ShanthiSandeshV2N4

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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Cultural Association of India’s 50th Anniversary - Ranadhir Mitra

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Inside This Issue

50th Anniversary of CAI Genius Ramanujam

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Memoirs –Spirit of the Past

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Committee Chairs

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HTCC Capital Campaign

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Ganesh Chathurthi

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Columbia Clean up Bal Sandesh

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Summer Math Workshop

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Navaratri and Dussehra

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Ramlila

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Meeting Chess Champion

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Math Puzzle

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Book Reviews

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Youth Day, Yoga Workshop

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Garage Sale

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Navaratri and Dussehra

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Appeal, Donors, Pledge

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Krishna Jayanthi

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Community Calendar

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hen I joined MU in September 1964, the Cultural Association of India (CAI) was just 7 years old. We then had a handful of student members, all male; two graduate students with families, and only one Indian faculty with family at MU. The activities then were limited to the 26th January Republic Day celebration, organizing 16mm movies once in a while, some extempore discussions on social/political issues, and fixing an “India-Dinner” once a year inviting our academic advisors and their families, reciprocating the Thanksgiving dinner that we used to have at their place. We were no cooks, but cooked as best as we could, pretending to be master chefs!

The journey from her birth on October 4, 1957 to this 50th year in October, 2007 has been an eventful and illustrious one. From the small group of dedicated souls in the 60’s some 43 years ago, the CAI now has grown to over 300 listings in the roster, with MU students as members and nonstudent families as “associates”, turning into the most vibrant student organization on campus with

dozens of programs all year round.

India Week lecture series The Cultural Association of India celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a week of activities and events. The launching of India Week lecture series on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary celebration has added a new dimension to the association’s identity. From the cultural song/dance oriented activities of the IndiaNite – Diwali - Sargam Baishakhi that promoted and fostered the cultural heritage of India and to the student recruiting efforts, with housing and transportation services that has provided the newcomers a feeling of “home away from home” (a sense that we, the early arrivals in the US in 1960’s missed so very much) these talks on various aspects of life and times of India and Indians by the visitors in their own words, were path breaking in enhancing the understanding between the two cultures that are worlds apart in more ways than one.

The INDIA-NITE cultural extravaganza With her 16th annual appearance this year, she is

Message from the Executive Board

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s we count down 2007, we have a lot to be thankful for and at the same time much more to look forward to in the year ahead! A cursory read of this issue, the last one of our second volume, will make both those observations abundantly obvious.

With our first elections under our belt, we warmly welcome two new members to our Board of Trustees. Welcome Arun

India Week Events October 22-28, 2007 • Lecture - “Fabric of India Life: The Fulbright Experience • Lecture – “Exploring India’s Cybercities: Hyderabad and Bangalore” • Lecture – “Enhance Your Health With Yoga” • Lecture – Operations at iNEK Technologies in Kansas City: A panel discussion on work authorization issues impacting international students” • “Dancing with Diversity”, An Open-Air Snack 'N Dance Jamboree • “India Nite” – the 16th Annual CAI Cultural Extravaganza • Lecture : “Ramanujan: The man who knew infinity" – Book Signing by the author Dr. Robert Kanigel. the “jewel in the crown”.

Originally conceived by a highly energetic president of CAI who wanted to “do a cultural program to educate and entertain people outside Continued on page 4

several election-related issues.

The Election Committee will, in the months to come, recommend to the HTCC Jain and Sudarshan Loyalka!

Board of Trustees, changes to Our team of interim officers of our constitution for the the Executive Board also membership to consider, returned as the first elected discuss and approve. group of HTCC Officers. The During the last month we elections ably conducted by have begun our Capital our Elections Committee Campaign in real earnest. H. comprising Bharath Srinivasan, R. “Chandra” Chandrasekhar is Gagneesh Rawat and Krishna providing leadership for this Sharma, also brought to light important HTCC effort. With the need to tweak our approval earlier this year of our Constitution and Bylaws to tax-exempt status, the Continued on page 3... improve clarity with regard to

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Genius Ramanujan Remembered - H. R. Chandrasekhar

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India Week Event

s a part of the 50th Anniversary of the Cultural Association of India, a celebrated author from MIT was invited to reminisce on his acclaimed book: “Man who knew Infinity.” The man is the mathematical genius Ramanujan who remains as an ever increasing presence in the cultural and scientific life of the world. Film, theater, literature and even dance have felt the spell of his story, while

mathematicians continue to plumb his notebooks for their secrets.

On Sunday October 28, 2007, at the Jesse Wrench Auditorium, Memorial Union, Professor Robert Kanigel, the author, spoke to an audience of students and professors from many disciplines and nationalities, about his unique experience in telling this gripping story. After the talk, people lined up to get him to sign the new edition of the book which was on display and sale by the University

Book Store.

On the previous night, he was introduced at the India Nite celebration and a signed copy of his book presented to Chancellor Brady Deaton who was the chief guest. Professor Kanigel gave one more lecture at the physics department on 29th before departing to MIT. He was the guest of Meera and H.R. Chandrasekhar who are active members of Shanthi Mandir☯

Spirit of the past - Vidya Mantrala, Senior, Rockbridge High School he routine in India was simple.

T Wake up early, have a bath— either scorching hot, or freezing cold depending on the wake up time of the water heater that day—brush your teeth, and learn prayers before breakfast. This was difficult task for my eightyear-old self. I was jet lagged so I wanted to sleep. I was afraid of mosquitoes in the shower.

Brushing teeth was just annoying because it led me on a frantic search for the boiled water to wash with from the night before— my immune system wasn’t used to the bacteria in regular water. I was also afraid of mosquitoes in the sink and in the toilet. I also liked breakfast and I hated waiting.

Adjusting to the routine in the wintry months of 1997 was a trial for my spoiled American body.

I liked the comfort of my big, clean American lifestyle a bit more than I appreciated the simplicity and cultural wealth of my relatives’ middle-class Indian home.

One thing that I didn’t mind so much was learning the morning prayers from my grandparents.

Their room seemed to have a cloak of enchantment upon it.

Mosquitoes were not allowed there. My grandfather and grandmother were like two steady presences that were there to provide me a foundation of faith. It unnerved me that I couldn’t just waltz into this room acting obnoxious as I did usually. It calmed me as well. There was an aura of mystery to this place, some secret hidden in my grandmother’s prayer, some story lurking behind my grandfather’s

spectacles. It was this sense of unknown treasure that lured me to them and kept me there.

On one particularly sunny day, I woke up earlier than usual. I cleaned myself and ran down the stairs two at a time. The past two days had been spent preparing for a very special event, the 60th official wedding anniversary of my grandparents. I was so excited that I barged into their room only to be overwhelmed by the perpetual calm that permeated the atmosphere. I inhaled deeply, and the scent of rose incense flooded my lungs. My grandfather had his thick rimmed spectacles on and he was reading the local Telugu newspaper intently. My grandmother had her eyes closed and her rosary beads in her right hand. She was sitting in front of the tiny little prayer area where we put the idols of the Gods and chanting her morning salutations to the higherups. I plopped down on the bed and waited. I willed myself to be patient. My grandmother finished her prayers soon enough, and came to sit gently beside me and smiled. She didn’t speak much English, and I didn’t speak much Telugu so we didn’t talk much.

She taught me how to pray. That day she taught me how to ask Krishna, our cowherd God, to save me. “Gauma Krishna” She pronounced and I tried to say it right, though I was a little twisted up. I still am. The one difference is that she isn’t physically there anymore to guide me.

That day, she touched my teeth and smiled. It was a soft proud

smile. She fished through her jewelry box and gave me a little package. Then, I was sent to the other side of the bed where my grandfather was reading the morning paper.

