ShanthiSandeshV5N4

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

Capital Campaign 2010

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Uddhava Gita – Avadhuta’s Story - H.R. Chandrasekhar

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Inside This Issue Uddhava Gita

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Executive Board

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In Memoriam

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Medium Term Plan

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Yoga Corner

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Summer Poem

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My Favorite Sport

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Crop Walk

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Bal Sandesh

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5, 6

Ganesh Chaturti

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Bal Sabha Fall Clean Up

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Lord Ganesha

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A Musical Journey

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Navratri Durga Puja

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HTCC Youth Day

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Lotus

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Bhagavad Gita

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Quarterly Fiscal Report

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Donor Acknowledgment

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Community Calendar

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Capital Campaign

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n the previous issue of Shanthi Sandesh we introduced the philosophical teachings of Lord Krishna to his disciple Uddhava. Often referred as “Uddhava Gita,” this work has been recognized by scholars for its deep insights and eerie similarities to Bhagavad Gita.

These teachings are narrated via engaging stories and imageries and capture the imagination of the reader.

This dialogue forms the bulk of the eleventh chapter of the Bhagawatha Purana, credited to sage Vyasa. In this article we explore the story of an Avadhuta as narrated by Lord Krishna to Uddhava “Purify your mind. Control the senses, Abandon all indulgences. Strive for self realization. Calm your mind.

These are the ways to attain the true state of liberation,” said Lord Krishna and narrated the following episode

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e would like to wish you a Happy Diwali and a very prosperous New Year.

The HTCC Board of Trustees (BoT), Executive Committee members, and several HTCC members are actively engaged in serving the community better by planning for the future. You must have already noticed the repair patch, the filling of the cracks, and the asphalt wedge on the handicapped ramp of the parking lot. At the August BoT meeting, Ranadhir Mitra was elected to serve as President, and Chandrasekhar as Vice President of BoT till February 14, 2012 with a reversal of roles (Chandrasekhar as President and Randhir Mitra as Vice President of BoT) for the second half of the 3-year term. Das Kutikkad was also elected to serve a 3-year term as Secretary of BoT.

to Uddhava “Let me tell you the story of an Avadhuta, who wandered the earth with the ultimate knowledge of Brahman and detachment. King Yadu sought this noble monk and asked him this question: “Oh, great soul, you watch mankind burn in the inferno of lust, anger and greed. Yet you are unaffected by them. What is your secret? In wisdom, demeanor, and physical strength you are superior to those around you. Yet, you hold a stick, wander the earth like a drunk and a possessed madman. This kind of detachment is new to me.

Please tell me how this came about? Where did you obtain your wisdom? Who are your teachers? Pray tell.”

The holy man replied:“I obtained knowledge and detachment from many teachers. My mind does not move though my body does.

Let me tell you the wisdom of my Gurus who are many and are found easily everywhere.

“Patience, equanimity, compassion, seeking the wellbeing of others are some of the virtues of mother earth.

Her grace discriminates no one and seeks nothing in return. A quiet brilliance is the hallmark of fire and purity that of water. I learned from them to burn all desires and cleanse my heart. Being immersed in everything yet remaining untouched is the virtue of Vayu (wind). Like the sky, the Brahman pervades everything. Thus I realized the virtues of the five elements (earth, air, sky, water and fire) and became wise.

“The Sun is impervious to the changes that occur with time and shines for the good of others. He is respected for his constancy with time. He is (Continued on Page 2)

Message from the Executive Board At that meeting, the BoT accepted and proceeded with the recommendations of the BoT Committee on Property Exploration/Options, chaired

by Sudarshan Loyalka, to undertake medium term renovations of the Shanthi Mandir. The architectural renderings and blue prints for the renovations are already in progress and should be ready by early 2011 with possible renovation taking place during summer 2011 (see page 3). Community input would be sought in 2-3 Open Houses once the architectural plans are ready. A Long-Term Planning Committee chaired

by Ranadhir Mitra was also formed by the HTCC BoT to articulate the vision of a permanent temple. The BoT

launched a new round of the capital campaign at the 2010 Ganesh Chaturthi, the fifth year anniversary of Shanthi Mandir, with a goal of raising $150,000, through December 2011.We seek generous donations from you and appeal to you to open your hearts to fulfill our shared vision. You can use the donations/pledge form on Page 11 or on the Mandir website (url: http:// shanthimandir.missouri.org/) to make your generous contributions and help us achieve our campaign target.

The annual HTCC Youth Day/Bal Sabha/Bal Puja Picnic held on August 28 was a success, with several new families attending the event.

(Continued on Page 3)

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SHANTHI Uddhava Gita (Continued from Page 1)

One who is disinterested in all mundane things, who has conquered his self, and is free of desires will attain by renunciation, a supreme perfection requiring no action.

Bhagavad Gita 18-49

one of my teachers.

“I once saw the vast ocean. Its depth and extent were profound and unfathomable. It was an illustration of the nature of Brahman who is unbounded in time and space.

“I once saw a huge tree in the middle of a forest. A family of parrots lived there with joy. The male was attached beyond measure to the female and brought anything she desired.

One day as the male had gone to find food for the chicks, a wily hunter caught them in a net. The male returned to see his family in danger and was grief-stricken ‘My dear wife is gone. What good is my life without my children. My home is not worth living in without them.’ Wailing in that manner, the male also fell into the net, as the hunter walked off with them in glee.

“Men are caught in the net of Samsara seeking fleeting moments of worldly joy but eternal sorrow and misery awaits them. Attachment only leads to increased misery.

“A party of men went in search of a bride and went to a home where no one but the bride to be was present. She offered them seats and went inside the kitchen to husk the rice to prepare food for them.

The bangles in her hand jingled when she husked. Ashamed that the guests would hear the sound and know that she did the menial job, she broke the bangles one at a time till only one bangle remained in each hand. She husked quietly in

peace.

“I watched this act of vanity in amusement. Suddenly it occurred to me that even in that act there was a subtle message. By letting go of her bangles she had gained calmness. Had she let go of her vanity, how much peace would she gain. Ego is at the heart of unhappiness.

“Even as the king passed by, I saw an artisan fixing the arrowhead on an arrow continue his work without batting an eye. Such should be the devotion to duty and concentration of mind as one struggles to fix the Brahman in one’s mind.

