SAMAJ PATRIKA

Volume XX1I, Issue IV November 2013

HINDU SAMAJ OF BATON ROUGE, INC.

6406 Quinn Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70817 Phone: (225) 753-3000 hsbr@hindusamaj.org
The Lord said: He who hates no creature, and is friendly and compassionate towards all, who is free from the feelings of I and mine, even minded in pain and pleasure, forbearing, ever content, steady in meditation, self controlled and possessed firm conviction, with mind and intellect fixed on Me he who is thus devoted to Me, is dear to Me. He by whom the world is not agitated and who can not be agitated by the world, who is freed from joy, envy, fear and anxiety- he is dear to Me. He who is free from dependence, who is pure, prompt, unconcerned, untroubled, renouncing every undertaking, he who is thus devoted to Me is dear to Me. He who neither rejoices, nor hates, nor grieves, nor desires, renouncing good and evil, full of devotion, he is dear to Me. He who is the same to friend and foe, and also in honor and dishonor, who is the same in heat and cold, and in pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment, to whom censure and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, homeless, steady minded, full of devotion, he is dear to Me. And they who follow this Immortal Dharma, as described above, endued with Shraddha in Me as the Supreme Goal, are exceedingly dear to Me. Bhagvad Gita, Chapter 12, Verses 13 through 20

REGULAR DEVOTIONAL SERVICES

Pooja and Bhajans are held every Sunday from 10:30 AM 12 noon. Shiv Stuti and Bhajans will be held: from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. Gayatri Prarthana is held at the Samaj on the last Sunday of each month from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

PAST EVENTS
Thursday, August 15, 2013 Indias Independence Day was celebrated starting at 7:30 PM. Program included a procession, flag hoisting, Patriotic songs and a speech presented by Mr.Gopalchandra Dave. There was a video presentation of silent national anthem presented by physically challenged children. The sweets were brought by many of the attendees and enjoyed by all. There were about 60 people who participated in the celebration.

Sunday, August 25, 2013 Gayatri Deep Yagna was performed to commemorate Guru Purnima. The event was attended by 80 people. Mahaprasad was sponsored by Champakbhai and Ela Patel. Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Janmashtami was celebrated with a big fanfare starting with Pooja and Krishna Janma ritual at 6 PM. The program included Bhajans, a procession of children dressed in festive clothes followed by a formal program. A group of children recited Krishnashtkam. This was followd by Arya and Ayush Patel reciting 15th chapter of Bhagvad Gita which they have memorized. A group dance Meri Jaan hai Radha was presented by several talented. Children. Lastly, Ishani Deliwala spoke about Janmashtami in Gujarati, Hindi and English. Her speech included recitation of Sanskrit Shlokas. At the end, there was a Matki Breaking by children with sweets flying out. Samaj acknowledges efforts of Sangita Desai, Binita Bhatt and many others in organizing the program. It was an exciting celebration for about 225 people who were in attendence. The participant children were amazingly talented making us all very proud. Falahar prasad was sponsored by Champakbhai and Ela Patel. The delicious fruit salad was sponsored by Pravin and Shila Patel, and Bharat and Mita Patel. Samaj looks forward to more celebrations with children showcasing their talents. Sunday, September 15, 2013 Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated starting with Ganesh Pooja at 10:30 AM. This was followed by Bhajans and Aarti. Mahaprasad lunch was sponsored by Narendra and Jyoti Vora. Several people brought fruits, Ladoo and other sweets for offering. The event was attended by 75 people.

Saturday, October 5, 2013 thru Saturday, October 12, 2013 Navratri was be celebrated with Raas-Garba each night, on weekdays, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM and on Friday and Saturday nights, from 7:30 PM till midnight. Mother Parvati blessed all the attendees as many performed Aarti and offered Prasad. Geeta Modha and Kishori Patel changed Matajis outfit each night with brand new sarees supplied by devoted ladies. Children, youth and adults of all ages danced to the singing of Shanti Oza, Surekha Patel, Neela Adhvaryu and many more. Dinner was sponsored by Balubhai and Kishoriben Patel and Jayantibhai and Kanchanben Patel on Saturday, October 5, and by Vipul and Sanjana Rreshamwala and Arun and Gita Patel on Sunday, October 6. Thank you to all the participants who brought lot of energy and enthusiasm each night, making the festival season a successful one. Aarti sponsors are listed in acknowledgement section. Sunday, October 205, 2013 Shard Purnima was celebrated at Lamar Dixon hall in Gonzales, Louisiana with music provided by Mumbai Masti band from India. There were 750 people in attendance, far exceeding the expectations of the organizers. People participated in Garba and Raas from 5 PM to 11 PM with a dinner break from 6:30 PM to 8 PM. Thanks are due all the cooks, hall setup and cleanup crew and all the volunteers who made this event run very smoothly. The band was awesome providing non-stop music with traditional songs. The event was financed by the generosity of corporate, business and individual donors. The hard work and tireless effort of all the volunteers made this program a huge success. The event ended up with a surplus of $2,251 which will be retained by Hindu Samaj for future entertainment programs.

