Navami☯

Shri Rama Jayam - Hema Srinivasan

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hri Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, this year fell on Tuesday, March 27, 2007.

We celebrated it with great joy in our own Shanthi Mandir on that day. We followed the tradition established last year for the program. After invocation of Rama, we began with a short reading of verses from Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam on Rama Jananam, the birth of Lord Rama and his three brothers, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shatruguna.

This was followed by Ashtothra Puja by the whole group. Shloka class Children sang Nama Ramayanam in Ragamalika with Hema Srinivasan on Veena.

More shlokas and stotras on Shri Rama were recited by everyone with the words projected on the screen for the benefit of the many devotees in attendance.

This was followed by open prayer times and the recitation of Shri Rama Mangalam by the parents of shloka class children and others. Finally we had Aarti and Hanuman Chalisa. The hour-long program created an atmosphere of spiritual bliss appropriate for

Shri Rama’s birthday. We then celebrated with the traditional Panagam (sweet drink) and Neermore (buttermilk) along with other Prasad. May the blessings of Shri Rama and Sita be bestowed on this earth and on all of the living beings forever!☯

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The Call of the Whirring Motor - Meera Chandrasekhar

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fter an uplifting evening of classical Indian dance set to the poems of American and English poets, the tired group of dancers, parents and volunteers had gotten together for a quick pot-luck meal at the Mandir before sending the St. Louis folks on their way. It was nearly 10 pm. Dinner tables had been taken down, and tablecloths meticulously folded.

Between entreats of “c’mon, kids, lets go home,” a mini-scuffle erupted by the closet.

Three elementary-age children were competing to vacuum the Mandir! A few minutes later, a 9-year old was merrily pushing the vacuum over crumbs of papad, enjoying the sight of crackly yellow crumbs being sucked in. If it was chana dal, it would make a pretty sound too!

Guess what -- cleaning is not such a chore if your kids want to help. We hope this story will help motivate you and your family to volunteer with the upkeep of Shanthi Mandir.

Weekly Cleaning: Scrub, Vacuum and Build Character!

Currently about 30 families have signed up to help with cleaning the Mandir on a rotating basis (including 7 new families – Welcome!). Cleaning takes about 90 min. for one person, less if your family helps. A family's turn now comes about once every 6 to 7 months. If we can get 22 more families to sign up, turns will come

Educational Programs committee has two programs underway this quarter that have home for our expanding congregation and enthusiastic support from a core group of increasing services. This summer will see our members. While the Bhagavad Gita more detailed discussions of this proposal study circle which meets on the second with our membership and other welland fourth Saturdays from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. wishers. We look forward to your active at the Educational Center provides food for participation in these discussions. the mind with Mrs. Saroj Mohan as the With the approval of our tax-exempt discussions leader, the Yoga Class, which status we are mandated by our constitution meets every Saturday from 3:00 – 4:30 to hold a General Assembly meeting to p.m. at Shanthi Mandir, offers useful tips on formally elect our first set of officers. The mental and physical practices for good meeting is tentatively slated for September health. The Yoga Class, the second six15, 2007 (Ganesh Chathurthi, a day that week session of which is currently has a precious significance for all of us). underway is being taught by Kate Walker of HTCC Membership will be hearing from the the Integral Life Center. On the Board of Trustees in the very near future membership front, we have already on this election meeting. We would achieved the 50 lifetime member goal. We encourage all of our members to consider now have 51 lifetime members and 44 running for the various offices and also to annual members for 2007. In the weeks actively participate in the elections. ahead, we hope to reach the milestone of On the devotional front our very first 100 members. Our Membership and Akhand Ramayan at the Mandir was very Fundraising Committee is looking for ideas well received. An article about this event to attract student members to our included in this issue provides details of the congregation as well. They are also celebration. We offer our many thanks to gearing up for the Capital Campaign which the tireless and dedicated Ramayan will be underway this summer. readers, the organizers and other Rainbow II, a presentation by Soorya volunteers who made this marathon event Performing Arts of St. Louis, MO, was a success. We also had a wonderful Puja organized by the nine families of the on Rama Navami day which was driven Soorya Dance Class, most of who are also largely by youth from Hema Srinivasan’s active members of HTCC. Details of this shloka class, also as detailed in an refreshingly unique performance, where accompanying article. Last month we also popular English poetry was set to Bharata participated in the Clean-up Columbia Natyam and Kathak styles of classical effort. A group of 14 HTCC Helping Hands dances, are included in two articles by volunteers took part in cleaning up in and Kirthi Rangenekar. The passionate efforts around Shanthi Mandir on the scheduled of the nine families in organizing this event day, braving the still-lingering wintry and to benefit HTCC are greatly appreciated. wet weather. The Bal Sabha volunteer We are also thankful to Soorya Performing crew undertook their clean-up of Ridgeway Arts and all the artistes who performed in Elementary School and its vicinity two Rainbow II, particularly Guru Prasanna weeks later in better weather.

Kasthuri who provided the creative Approximately 20 Bal Sabha and HTCC leadership for Rainbow II. The fundraising members participated in this effort. Our event would not have taken off the ground

Message from the Executive Board Continued from page 1

only once a year!

Mowing Sponsorships: Give Green to stay green!

We are seeking a total of 16 sponsor families who are each willing to contribute $35 toward getting the yard mowed (6 have already signed up – thank you!). A lawnmowing company will mow every other week, and a group of dedicated volunteers will mow in the intervening week. Your $35 will pay for a single mowing.

Please consider contributing to the continuing good looks of the lawn and the cleanliness of the Mandir! Contact Meera to sign up for cleaning or for sponsoring mowing☯ without the support of the many sponsors, advertisers and patrons buying tickets for the show. We also thank the families that lovingly prepared home-cooked meals for the out-of-town artistes on short notice.

After the successful summer workshops for our youth last year, our Youth Activities Committee is once again putting together a slate of interesting programs for Summer 2007 including HTCC Tennis Tournament, HTCC Chess Tournament, Art Workshops and Math Workshop. Our Educational Programs Committee is organizing a Yoga Workshop for Youth, tying in with the Math Workshop. Details are included on Page 11. Science and Computer Skills workshops which are still on the drawing boards will be announced shortly. Please help out with these activities by volunteering or making use of the workshops to keep children creatively engaged.

Talking of summer programs, our annual Samuhika Satyanarayana Puja has been rescheduled for July 7 (from the earlier date of June 30). Please mark your calendars for this important annual Puja.

We are fortunate to have Dr. G. Lakshman from Saskatchewan, Canada who will be visiting us during July 6-8. Dr. Lakshman will officiate at this year’s Puja. While here, he will also present a couple of lectures on the Bhagavad Gita targeting youth and adult groups. Dr. Lakshman, who will be locally hosted by Meera and H. R. Chandrasekhar, is an active leader of the Hindu Temple in Saskatchewan. More details of these devotional/educational programs will be announced and posted on our web site as soon as they are finalized.

See you at the Mandir!☯ Vellore S. Gopalaratnam Inder Khurana Visala Palaniappan Anuradha Rajagopalan

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A Call to Action Continued from Page 1...

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

Mahatma Gandhi

established routine. We hope that this article will serve as a call to action, provide food for thought, and offer some simple ideas, which when acted upon, will enrich our lives and those of our fellow Columbians. Many aspects of community life are greatly enhanced by the work of volunteers, as are the lives of the volunteers themselves.