“As a spider weaves a web out of its own secretion, stays

I am the divine fragrance upon Earth; the brilliance in Fire; Life in all beings; Meditation in those who meditate upon me Bhagawad-Gita 7-9 at the center of it and withdraws it into itself, the supreme Brahman creates the world of all beings - fixed and moving. He remains in it and ultimately withdraws it into himself. I learnt it by watching a spider.

“I once saw a caterpillar in a cocoon frightened and obsessed by the butterflies buzzing around it. Then I saw the caterpillar turn into a butterfly and fly away. I learnt that if one is totally focused on the Brahman, he can become

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one with him.

“These are my many Gurus.

We are caught in this ocean of happiness and sorrow. If one seeks to learn the wisdom of the self (Atman), this body can serve as an oar to cross the ocean of Samsara. It has no other purpose. I may appear like a drunken fool to others due to my indifference to outward appearance. I am supremely happy within myself.

The Lord teaches us in his many forms and creations. It is for us to see and recognize the truth. He is the true Guru and there is no one else. See the oneness of his glory in the myriad forms of his creation.

Be happy in the company of the pure.”

“As Avadhuta concluded his story, King Yadu was filled with gratitude to the great soul. He reached the ultimate abode of the Lord by honoring and listening to the Yogi,” concluded Krishna to Uddhava ☯

Sources: Srimad Bhagawatam

by Sage Vyasa; Karnataka Bhagawatha (Volumes I and II), edited by H.R. Chandrasekhar Library of Congress Control No.: 2008419974

In Memoriam Dr. Arthur J. Robins, 89, died on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010. His long and active life was marked by a fascinating and varied career in academics, public service and community activities. His travels abroad cultivated an enduring passion for South Asian arts and culture. After retirement as professor emeritus of Psychiatry in 1991, Dr. Robins remained active at the university, teaching in the Honors College until spring 2010. He has been ardent supporter of the Cultural Association of India and many India-centric activities in town, including the HTCC. He was recognized with an Honorary Membership of HTCC during the 2009 Annual HTCC Banquet. Art will be greatly missed.

Kala Gupta, 63, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010, in Columbia, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born on Sept. 5, 1947, in Muzzaffarpur, India, and married Mangal Gupta on Aug. 21, 1972.

She later moved to the United States and began a 38-year career in nursing, working in local hospitals. She was a regular volunteer reader during the annual Akhand Ramayan Paath at the Shanthi Mandir. She was also passionate about cooking, gardening, nature and spending time with family and friends. Kalaji will be greatly missed by our community.

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Bengali Samaj of Columbia were actively involved in the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and Navaratri/Navami Durga Puja, respectively, at the Mandir.

The jury is still out on who won this year’s There is also a growing interest among tug of war event at the picnic. members to hold discussions on spiritual Fall always turns out to be a festive topics. With God’s grace, we were able to season at the Mandir. Celebrations of Fall festivals have been very well attended and host two talks on Gita, one by Swami Atmananda Girijee Maharaj, the recipient of well-received by the members. Krishna a Mandaleshwar position (Niranjania Jayanthi marked the continuation of the Akhada), and the other by Dr. Avinash traditions of singing the praises of Lord Sathaye, a professor at the University of Krishna and of breaking the piñata for Kentucky. We are also receiving more calls treats by setting up a children’s pyramid. to represent the Hindu Community at At the fun Ganesh idol-making activity, children and adults joined together to make interfaith events organized in Columbia.

Students enrolled in the Hickman World the Ganesha idol, mushika vahana, Religion class were also at the Mandir to modaks, fruits and prasad out of clay for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Both the learn first-hand about Hinduism. Our youth and several HTCC members participated in Mid-Missouri Marathi Mandal and the Executive Board Message (Continued from Page 1)

the CROP Walk held in October and raised $500 for a worthy cause (see Page 3) .

As 2010 comes to an end, please remember to renew your membership.

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. We are encouraged by the growth in HTCC activities and look forward to your contributions to make a difference☯ Inder Khurana Ravi Thawani Meera Chandrasekhar Manjula Narasimhan

Medium Term Plan Implementation Committee Update Vellore S. Gopalaratnam

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complete draft of the plan is TCC Medium Term Plan available. This will allow HTCC Implementation Committee members to provide suggestions (abbreviated MTP Committee for for changes to improve functional convenience), an ad-hoc features and general aesthetics of committee, was formed by Inder the Shanthi Mandir renovation Khurana in mid-September to plan. follow-up action taken by HTCC’s Concurrent with the medium term Board of Trustees (BoT) at it’s plans, Capital Campaign 2010 is August 2010 meeting. The BoT also underway beginning Ganesh voted unanimously to accept and Chaturthi 2010 (Shanthi Mandir’s proceed with the recommendations fifth anniversary) with a target of of the BoT Committee on Property raising $150,000 by the end of Exploration/Options chaired by Preliminary architectural rendering of proposed Shanthi Mandir 2011. The BoT also formed a Sudarshan Loyalka. At the August renovations. Planning currently underway within the MTP Long-Term Planning Committee meeting, the BoT also endorsed Committee may result in changes to the cladding, windows and (BoT Committee) to articulate the HTCC Executive Committee’s entrances in the rendering shown. vision of a permanent temple with action to approve $2,000 to Ranadhir Mitra (Chair), Sanjiv Sethi, V. Committee. It’s members include: Meera develop an architectural plan for the Ramachandran, Nitin Patel, Gagneesh Chandrasekhar, Leela Jashnani, Das renovation of Shanthi Mandir. The Rawat, Nirja Loyalka, and Chandra Kutikkad, Nitin Patel, Anuradha Shanthi Mandir renovation plan Rawlani as members.

Rajagopalan, Chandra Rawlani, and Ravi developed by the HTCC Facilities and The tentative plans of the MTP Thawani, all of whom are BoT members.

Renovation Committee (FRC) and shared committee are to have a draft Shanthi Ravi serves as the Secretary. The with the community at several forums Mandir renovation plan ready by early committee is ably assisted by Bimal (since October 2006) and in Shanthi 2011 with possible renovations to take Balakrishnan, an MU faculty with Sandesh (Nov. 2007 issue) will also be place during summer of 2011.

Architectural Studies. The first meeting of accompanied by an expanded parking lot Please support us with the Capital the committee was held on October 15 and improved fencing of the Mandir lot.