He grinned at me and put the paper away. I learned six different names for the Lord Rama. I was at that point getting bored, so I didn’t pick it up very well. My grandfather saw my attention was straying. He put away the prayer book and took out a bag from under the bed. It was filled with candy. He put two chocolates and two caramels in my hand, kissed my forehead and told me to go eat breakfast. I was excited at my good fortune, so I blew kisses to both of them and left.

That night we had an anniversary celebration. My grandparents looked content to just be surrounded by family. They had been through a lot in the past sixty years, and they had survived. My six-month-old brother crawled on the floor getting treats from everyone. My grandparents beheld him with affection, their solitary grandson.

He was a source of pride for them, and he filled them with a golden glow. There was an atmosphere of happiness in the air. I went to sleep with a warm feeling in my stomach. A gold charm bracelet was in the package my grandmother gave me. I had already eaten the chocolate.

In the next two years, both of them had passed on. My family was not able to see either of their funerals. The golden charm bracelet was put with my grandmother’s picture in our makeshift home temple. My grandfather’s picture joined her soon after. To this day, I savor the taste of those candies I had on that special day☯

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HTCC Standing Committees and Chairs for 2008 Our congratulations to the new members on the Executive Committee. Our gratitude to the continuing chairs.

Thank you for agreeing to serve HTCC! Capital Campaign – H. R. Chandrasekhar Cultural Programs – Hema Srinivasan Devotional Programs – Chandra Rawlani Educational Programs – Arun Jain External Relations – Leela Jashnani Facilities and Renovation – Ravi Thawani Financial Planning – Krishna Sharma Library – Rajiv Mohan

Membership – Dabir Viswanath Operations and Maintenance – Meera Chandrasekhar Publications and Communications – B. S. Balaji Safety and Security – Kiratdas Kutikkad Scheduling – Inder Khurana Service Programs – Manjula Narasimhan Youth Activities – Nandhu Radhakrishnan

Outgoing Chairs Our most sincere thanks to the following individuals who have served HTCC well during our formative two years Anantha Gopalaratnam – Service Programs H. R. Chandrasekhar– Library Gagneesh Rawat– Public Relations and Publicity Kalai Kumar – Youth Activities Kattesh Katti – CoChair, Fundraising and Membership

Message from the Executive Board Continued from page 1

donation of the Shanthi Mandir property to HTCC, and several options being discussed to grow Shanthi Mandir, the stage is now set for a robust Capital Campaign. Details of the Capital Campaign and some options for the next phase of our growth are included on Page 5. As we discuss and fine-tune the draft proposal, an appeal in support of the Capital Campaign and a Pledge Form for the purpose are included in this issue (Page 13) We have received large donations totaling over $30,000 during the last two quarters and have an additional target of $250,000 for the Capital Campaign. Please contact Chandra (sudhama08@gmail.com or 446-6143) if you would like more information about our Capital Campaign or would like to assist us in any manner in this effort. Please also be aware that if you make donations of $5,000 or more prior to December 31, 2007, you will be recognized as a Founding Trustee with all the rights and privileges of families who have donated like amounts since the start of the Mandir project in August 2005. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your family to play a significant role from the inception of the Hindu Temple and Community Center, one that will serve MidMissouri for generations to come.

With the elections, we also have a new team of committee chairs, some new and some with a couple of years of experience to their credit working together to lead us during the important years ahead. The listing of the Executive Committee with all the committee chairs is included in the box above. If you would like to serve on one or

K. Palaniappan– Safety and Security Rajiv Dhand – CoChair, Fundraising and Membership Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary –Educational Programs Vairam Arunachalam – Financial Planning Vellore S. Gopalaratnam – Facilities and Renovation

two of these committees of particular interest to you, please contact the Chairs directly. We recommend that individuals not sign up for more than two committees so as to provide active and timely service to the committees of interest.

The fall festival season brought the membership and other friends in full force to the Mandir to celebrate Shri Krishna Jayanthi/Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri/Devi Puja, Vijaya Dashami/ Dusshera, Karva Chauth and Deepavali in quick succession. We also were able to bring to Columbia the long cherished Tabla classes. Six brave new souls joined three veterans to invite Shri Sharad Sathe of St. Louis, MO to Shanthi Mandir. He drives to Columbia once a month to teach Tabla to the motivated group. The Tabla Interest Group (TIG) car pools to St. Louis for Tabla classes at Satheji’s home once a month.

With these alternating trips, fortnightly classes have become a reality since September. Sanjeev Khanna volunteers as the TIG coordinator and can provide information about the Tabla classes to interested persons. Interest in classical vocal music classes (Hindustani and Carnatic styles) at the Mandir have also been expressed by several members.

Discussions in this regard have not come to fruition as yet. We will keep the membership posted when there is movement on this front.

Just last month our community celebrated India Week at the University of Missouri, marking the 50th Anniversary of the Cultural Association of India with a series of events including lectures, panel discussions, and cultural and social events.

The lead article in this issue by Mitraji, reminisces about the wonderful road to this

accomplishment for the CAI. Congratulations to the many individuals working to put together this fitting celebration. As one of the oldest and consistently active “standards-setting” student organizations on the MU campus, the CAI does us all proud.

On our plate for the coming quarter are several devotional events including Skanda Sashti celebration honoring Lord Kartikeya, a meditation session in typical Aurobindo tradition, the Guru Nanak Jayanthi and the New Year’s Puja. Other events of interest are also noted in the Community Calendar on Page 15.

Thanksgiving is around the corner! Like last year, HTCC is taking an active role in helping organize the interfaith thanksgiving celebration entitled “Thanksgiving Around the World”. Annirudha Raychaudhury represents HTCC in the Interfaith Council planning meetings this year and has been busy putting together our contribution to the evening’s festivities with a lot of help from kids and other members of the community.

The event scheduled for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 20 is to be held this year at the newly inaugurated facility of Congregation Beth Shalom on Green Meadows Road. Please join us in celebrating thanksgiving together with the other faith communities in Columbia.

Hopefully we too will be able to share our Shanthi Mandir with the interfaith community in Columbia for such shared celebrations next year!?

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

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CAI’s 50th Anniversary Continued from page 1

the Indian community about India” and some like-minded motivated students joined in; the project took off with the support by half a dozen parents who “did not know what else to do with their teen-age kids” at that time!!!

“To our pride, the high popularity of India-Nite has caused it to be on the Jesse Hall Calendar of Events since 2003, with date for performance fixed on Saturday following the homecoming week”

The first India-Nite was staged with 10 items in 1992, with a dance-drama based on Kalidasa’s Shakuntala; and it was inaugurated by then Vice Provost K. C. Morrison, with Hon. P. L. Santoshi, then Consul General of India. The 16th Annual India-Nite in 2007 this year had 12 items, including Dances of India - a string of 10 dances representing various States of India by the children of Indian daspora in Columbia, and a dance drama based on Kalidasa’s Meghdoot. It was inaugurated by Dr. Jim Scott, Vice Provost and Director of the International Center, with Dr. Brady Deaton, the Chancellor of MU as our chief guest.

Much water has flown over the bridge in the intervening years with many a varied program in India-Nite. While the program content tilted between Classical and Folk/Movie styles, the quality and popularity of IndiaNite has been ever increasing.

From about 200 in audience at

Snack’n Dance jamboree

India Week Event

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t was a cool and breezy evening when we all poured into the imposing MU recreation center for an evening of dance and fun. Dr. Middleton congratulated the Cultural Association of India (CAI) and spoke on the dynamics of

the first India-Nite in 1992, the show now is a most coveted one that pulls a full house audience overflowing the 1,700 capacity Jesse Auditorium.