Volunteerism is an idea that has long been held in high esteem in the Indian society where it is known by various names such as “Shram Daan” (donation of one’s effort) or “Seva” (service). For inspiration we need to look no further than our present-day heroes Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa or President Jimmy Carter, who through their selfless efforts serve as excellent role models. Equally important to service on an individual basis, is collective or group efforts at volunteering.

Collectively we can set and succeed in achieving goals that are not possible to achieve individually. Collectively, we can: ∗ Tackle larger service projects requiring many individuals (e.g. building or fixing homes, cleaning up, etc.) ∗ Undertake long-term service projects that need continuity of efforts (e.g. hospital visits or nursing care that go on uninterrupted despite individual volunteer’s travel/ vacation schedules) ∗ Take up projects where complementary expertise (and/or aptitude) is needed to execute a service project ∗ Offer enhanced educational experience , team-work opportunities and community awareness for all concerned.

The Columbia South Asian community has seen tremendous growth during the last several years both in the number of students as well as resident families. We have been hosting numerous cultural and social activities on a regular basis for the Columbia community at large. These

events have undoubtedly been very useful in educating the Columbia community about our shared values. We have also become more visible through our professional contributions at the work place as well as in the schools and classrooms. One area where we can and should contribute to the Columbia community is through organized collective volunteering efforts.

SANDESH

The HTCC now offers an excellent vehicle for providing the leadership and infrastructure support in such an effort taking advantage of the large South Asian community and its tremendous expertise and skills.

We can also draw in the support of organizations such as the Bal Sabha, Bal Puja, South Asian Students Association and Cultural Association of India.

Continued on Page 5...

HTCC Helping Hands Projects Underway HTCC Helping Hands, the service wing of HTCC, has been quite busy with various volunteer efforts over the last few months.

Several new programs initiated by the HTCC Service Programs Committee have been set into motion. Thanks to our numerous volunteers! If you would like to join any of the ongoing projects, please contact the coordinators listed alongside each service project. If you have ideas for a new service project, please contact Anantha Gopalaratnam at ananthag@aol.com. And remember “Service to Man is Service to God”!

Passive or Non-contact Service Projects Underway • Volunteering at the Central Missouri Food Bank to repackage food that is received in bulk. First Tuesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Contact Sushama Nagarkar at snagarkar@centurytel.net • Anna Daan, Ongoing collection of nonperishable food items at the Mandir to benefit Central Missouri Food Bank. Drums are emptied regularly when they are full. Contact: Anantha Gopalaratnam at ananthag@aol.com • Cell Phone Donation Collection of working cell phones no longer in use to benefit “The Shelter” a refuge for victims of domestic abuse. These are reused wonderfully to provide victims the opportunity to seek 911 emergency help when needed.

• Volunteering at the Mandir ♦ Weekly Mandir clean-up. Contact Meera Chandrasekhar at meerac@missouri.edu ♦ Landscaping at the Mandir. Contact Sunder Lal at rajmlal@hotmail.com ♦ Mandir Lawn mowing and yard maintenance. Contact Ram Ramaswamy at ramramaswamyus@yahoo.com ♦ Shram Daan projects at the Mandir (Summer timing Friday from 6:00 8:00 p.m.). Contact: V. S. Gopalaratnam at vsgopal@aol.com Active or Direct Contact Service Projects Underway • Eldercare visits by youth (particularly during Summer): Youth entertain and bring smiles to residents at local Eldercare Centers. A few hours total each visit. Contact: Manjula Narasimhan at manjula517@yahoo,com • Narayan Seva, the monthly program spearheaded by the Sai Bhajan group, cooks and serves a meal at St. Francis House, a homeless shelter. Narayan Seva is scheduled for every second Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. All interested in participating should contact Anantha Gopalaratnam at ananthag@aol.com. An addition to this program has been the collection of used bath towels and blankets for use of the residents. Those who would like to donate these items should bring them to Shanthi Mandir or contact Anantha☯

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in math, science, computers and language staffed by volunteer teachers for two hour sessions, once or twice a week (like a Food for Thought regular after-school program). These could be hosted at the Educational Center at the As food for thought, consider the Active Service including Direct Contact Mandir, (b) Medical Clinics for preliminary numerous possibilities discussed below. In Opportunities screening (blood-pressure, blood-sugar, general, service activity can be broadly Activities that involve direct contact with the eyesight, hearing, and general fitness) grouped into two types of effort as detailed recipient of the service. These could take once or twice a year. These clinics could below (these lists are by no means the form of: be offered at the Mandir. Allowing for spillexhaustive, but provide good ideas) ∗ Education and literacy projects – There over into the parking lot with some finger Passive or Non-contact Service are tutoring foods and festivities Opportunities programs for youth (rangoli and mehendi Activities that do not involve any direct at risk or in less demonstrations), we interaction with the targeted recipient of the privileged could recreate a Mela. service. Such activities include neighborhoods.

Given the fact that we ∗ Collection drives – Fund raising for Education can also have many educators organizations like the March of Dimes or take the form of and physicians the Salvation Army etc. It could be a adult literacy amongst us, these are collection in kind too, like the Toys for programs or obvious projects. With Tots program or collecting cans of food English language some thoughtful for the Central Missouri Food Bank. programs for non-native speakers. planning we can immediately serve our ∗ Gardening and Landscaping - This could ∗ Care giving services – Caring for the neighbors very well. These service projects involve planting flowering shrubs in a special needs of the elderly and/or the will also give us the opportunity to closely neighborhood park or maintaining a disabled (companionship, nursing, interact with our neighbors. It has been designated spot. The Columbia Parks assistance with shopping, preparation rightly observed that it is ignorance that and Recreation has numerous such and delivery of meals). leads to fear and intolerance. Let us dispel ongoing projects. ∗ Homeless and food service assistance – ignorance and indifference with timely ∗ Participation in rallies. There are many Volunteer in a homeless shelter, provide actions on our part, while at the same time rallies/walks/runs held to raise job-seeking assistance; serve food on a volunteering to enrich our lives. awareness about a particular disease or regular basis or for special occasions.

We call upon our members and other to raise funds for the organization that friends to provide leadership on some of ∗ Building and maintenance assistance – helps find a cure for a disease. Such these suggestions and embark on this Help organizations such as Habitat for walks are organized by the American Humanity (help build and or fix homes or selfless journey to offer our collective Diabetes Association and the Muscular wisdom, skills and talents so that we can handicap access ramps etc.).

Dystrophy Association among others. benefit and uplift ourselves and others as well. Service is indeed the ultimate form of ∗ City-wide clean-up. Clean-up Columbia A Call to Action self-expression and the surest path toward Two new service proposals that could is an annual event. A few other local clean-up projects are also available from have an immediate impact for the benefit of personal fulfillment and social transformation. Won’t you join us?☯ the neighborhood around Shanthi Mandir time to time (steam/creek clean-up) ∗ Food Bank service. The Central Missouri are: (a) After-School Educational Support

A Call to Action

Continued from Page 4...

Food Bank is continuously in need of persons to help stack cans and other food items on shelves or repackage them for distribution.