Campaign by making generous where details of the original FRC floor Up to $30,000 has already been donations. We also look forward to your plan were fine-tuned by Bimal (see approved by the BoT for the parking lot thoughtful input to plan for a better, more preliminary rendering of proposed expansion and improvements to the spacious and safer Shanthi Mandir. Our renovation above). The committee plans fencing. community deserves no less☯ to hold 2-3 Open Houses after a nearGopalaratnam chairs the MTP

Yoga Corner -

Ritcha Mehra-Chaudhary

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his time In “Yoga Corner” we will look at an asana called Sukhasan. I am going to break this asana into smaller steps so that you can follow it easily.

1. Sit on the floor with legs stretched out in front. Bend the left leg at the knee and place the foot under the right thigh. Next, fold your right leg and tuck the foot under your left thigh.

Sukhasan Position

2. Place the hands on the knees, palms facing upwards. Press the hipbone towards the floor.

Keep the back straight. Press the chest forward.

Keep the chin parallel to the ground.

3. Relax and breathe deeply through the nose filling the lungs completely with air.

Hold the air in lungs as long as convenient, then exhale and start normal breathing.

4. Fix your gaze at the point midway between eyebrows (this is called Kuthasta). Sit for at least five minutes☯

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Summer Poem Urmila Kutikkad 9th Grade, Jefferson Junior High School

Photo Illusion Aishi Sethi

You know it’s summer….

When the inky blues of the night slowly melt into a brilliant pink that paints the clouds When the morning sun yawns up into the eager sky, peeping over the faded skyline When a lone bird calls out a pregnant note to the vanishing moon When the brilliant pink of the bleary morning melts into a forget-me-not blue that seems to stretch on….and on….and on….

When the molten sun shatters

through the sky, dripping its gold flecks everywhere When white, woolen clouds perch lazily on the horizon When the forget-me-not blue that seems to stretch on….and on….and on….melts into a dusty grey When the sun becomes a buttery dollop tumbling down through the clouds When the grass outside transforms into cold, emerald fleece When golden trees rustle their crimson tipped leaves, looking

for all the world as if they were enormous flames When the dusty grey of the fading evening melts into a deep lavender shot with gold When crickets call their hoarse songs to dancing, iridescent fireflies When stars embedded into the dark canvas of a sky wink at the joyously emerging moon When the deep lavender shot with gold gently melts into the inky blues of the night….

You know it’s summer ☯

Greek Vase

My Favorite Sport - Soccer together. Sometimes when you Tia Rawat - 2nd Grade Mill Creek Elementary

score goals, make great passes or tackle and defend then people will compliment you. love playing soccer. Soccer is I have been playing well this my favorite sport. My team is season (Fall 2010) and so far I called Columbia-Red Spain and have scored seven goals. I need we won all our games except for to work on tackling. I am really one where we tied 2-2. good at defending, dribbling In soccer we work on passing, around the field, passing and scoring, tackling, defending, scoring goals. My target is to dribbling around the field and give my best and try to score working together to score goals. ten goals. I have scored a goal Soccer helps with a lot of things in every game except for the like exercise, working together first game. as a team, and having lots of A game like soccer is really fun. Having a fun time is my fun. Even if your team doesn’t favorite part of soccer. Some win, you still had a good time teams are hard to beat but you and gave your very best☯ can win when you work

Shreyas Srinivasan 5th Grade Paxton Keely

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Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny

Sri Satya Sai Baba

Crop Walk -

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he CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Hunger Walk is an annual event that combines fun and fundraising to raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, as well as local hunger-fighting.

The local chapter of CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) organized the Columbia CROP Hunger Walk on the 3rd of October.

This is the 3rd year that HTCC participated in the walk. 25% of

Mayukh Ghosh

the money raised by the Columbia CROP Hunger Walk is used to partially support the Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen and the Russell Chapel Food Pantry. The rest of the funds are used to support global hunger education and in support of refugees, disaster relief and self-help projects in more than 80 countries.

Registered walkers have their friends and family make donations to the cause and sponsor the walk. Prerna Srinivasan, Bharath Srinivasan, Nila Palaniappan, Visala Palaniappan, K .Palaniappan, Suryanshi Rawat, Gagneesh Rawat, Ravi Thawani , Meena Thawani, Sonal Hate and Mayukh Ghosh registered to walk on behalf of

HTCC. They were supported by several other walkers from HTCC (see photo). Our youth walkers did a splendid job of raising over $500 for the CROP walk this year. The walk routes had a short walk option of approximately one mile and a long walk option of three miles.

The walk routes were designed around the downtown area with the First Christian Church as the start and finish locations. The total amount collected during the Columbia CROP Walk was just under $19,000. The walk was an enriching experience in near perfect weather conditions and helped create awareness for a very worthy cause☯

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Newsletter of Bal Sabha of Columbia, MO

Bal Sabha Officers President Ravi Thawani Vice-President Presently Vacant Secretary/Treasurer Abirami Elangovan Cultural Secretary Alagu Arunachalam Bal Sandesh Coordinator Hema Srinivasan

November 2010

EDITOR’S NOTE al Sandesh wishes one and all a very Happy Diwali. In this issue, we B have two poems and some stories on Ganesha as well as exciting articles about the picnic and sketches and photographs. We also continue with the second part and concluding part of the series on a Musical Journey. Congratulations to all the members for participating and performing in CAI’s India Nite. Please submit your essays, poems, articles and drawings to Bal Sandesh as soon as you think they are ready for submission. We are very pleased to have an increase in the Bal Sandesh submissions this issue and hope the trend will continue with your help and enthusiasm.

Bal Sandesh joins the members of Bal Sabha in giving a huge welcome to Ms. Abirami Elangovan as the new secretary/treasurer ! ☯ The Editors

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration

clay, the molding of the idol, and the subsequent painting and decorations Radheya Naik, 10th Grade, Jefferson City High School brought youth and adults together in a fun spiritual activity. On Ganesh Chaturthi day anesh Chaturthi is one of the most arrangements are made with lighting, a Murti was decorated with garlands, popular Hindu festivals and is decoration, mirrors and flowers. Poojas flowers and ornaments. A Sthapana Pooja celebrated for the birthday of Lord Ganesh, (prayer services) are performed daily. The was performed to mount the Murti by the the God of wisdom and prosperity, on the main sweet offered is modak which is a Naiks and was guided by Mr. Mahendra 4th day of the bright fortnight of the month dumpling made out of wheat flour and filled Joshi. The Pooja was concluded by of Bhadrapada (mid with fresh or dry coconut, reciting the Aarti/ Mantra Pushpanjali, August - mid mixed with sugar, nuts ending with chants of “Ganapati Bappa September). During this and raisins. It is then Moraya”. Following the Pooja, Ganesh festival of Ganesh, the steam cooked or fried.