The Diwali Dhamaka of the current era

Originating as a studentcooked “India-Dinner” in the 60’s, it transformed into a family-cooked “Diwali Dinner” in the 80’s as the family sector of Indian Diaspora grew. Then as the Indian restaurants evolved in this town, the restaurant-catered dinner menu was adopted in 2002, and in 2005, we joined hands with other student groups to spread the Diwali Dhamaka among all students on campus. This year, on our 3rd Diversity-Dinner-Dance in Diwali, the two non-Indian student groups that joined us made the festivity livelier by setting up Mehendi, some trivia games, “sprinkle-painting” and “glow sticks” for children, along with giving out some T-shirts too. The dance too was more multiethnic this year, obviously the Diwali fever is catching; may be some fire works, and “holika dahan” too next year!!!

Concluding Remarks In this article, I emphasized on the new direction the CAI picked up this year, in addition to her traditional role. That role and growth for the past 50 years – keeping in touch with her roots while in motion - is a long and glorious story that I reserve to tell some other time.

Of course the sailing was not as smooth as we wished it to be.

There were typhoons and tornados every now and then, but we managed to stay course with rules and reasoning as our 50 years’ survival attests. The cultural growth at the University of Missouri and the exceptional role played by the CAI in fostering and sustaining it throughout the last 50 years. He also pointed out that the various cultural programmes and the India Nite event has significantly raised the level of public knowledge and acknowledgement of Indian traditions, culture and dance.

Thereafter, the floor was

SANDESH

trials and tribulations taught the student officers, participants and the organizers valuable lessons in conflict resolution and management skills– as positive outcome enriching their experience in real life.

I congratulate all those people past and present who - with untiring and selfless effort - led the CAI from her infancy to CAI’s Calendar of EventsActivities during the year January: Republic Day of India with installation of new officers & new student welcome February: Activities Mart and International Fashion Show (MU sponsored) March: SARGAM classical song/ dance/instrumental music meet April:Holi/Baishakhi snack n’ dance festivity May: Picnic August: Independence Day of India & new students welcome September: Mart and International Bazaar (MU sponsored) and Columbia Festival of the Arts October: India-Nite – song/ dance/music cultural extravaganza November: Diwali Dhamaka – a community Dinner-Dance December: Election of new officers

maturity, expanding our role as individuals and as organization as a whole a reality. I wish the organization never looses leadership and the momentum that she has gained all these years☯ http://web.missouri. edu/ ~umcmedmayur/tarang/ main1.htm

opened for dance and the music DJ started up with foot-tapping Bollywood dance numbers.

Soon all the students and other participants joined in on the fun and gathered around to dance.

Young or old, Indian or otherwise, everyone joined in the fun. Alongside the dance floor, some Indian snacks and sweets were also provided by the CAI. Everyone enjoyed the dancing and the delicious snacks. ☯

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Contribute Generously to the HTCC Capital Campaign

We have come a long way since September 2005! Support our next phase of growth. We NEED your support!

MOTIVATIONS

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

We have outgrown our physical infrastructure The goal is to raise an additional $250,000 in (prayer hall/parking) in the short two years, the capital campaign. We already have thanks to the excellent community support $30,000 in capital donations to-date We need to facilitate safer operations of the The campaign will allow us to undertake Mandir as we plan for the next phase of our anyone of the practical options discussed growth later under “OUR OPTIONS” We need to provide improved support Targets: 5 donors at $15,000 $75,000 facilities, including weather protected entry, 8 donors at $10,000 $80,000 larger kitchen and rest rooms, full handicap 16 donors at $5,000 $80,000 access to Mandir, and additional parking Smaller donations $15,000 spots Total Target $250,000 We need to accommodate growth in programs and retain the momentum of current DONOR BENEFITS AND IMPORTANT services

DEADLINE

WHY NOW? IRS approval of 501 (c) 3 application allows us to expand our financial base Shanthi Mandir property now belongs to HTCC (the community) Shanthi Mandir subdivision plat on the books at the Boone County Recorder of Deeds Shanthi Mandir repairs have had to wait even while our programs have grown

Serve the community by your donations to HTCC Your donation is tax-deductible Donation of $15,000 - Lifetime Trustee Donation of $10,000 - 10-yr Term Trustee Donation of $5,000 - 7-yr Term Trustee If the donations are made before December 31,

Men’s 16’ x 7’

Changing table

Shower 5’ x 7’

Exit corridor 6’ x 12’

Service counter

Utilities 5’ x 5’

Kitchen 25’ x 12’

Storage 6’ x 6’

Pantry 6’ x 6’

Garden Spigot

Women’s 20’ x 12’

Restroom

Shoe/Coat storage

Foyer 8’ x 36’

All dimensions NS’ x EW’

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Circle drive through option

(may add additional 5 parking spots)

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Renovation Footprint

Covered Deck

Shanthi Mandir current footprint

Current Parking 27 Spots + 2 Handicap Spots

OUR OPTIONS As we plan for the next phase of our operations, we need to identify our medium term and longterm needs and goals. Clearly there are several routes with pros and cons for each option that relate to our needs, affordability, cash flow situation, and the flexibility a particular option provides for further growth. Possibilities include, but are not limited to: Medium-Term Undertake medium term renovation of existing facility to serve us safely for the next 5-6 years. This will buy us time to develop long-term plans for the Mandir. The HTCC Facilities and Renovation Committee has developed this plan over the last year and presented it to our membership (see alongside), or Relocate to another facility that is in a “readyto-use” condition, that will meet our needs for 5-6 years. We will then have to simultaneously sell our present property to generate some of the funds needed.

Long-Term Buy a 5-10 acre plot at a location that is convenient to our membership Develop consensus for a temple structure Design, construct and inaugurate the custom facility Related Issues of Staffing We have operated the Mandir on a 100% volunteer basis to date. The time demands on some of our volunteers have grown to levels that are impractical to sustain without relief of some kind. As we grow, we also need to plan for employing a priest and a manager. This will need adequate sustained funding. The presence of the priest is also expected to generate additional income for the Mandir.

Main Prayer Hall New: 70’ x 36’ Old: 45’ x 36’

Garden Shed

Educational Center

Shoe/Coat storage

Shoe/Coat storage

Sliding door

2007, you will be designated “Founding” trustee (in addition to Term or Lifetime designations, as appropriate), with all the rights and privileges of families who have donated like amounts since the start of the Mandir project in August 2005.

Near Term As we investigate and work towards implementing our Medium and Long Term plans, given the cash flow requirements, it may be necessary for us to consider easing our immediate problems of parking safely. An expansion of our parking lot by 14-20 additional spaces is possible within weeks. Security enhancement at the Mandir can be provided during this time by repair/upgrade of the fences.

Whatever options we choose for the medium and long terms, we will ensure that there is no break in the momentum of our operations or growth of our activities.

New Parking

After disposal of storage trailer

14 Spots

Storage Trailer

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN DONATIONS IN INSTALLMENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME

Please contact Prof. H. R. Chandrasekhar for further information or for making your donation sudhama08@gmail.com (573) 446-6143

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Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Radheya Naik, 7th Grade, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Jefferson City

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anesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It is celebrated for the birthday of Lord Ganesh (Ganesha), the god of wisdom and prosperity, on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (AugustSeptember). It is observed throughout India especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Great Lokmanya Tilak formulated the concept of Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav. The Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav is supposed to last for an odd number of days from 1 to 11. It is usually between the 20th of August and the 15th of September. During the Ganesha festival, Ganesha statue is installed in street corners and in homes, and elaborate arrangements are made for lighting, decoration, mirrors and the most common of flowers.

Poojas (prayer services) are performed daily. The main sweet

offered is modak which is a dumpling made out of wheat flour and filled with fresh or dry coconut, mixed with sugar, nuts and raisins. It is then steam cooked or fried. The Hindu community of Columbia celebrated Ganesha Chaturthi this year on 15th September, 2007 at the Hindu Temple and Community Center (HTCC), Columbia. This year Mid Missouri Marathi Mandal took a lead in Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration at HTCC. The HTCC organized an event to mould a clay idol of Ganesha on Sunday September 8, 2007. A statue was prepared out of the clay. On Ganesh Chaturthy day a Murti was decorated with garlands, flowers and ornaments.