Sunrise Optimist Club: Service Projects and Mission - Uma Srinath

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he Sunrise Optimist Club is located at the corner of Parker St. and Holly Avenue, in the neighborhood of the Shanthi Mandir. Some of our Bal Sabha youth have participated in writing competitions sponsored by them and have also participated in some of their service projects. They have, in the past, also generously offered us overflow parking on their premises for some of our bigger events. Dan Fischbach of the Sunrise Optimist Club was the featured speaker at the March 25, 2007 Bal Sabha meeting. He is the former President of the Sunrise Optimist club and a retired Navy pilot. The Bal Sabha kids and families showed up in good strength for his presentation.

Mr. Fischbach spoke about the goals of the Optimist Club in general (there are three chapters in Columbia), before focusing on those of the Sunrise Optimist Club in

stands at the Boone County Fair and the Show-Me State games, helping out at the Hickory Hill camp for Type 1 diabetics and the Coyote Hills Group home for abused and neglected children near Harrisburg.

The talk was well-appreciated by the adults and children alike. This event gave us an opportunity to get better acquainted with one of our immediate neighbors. More information on the club or its activities can be obtained at its website particular. The mission statement of the www.surise.missouri.org or by contacting Optimist International is as follows: By Mr. Dan Fischbach. Bal Sabha youth providing hope and positive vision, interested in participating in the Sunrise Optimists bring out the best in kids. The Optimist service projects should contact mission of the local Sunrise chapter is Varsha Pherwani (Vice President in charge “Friend of Youth.” The speaker regaled the of service programs) at 256-8904 or children with his experiences as a Navy varshapher@hotmail.com who will pilot and tales of camp-outs. He highlighted coordinate the Bal Sabha group service projects conducted by the Sunrise participation☯ Optimist Club this summer - concessions

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Please join us for the 2007

Buddha Purnima Lecture

SHANTHI

Metta Bhavana Bringing Loving Kindness into our Hearts and Minds Please join us for a talk by

Ginny Morgan lives in Columbia, Missouri. She is a guiding teacher for Show Me Dharma Center and the former President of the Board of Mid America Dharma, the emerging retreat center for the Midwest area. After working as a play therapist for acutely and chronically ill children for many years, she has shifted her focus to Dharma teaching, and to working exclusively for Dharma activities.

Ginny Morgan

of the Showme Dharma Center at

Shanthi Mandir

Saturday, June 2, 2007 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

Light refreshments served In his discourse on the cultivation of metta or loving kindness, the Buddha described practices for systematically awakening to the places of fear, anger, and clinging in our minds. He taught us how to receive life with the boundless love that is always available. The truth is quite simple - hearts never close! It is the mind, with all of its hardened views and opinions that closes us down to the peace of living with a gracious and loving heart.

In this talk we will use the Buddha’s discourse on Loving Kindness as our guide. We will go through the discourse line by line and bring these ancient and wise words into our lives in the 21st century. In this exploration together, we will discover that these gentle and yet fierce words still have the power almost 2,600 years later to inspire us to a greater humanity and compassion☯

SANDESH

The Animal Maya Cutkosky, 7th Grade, Smithon I stare out the bars, day after day, Wondering what will happen tomorrow that hadn’t today.

Stones thrown in my window? Happened last week.

Those mean creatures laughter? That’s happening as I speak!

Do I shed a tear? No! I am strong.

Stronger in spirit than these metal bars, Stronger by far than those who put me here.

As strong as I must to survive here.

I think with envy of those who remember their parents I feel unpleasant greed of those who remember tears.

For in this horrid place I have forgotten so much, And I wait and wait to an end of my horrid life.

I think pleasant dreams of running up my hill And though I’ve never been so I can imagine it still.

Who are those to call us inferior, lame?

Who are they to punish us with their cruel game?

I sit all alone in my small prison.

Death’s not even an escape to the bars that hold me.

If I try to starve, will they let me?

No, I’ll get food, by their awful magic they’ll feed me.

Their magic, their evil, I have no care to understand.

Is that why they think they should treat us as they can.

Do I not have a soul, a heart more pure than them Is strong speech and cleverness all that matter to them?

I watch the vile monsters day after day, Wondering what evil ploy they’re planning to play.

“Why won’t you move and entertain us?” they ask me, As I sit there asleep till their horrid pranks wake me.

Freedom, is that not too much to ask?

To not become a play thing for these creatures strange plans.

Just cause I can’t talk doesn’t mean I have no will.

Just cause I’m different doesn’t mean I shouldn’t have rights.

I’m mute, and unknowledgeable, and not very bright.

But that doesn’t mean I desire with any less might.

That doesn’t mean I can’t be happy too, Nor is there as explanation that I have no right to.

I laugh at those clever ones that know less moral then I, And inwardly, for freedom, I cry. Oh, I cry!

Clean-Up Columbia 2007 - Ravi Thawani

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al Sabha kids participated in Clean-Up Columbia 2007 on April 28th at the Ridgeway Elementary School.

There were 10 kids and 10 adults who spent approximately

an hour on the grounds of the school and in the Garth-Sexton vicinity. Twelve bags of trash were collected. Anantha found an umbrella (unusual trash item). Normal everyday trash made for most of the collection.

After the trash collection, the participants assembled for photographs and sharing some light refreshments. It was a beautiful spring day and everyone who came had a good time while contributing to this worthwhile cause.

Since Ridgeway Elementary

school is our “Adopt a Spot” location as well, remember to sign up for our Fall clean-up of the school and streets in its vicinity. We look forward to a great turn-out for that event as well☯

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Newsletter of Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO

May 2007

Bal Sabha Officers President Ravi Thawani Vice President Varsha Pherwani Secretary/Tresasurer Surya Mantrala Cultural Secretary Vasavi Yeletti Bal Sandesh Coordinator Hema Srinivasan

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EDITOR’S NOTE Another school year is coming to an end. Congratulations to all Graduates. In this issue, you will find our regular Bal sandesh poets, some riddles, stories and announcements, congratulations, book reviews , Math problems and a list of books for summer reading.

We wish you all a fun filled summer vacation. We know that you will go to far off places and do many adventurous things. Have fun and tell Bal Sandesh about it all when you get back☯

Bal Sabha Kudos

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he last month has been full of tremendous successes for Bal Sabha members in mathematics, music, chess, science and many other competitions.

Hickman High School.

district level and on the State Final, Ashok won an honorable mention and Maya Science Olympiad: Ashok, Adithi and received 1st rating in Piano solo.

Meghna were part of the Hickman team, Prerna Srinivasan, Sangitha and Nikhilesh which placed 1st in the regionals and 4th in Sharma, Ashok and Maya Cutkosky MCTM Math Regional Competition: the State competition. Maya Cutkosky, participated in the National Federation Maya Ramachandran and Mythily Problem solving Junior Festival held in Columbia, Missouri th st Ramachandran were part of the Smithton 4 grade: 1 Place Suryanshi Rawat, in March 2007. Ashok and Maya got nd team, which placed 2 in the regionals. honorable mention Rohit Rao Superior in both piano solo and piano th nd 5 grade: 2 Place Aswath Kumar Deb and Sangitha were part of the concerto and received the gold cup for Rockbridge team, Honorable mention Jacob White three years of superior rating. Sangitha th rd th which won 5 place 6 grade: 3 Place Siddharth Goel, and Nikilesh and Prerna got Superior/ Honorable mention Vikram Arunachalam in the State. Several outstanding rating and are well on their way Concepts of the individuals to getting the gold cup next year.