Bhajans were performed by the Sai Bhajan Ganesh Chaturthi has a group, and few devotional songs were elephant-headed son of very special significance presented by Smt. Nalani Ramprasad. The Shiva and Parvati is to Hindus in Columbia. believed to bestow his cultural program was followed by the Aarti The festival also marks presence on earth for all in Hindi and Marathi. A Prasad (pot lock the day in 2005 when his devotees. His dinner) was served at the end of the Shanthi Mandir was first celebration. The sweets/fruits that birthday is celebrated on made available to the a slightly different day devotees had brought were distributed community. This year’s each year as it coincides along with the Prasad. Approximately 150 celebration marked five with the phase of the people attended the celebration.

The idol of Ganesh was kept in the years of service of Shanthi Mandir to the moon. It is observed throughout India Shanthi Mandir for 10 days. The Mandir Hindu community of Columbia and especially in Maharashtra, Gujarat, was kept open for prayers and Aarti from 6 Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Historical surrounding areas.

Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated this -8 pm during those 10 days. Several records reveal that Ganesh Chaturthi devotees made use of the special temple celebrations were initiated in Maharashtra year on 11th September, 2010. The Mid Missouri Marathi Mandal took a lead in the open hours to offer their prayers to Lord

by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great celebration. Similar to last four years, Ganesh on a daily basis. On the 10th day Maratha ruler, to promote culture and many devotees got together to make the i.e. Ananth Chathurdashi day, HTCC did a nationalism. And it has continued ever Visarjan, submergence, of the Murti into since. There are also references in history clay idol of beloved Lord Ganesh, his mooshika vahana (favorite vehicle, the water. That day devotees send their guest to similar celebrations during Peshwa mouse), modakas (favorite sweet dish) back home with the chant “Ganapathi times.

During the Ganesh festival, a Ganesh and pillows (for celestial rest). Many Bappa Morya Phudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” statue is installed in street corners and in children and youth participated in this - come sooner next year☯ homes in India, and elaborate activity. The preparation of the reinforced-

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Kudos

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our Bal Sabha children participated in the K-12 Missouri Grade Chess Championship held on 16th of October, 2010 at the Memorial Union. Akhilan Elangovan, Vishnu Arunachalam, Ashwath

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Elangovan, and Vikram Arunachalam won many games and medals in their respective grade levels. The highlight was Akhil's first grade team from Mill Creek winning 1st place trophy!

Congratulations to all of them.

Maya Cutkosky was awarded a '1' rating in the District Piano auditions of Missouri Music Teachers Association and advanced to State MMTA auditions. On Saturday October 23rd, Maya performed one of her pieces in the Honors Recital for all the pianists who qualified for the State☯

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Bal Sabha Fall Clean Up 2010 - Ravi Thawani

al Sabha’s annual Fall Clean Up was scheduled on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 from 10:30am to 11:30 am at Ridgeway Elementary School 107 East Sexton Road Columbia, MO 65203.

Twice a year, as part of the City of Columbia's "Adopt a Spot" program, Bal Sabha children and parents clean around the adopted spot "Ridgeway Elementary School".

This is an excellent way to add a "volunteer project" on youth’s

Mooshika Vaahana Modhaka Hastha Chaamara Karna Vilambitha Suthra Vaamana Roopa Maheshwara Puthra Vighna Vinayaka Paadha Namasthey

Siddharth Kutikkad 5th Grade Ridgeway Elementary

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"resume" while having fun doing something worthwhile for the community.

On Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 it was a perfect day for some outdoor activity. The temperature was in the 60’s and wind was calm. Six parents and six youth arrived to the Fall Clean Up. All participants were given protective gloves and vests provided by City of Columbia Volunteer Division. The grown ups cleaned the streets and

open grounds of the Ridgeway Elementary School. Young children under supervision of Ashwath Kumar cleaned within the fenced playground area.

Six trash bags full of trash were collected. No unusual items were found.

Bharath Srinivasan provided refreshments to all the volunteers. We also took some photographs after the clean up was completed. Please join us again for Citywide Columbia Clean up in April 2011☯

Lord Ganesha

bucket full of water. The one that took form became formless Nila Palaniappan - 6th Grade, Smithton Middle School again. We sang “Ganapati Bappa Moriya” and went in a procession inside the temple. I molds and added glitter for an ord Ganesha is one of my watched the clay moulds as it extra touch. We dressed Lord favorite deities. He is the Ganesha with a blue shawl and started to disintegrate and remover of obstacles and the dissolve in the water. white beads. I thought he first God to be worshipped Lord Ganesha is very wise as looked grand! Ganesh Chaturthi before any religious functions. well; one legend states that, was celebrated on September He is the God of wisdom, long time ago, in Mount Kailash, 11th at our temple. Lord prosperity and good fortune.

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati Ganesha was invoked with Lord Ganapati is further gave a competition to the bajans and shlokas to shower acknowledged by the Pillaiyar brothers. They asked Lord his blessings onto us! suzhi, an inscription written on Ganesha and Lord Murugan My Bharata Natyam teacher, top of the page, with the fifth Mrs. Padmani Dorairajan taught (also known as Kartikeya), “Who vowel (உ) oo’ from the Tamil can go around the world three me the hand mudras and foot alphabet and two straight lines times and return first” Lord gestures for the shloka (text below it. The symbol signifies Murugan said “I can” and took that Lord Ganesha will guide us box) in a dance form off on his peacock, But Lord Meaning: He who has the through our thinking process Ganesha said, “Wait a minute, mouse as the vaahana, He who and inspire us to become a always keeps Modhaka, He who my parents are my world, so if I creative writer. go around my parents that it is has ears that resemble a hand On August 29th, my friends held fan, He who wears a chain- the same as going around the and I made Ganesh murthis at like ornament around his waist, world.” And that’s exactly what the temple. We mixed clay and he did, he circumambulated He who is short statured, He water to give form to the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati who is the son of Lord formlessness. We molded clay Maheshwara. O! Lord Vinayaka three times reciting ‘Om Nama to resemble the elephant head Sivaya’ and won the reward, the who removes all obstacles, we God and made his trunk, ears, divine mango of knowledge. Of eyes and mouth. I also sculpted worship your Divine Feet. course, when Lord Murugan On September 21, 2010, ladoos, modhakas, coconuts, found out, he was furious, but I’ll Vinayaka Visarjan was observed bananas and his vehicle Mooshika Vaahana (mouse). My at the temple. We immersed the save that story for Skanda Sashti☯ clay Ganapati idol in a wide mom and I painted the clay

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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.