A Sthapana Pooja was performed to mount the Murti by the Rangnekers and was guided

by Ratnaparkhe kaka. The Pooja was then followed by the Aarti/ Mantra Pushapanjali, which was done by everyone present. The Aarti was concluded with chants of “Ganapati Bappa Moraya”.

Following the Aarti was the Ganapati Stotram performed by the Marathi Mandal kids. After

Karva Chauth - Punam Sethi

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arva Chauth was celebrated at the temple on Monday Oct 29th. The married women get up before sunrise and eat a preparation called “Sargi”. They fast from dawn till moon rise and

worship Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya, and the moon. They dress up in their best finery, with henna-decked hands, bindis, colorful bangles and the best of the jewelry.

the Ganapati Stotram there were Ganapati Bhajans/song performed by the Marathi Mandal families and then there was an open slot for all people.

One of the performers included the Sai Bhajan group who also performed Ganesha Bhajans.

After the cultural program the Prasad was served, it included Sheera, Modak, Kheer and Watali Daal. The sweets/fruits that devotees brought along were also distributed along with the Prasad. Approximately 150 people attended the celebration; HTCC hope next year’s Ganesh Chaturthi will be just as successful as past three years.

The idol of Ganesha was kept in the Shanthi Mandir for 10 days. The Mandir was kept open from 6-8 pm during those 10 days where a Pooja/Aarti was performed. On the 10th day i.e.

Ananth Chathurdashi day, HTCC did a Visarjan, submergence, of the Murti into water. That day devotees send their guest back home with the chant “GANAPATI BAPPA MORAYA PHUDHACHYA VARSHI LAVKAR YA” — come sooner next year☯ The ladies gathered at 5 pm at the temple. There were two sessions of thali puja– the tradition when ladies get together, listen to story, pray and rotate the thalis amongst the participants in the puja☯

Columbia Clean up Fall 2007 - Ravi Thawani, Bal Sabha President.

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all Clean Up was scheduled for Bal Sabha children and parents on Saturday, October 6,

2007 at 10:00 am at Ridgeway Elementary School, Columbia, Missouri.

It was beautiful October morning, perfect for outdoor activity. Twelve adults and twenty-four children came for the Clean Up. After putting on gloves and luminous colored vests provided by the City of Columbia, the parents and children started cleaning the grounds and streets around the Ridgeway Elementary School. A total of 11 bags of trash were

collected with no unusual trash items found.

After refreshments everyone proceeded to Cici's Pizza for Lunch provided by 'Bal Sabha'.

After a hearty lunch at Cici's Pizza, evryone proceeded to the Black Cultural Center, University of Missouri, Columbia for audition for the 'India Nite' program.

It was very successful Fall Clean Up Day. The next Clean Up is scheduled in Spring of 2008. We look forward to a strong attendance in the Spring ☯

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Newsletter of Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO

Bal Sabha Officers President Ravi Thawani

November 2007

EDITOR’S NOTE Editors Note: Happy Deepavali! In this Festival time issue, you will find an exciting book review, an account on meeting chess champion and very informative articles on Navaratri and Ramlila. You will also find an enthusiastic account on the Summer Math workshop and math puzzle. Please continue to submit your articles and Kudos items well in advance for the next issue. Don’t wait for the deadlines. Many of the Balsabha members participated in the India Nite Extravaganza and Fall Cleanup in October 2007. We are proud of them all☯

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

Summer Math Workshop

Bal Sabha Kudos

Ashok Cutkosky The instructor’s perspective

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ongratulations to all the Balsabha children for their outstanding performances in the India Nite 2007.

The Missouri State chess championship tournaments held on October 27, 2007 in Columbia Missouri. Rohit Mohan came fourth in 5th grade, Ashwath Kumar tied for first place in 6th grade, Vikram Arunachalam won second place in 7th grade and Arjun Khurana won first place in 9th grade.

Ashwath Kumar won the principal's award from Ridgeway Elementary for the year 2006-07.

Ashok Cutkosky won third place in the sprint round and second place in the relay and team competitions of GPML regional’s in Kansas City on November 3.

Congratulations to one and all! ☯

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he Summer Math Workshop was once again conducted this year at Shanthi Mandir for one week in August. 15 students ranging from grades 5-8 attended the workshop. The workshop covered topics in logarithms, trigonometry, Euclidean Geometry, Probability and Counting followed by a contest on the last day with problems discussed during the first four days. People, who are interested in the contest sheet or the daily problem sheets, can contact either Ashok or one of the participants in the workshop. This is the fifth consecutive year Ashok has been running this class in the summer and many of the participants are returning students.

Participants: Vikram Arunachalam, Ipsa Chaudhary, Trisha Chaudhary, Maya Cutkosky, Riaz Helfer, Sumedha Katti, Nahosh Katti, Nidhi Khurana, Arjun Khurana, Ashwath Kumar, Urmila Kuttikad, Rohit Rao, Prerna Srinivasan☯ On left: Ganesh idol making

On right: Dussera Group song

Ashwath Kumar - Student perspective 6th Grade, Smithton Middle School

I

f you want to find a great place to do math in the summer, the HTCC math workshop, held in the Shanthi Mandir is a great place to go. The fun class is taught by Ashok Cutkosky, an eleventh grader, very much interested in mathematics. He teaches everything from geometry to the basics of precalculus. Everyone will enjoy it. This math program has been conducted for over 5 years, hosted in the summer.

You learn concepts and problem solving methods while having a fun time! It is best recommended for middle schoolers and above to attend this class. The program lasts one week, with a different topic taught each day, and a test at the end of the week. The class is 2 hours a day, with approximately 10-15 pupils.

If you have an interest in mathematics, consider coming to the future summer workshop. I am sure you will enjoy and at the same time learn to solve challenging and interesting math problems☯

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SHANTHI

SANDESH

Navaratri and Dussehra Festivities - Trisha Chaudhary 6th Grade, Gentry

T

he festival of Navaratri commemorates the legend in which the Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura.

According to this legend Goddess Durga was empowered by the combined efforts of all the deities to slay the buffalodemon, Mahishasura. Navaratri is celebrated in Southern Indian both as a cultural and a religious holiday dedicated to the combined feminine divinity.

The first three days of the Navaratri are dedicated to the worship of Durga, the next three to Lakshmi and the last three to Saraswati.

Artisans celebrate the eighth day as Ayudha puja when all the tools in the house and factories are worshiped. The ninth day is celebrated as Saraswati Puja where students of all ages place their books and instruments in front of Saraswati and worship the Goddess of Learning through the books and instruments. No studies are done on that day.

The next day, Vijayadashmi, is

then the auspicious day to begin all new educational classes, commence education in dance and music as well as pay homage to the teachers. The fun part of the festival is Bommai Kolu which is an arrangement of dolls on artificially constructed steps.

In Northern India and parts of Central India, Navaratri is taken as a period of fasting. People fast for seven days. On Ashtami, devotees break their fast by worshipping young girls who are supposed to be representatives of the Goddess herself. In some of these states this festival is dominantly linked with harvest.

In Eastern India beautiful idols of the Goddess Durga are worshipped in elaborate pandals for nine days. On the tenth day, these statues are carried out in procession for immersion in a river or pond.

In Western India especially in Gujarat, the highlights of Navaratri are the extremely colorful dances of Garba and Dandiya. In Maharashtra during Durga Puja devotees don't remove the flower garland that is put each day on the idol. After nine days all nine are removed together. Young girls are invited to eat, play games, dance and sing on Dussehra day.

Dussehra also called

Vijayadashmi means the “victorious 10th day”. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright half of the month (Hindu month of Ashwin, typically in October). It is the grand culmination of the 10-day annual festival of Navaratri (literally the festival of “nine nights”).