4th grade: 2nd Place Rohit Rao won medals in the Adithi Vellore is part of the Hickman high th st regionals. In the 5 grade: 1 Place Aswath Kumar School Orchestra which won a 1st place state Meghna 3rd Place Siddharth Yarlagada Gold award in 2007 Heritage Festivel held Srinath secured 2nd Honorable mention Jacob White in San Antonio, Texas. place in 6th grade: 1st Place Atreyo Ghosh, Shreyas Srinivasan played in a piano Experimental Design Honorable mention Vikram Arunachalam recital in March. st nd rd th and 5 place in All those who got 1 , 2 and 3 places Meghna Srinath was selected as one of competed in the state finals on April 28th.

Forensics. Adithi Vellore was 1st place in the two finalists at the Junior Science, th Disease Detectives and 4 place, in Wind MCTM Math State Finals: Engineering and Humanities Symposium in st Power.

Deb Gangopadhyay won 1 place Problem solving St. Louis in March, and will be going to the in Chemistry Lab. 5th grade: 5th place Aswath Kumar Nationals in Huntsville, AL in May to Concepts Chess tournaments: In Columbia K-7 present her paper. Meghna Srinath 5th grade: 10th place Aswath Kumar open chess tournament held on April 21, received the top award for her research th th st th Aswath Kumar won 1 place in 4-5 grades presentation at the Missouri Academy of 6 grade: 6 place Atreyo Ghosh Algebra and Vikram Arunacahalam won 1stplace in Sciences.

7th grade: 5th place Nikhilesh Sharma 6-7th grades. Rohit Rao is 1st place in 4th Other accomplishments: grade , Aishwarya Kumar won 1st place in In the PTA Reflections contest, Naimish, Great Plains Math League (GPML) 7th grade and Jacob White got 3rd place in placed 5th in the state in the K-2 Film/ th rd Several other Hickman and Rockbridge 5 grade. Nidhi Khurana won 3 place in Video production and Nitya placed 1st place High school students competed in GPML, 6th grade. in Fariview Elementary PTA in preK-2 the high school competition. The entire Music: Maya Cutkosky won 3rd place in photography contest. Naimish also won 1st Hickman team qualified for the State the fine arts category of Creating Original place in the Columbia Public Library book competition. mark design contest.

Ashok, 10th grade 1st place in the in sprint, music project competition (Sinquefield foundation). Her composition of Flute with 2nd place in target and 1st place overall in Congratulations to one and all. The entire the State GPML. He also won 5th place 9- Piano was performed on April 14. Ashok Bal Sabha community is proud of you and and Maya also competed in the MMTA 12th grades combined. He competed in your accomplishments and wishes you (Missouri Music Teachers Association) AMC12 and was invited to compete again many more successes...☯ st competitions and both got 1 rating in the in AIME and was the highest scorer in

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Classical Dance Forms of India

Niyati, Aditi and Avanti Rangnekar, Columbia Independent School

I

ndian classical dance refers to Natya, the sacred Hindu musical theatre styles. Its theory can be traced back to the Natya Shastra of Sage Bharata (400 BC). India offers a number of classical dance forms where each form embodies the influences of the region from which it originates.

These are – Bharata Natyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Mohiniaattam, and Odissi.

Indian dances and music were not only seen as ways to celebrate, but also as offerings of worship and thanksgiving to God. All the dance forms were structured around the nine 'Rasa' or emotions - Hasya (happiness), Shoka (sorrow), Krodha (anger), Karuna (compassion), Bhibatsa (disgust),

“Indian dances and music were not only seen as ways to celebrate, but also as offerings of worship and thanksgiving”

T

Adhbhuta (wonder), Bhaya (fear), Viram (courage) and Shanta (serenity).

Bharata Natyam Bharata Natyam is a dance technique that evolved in the Southern India in the state of Tamil Nadu and is a highly specialized science with a traditional background and rigid codes and conventions. Bharata Natyam skillfully embodies the three primary ingredients of dancing, bhava (mood), raga (music and melody) and tala (timing). The technique of Bharata Natyam consists of 64 principles of coordinated hand, foot, face and body movements which are performed to the accompaniment of dance syllables. Owing to its religious origin and its highly developed technique, Bharata Natyam stands in the forefront of all the classical dance arts now prevalent in India

Kathak Kathak is the predominant dance of North India. This form of dance gets its name from the word "Katha" (story), since it originated from the devotional recitation of the storytellers or Kathakars who were attached to the temples. The predominant styles of the dance are the intricate footwork and rapid pirouettes. It has today a form that has been influenced at various times in the past by mythological narratives by Kathakars (story tellers), temple dances, the bhakti movement, and Persian influence of the Mughal courts in the 16th century onwards; and these elements are readily discernible.

This North Indian dance form is inextricably bound with classical Hindustani music, and the rhythmic nimbleness of the feet is accompanied by the instrument tabla☯

Jai Mahabharata - Anmol Sethi 4th Grade, Mill Creek

he Mahabharata is rich in tales of Gods and heroes, mystics and demons, and it is through these tales that its profound spiritual message unfolds. Sage Veda Vyasa was inspired to write this epic and was in need of an assistant. So he prayed to Brahma (the creator) and Brahma descended from the heavens in human form. The sage said to Brahma, “Please send me someone who can write down what I say.”

Brahma said, “Well there is only one person who can do that and

that is Ganapati. And if you invoke him, he can take down your dictation.” Therefore, he invoked Ganapati, the first son of Shiva. Ganapati agreed to write with one condition. It was that Vyasa could not pause while dictating. If he hesitated or if he paused, Ganapati would leave him. Vyasa consented and

said, “Now I also want to dictate to you on one condition and that condition is that unless and until you know the meaning of what I dictate you will not write.”

Ganapati agreed. Vyasa frequently used very complex verses. When it took a little time for Ganapati to understand, he was able to compose more verses and get ready for dictation.

Thus, the Mahabharata was composed☯

The Three Animals In The Well Priyanka Tejwani, 2nd Grade Mill Creek

L

ion, Monkey and Snake were best friends. They played together and went swimming everyday. They even walked to the river to have a drink together.

One day when they were walking to the river they all fell into a hole where a well was supposed to be built, but they couldn't get back up. Even the snake couldn’t slither back up the side. Days passed and the animals grew weaker and weaker.

One day a man with a rope

and some bricks walked by. He sat down beside the hole and looked at the animals wondering how they got into the hole. The animals begged him to get them out. The man wanted to get them out but he was scared that they would harm him.

The man said, “I will help you only if you promise not to harm me" The animals agreed. So the man took the rope

beside him and put it down the hole. One by one the animals climbed up on the rope.

They thanked the man and then the lion saw the bricks that the man had beside him and asked if he was going to build a well in the hole.

The man said, “yes." So the animals asked if he needed some help. "Sure," the man said.

Then they all built the well together.

Moral: Help others and others will help you☯

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Thinking

Ipsa Chaudhary, 6th Grade, Gentry I’m tired of thinking.

I’m sick of it.

It drives me crazy.

It makes me sick.

I think at school.

I think at home.

Thinking makes me moan and groan.

I think everyday.

I think every night.

And thinking fills me, With anger and fright.

I wish I didn’t have to think.

I feel like a boat that’s about to sink.

I think I’m going to stop thinking.

But what would one do without thinking.

It’s like having eyes, and not blinking.

And thinking helps you learn to know.

But the more you know and think, The less you really know.

Priyanka Tejwani, 2nd Grade, Mill Creek At the beach there's....