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

Editorial Staff

Phone

E-Mail

Maya Cutkosky Neeta Thawani Nidhi Khurana Prerna Srinivasan Vikram Arunachalam

(573) 445-2854 (660) 888-9329 (573) 874-9647 (573) 445-0033

booneville.kid@hotmail.com n_khurana@yahoo.com

(573) 445-2854

srinivasanh@missouri.edu

Parent Advisor Hema Srinivasan

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A Musical Journey– Part II Maya Cutkosky - 11th Grade, Hickman High School

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his organization of ragas and talas likely helped composing. The mid 17th century is widely considered the golden age of Carnatic music. The famous Thyagaraga comes from this period.

However, he benefited not only from the classification of ragas and talas, but also from the construction of the kritis. Kritis are made of a pallavi, or refrain, followed by an anupalavi and then one or more charnams.

It is in the 15th century that the pallavi, anupalavi, and charnam started to form.

Padam, Javali, Tillana, and Swarajati are other musical formats that developed in this time period.

Purandara Dasa also came around this time. He came near the beginning of the kritis. However, Annamacharya, an early 15th century composer, seems to have seen the change during his time The great composers that came before him, like Arunagirinathar and Jeyadeva, did not have anupalivis. Instead, they either had, or did not have a pallavi, and then added several charnams, often eight. This format reminds one of slokams. The actual music, in most cases, has been lost in time.

Purandara Dasa uses the standard kriti style. He also introduces a new category of songs, called geethams. These songs are marked by their purpose. They exist to teach classical music. It does not have the kriti style. The standard way of playing is to go straight through the whole thing and then play the first line again. It was Purandara Das who wrote the first four geethams that all Carnatic musicians learn today. He was also the one who determined that the beginners in Carnatic music should start in the raga Maya Malava gowlai. The beginning exercises, as a result, can also be attributed to him. In summary, Purandara Das accomplished the standardizing of Carnatic music teaching The desire to make music simpler has always pursued Carnatic musicians. In the modern era this is shown by making performance and listening easier. However, even when these musicians were discovering the fundamentals of their music, the idea of ease was on their mind.

Ever since formalized dance, and subsequently music came into being as a simplified form of God, the desire to make listening and playing easier could not be more natural. After all, was it not something understandable that had been promised? It was in an attempt to put some sense into what makes music show such emotions and so be able to replicate it that tala and raga were discovered. Nurtured by these structures, improvisation developed and popularized. With an understanding of what patterns of notes and rhythms sound good together, improvising is easy. In every

Carnatic performance, all the artists get a time to improvise, yet if the understanding of raga and tala had not developed, this tradition would never have existed

In the 15th through 18th centuries, Carnatic musicians improved their understanding some more. The greatest known composers of Carnatic music come from that time period. The much recognized “Carnatic trinity,” Shyama Shastri, Thyagaraja, and Muthuswamy Dikshitar, are 15th to 19th century composers. There is no doubt that they were helped by the inventiveness going around them. Thyagaraja, a mid 17th century, early 18th century composer, is thought to have figured out the connection between music and God and he outlined the way to reach salvation through music alone. It is no question that his music is wondrous. K. Sundararajan while secretary of Nanganallur Sri Tyagaraja Sangeetha Samajam listed four reasons for this greatness: the variation, his use of Divyanama Kirthanas and Kirthanas, simple emotional wording written in Telugu, and a fit of words with tune. Some of these have little to do with any advancement of time. However, traits like variation would have been near impossible if so many variations had not already existed and so nicely defined.

Ironically, this desire for simplicity has made Carnatic music quite complex.

Nothing but human nature is to blame for that. The only way we know to make something simple is to understand it and the only way we can understand it is to put it into terms we know.

Just like to understand the simple shape of a circle, we think in terms of squares and so make understanding irrational numbers necessary for understanding some of its properties, to understand the properties of music we are forced to think about it in terms of something that is not quite the soul of music. Every few centuries, the Carnatic musicians seemed to go back and re-explain what they had explained earlier.

While this leads to easy learning, it does not lead to much progress in music itself. In fact, the number of compositions has gotten steadily smaller. Annamacharya, an early 15th century composer, is credited with 32,000 songs . People like

Thyagaraja wrote around 700 . Most composers nowadays write less then 100.

A similar pattern is seen is western music.

However Carnatic music is again going in the opposite direction in terms of audience.

Western classical music, while popular in its old form all over the world, has lost its audience. Carnatic music is still really popular in South India, where it originated.

The history of Indian classical music shows an consistent desire to develop; first in rhythm and tone patterns, then in reorganizing the structures that are already existent, then in adding new technologies.

It has reached its peak and gone past it.

Music comes from ones heart, and so is universally accepted. The rules that apply to it always will, no matter when. A long time ago, after realizing the joys of perfect fourth and fifths, the music of the west and the east took off in different directions towards the same goal. They each made remarkable realizations about music. They each reached their golden age. They each have gone past it. Maybe it is time the musicians of both sides put their other (musical or non musical) differences aside and join together. The goal, to find out why and how music makes us feel the way it does, remains the same.

On the other hand, if progress is made towards this goal, which it eventually will, would we want it? With the progress of the sruti box it is easy to see instrumentalists and then singers themselves being displaced. With the western self writing accompaniment programs existing from the western understanding of harmony, it is easy to see the same Carnatic understanding of melody and rhythm completely undermine the need to compose. It is extremely doubtful any of these could accumulate the fatigue washing exuberance a live Carnatic performance brings. The possibility nonetheless exists that these performances will almost completely go away. Even more scary a thought: what would happen if we actually do discover why music works?