The festival of Dussehra is associated with the Hindu epic “Ramayana”. On the day of Vijayadashmi, Ram (prince of Ayodhya) won the battle with Ravan (the ruler of Lanka), who had abducted Sita, In Northern India, brilliantly decorated processions depicting various facets of Rama's life are held throughout the 9 days. On the tenth day colossal effigies of Ravan, his brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnad are burned in vast open spaces. In north India the festival of Dussehra is also associated with the open air folk theatre called “Ramlila” which is a folk re-enactment of the ten day battle between Lord Ram and Ravan, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayan.

Although the festival of Dussehra is celebrated with different customs and religious practices in different parts of India it has a common theme which is the victory of good over evil☯

Ramlila – A Folk Theatre - Ipsa Chaudhary 7th Grade, Gentry

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amlila is an open air folk theatre that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is now performed in several countries around the world. Ramlila literally means “Rama’s play”. It is a folk re-enactment of the ten day battle between Lord Rama and Ravana, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayana. It is hard to say how and when the staging of Ramalila started but according to popular belief it was the poet “Tulsidas” who started the staging of Ramalila to preserve the Indian culture and moral values in the 16th century.

According to another popular belief the first Ramalila was staged during the reign of Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah

Zafar.

According to the legend of “Ramayana” Ravana, the ten headed ruler of Lanka (present day Sri Lanka) had abducted Sita, the consort of the Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya ( present day Uttar Pradesh).

Ravana wanted to marry Sita and when she refused he held her captive in his realm.

Rama defeated Ravana freeing Sita on the day of Dussehra or Vijayadashmi.

The Ramalila performances are based on various parts of this legend and are held every night during Navaratri (the nine nights preceding Dussehra) culminating on the day of Dussehra. The performance includes song, narration, recital and dialogue.

Traditionally the characters of Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Shatrughan and Bharat were played by Brahmin boys who were trained by the liladhari or the leader of the troupe.

Hundreds of festivals are organized in each town or village during the Dussehra festival season. The audience is constantly invited to sing and the play is characterized by the involvement of a large section of community in either playing roles or making the masks, costumes, make-up, effigies, lights, etc. In many rural areas, traditional venues for Ramalila have developed over the centuries, and hundreds of people make the trip every night to attend the play. Surrounding areas temporarily transform into bazaars to cater to the audience.

Depending on the region, breaks in the play can become Continued on page 9

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My meeting with the World Chess Champion- Vikram Arunachalam 7th Grade, Gentry

Math Puzzle -

was a very pleasant and friendly person and told us about the hospitality of the Mexican people and the smoothness of their stay (and the tournament!) so far.

When Anand himself came out, at least 100 people were waiting to get his autograph. He signed a lot of them – and I was one of the lucky few! After giving a press conference (in fluent Spanish!), he waved goodbye to the crowd and was ushered out by the organizers.

The next day, we went to the playing hall for the final round. I was still somewhat jittery, but knew that a draw was all that Anand needed to win the title as he was ahead of all the other players by a full point or more by that time. Anand hammered out his moves against Leko at the rapid speed for which he is renowned. After some quick exchanges, the two agreed to an 18-move draw. This automatically made Anand world champion (for the 2nd time in his career!), regardless of whether anyone else won their last round games or not. The crowd immediately cheered and the scene outside was even more chaotic.

People were lined up as far as I could see, waiting for an opportunity to get Anand’s autograph. Many even started a cheer in Spanish for Anand! At that point, I saw how well-liked and popular Anand was.

After the incredible events of the day, I got to meet with Anand that evening. He discussed the tournament and his experiences, and also wished me all the best. One of the things that struck me about Anand was how friendly and humble he was, in spite of all his incredible accomplishments in chess. He is a wonderful ambassador for India and also the whole game of chess. In addition, he has a very respectful and enthusiastic demeanor. “Vishy” could thus easily become one of the most popular and wellliked chess champions of all time.

This victory is great for Anand, India, and the entire chess-playing world. I will always cherish my trip to Mexico and the opportunity to meet with Anand. I am glad to have been at a place where he wrote chess history. Anand is inspirational and a true champion! And Mexico is a wonderful place to visit☯ 2. There are 4 digits ABCD. Find what the digits are if A,BCD X 4 = D,CBA 3. Here is a game of 2s. Put in the right operation signs [ +, -, x, /, () ] to make each problem work: a) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 b) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 c) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 d) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 e) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2

= = = = =

0 1 2 3 4

f) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 = 5 g) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 = 6 h) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 = 8 i) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 = 10 j) 2 _ 2 _ 2 _ 2 = 16

Answers 1) One minute 2) A=2, B=1, C=7, D=8, The number is ABCD=2178 Figure it out. It's not that hard...

We then went through the main entrance, past security, to a very quiet, darkened auditorium. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness and dimly lit stage, I suddenly Championship (WCC), held from September 13 to September 29 in Mexico. saw all my favorite players hunched over Eight of the world’s top-rated chess players their respective boards in intense concentration! were there to battle it out over the chess At that time, I also saw an Indian flag board for the world title. The players proudly placed on Board 1 – and next to it included Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Svidler, was none other than Anand, totally Alex Morozevich, and Alex Grischuk absorbed in his penultimate game against (Russia), Levon Aronian (Armenia), Peter Grischuk! If Anand drew or won this round, Leko (Hungary), Boris Gelfand (Israel), all he would need on Saturday was a draw and, last but certainly not least, against Leko in the last round to clinch the Viswanathan Anand (India). world title! On the other hand, if he lost this My trip to Mexico was preceded by my intensely following the first 12 rounds of the round, the race for the title could get closer! championship on the internet. Every day, I The scene took my breath away as I realized the gravity of the situation. would come home from school, do my I then stared at the giant screen next to homework, and check the games and the stage, where each of the four games in results. My excitement grew as Anand pulled into the lead and a win looked within progress was displayed. Anand had gotten reach. I was ecstatic when my dad said we into a tight position with Grischuk and there was a nail-biting battle in progress. It could go and see Anand in Mexico for the looked like Grischuk was not leaving last two rounds.

So on Thursday, September 27, we went without a fight. At that time, I began to see Anand’s genius at work. He played out an from Columbia to St. Louis. We then flew incredible chess game, one that would be out to Mexico City via Houston very early the next morning on Friday, September 28. instructive to any chess player. Move after move of impeccable thinking improved his The flight took a little bit longer than expected as the pilot had to weave around position and Anand slowly but surely steered the game to a draw. I heaved a Tropical Storm Lorenzo off the coast of sigh of relief, knowing that Mexico! After some anxious he would in all likelihood moments at 30,000 feet, we be crowned as world finally landed in Mexico City champion after the final around noon! My drive round on Saturday. It was through Mexico City indeed a breathtaking reminded me of India – the finish, one that sights, sounds, people, rain, demonstrated Anand’s traffic, and perceived chaos complete mastery of the (and that inevitable calm game – not to speak of his beneath the surface). Was I calmness, resolve, and back in India?? My dad told composure under me that he didn’t think we pressure. As Grischuk had flown that far… later acknowledged, it took Once we were settled in, a special player like Anand to equalize a we went to the main playing hall and met position that most others likely could not Mr. Vijay Kumar, an Indian news have done. This underlines Anand’s photographer and retired Doordarshan exceptional talents in a game that has been Sports Editor. His first comment to me was: “Welcome, beta (son)! It is wonderful dominated mostly by European players.

After the game, we met Anand’s wife, that an Anand fan is here to cheer him on!”

Aruna. She had been patiently waiting for After talking with him for some time, we bought our tickets to enter the playing hall. Anand to finish his penultimate round. She Continued from page 8 burn the evil within them, and thus follow the path of virtue and goodness. impromptu talent shows for local society.