Crabs crawling Boats sailing Dolphins leaping Seashells resting People splashing There's always something at the Beach...

Rishav Choudhury 2nd Grade, Lee

1. I am weightless, untouchable and invisible, But still I am valuable, because, I make life livable.

2. I produce heat. I have the power to change darkness into light. Many people think I live high up in the space. I might be so hot to touch, that I can burn life.

Still I am adorable

Spring Naimish Balaji, 1st Grade , Paxton Keeley Spring Pops butter flies, Running rain Ice cream melting in the sun Nice and hot Go fishing for the gold fish!

3. I pass away very fast. I am divided into three parts - past, present and future.

Sometimes I am good, sometimes I am bad. If I stop life will stop, if I run life runs.

Math Puzzle Ashok Cutkosky, 10th Grade Hickman If a circle is inscribed in an isosceles right triangle with a hypotenuse of length 20, what is the radius of the circle?

20

Beach

Classic Riddles (WHO AM I?)

9

Solution: Create a square from two isosceles right triangles with hypotenuse 20, as shown: Where r is the radius of the circle. If the side length of the larger square is x, then

by Pythagorean theorem, we have x2+x2=202, which yields x=10√2. By similar reasoning, the side length of the smaller square is r√2. So now we may solve for r: r r+r+r√2=10√2 r(2+√2)=10√2 r r=10√2/(2+√2) r r=10(√2-1) r

2,

Answers: 1.Air 2. Sun 3.Time

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Book Reviews Maya Cutkosky, 7th Grade, Smithton The Earthsea Cycle, by Ursula Le Guin A wizard of Earthsea This book introduces you to the made up land of Earthsea while telling a grand story in the process. It’s about a magically gifted boy named Ged who wants to prove his powers. The problem with magic is the things that are challenging are also dangerous. Driven by his ambition he unleashes a great trouble on the world and is forced to flee for many years. But the more he flees the more people shall die.

Eventually he has to face his disaster… and win.

The Tombs of Atuon This book is about a girl who was appointed the high priest of darkness or “the eaten one.” She has a fairly nice life from that, being able to command several people in the name of the nameless ones (or the powers of darkness) and was having a fine time until she finds a thief. This thief is also a wizard,

one of the “evil” people from Archapeligos.

She is curious about his “tricks” and tries to show how she is better, but eventually she comes to a choice, continue life as it is and kill him or leave with him and never be a slave of darkness but lose all the power it has given her.

The Farthest Shore In this book the world of wizardry is coming apart. Spells aren’t working as they should along with various other problems. A young prince travels with Archmage Sparrowhawk to find the source of the problem. They go through several adventures but the cost of victory may be high. But the victory itself might be more then you expect. The theme of the story is its bad to try and gain immortality. The question is raised several times during this book for at first glance, what is so wrong with it?

Tehenu This book is a continuation of the events, explaining what happened afterwards and introducing a curious new character; Tehenu

Tales Of Earthsea This book is actually a collection of stories dating from near the beginning of known history to after the latest book. All the stories are worth reading. I’d say the main theme is the magic of love.

The Other Wind This amazing book is a grand ending to Ursula’s Earthsea cycles. Though it doesn’t have a solid plot line it has lots of excitement and is one of the best books I’ve read. If you just read the rest of the books to get to this one, it’d be worth it!

In it, Ursula starts to focus on her land of death and questions it. Is this really a place to want to go? Would it not be better to be immortal? This one also has a theme of immortality but a different question is raised. In fact two questions, is it “more immortal” to be reincarnated or to go to a place after death and what was the agreement between dragons and men, for in the beginning dragons and men were one…

All in all, fantasy fans should read this series. I’m sure they won’t regret it☯

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Summer Reading Book List Bal Sandesh Editors put together a list of books they have read, enjoyed and definitely recommend for your reading pleasure. Have fun reading. If you read and like any of these, do tell us about it. If you discovered other gems, we would like to hear about them too.

Sheela Lal Recommends: Londonstani by Gautam Malkani Transplanted Man by Sanjay Nigam Ashok Cutkosky recommends: Lord of the Rings – by J.R.R. Tolkien Foundation trilogy – by Isaac Asimov (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation) Snow Crash – by Neal Stephenson Bartimaeus Trilogy – by Jonathan Stroud (The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye, Ptolemy’s Gate) Maya Cutkosky recommends: City of Illusions, by Ursula Le Guin

The Earthsea Cycle, by Ursula Le Guin ( See detailed review in the book review section.)

Adithi Vellore recommends: The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde Shade's Children by Garth Nix Magic Street by Orson Scott Card Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett Meghna Srinath recommends: The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne

In charity there is no excess.

Sir Francis Bacon

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

We welcome submissions of all types (reports, poetry, short stories, artwork, puzzles, jokes etc.).

Work can be submitted to the Editors or the Parent Advisor. 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 team should contact the Editorial Staff or the Parent Advisor.

Editorial Staff Ashok Cutkosky Maya Cutkosky Sheela Lal Vidya Mantrala Chaitasi Naik Meghna Srinath Anchal Sethi Adithi Vellore Parent Advisor Hema Srinivasan

Phone 445-2854 445-2854 445-9290 446 0865

E-Mail asho44124k@yahoo.com pyari_ajnabi@hotmail.com

446-8403 514-0486 446-0063

chaitasinaik@hotmail.com meghna022@gmail.com danzingdivas@yahoo.com vsadithi@aol.com

445-2854

srinivasanh@missouri.edu

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HTCC Youth Activities for Summer 2007 Keep’em Busy and Out of Trouble!

2007 Youth Summer Workshops

If you are interested in these summer programs please contact Kala Kumar at kala.skumar@gmail.com or 445-9579.

June 2, 2007 HTCC Tennis Tournament Venue: Cosmopolitan park tennis courts Time: 7.00 am - games start HTCC members: $2, Non-members: $5 Please bring 3 tennis balls, racquet, water bottle Contact: Senthil Kumar at 445-9579 or kala.skumar@gmail.com Please register by May 31, 2007 June 16, 2007 Art Workshop 1 - Wall Hanging Venue: Shanthi Mandir Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 noon HTCC members: $3, Non-members: $5 Instructor: Renuka Jain Contact: Akila Balaji at akila_sug@yahoo.com or 446-1412 Please register by June 14, 2007 June 23, 2007 Art Workshop 2 - Foil Embossing Venue: Shanthi Mandir Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 noon HTCC members: $3, Non-members: $5 Instructor: Indira Ramaswamy Contact: Akila Balaji at akila_sug@yahoo.com or 446-1412 Please register by June 21, 2007 July 21, 2007 HTCC Chess Tournament Venue: Shanthi Mandir Time: 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm HTCC members: $2, Non members: $5 Please bring your chess sets Game details: Three rounds of chess starting at 1:00 pm, 2:15 pm and

3:30 pm (30 min game). Plan on playing all 3 rounds.

Players have to be present at 12:30 pm in order for pairing.

Contact: Vairam Arunachalam (vairama@hotmail.com) Please register by July 17, 2007 August 13 - 17, 2007 Math Workshop Venue: Shanthi Mandir Time: 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

HTCC members: $5, Non-members: $10 Instructor: Ashok Cutkosky Please bring pencil or pen, notebook, snacks Class details: Open to 5th-8th graders. Useful exposure to MCTM and Mathcounts type problems besides other math challenges.