Would it continue to captivate us, or would it loose our respect, like a magician whose trick is already known? Should music continue in its goal? Can it, with human nature’s desire for new knowledge, not continue? Unknown knowledge is too enchanting a snare. There is nothing to do but hope that God will hide the secret from us☯ References: Sambamurthy, . History of Indian Music. fourth edition. Chennai, India: The Indian Music Publishing House, 1998. 1-10. Print Subba Rao, T. V. Ragas of the Sangia Saramrta. First. Madras, India: The Indian Music Academy, 1994. 8. Print.

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Navaratri Durga Puja Celebrations - Ranadhir Mitra

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During Navaratri, Goddess Durga is invoked first to cleanse the mind. Goddess Lakshmi is invoked next to cultivate noble values and qualities.

Finally, Goddess Saraswati is invoked for acquiring supreme knowledge of the Self.

This is the significance of Navaratri (the three sets of three nights dedicated to each of these Goddesses).

Victory of the mind and the intellect is celebrated on the tenth day or Vijayadashami.

he Navaratri Durga Puja was celebrated at the Shanthi Mandir in Columbia with intense 3-day fanfare this year. Starting with the “Kalas” and “Pratima Sthaapna” by Shri Sateesh Bhagwat on Oct. 10th, the Mahalaya (the first day of the Navaratras) Devi Jagaran day, the atmosphere at the temple became charged with an air of serene purity by the chanting of mantras accompanied by jingling bells, Shankha-naad, Aardhaas, Aarati and Pushpanjali rituals.

The attendance at the Puja was quite high and Shri Bhagwatji’s explanation of the mantras, the rituals and the essence of Durga Puja kept us all captivated. Shri Bhagwatji led over a dozen of the devotees to perform the Puja under his guidance. It was followed by several bhajans by devotees and the Puja hall reverberated with frequent “Bolo Jai Mata Di” calls from Tarang Parashar which were enthusiastically reciprocated by the congregation. Prasad and dinner arranged by the Devotional Committee of the Mandir were then served concluding the Mahalaya rites of worship on Saturday, October

O

10th.

The Mandir was decorated from the very first Mahalaya day and Aarati offered to Ma Durga

by Chandraji each evening; the Bengali community of Columbia took the lead in organizing the Maha Navami and Vijaya Dashami days of the Puja to express devotion to Ma Durga with festive flair. The captivating fragrance of myrrh and incense, the Shankh-Naad, the beat of the “Dhak Dhol” bells and the jubilant expressions of the devotees on the evening of Maha Navami brought out the passion for Durga Puja. Nilotpal chanted mantras accompanied

by Saikat. The chanting overlapped “asttora-satanaam stotra” recitals by Alpana and the 'Chandipath' by Mitra proclaimed the glory of Ma Durga during the Puja service.

After paying obeisance to Ma Durga through bhajans, Pushpanjali and Aarati in a

highly charged spiritual ambiance, the congregation sat down in rows to enjoy Prasad and bhog before heading home for the rest of the night.

Gathering for the “Bisarjan” ceremony the next morning, the devotees chanted hymns to bid goodbye to Ma Durga with Aarati, Pushpanjali and beats of “Dhak' Dhol” bells and by blaring Shankh-Naad to the fullest. Then followed the 'sindur khela' – the married women smearing one another’s face with sindur (vermillion powder), wishing each other long and happy married lives.

This tradition of concluding the Durga Puja festivity started among the married women of the Bengali community some 400 years ago; it also engages the male and unmarried female members of the congregation these days - as it did on Sunday, October 17th at the Shanthi Mandir this year. After sharing Prasad and lunch together, the congregation departed planning to have the Durga Puja again at the same facility next year which is to be renovated to accommodate greater numbers of devotees☯

HTCC Youth Day/Bal Sabha/Bal Puja Picnic

n August 28, 2010 the day we had the annual HTCC Youth Group/Bal Sabha/Bal Puja Picnic, the weather was nice and the park was quiet. The Saturday weather was perfect for a picnic.

We arrived at Dexheimer Shelter in Cosmo Park and set up the tables and food. Everyone arrived in due time and greetings were exchanged.

The smell of food was in the air, but no one's mind was on that

yet.

Many fun events took place that day: volleyball games, sand castle building in the sand box by the younger kids, games of tag and the customary tug of war. The tug of war always generates a lot of excitement. It draws everyone in ,kids, youth and adults alike. By the 3rd and final round - it's a do or die time.

The boys do not want to lose and the girls want to beat them and win.

The food was truly delicious. It was simple, and yet had a great

The small flower at the bottom of a pond amidst the mud and muck grows To become green leaves, white petals, yellow pistils in between A sweet fragrance like no other aroma, No other flower anywhere,

Has such loveliness to compare Beauty kissed by dew It waits upon the water for its Spring debut Oh Lotus, in the swamp you reign Constant, day by day, To the light you grow

Neeta Thawani - 10th Grade Booneville High School variety, thanks to all the cooks who pitched in.

Mayukh Ghosh and Prerna Srinivasan announced details from the upcoming fund raiser "CROP WALK". Following the annual tradition, we took a group picture at the end of the picnic.

Thanks to all the Aunties for preparing such delicious food, Nandhu Radhakrishnan and other HTCC volunteers for making the annual picnic such a big success. We can hardly wait for the picnic in 2011☯

Lotus - Nidhi Khurana 10th Grade, Rock Bridge Living in the muddy waters, yet still pure, Here lies the exquisite flower That no other can compare.

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Shreemad Bhagavad Gita - Part 11 Saroj Mohan

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n the previous chapter, Karma yoga, i.e.yoga by actions or Pravriti was described as one of the paths of Self Realization. But, we understood that Gyan or wisdom must be there to make ‘work as worship’ unto the Divine. Thus, Karma or ‘action’ must end in ‘inaction,’ or ‘Nivriti’ or Gyan.( The Knowledge of Reality, the Infinite Consciousness.)

In this chapter Shri Krishna’s eternal divine presence is also made clear to Arjuna, who looked upon Him only as his beloved friend. Shri Krishna is Sarvagya or knower of all, the immortal Parmaatma and Arjuna is an ignorant, mortal Jeevaatma.

We learned in the previous chapter that this eternal knowledge or Gyan was given in the Vedas, by the Divine Lord himself.