Though the play itself is thematically There are various versions of Ramalila in religious, the social aspect often draws in India the most representative ones are people from non-Hindu segments of the those of Ayodhya, Ramnagar, Banaras, Vrindavan, Almora, Sattna, Chitrakoot and community as well. Thus Ramalila brings the whole population together, without Madhubani. The final performance is held distinction of caste, religion or age☯ on the tenth day when colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran and son Meghnad are placed in vast open spaces.

Suryanshi Rawat Actors portraying Rama, Sita and his brother Lakshmana, arrive and shoot 5th Grade, Mill Creek arrows of fire at these effigies, which are stuffed with explosive material. The result 1. One cat can eat one mouse in 1 minute. is a deafening blast, enhanced by the so, how long will it take for 10 cats to shouts of triumph from the spectators. In eat 10 mouse if they all start at the burning the effigies, people are asked to same time?

3)

heckmate! I was recently in Mexico C City to witness the last two rounds (rounds 13 & 14) of the World Chess

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SHANTHI

SANDESH

Book Review - Maya Cutkosky, 7th grade, Smithton

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his thrilling series takes place in the Chozha Empire of tenth century India. It drives us to find the answer to the question “who shall have the crown” for by the middle of the book we have no clue whom we want to win.

Don’t try and guess the ending! You never will.

The main character is an overly brave warrior (as well as the prince of the Vallavas) named Vandiyatheven. He becomes an emissary (or

messenger) of the royal family. are Kundavai, the princess, Throughout the book he delivers Aditha Karikalan, the crown four letters and has to use all his prince, Ponkuzhali, a great and wit and luck to deliver them. He perhaps crazy boat girl who also gets into trouble because of loves animals but does not like his curiosity and other accidents, men, Mandagini, perhaps the keeping the book exciting. best character of the book, Things are Sendan always exciting Amudan, a Ponniyin Selvan is a famous and amusing kind, always 2400 page 20th-century Tamil around happy, boy Vandiyathevan. historical novel written by Kalki who’s in love Krishnamurthy. Written in 5 The second with volumes, this narrates the story Ponkuzhali, and most amusing of Arulmozhivarman (later Character is the main villain, Azhvarkadiyan, crowned as Rajaraja Chola).

Nandini, who a talented spy. uses her He is much more cautious then stunning beauty to destroy the Vandiyathevan. He’s good at kingdom and avenge the man overhearing people without she loved. giving himself away, a feat This is a great book for people Vandiyathevan only managed ages 13 and up, no mater what once. The other main characters genre you usually read☯

HTCC Youth Day/ Bal Sabha/Bal Puja Picnic Happy faces after a fun-filled evening 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

446-8403 514-0486 446-0063

pyari_ajnabi@hotmail.com vidya.mantrala@gmail.com chaitasinaik@hotmail.com meghna022@gmail.com danzingdivas@yahoo.com vsadithi@aol.com

445-2854

srinivasanh@missouri.edu

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HTCC Youth Day

monkey, musical squares, water balloon, lemon and spoon (of course with grapes), volley ball, and Tug-of-War as a grand or the second time in a row, the Youth finale. The kids were thrilled playing these Committee of the HTCC organized an games while the adults were busy at the energetic fun-filled evening on August 25, volley ball court. Not one person was tired 2007 at the Cosmo Park, Columbia. Youth after these games because they were Day is one event the members of HTCC assured a sumptuous dinner that was set look forward to celebrate. It was a sunny on the table by then. evening and the Dexheimer Memorial Apart from food and games, the Youth Shelter at the Cosmo Park was jam-packed Day is also a platform to award members with kids and adults. The adults were busy who participated in several programs and setting the table for the potluck dinner and competitions conducted by the Youth the kids were being creatively coloring the Committee. walk-way using chalk to please their The Youth were presented with Rangoli ideas.

Certificates for their active participation the The Youth Committee organized several various Summer Youth Programs/ games for the crowd like tailing the Workshop that were coordinated by several

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volunteers as listed below: Art workshop – Wall Hanging (Ms. Renuka Jain) Art workshop – Foil Embossing (Mrs. Indira Ramaswamy) Yoga workshop (Mrs. Ritcha Chaudhary) Math workshop (Mr. Ashok Cutkosky) Tennis tournament (Mr. Senthil Kumar) Chess tournament (Mr. Vairam Arunachalam) The Youth Committee extends their hearty thanks to one and all for making the event a grand success☯ “The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you're learning you're not old.”

Yoga for better living, a workshop for the youth - Richa Mehra Chaudhary

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TCC “Youth Committee” organized a yoga workshop for youth from 13th to 17 August. The workshop was very well attended by 17 children and youth ranging from 5 to 17 years in age. Several parents also stayed on during the session and participated very enthusiastically. The th

workshop was conducted by Mrs. Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary.

Yoga is an ancient philosophy from India which has just been reduced to a series of physical poses in the mind of a lot of people. During this workshop it was briefly explained to the participants that Yoga is not just doing a series of poses or “Asanas” but it is actually an eight fold path (principles of “Ashtanga Yoga”). The participants were exposed to all the three aspects of Yoga which include asanas (physical poses), pranayamas (breathing/ energy control) and meditation. It was a hands-on workshop where the participants were led through a series of asanas with emphasis of correct breathing techniques (Poorak, Kumbhak, Rechak and Shunayak). They learned various basic

asanas such as Tada asana (I-IV), Kona asana (I and II), Utkata asana, Pad hasta asana, Bhujang asana, Pavan mukta asana, Parvata asana, and a few others.

They also learned various sitting postures that are helpful in meditation- such as Sukhaasana and Vajra asana followed by Yoga Mudra. They also learned Tratak the eye exercise. This asana is also a method for improving concentration and then progress towards meditation. Every session began with the Chants of “OM” and ended with the all time favorite asana the “Shav asana”.

It was a very interactive workshop. It was fun to teach such a wonderful group and I hope that the participants will continue to practice what they learned here in this workshop☯

Garage Sale 2007 - Meera Chandrasekhar

T

he 2007 annual Shanthi Mandir Garage Sale and Mela took place on Saturday Sep 8 from 8 am to 1 pm. Friends have told me that each sale is different – and this one was certainly different from the 2006 Sale. For starts, we had less stuff – fewer clothes, only three brand-new pairs of shoes (thank you for hearing our request!), no men’s clothes. But we made up in furniture, videos and DVDs. Different is good!

Same as last year, we had gorgeous weather – a balmy 70-degree day, few clouds, and light wind. It was a day when it feels good to eat Pakoras and idlis at the Mela, and top it off with mango punch.

Thanks to the furniture we received, the helpers had comfortable sofas on which to relax when the traffic was thin.

Every garage sale has human stories.

Around 9 am a middle-school aged girl arrived, along with her mom, and strolled disinterestedly around – until her eyes lighted on a bright red bed frame. And a comfortable-looking twin-size mattress that stood next to the frame. It wasn’t long

before she had talked her mother into it.

Mom wasn’t too much of a hard sell, and they left after paying, promising to bring a friend to help haul the day’s booty. When they returned, the girl found more fun stuff – a matching sheet-and-comforter set for her newfound bedroom furniture. I’d say we made a successful sale, with little effort on our part.

Then there was this extensive Ice-Man set, belonging to a young Shanthi Mandir regular. His dad, who helped organize the incoming stuff the previous weekend, had made sure to collect all the pieces of multiple-piece set. It had one large character, a couple of small fierce-looking friends, a large vehicle with smaller vehicles that could be carried by the large one …etc, you get my drift. Several kids played with it, but come 11 am, Ice-Man set was still waiting for a future home. Then arrived a possible customer (another young Shanthi Mandir regular). He was enamored of it right away. His mom called him away to eat idlis, but he returned. Pretty soon he was giving Mom the pitch. Mom called on

Dad to help – and after a little conversation, they left. Maybe Ice-Man shed a few tears, but not for long. Soon after driving half the length of the Mandir parking lot, Mom and Son were back, and this time Ice-Man shed happy tears. A new friend!