Contact: Hema Srinivasan (SrinivasanH@missouri.edu) Please register by August 9, 2007 August 13 - 17, 2007 Yoga Workshop for Youth Venue: Shanthi Mandir Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM HTCC members: $3, Non-members: $5 Instructor: Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary Please wear comfortable, loose and stretchy cloahing. No skirts/jeans.

The workshop will follow the math workshop after a 30 min. refreshment break. The basics of asanas and breathing exercises will be taught.

Contact: Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary (RitchaMehra@yahoo.com) Please register by August 9, 2007 August 25, 2007 HTCC Youth Day / Bal Sabha / Bal Puja Picnic A day of fun to recognize and reward our youth All age groups (including adults) Venue: Cosmo Park Dexheimer shelter Time: 4.00 - 8:30 p.m.

Potluck dinner: Varsha Pherwani at 256-8904 Activities: Track and field events and award ceremony

INVOLVE, MENTOR and REWARD our Youth

All our programs are open to HTCC member families as well as non-members. Registration to recover partial costs of the workshops are listed as appropriate. If you have interest in participating in one or more of these summer programs or need additional information, please contact the contacts listed for each program or Kala Kumar at 445-9579 or via e-mail at kala.skumar@gmail.com.

Bhishma Anmol Sethi 4th Grade, Mill Creek

W

hen Shantanu was the ruler of Bharath, he fell head over heels in love with Ganga. She agreed to marry him provided Shantanu promised not to question anything that she did. King Shantanu agreed. Ganga had a son whom she drowned and she did the same with the next six children they had.

King Shantanu was very sad and could not take it anymore when Ganga took her eighth child to be drowned. He asked, “Why are you doing this?” She replied, “Because I live under a curse and so do these children and now they are free of the curse.

However, this child will live with the curse. The curse is that they will have to live on earth. Therefore, I will take this child with me and in

sixteen years, I will return him to you. King Shantanu lived those sixteen years in great misery. Sixteen years later, Ganga arrived with their son whom she named Devavrata.

King Shantanu was thrilled to have his son back. Then he fell in love with Satyavati, the daughter of an angler. King Shantanu asked her father for her hand in marriage, her father agreed but less than one condition, and that was that Satyavati’s son would be king. King Shantanu refused because he said that he could not take his first son’s rights away from him and with that, he left. After that, Shantanu was always sad.

Devavrata noticed it. He questioned his father about it but he refused to tell him.

Then Devavrata went to his father’s charioteer and

asked but the charioteer kept his loyalty to the King and did not tell him. Devavrata was furious and said that he had a right to know what the deal was; after all, he was the prince. Then the charioteer gave in and told the story about Shantanu’s love for Satyavati. After that, Devavrata told the charioteer to take him to Satyavati’s father.

When he was there, he asked her father what the problem was and her father said that Satyavati’s horoscope said that she would have a son who would be king. Then Devavrata renounced his right to the throne. But Satyavati’s father said “you may have sons who will be as strong as you and they may fight for the throne” Devavrata said “ I will not marry or have children but I will be bound to the throne to protect it as long as I live.” Then the gods renamed him “Bhishma” which means aweinspiring. Therefore, Bhishma took Satyavati home and explained to his father and then they got married☯

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The Planning for Rainbow II Kirthi Rangnekar on behalf of the Soorya Dance Class Parents

G

“Just as the children are adapting to bridge the gap between two cultures, so can classical Indian dance”

Guru Prasanna Kasthuri

uru Prasanna has been teaching Bharata Natyam to our children in Columbia. The dance classes are held every Wednesday evening at the Shanthi Mandir. It was his idea to bring Rainbow II to Columbia, as a fundraising event for HTCC. The idea was well received by the dance class parents and thus began the preparations to bring Rainbow II to Columbia. It was also a good way to present our art and culture to the Columbia community.

Planning began in late February of 2007. HTCC had just come off a successful first anniversary celebration in January and volunteers were just enjoying a hard-earned break.

Therefore, the dance parents had to take the lead and shoulder the responsibility for the Rainbow II event. Soorya dance class in Columbia has about 12 students. The committee consisted of nine families, 3 from Jefferson City, one family from the Lake of Ozarks, and 5 families from Columbia.

We had committees to take care of every aspect of the event planning including, advertising, online ticketing, ticket sales, soliciting sponsors, auditorium reservation, brochure design and much more.

We had exactly two months before the show.

We had 1,000 flyers printed and distributed to all prominent places in Columbia including Memorial Union, Brady commons, and many

workplaces.

Finding an auditorium with a grand stage was the hardest part as the show coincided with a number of other activities in Columbia. Finally, the Columbia Performing Arts Center (CPAC) which seats around 650 was available. About 800 tickets were printed in different categories like Adult ($15), Child ($8) and Students ($10).

Several HTCC members and some local businesses helped sell the tickets.

The Rainbow II event was also publicized in Jefferson City. The local families put flyers at the places like schools,

businesses for sponsoring the show and for advertisements in the program brochure. We got a great response from several small businesses. We ended up with about 20 sponsors and 15 businesses that advertised in the brochure.

Program brochure planning was a challenge. We identified two volunteers for this activity.

The team reviewed the format and explored two possibilities of producing the brochures: (1) desktop publishing at home, and (2) commercial printing. We contacted printing businesses both locally and one in India.

Considering various parameters like cost, deadlines to provide the content to the printer, expertise available, and the possibility to accept sponsors/ads till the last moment, the team decided to get the brochure done inhouse. The team then started exploring different desktop publishing software restaurants, banks, work places and settled in on Microsoft and the public library. Dance Publisher. We printed 300 class families hosted the event brochures in color, which were and online ticketing at the 8.5” x 5.5” and 9 pages double website http://www.ivarta.com sided and the cost was a for the convenience of the ticket minimum when compared to buyers. commercial printing.

We also decided to have Sunday morning we were some Indian snacks during ready for Rainbow II. intermission and sell the food The day of the show was packets to raise additional clear and beautiful. All the funds. The committee decided parents from the dance class on 200 packets of food that and volunteers from HTCC included samosa, pakoda, helped set up at CPAC. We had cookie and a water bottle. everything going as planned.

Locally, Hyvee donated 300 The show was a great success.

I can say it was mainly due to bottles of water for the event. the TEAM work that was put in McDonalds donated their by all the parents of Soorya orange bowl and about 100 cookies for the event. Taj Mahal Dance Class of Columbia with restaurant prepared the snacks the help of some HTCC members. We thank everyone for minimal cost. who was involved in bringing Organizers in Columbia Rainbow II to Columbia☯ approached a number of

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RAINBOW II - World Poetry Through Indian Dances Kirthi Rangnekar on behalf of the Soorya Dance Class Parents

E

xpressing language through dance and articulating it through vivid Indian performing art emanates a rich cultural experience, which is as colorful as the Rainbow. Rainbow II is a unique presentation of world poetry through Indian classical dances portraying the intersection of eastern and western intellects through movement and expression. Rainbow II uses Bharata Natyam and Kathak - the two major dance styles of the Indian Subcontinent. The aesthetic values of these dance forms are extensive with their intensive movement, rhythm, and emotion.

The eloquence of dance needs no language; but adding an, exquisite lyric to it, makes this presentation more laudable.