Now, Shri Krishna proceeds to tell Arjuna how this great knowledge was at first given to the Sun or Vivaswaan by Him in the very beginning. In the cosmic time span, many suns were created, existed and dissolved but this knowledge was not totally destroyed. Shri Krishna also described how it was relayed traditionally, from master to disciple over the generations, according to the Guru Shishya Parampara In the 1st and 2nd verses, Shri Krishna said, “O Arjuna, in the very beginning, I told this eternal, imperishable, immortal Yoga to Vivaswaan or the Sun God. The Sun God told it to his son, Vaivswaat Manu, the law-giver of ancient India. Then Manu passed on this knowledge to his son Ikshwaasu, the ancestor of the Solar dynasty or Surya Vansh. “ Oh Paramtap Arjuna, the Royal king sages or Rajarshees knew this Yoga for a long time. The eternal knowledge of the Vedas is imperishable, and it is handed down from master to disciple but in time it was almost lost and destroyed from this Earth In the 3rd verse, Shri Krishna described how it was revived again. He said, “You are my devotee and a very beloved friend, so I am sharing this with you today, this ancient knowledge which is the greatest secret; which is worth knowing and preserving.”

Before we continue, it is important to understand that Lord Shri Krishna is the immortal, imperishable Parmaatma; the knower of eternal knowledge. However Arjuna is a mortal Jeevaatma who does not know or remember the eternal truth. If we keep this in mind, it is easier to understand the following verses. The Lord had praised this ancient knowledge in the previous verse. After listening to it, Arjuna was confused and doubtful. He wondered that if Shri Krishna were here at the present time and these events just

referred to took place in ancient times, how could it be possible for Him to know all these things?

The 4th verse begins with Arjuna asking, “O Lord, your birth is in the present time and the Sun’s birth is very ancient (in the beginning of Kalpa, a certain measure of time) so how can I comprehend that you imparted this knowledge in the beginning of Kalpa, to the Sun God?” Shri Krishna responded, “ O Paramtap, or destroyer of enemies, there were many births of Me and you, only you do not remember them at all but I do.” (I know all the births - Mine and yours). It is clear that Shri Krishna is describing to Arjuna his immortality and divinity and Arjuna’s or a Jeevaatma’s mortality, which He further elaborates in the 6th verse Shri Krishna said, “ Even though I an Ajanma or un-born, Avinashi or imperishable but still with my Prakriti and Yogamaya or nature and power I am the creator of all living beings and my own Maya.”

The Lord is the Master of His Maya and appears and manifests Himself on this earth by his own free will. He creates, sustains and destroys the creation according to His will. Maya is under His control and does whatever He desires. In the next verse He declares when and why He manifests himself on this earth.

Continuing in the 7th verse Shri Krishna says,“ O Bharata, whenever there is a decay of righteousness and a rise of unrighteousness, then I take a form and appear on the earth. I manifest Myself for the welfare of all.”

The purpose of His manifestation is clearly stated in the 8th verse which is very well-known and often quoted. The Blessed Lord said, “To protect good and destroy sinners and evil people, I manifest myself in every Yuga. I appear on the earth, again and again to reestablish Dharma or righteousness.”

From time to time we see a rise in unrighteousness, degradation of nature, and destruction of Dharma in all fields of life. At such unfortunate times the Lord

appears to help mankind, to protect good people and punish evil ones .

In 9th verse Shri Krishna addresses how and why He manifests Himself. He says, “O Arjuna, those who know the fundamental Reality or Tattwatah, know that my births and creations are pure and divine. Such a knower of the truth comes to me when he leaves his body and does not fall into the cycle of life and death.”

Tattwa Gyan or Knowledge of Reality or Self Realization leads to liberation from duality, gives immortality and Godhood.

Devotees who totally surrender themselves unto the divine and do Sadhna or spiritual practices, in time, become pure and egoless and realize the Self. They become immortal and eternally enjoy the pure, blissful state of Godhood.

Shri Krishna in 10th verse and says, “O Arjuna, even in earlier times, those devotees who were free from attachment, fear and anger (Veet-Raga Bhaya Krodhah) and completely took refuge in me were purified by the light of Tattwva Gyan or the light of wisdom and have merged in to Me.” After Self Realization there is no ego or duality, the Self Effulgent non-dual, pure being exists. Jeevatma dissolves into Parmaatma, like a droplet of water merges with the ocean. The devotee becomes one with God. As we know, in Indian culture and philosophy, there are many paths to SelfRealization. The Beloved Lord tells us about it in the 11th verse.

Shri Krishna says, “O Partha, son of Pritha, whoever worships and reveres Me, (by whichever path) in whatever way, I reward him totally according to their choice.” I reward, bless and satisfy them according to their reverence, feelings and path. This is about the unselfish devotee, who worships the Lord without the desire for the fruits of his actions.

Now in the following verse Shri Krishna talks about the people who desire fruits of their action by worshiping various Devatas or Godheads.

So in 12th verse our Beloved Lord says, “Worldly people who worship various Gods are granted their wishes quickly.”

This verse highlights the fact that in the short term, perishable joys can be achieved by individuals by performing Sakam puja or worship for desired fruits of their action. But this does not give them the bliss and liberation which result from Nishkam Karma or unselfish devotion for the Lord. Only through Nishkama karma yoga can one gain liberation and this is the devotion where work becomes worship☯

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HTCC Quarterly Fiscal Report

For the period July 1, 2010 - September 30, 2010 Prepared by Manjula Narasimhan, Treasurer, Oct 17, 2010 Quarterly Revenues Interest Income Interest Income Membership: 2010 Annual Individual Members Donations: Check Donations Hundi Donations/Prayer Services Facilities Use Donations: Mandir and Educational Center Use Donations Other Revenues Special Events (Beat the Heat) Summer Workshop Total Quarterly Revenues Quarterly Expenses

$980.73

$980.73

$50.00

$50.00

$11,238.00 $1062.65

$12,300.65

$220.00

$220.00

$705.00 $25.00

$730.00 $14,281.38

$10.00 $50.00 $698.00 $408.01 $222.61 $287.89 $662.57 $116.62 $962.29

Administrative Bank Charges Insurance Lawn and Garden Maintenance and Supplies Printing and Mailing Special Events (Beat the Heat) Upgrades and Repairs Utilities Total Quarterly Expenses

$3,417.99

Net Income for the Quarter

$10,863.39

Thank You! Donor Acknowledgement, August 1 – Oct 31, 2010 We gratefully acknowledge the following donations made during the above period. 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.