Despite the day’s competition – the huge Blues festival downtown that attracted 60,000 people - the garage sale netted over $400. Maybe we’ll have it at a different time of year in 2008. We hope you will all continue to support the sale. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped sort, cook and sell. You made it happen☯ Weekly Cleaning: Scrub, Vacuum and Build Character!

Currently about 30 families have signed up to help with cleaning the Mandir on a rotating basis. 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 only once a year!

Contact Meera to sign up for cleaning (meerac@missouri.edu)

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SHANTHI

Navaratri - Devi Puja: Nine days of festivities -

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he advent of autumn marks the beginning “Navaratri”.

During this 9 day festival people in India worship Goddess “Durga” who is believed to be the personification of the divine “Shakti” or energy of goddess Parvati. She is also known by several other names such as Bhavani, Ambe, Gauri, Chandika, and Mahishasuramardini.

During this year’s Navaratri festivities, the Indian community of Columbia gathered to offer their prayers to Goddess Durga on the 13th of Oct. A

team of devotees lead by Chandra Rawlani’s family and a priest from Chicago, Mr. Satish Bhagwat arrived in Columbia and helped initiate the celebrations of Navaratri.

Several local families also helped sponsor the puja which began with chantings of the 108 names of Goddess Durga and Durga Chalisa to welcome the Goddess. Prayers were offered using flowers and rice during the chantings. After the initial puja, various groups of individuals sang Bhajans (holy songs) in praise of mother Durga. Children recited the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ a prayer which is said to mitigate fear and grant courage. This was followed by several chantings of the ‘Gayatri Mantra’ by adults

SANDESH

Leela Jashnani

and the aarti in praise of Goddess Durga. The grand finale was a song indicating an invitation had been sent from Goddess Durga to visit her temple (Mata ka bulava aya hai).

After an offering of flowers, fruits, sweets, pieces of clothing, monetary donations and bhog (food made for the attendees) to mother Durga the bhog was distributed to seven young girls before the entire congregation was invited to partake in the ‘Bhog. All the festivities at the Hindu temple culminate in the consumption of delicious meal prepared by the numerous families who participate in the Puja and keep the fire of faith alive even in this faraway land☯

Dussehra Celebration in Columbia

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he festival of Dussehra is an important Hindu festival. It is associated with different legends, customs and practices in different parts of India.

However, the major unifying theme of this festival is adhering to the path of virtue and goodness.

The festival of Dussehra was celebrated here in Columbia on October 21st with a lot of enthusiasm.

More than 75 people came to the temple and enjoyed a program that reflected the underlying diversity of the rich Indian culture.

The program was started by a brief introduction by Hema Srinivasan and Ritcha Mehra-

Chaudhary. There was chanting of a few Shlokas by the “Shloka Class” children. Other kids and adults also joined them enthusiastically. This was followed by a very interesting power point presentation by Ipsa and Trisha Chaudhary which highlighted the various religious and social practices by which people celebrate this festival in different parts of India. Then the “Hindi Class” children, along with a few others, presented the popular Ram dhun “Raghupati Raghav Raja Raam” (taught by Ritcha). This bhajan was accompanied on Harmonium by Mr. Ratanparke. This was followed by a bhajan on goddess Durga presented by Naimish Balaji (taught by Mr. Ratanparke) and another one "Vande meenashiktvam” on goddess Meenakshi presented

by Nithya Balaji (taught by Shubha). Then the Tamil class

kids presented a bhajan in praise of goddess Saraswati.

This was followed by the beautiful recitation of "Guru Stotram” by Urmila Kuttikkad which praises the guru and his contributions in removing ignorance. The cultural program was wrapped up by Priyanka Tejwani, Nila Palaniappan and Suryanshi Rawat with a very graceful invocation to the goddess Saraswati in semiclassical dance form.

The Dussehra program ended with Aarti. This was followed by the Prasad lunch which included pot luck Indian food including Kadhi, Daal, Sambhar, Alu, gobhi, green beans, rice, raita (Yogurt preparation) and naan (India Bread) with Laddu and Sweet rice for dessert. In short it was a very enriching experience for all the people present and it truly reflected that there is “unity in diversity of Indian culture”.☯

Hindi Class Update - Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary

O

ur Hindi Class is growing.

We now have 18 students including adults and kids.

Because of the growing demands we now offer four goal oriented levels of classes.

Our new addition is a Preschool level. The goal for this level is to introduce the

sounds of Hindi language in a fun way. They color, sing and listen to stories. The other three levels are: Level 1 is designed for any person (school-age kid or adult) that is starting to learn Hindi.

Level 2 is for persons who have mastered the

alphabets.

Level 3 is for persons who have mastered the formation of words and ability to group related words in a context.

Come and join us if you want to teach or learn Hindi. To contact call Ritcha at 573-445-0842 or email: RitchaMehra@yahoo.com☯

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An appeal for support - The HTCC Capital Campaign Committee

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udhama, a poor man, lovingly offered a community activities, and service. In this fistful of husked rice to Lord Krishna short period, thanks to your overwhelming and reaped a fortune. How support and participation, much more would the Lord HTCC has allowed us to have given him, had Rukmini impart the best of Sanatana not intervened and stopped Dharma, our ancient way of Krishna from eating the life, to our children. second morsel!

The time has now come to Dear Friends, two years ago take the next step toward Shanthi Mandir opened its realizing our dreams. We doors to the Indian Community appeal to you for your as a humble place of worship, financial support. Our children

deserve more, and this is our chance to open our hearts. Just as Sudhama reaped large benefits from giving what he could, the Mid-Missouri Indian Community will reap large benefits from your contributions, As always, your active participation in this common endeavor will rejuvenate our efforts at the Shanthi Mandir. The Lord has graced us in abundance, and we pray that he continue to do so.

H.R. Chandrasekhar email: sudhama08@gmail.com â˜Ż

Thank You! Donor Acknowledgement for the July 1 - November 15, 2007 We gratefully acknowledge the following donors during July 1 - November 15, 2007.. If we have inadvertently made an error in not including your name, please let us know. We will correct the error at the earliest available opportunity with our apologies. $49Anil and Kusum Malhotra Balaji B. and Akila Ghanshyam and Leela Jashnani Kul and Archana Aggrawal Lokesh and Varsha Tejwani Manush and Monika Goyal Murali and Surya Mantrala Naresh Gandhi and Sriyala Kajula Rajiv and Sunilima Mohan Ramesh and Chandra Rawlani Ravi and Meena Thawani Ritcha and Kunal Chaudhary Sanjeev and Vinita Khanna Sashi and Namita Satpathy Sunita Bajpai

Yash and Anjana Sethi

Westminster College

$50 - $99 Das Keshwani Heera Inder and Jasmit Khurana Vellore and Anantha Gopalaratnam

$500 - $999 Madhavi Sunkar

$100 - $499 Alreja family Bhaskar Gowda and Shoba Om and Toshi Sehgal Rajesh Sanjeev and Alka Satish and Chaya Nagarajiah Soorya Performing Arts Surdashan and Nirja Loyalka

$5,000+ Dabir and Pramila Viswanath Gagneesh and Aditi Rawat Krishna and Sandhya Sharma

$1,000 - $4,999 Sanjiv and Punam Sethi

Pledge Form for Capital Donation to HTCC In order that we continue to maintain and grow our place of worship and service, funds are required for renovation and upgrade of Shanthi Mandir.

Please consider making a financial commitment to HTCC this year by completing this Pledge Form for Capital Donation. Your donations are tax deductible. Your pledge information will be held in strict confidentiality.