Rainbow II narrates the various stages of human life through artistic fusion of East Indian dance and English poetry, to make a universal theater production. It travels through the fascinating world of creative and artistic literary works of the English language by American, British and Indian poets. It spans the experiences of love, romance, lust, greed and other facets of human personality. Guru Prasanna Kasthuri, the choreographer journeys through this vast literature and expresses them through his dance. Works of famous poets like William Shakespeare, W B Yeats, Maya Angelou, William Wordsworth, John Keats and Rabindranath Tagore, have been selected to be choreographed for this unique production. Grammy Award winner Vishwamohan Bhatt has set the music for this exemplary work.

beneficial opportunity for the performing art demonstrate the abhinaya through graceful forms to expand its range and for literature hasthaks (hand gestures). to seek new domains.

On the Sea Shore The Program Rabindranath Tagore here features Famous musicians sang the poems in children playing on universal Seashore. He classical ragas. The vocalists were contrasts metaphysical and religious ideas Parameshwar Hegde, Nagamani Srinath, with the human world to demonstrate the Chaitra, Seema Kasthuri, Prasanna Kasthuri, Pallavi, and Smitha Bellur. All the blissful ignorance of children, who are yet unaware of the adult world. Bharata dance items were performed in classical Natyam muktayam (finales) on a Kathak Bharata Natyam and Kathak styles. The Lehara (repetitive tunes) plays a key role in audience was captivated by the dances, demonstrating the Sanchari Bhava through the colors and the costumes. Following heavy Nritta (pure dance). were the songs played.

Where the Mind is without Fear A poetic selection from “Geetanjali” by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Mr. Tagore, respected as the national poet of Indian Subcontinent lived during the independence movement of India, and inspired millions of Indians with his poetry.

Man’s ability to live in freedom and think independently was of paramount importance to Tagore. His attitudes toward politics and culture; nationalism and internationalism; tradition and modernity can all be seen in light of these beliefs.

Kathak bols (rhythmical phrases) are interspersed to enhance the intent of the poem.

Rainbow William Wordsworth, whose great distinguishing characteristic is his sense of the mystic relationship between man and nature, describes life’s revolving activities through this poem. Jatis (Rhythmical Phrases from south) intertwined with Rainbow II Dancers and Artists English poetry to the intricate Adavus Performed in Bharata Natyam and (basic Bharata Natyam movements) Kathak style, choreographed and portray the colors of life through rare ragas performed by the accomplished Guru (melodies of classical music) and colorful Prasanna Kasthuri, Rainbow II featured National Youth Fest Award Winner Sushma costumes.

Mohan, internationally renowned dancer My Mistress’ Eyes are Nothing Like the and Nattuvangist Pulikeshi Kasthuri from Sun Bangalore, India and gifted dancer and All-time exalted poet William musician Seema Murthy of St. Louis and Shakespeare maintains the originality of his Calai Candra from Chicago. lover’s beauty and transcends the typical Rainbow II is a bridge between Eastern metaphors of love poetry in this 130th and Western thoughts that makes Indian sonnet. This as an abhinaya (expression), arts more accessible and appreciable to challenges the traditional Indian dancer to the Western audience. This is a mutually portray the romantic moods of abhimaani naayaka (the hero, who takes prides in his beloved’s beauty).

Human Seasons Said to be one of the last poems of John Keats, this dance feature describes “the bright beauty of the day and the scene revived for a moment” according to the poet’s drooping heart. Alaaps (free style rendering of raga) in four different Hindustani ragas render a colorful support Gathbhav (moving expression) and

When we Two Parted in Silence A beautiful poem by Lord Byron, that narrates moments of a clandestine relationship shared by a couple that are forced to separate for a period of time. This depicts the typical Virahotkantita Nayika (love-lorn hero) of Natya Shastra (ancient text book of theater from India).

To a Child Dancing in the Wind WB Yates describes the innocence and responsibility very elegantly in this poem which choreographer has visualized through the eyes of cautious mother who tries to protect her child from severe calamities.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings This is a dance about bondage and freedom. With their movements, dancers delve deeply into the miseries of slavery

abused by human greed and ego.

Prasanna’s imagination with elaborate rechakas and ranga-akramanas (traveling movements) for the free bird, and short spaced bhouma charis (land based movements) for the caged bird sends strong freedom messages through the simple yet powerful poem of Dr. Maya Angelou.

Tillana/ Tarana This is an exciting ending for the show with a bang of Nritta (pure dance) in both Kathak and Bharata Natyam Styles. The song is specially created by Pandit Pareshwar Hegde and Vidushi Nagamani Srinath (Pandit means Maestro and Vidushi is the title given to lady musician who has

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SHANTHI

SANDESH

HTCC Statement of Accounts and Quarterly Fiscal Report For the period January 1 - March 31, 2007 Prepared by Visala Palaniappan, Interim Treasurer, March 31, 2007

Balance Forward (on December 31, 2006) Quarterly Revenues Membership: New Lifetime Family Members (LFM) 2 @ $1,000 Lifetime Family Member Upgrades (LFM) 5 @ $950 Lifetime Family Member Upgrades (LFM) 1 @ $900 Final Installment (LFM) 1 @ $500 2007 Annual Family Members (AFM) 34 @ $50 2007 Annual Individual Member (AIM) 4 @$30 Donations: Hundi Donations/Prayer services Check Donations Facilities Use Donations: Bal Sabha (February 2007) Facilities use

$43,613.32

$2,000.00 $4,750.00 $900.00 $500.00 $1,700.00 $120.00

$9,970.00

$494.58 $3,103.00

$3,597.58

$20.00 $21.00

$41.00

Other Revenues Anniversary banquet and annual report advertisements Yoga class Deposit refund from Boone Electric Total Quarterly Revenues

$5,143.00 $210.00 $204.59

Quarterly Expenses Start-up costs Maintenance and supplies Upgrade and Repairs Utilities Special Events Printing and mailing Legal fees (IRS tax-exempt application) Total Quarterly Expenses

$38.91 $1,000.37 $480.83 $1,522.64 $4,675.48 $174.30 $690.00

$5,557.59 $19,166.17

$8,582.53

Net Income for the Quarter

$10,583.64

Ending Balance* (March 31, 2007)

$54,196.96

* $37,500 invested in 3 CDs (7 Month maturity @ 5.40% APR)

New Educational Program Offerings Develop Core Support Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary

T

wo recent programs initiated by the HTCC Educational Programs Committee include the Yoga Classes and the Bhagavad Gita Study Circle .

Both have core followings from amongst our membership.

Presently the Gita discussions is largely an actvity with an all-adult participation. The Yoga sessions include both adult and youth participants.

Participants in the first Yoga six-week session were enthusiastic enough to request for a second six-week session that is currently underway. The yoga instructor is Ms. Kate

Walker from Integral Life, Sri Aurobindo Study Center. Kate has 35 years of experience in teaching yoga, meditation and stress management. The class content includes asanas, relaxation and breathing exercises and meditation instruction. If you are interested in further information please contact Kate Walker at

Commentaries by Swami Chinmayananda are the primary study material for this group which takes up two verses for discussion each session. The discussions are led by Mrs. Saroj Mohan who has studied with Swami Chinmayananda.

Several sets of Bhagavad Gita books published by the Chinmaya Mission are <integrallife1976@yahoo.com>. available at the Mandir for use.