Please donate or pledge generously to our Capital Campaign 2010.

2010 With Lord Ganesha’s Grace and your active support we can surely reach the target of $150,000 ahead of schedule!

$24Jashnani, Ghansham and Leela Kumar, Lalit and Arpita Mohan, Amitabh Nair, Satish and Jyotsna Pennathur, Shiva Kumar Radhakrishnan, Nandu and Selvi Rawlani, Ramesh and Chandra Tolani, Bhisham and Rajini $25 - $99 Krishna, Gopal and Santosh Paul, Kamalendu Rangachari, Lakshmi Rao, Samir and Shraddha Srinivasan, Bharath and Manjula Narasimhan Sudha Patney Vandrangi Krishna and Palavalsa Kavitha $100 - $199 Chaudhary, Kunal and Ritcha Kuttikad, Das and Geetha Mantrala, Murli and Surya Manusmare, Purushottam and Usha Mitra, Ranadir and Roma Ratneshwar, Srinivasan and Subbalakshmi Subramanian, Krishna and Raji Thawani, Ravi and Meena

$200 - $499 Batchu, Sudhir and Priya Basu, Asit and Sandra Sehgal, Santosh $500 - $999 Mahal, Satnam and Jasvir Malhotra, Kusum and Anil Palaniappan, Kannappan and Visala Sethi, Sanjiv and Punam Shankha, Banerji $1000-$2,499 Aggrawal, Kul and Archana Dabir, Vishwanath and Pramila Gupta, Ghanshyam and Manorma Khanna, Sanjeev and Vinita Loyalka, Sudarshan and Nirja Rawat, Gagneesh and Aditi Sethi, Yash and Anjna $2,500- $5,250 Chandrasekar, Holalkere and Meera Gopalaratnam, Vellore and Anantha Khurana, Inder and Jasmit

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Community Calendar (November 1, 2010 - January 31, 2010) Unless otherwise indicated, all events are at Shanthi Mandir, 2006 Holly Avenue, Columbia, MO 65202.

Nov 6

Deepavali Lakshmi Puja Saturday 6:00 - 8:00 pm Contact: Kusum Malhotra (573) 445-1867

Nov 13

Siddha Yoga Talk Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Contact: Visala Palaniappan (573) 446-1962

Nov 21

Interfaith Thanksgiving Sunday 4:00 pm, Stotler Lounge MU Contact: Leela Jashnani ljashnan@yahoo.com

Dec 4

Guru Nanak Jayanthi Contact: Chandra Rawlani - (573) 446-5960

Jan 1

New Year Celebration Saturday 10:30 am - Noon Contact: Chandra Rawlani - (573) 446-5960

Jan 16

Pongal/Sankranti Celebration Sunday 6:00 - 9:00 PM Mark Twain Ballroom, MU Memorial Union.

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: Nandhu Radhakrishnan (573) 882-4082

Jan 30

Republic Day of India Celebration Tentative Schedule. Location and Time: TBD Further information: Ranadhir Mitra - (573) 268-3736

Shri Krishna Jayanthi 2010 Several devotees stayed back at the Mandir past midnight to welcome baby Krishna

HTCC Capital Campaign 2010 We need and appreciate your generous donations!

We are pleased to report that Capital Campaign 2010 is making steady progress towards our target of $150,000 (see graphic).

Detailed information on HTCC BoT approved plans and Donor Benefits are posted at: http://shanthimandir.missouri.org/HTCCCapitalCampaign2010.pdf The Medium Term Plan Committee update is also included on Page 3. As we implement medium- and long-term plans, we seek generous donations from our members and friends. Thanks to our many benefactors and volunteers, the Mandir is on a sound financial footing. We have no debt. The scope and size of our activities have rapidly exceeded what our current facility can accommodate.

As we grow the activities of the Mandir to better serve our community and work toward a more spacious and safer Mandir, we view support from the community as integral to our success.

We appeal to you to open your hearts to fulfill this shared vision. As you consider your donations, remember that‌ Donations to HTCC are tax-deductible per IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation designation.

HTCC serves 150+ families; 100 families are members, 67 families/individuals are Sustaining Members.

We need to facilitate safer operations of the Mandir as we plan for the next phase of our growth.

Volunteers contribute over 15,000 of hours of service each year; this holds our operational costs to a minimum.

100% of donations made to the Capital Campaign will be available solely for capital expenditures.

Complete and return the form included alongside (detach along the dotted line) with your check to: HTCC Capital Campaign Committee, Attn: Dr. H. R. Chandrasekhar, 2404 Limerick Lane, Columbia, MO 65203

Please make checks payable to HTCC

Donation/Pledge Form Yes, I would like to donate to the Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid-Missouri (HTCC): I am ENCLOSING (or) PLEDGING to pay by ________________________________ (indicate details of payment schedule)

an amount of $100 $200 $500 $1,000 $5,000* $10,000* Other __________________ (specify amount of donation) * Please see DONOR BENEFITS section in the Capital Campaign 2010 brochure (link alongside)

I would like my gift to be used toward: infrastructure improvements approved by HTCC BoT purchase of land as described in the long-term plan (see CC 2010 brochure) If you would like to discuss other customized donation options in installments, or would like to make recurring donations, please contact Dr. H. R. Chandrasekhar, Chair HTCC Capital Campaign Committee at (573) 446-6143 or sudhama08@gmail.com Signature Name (Please print clearly) Address

E-Mail Address Phone

Date

Shanthi Mandir

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 286 Columbia MO 65201

Hindu Temple and Community Center of Mid窶信issouri (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

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

(November 15, 2010)

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 Friday Saturday Sunday

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

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

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

Wednesday Saturday Sunday Sunday

4:00 - 8:30 p.m.

10:15 - 11:45 a.m Flexible for now 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Service Programs Volunteering at Central Missouri Food Bank 1st Shram Daan 1 (Labor Donation) Shram Daan 2 (Labor Donation) Narayan Seva (Sai Group - St. Francis Home Lunch) 2nd Non-Perishable Food Collection (Ongoing continuously) Fitness and Cultural Art Programs Bharata Natyam classes (instructor fee required) Yoga Classes (instructor fee required) Tabla classes (instructor fee required) Carnatic vocal music 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 its Publications Committee. Editor: Tarang Parashar (tarangparashar@gmail.com). Formatting help from B. S. Balaji (Hyderabad, India) is greatly appreciated.

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