I/We pledge to support the HTCC with a donation of:

$______________ to be paid in automatic bank-transfer installments (check one below) Monthly (first of the month),

Quarterly (first day of the quarter)

Yearly (first of each year)

Donations (not pledges) of $5,000 or more on or before December 31, 2007 carries with it privileges of a Founding Board of Trustee Member designation. Please ask Prof. H. R. Chandrasekhar if you need additional information (sudhama08@gmail.com (573) 446-6143) about this. Also see details of Shanthi Mandir Renovation Proposal.

At this time we would like to limit our pledges to a maximum of two years (until January 5, 2010). Thank you! ____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________

Signature(s)

Date

Name(s) Please Print): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City:_____________________ State:________ Zip:____________

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SHANTHI

SANDESH

HTCC Statement of Accounts and Quarterly Fiscal Report For the period July 1, 2007 - September 30, 2007 Prepared by Visala Palaniappan, Interim Treasurer, September 30, 2007

Balance Forward (on June 30, 2007)

$77,076.90

Quarterly Revenues Interest Income Interest income (FNB Money Market)

$982.63

$982.63

Membership: Lifetime Family Member Upgrade (LFM) 1 @ $950 Annual Family Members (AFM) 1 @ $50 Annual Family Member - Prorated (AFM) 3 @ $25 Annual Individual Member - Prorated (AIM) 1 @ $16

$950.00 $50.00 $75.00 $16.00

$1,091.00

$653.19 $1,875.00 $153.00

$2,681.19

$91.00

$91.00

$1,220.50 $105.00 $421.25

$1,746.75

Donations: Hundi Donations/Prayer Services Check Donations E-Pay Donations Facilities Use Donations: Mandir and Educational Center use donations Other Revenues Special Events Sponsorship for Lawn Mowing Garage Sale

$6,592.57

Total Quarterly Revenues Quarterly Expenses Start-up costs Maintenance and Supplies Upgrade and Repairs Utilities Special Events Printing and Mailing Insurance

$988.44 $723.55 $235.55 $891.99 $416.98 $150.80 $720.93

Total Quarterly Expenses

$4,128.24

Net Income for the Quarter

$2,464.33

Ending Balance* (September 30, 2007)

$79,541.23

*$77,626.59 in FNB Money Market and $1,914.64 in BCNB Checking Accounts

Sri Krishna Jayanthi

A

ll the Gopis and Gopas got together at Shanthi Mandir on September 2nd, 2007, to celebrate the birthday of every one’s favorite, Sri Krishna. Yes, it was an occasion for worship, meditation, sharing and experiencing pure bliss.

We began with the usual Puja and recitations of traditional Shlokas followed by Aarti.

Then came the children’s Govinda games reenacting the plays in Gokulam, in modern style, using a decorated basket (piñata) full of sweets.

Hema Srinivasan

The cultural program featuring kids had many children participating with singing, playing flute, giving talks and a lively skit about Krishna’s birth.

The community came together to contribute generously for Prasad which was a fitting feast for Krishna Jayanthi. Then the cultural program continued with adults singing classical music, playing Veena, impromptu Bhajans and talks till midnight.

The midnight Aarti was an inspiring event full of devotion and attended by at least twice as many devotees as last year.

Our Krishna Jayanthi celebrations every year have always been a great measure of

the need for the community to have bigger and bigger place culminating in a great temple.

May Krishna protect us all and make the dream of great temple in Columbia, Missouri a reality very soon!☯

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Community Calendar (Nov. 15, 2007 - January 30, 2008) Unless otherwise indicated, all events are at Shanthi Mandir, 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202 Nov. 16

Nov. 17

Nov. 20

It will be followed by Langar (community pot-luck lunch).

Further information: Kuljit Singh (573) 442-4471 and Chandra Rawlani (573) 446-5960

Skanda Sashti Puja, Friday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Skanda Sashi is celebrated in honor of Lord Subramanya (also known as Kartikeya). Skanda Sashti Kavacham and other shlokas will be recited during the puja. Further information from Anand Chandrasekhar (573) 256-7450 and Abirami Elangovan (573) 446-4977

Dec. 2

Divine Mother - Celebration of Life and Contributions, Saturday, 4:30 - 5:00 p.m.

A short talk by Kate Walker on the life and contributions of Jan. 1 Divine Mother, Mira Alfassa, of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

The talk to commemorate Mother’s Mahasamadhi day will be held immediately following the regularly scheduled yoga class. Further information from Kate Walker (573) 6579277

Tentative plans are to have a early evening celebration at the Mandir starting with a short meditation session followed by devotional/cultural program. Time and program information will be posted on the Mandir web site a week before the event.

Thanksgiving Around the World, Tuesday, 7:00 8:00 p.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom on Green Meadows

Pongal/Sankranti Celebration, Sunday, 6:00 9:00 p.m.

Mark Twain Ball Room, Memorial Union, MU

Jan. 20

This annual interfaith thanksgiving celebration organized by the Columbia Interfaith Council will be celebrated this year at the CBS’s new facility on Green Meadows road.

HTCC’s contribution is being coordinated by Annirudha Raychaudhari. Further information: Harsh Brown (573) 874-1863 and Aniruddha Raychaudhuri (573) 817-2304

New Year Puja, Tuesday

This annual community event to celebrate the harvest festival will as usual also include an entertainment program, pot-luck dinner and a food drive to benefit the Central Missouri Food Bank. Please donate generously!

Further information: Abirami Elangovan (573) xxx-xxxx

Jan. 26 Nov 22

HTCC Fall Violin Concert, Sunday, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

We will be entertained by Purnaprajna on the violin and Shiva on the Mirdangam. Suggested donations: Family $25, Individual:$15, Student::$5. Please make checks out to HTCC. Further information: Hema Srinivasan 445-2854

Gurpurab - Guru Nanak Jayanthi, Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Gurpurab celebrates the birthday of the founder of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak Dev. Celebration will include reading of the Sukhmani Sahib, Shabad Kirtans and other hymns.

Republic Day of India, Saturday The Cultural Association of India (CAI) organizes this event commemorating the Republic Day of India. In 2008 the day of the celebration coincides with the actual Republic Day. Details of time, location and program will become available from the CAI in near future.

Thank You! Please remember to upgrade/renew 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 Elangovan, Bala and Abi Gangopadhyay, Keshab and Shubhra Gopalakrishna, Srinath and Uma Gopalaratnam, Vellore and Anantha Gowda, Bhaskar and Shoba Jain, Arun 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 Sehgal, Om and Santosh 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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Agrawal, Ganesh Kumar and Nitu 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 Faizer, Rumi and Archana Ramaswamy Garg, Nadish and Shallu Ghosh, Arkashubra and Anuprita Goel, Punit and Archana Goyal, Munish and Monika Gupta, Ghanshyam and Manorma Halder, Jagabandhu and Pitu Khanna, Ramesh and Pushpa

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for 2008

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 Sivaraman, M. and Sujata Srivatsava, Pramod and Rama Srivastava Shefali Sternadori, Richard Subramanian, Krishna and Raji Sunkar, Madhavi Thiruvengadathan, Rajagopalan and Rama Kannan Tolani, Bhisham and Rajini Upadhyay, Ashish and Deepika Venkitasamy, Chandrasekar and Lakshmi Prabha Walker, Andy and Kate

The HTCC is grateful to the above families who have signed up as members as of November15. 2007 If you would like to sign-up as a member for 2008, 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 Tamil Classes Hindi Classes Bal Puja Bal Sabha

(Nov 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.

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

Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday

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 Saturday Sunday

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

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

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

Saturday Wednesday

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

4:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Service Programs Volunteering at Central Missouri Food Bank 1st Shram Daan (Labor Donation) 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) Bharata Natyam classes (instructor fee required)

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/Balaji <shanthimandir_news@mchsi.com> or <shanthimandir@yahoo.com>

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) 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.

http://shanthimandir.missouri.org

Shanthi Mandir

Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC) 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202-2043

HTCC is registered as a Nonprofit Corporation in MO HTCC is tax-exempt under IRS Section 501 (c) 3