Our “Bhagavad Gita Study Excellent web resources are Circle” first met in late also available for participants. If December 2006. This group has you are interested in since met every 2nd and 4th participating please email Saturday at the Educational Sushma Nagarkar at Center of Shanthi Mandir. <snagarkar@centurytel.net>☯

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Community Calendar (May 15 - August 31, 2007) Unless otherwise indicated, all events are at Shanthi Mandir, 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202

June 2 June 2

June 16

June 23

July 7

HTCC Tennis Tournament, Cosmopolitan Park, Saturday, 7:00 am sharp (see Page 11 for details) Metta Bhavana - Bringing Loving Kindness into our Hearts and Minds - 2007Buddha Purnima Lecture, Speaker: Ginny Morgan, Show Me Dharma, Saturday. 10:00 am - 12:00 noon. Light refreshments provided (see also Page 6) Art Workshop 1 - Wall Hanging Instructor: Renuka Jain, Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon (see Page 11 for details) Art Workshop 2 - Foil Embossing Instructor: Indira Ramaswamy, Saturday 10:00 am 12:00 noon (see Page 11 for details) Samuhika Satyanarayana Puja - This third annual puja will be led by Dr. G. Lakshman, Saturday, 5:00 - 9:00 pm, Puja sponsorship sign up on a first-comefirst-served basis, All others welcome to attend puja and pot-luck dinner (see details below)

July 21 July 26 Aug 13-17

Aug13-17

Aug 25

HTCC Chess Tournament Saturday, 12:30 - 5:00 pm (see Page 11 for details) Guru Purnima Special Bhajan Thursday, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Prasad welcome Math Workshop Instructor: Ashok Cutkosky, Monday - Friday 1:00 3:30 pm (see Page 11 for details) Yoga Workshop for Youth Instructor: Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary, Monday Friday 4:00 - 5:00 pm, Workshop will start after a 30 min. refreshment break following the Math Workshop (see Page 11 for details) HTCC Youth Day / Bal Sabha / Bal Puja Picnic Cosmopolitan Park Dexheimer Shelter, Saturday, 4:00 - 8:00 pm. A day of fun to recognize and reward our youth All age groups (including adults).

Potluck dinner contact: Varsha Pherwani at 2568904 (see Page 11 for details)

Pencil-in your calendars for the

Third Annual Samuhika Satyanarayana Puja

5:00 - 9:00 p.m., Saturday, July 7, 2007 at Shanthi Mandir Puja to be led by Dr. G. Lakshman of Saskatchewan, Canada We can accommodate 25 sponsoring families for the puja on a first-come-first-served basis. Please make reservations by sending a check for $51 favoring HTCC to Kusum Malhotra. She can be reached at <kusum65203@yahoo.com> and 445-1867. Puja will be followed by Prasad/Pot-luck dinner. Please contact Meena Thawani for help with the pot-luck dinner. Contact Meena Thawani at (660) 882-5317.

Thank You! Lifetime Family Members 1.

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Aggrawal, Kul and Archana Anand, Satish and Sushma Arunachalam, Vairam and Alagu Bal, Sharanjit and Ranjit Basu, Asit and Sandra Battula Ravindra and Vijaya Kattumuri 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 Gowda, Bhaskar and Shoba Jashnani, Ghanshyam and Leela Katti, Kattesh and Kavita Khanna, Sanjeev and Vinita Khurana, Inder and Jasmit Krishna, Gopal and Santosh Krishnan, Hari and Latha Kulkarni, Rajesh and Indira Kutikkad, Kiratadas and Geetha Lal, Sunder and Nila Gupta Loyalka, Sundarshan and Nirja Mahal, Satnam and Jasvir Malhotra, Anil and Kusum Mantrala, Murali and Suryamani Mitra, Ranadhir and Roma Mohan, Rajiv and Sunilima Sinha Naik, Yogesh & Rashmi Nair, Satish and Jyotsna Palaniappan, Kannappan and Visala Panneerselvam, Ayyakannu and Gandhi Patel, Nitin and Harsha Pendurthi, Chalapathi Rao and Kavita

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Puri, Ravi and Mona Raghuraman, Kannan and Anandhi Upendran Ramachandran, V and Anuradha Rajagopalan Rangnekar, Nitin and Kirthi Rawat, Gagneesh and Aditi Rawlani, Ramesh and Chandra Sadhu, Vijay and Smita Satpathy, Sashi and Namita Sethi, Sanjiv and Punam Sethi, Yash and Anjna Sharma, Krishna and Sandhya Singh, Amolak and Kuljit Srinivasan, Bharath and Manjula Narasimhan Tejwani, Lokesh and Varsha Pherwani Thawani, Ravi and Meena Viswanath, Dabir and Pramila

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Aroor, Annayya Rao and Sudha Balaji, B. S. and S. Akila Baskar, Muthu and Indumathi Bathini, Venkat and Jyothy Bhanuchandran, Rekha Bhaskaran, Rajagopalana and Vasanthi Chandrasekhar, Anand and Chiengkham Baccam Chokalingam, Anand and Smrita Chokkalingam, Siva and Sheela Elangovan, Bala and Abi Faizer, Rumi and Archana Ramaswamy Ghosh, Arkashubra and Anuprita Goel, Punit and Archana Goyal, Munish and Monika Gupta, Ghanshyam and Manorma Halder, Jagabandhu and Pitu Jain, Arun Khanna, Ramesh and Pushpa

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Kujala, Naresh Gandhi and Sriyala Kumar, Adarsh and Sangeeta Kumar, Rajesh and Aruna Kumar, Senthil and Kalai Kuppusamy, Saravanan and Priya Ravindran Mohan, Saroj Nagarkar, Sushama and Divya Nathan, Vivek and Manjula Nune, Satish and Padmaja Gunda Pradhan, Prashanth and Meeta Premnath, Venkatesan and Vasanthy Radhakrishnan, Nandhu and Selvi Ramadoss, Uma and Sasi Ramaswamy, Ram and Indira Rao, Mohan and Kalpana Ratnaparkhe, Milind Ratneshwar, Srinivasan and Subbalakshmi Raychaudhuri, Aniruddha and Sriparna Sehgal, Om and Santosh Srivatsava, Pramod and Rama Srivastava Shefali Sternadori, Richard Subramanian, Krishna and Raji Thiruvengadathan, Rajagopalan and Rama Kannan Tolani, Bhisham and Rajini Upadhyay, Ashish and Deepika

The HTCC is grateful to the above families who have signed up as members as of May 15. 2007 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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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 Bhagavad Gita Study Circle Tamil Classes Hindi Classes Bal Puja Bal Sabha

(May 15, 2007)

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.

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

Saturday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

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

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday Friday Sunday

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

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

Service Programs Volunteering at Central Missouri Food Bank 1st Shram Daan (Labor Donation) Special summer timing Narayan Seva (Sai Group - St. Francis Home Lunch) 2nd Non-Perishable Food Collection (Ongoing continuously)

Fitness and Cultural Art Programs Yoga Sessions* (fee required - see web site) Saturday 3:00â&#x20AC;&#x201D;4:30 p.m.

Bharata Natyam classes (instructor fee required) Wednesday 4:00 - 8:30 p.m. * Second six-week class started April 21 and ends June 2 (except for May 26 due to the long Memorial Day weekend)

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/Arkasubhra Ghosh/B. S. Balaji <shanthimandir_news@mchsi.com> or <shanthimandir@yahoo.com>