Saturday, October 26, 2013 Ek Kundi Homatmak Gayatri Yagna was performed starting at 5 PM. Mahaprasad was sponsored by Harishbhai and Darshnaben Patel, served to approximately 65 people following the conclusion of the Yagna. Sunday, November 3, 2013 Diwali was celebrated with Laxmi pooja from 10:30 AM to 12 Noon. The Altar was prepared with Annakoot Prasad during this time. The second part of the celebration was held starting at 5 PM with a short cultural program. This was followed by Annakoot darshan, and Aarti. Dinner was served to conclude the festive day attended by 250 people. The cultural program included hit performances from the cutest little girls and boys and some talented adults. The children were fearless on the stage dancing away as they entertained the audience. Many people worked hard to make this day a huge success. Sangita Desai was instrumental in putting a team together for decorating the premises and organizing the cultural program. She had help from Pranjal Banthia, Kishan Shah, Richa Banthia, Nigam Patel and many others including the parents of the performers. Kishan Shah did an outstanding job as MC. Delicious dinner was sponsored by an anonymous donor and Mrs. Sudhaben Patel and was prepared by many ladies who are acknowledged with deep gratitude for their deication and hard work. Sunday, November 10, 2013 Pizza Party for the participants of Diwali cultural program was held from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Samaj. Pizza and drinks were sponsored by a adorable Amaya Patel (daughter of Nigam and Sejal Patel). It was attended by total of 30 children and adults who enjoyed the party and held discussion about the next cultural program which is planned for Fabruary 2014.

FUTURE EVENTS
Saturday, February 22, 2014 Member Appreciation Dinner and Cultural program will be held beginning at 6 PM. Thursday, February 27, 2014 Maha Shivratri will be celebrated starting at 6:30 PM with Shiv Abhishek, Recital of Shiv Stuti and Bhajans. Falahar Prasad will be served following the Aarti. Sunday, March 16, 2014 Holi will be celebrated with all day Utsav that will include festive holi colors, entertainment and food. Details will be forthcoming in the future. Sunday, March 30, 2014 General Body Meeting and Elections will be held starting at 4 PM. All the members are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. Saturday, April 5 - Sunday April 6, 2014 Ram Navmi will be celebrated with continuous Tulsi Ramayan Recital, Bhajans , Aarti and Mahaprasad lunch. Details will be provided in the next issue of Patrika and by email.

YOUTH CORNER
Sunday, September 22, 2013 Kite flying and Picnic was held at Highland Park starting at 3 PM. This youth event was open to all in the community. It turned out to be a beautiful day weather wise. More than 100 people attended the event. The activities included kite flying, soccer, football, Frisbee, walking the trails and socializing. Delicious Khichadi and Chhas were prepared and sponsored by Bharat and Mita Patel. The youth group provided water, soft drinks and dessert. Thanks to Kishan Shah and his helpers for 3

working hard in making this event very enjoyable. We hope to repeat this in the spring with even a larger turnout.

meaningful contribution to help save the environment. Samaj membership of $125 per year per family is due on the first day of Navratri. Adult individuals or families living in the same household and filing their own Income Tax return will be required to establish their own separate yearly memberships. Please make your check payable to Hindu Samaj and give it to the Treasurer Ela Patel or any of the board members. Your membership is needed to sustain the Samaj and its activities. If you would like to submit an article for Readers Corner, please email it to hsbr@hindusamaj.org. There is no charge to hold a religious event at the Samaj as long as the function is open to all, members and non-members alike. It is the responsibility of the persons sponsoring the event to ensure the Samaj premises is left clean, the garbage is disposed properly in the dumpster at the back of the building and no food is left in the refrigerator. If the dumpster is full, the garbage bags must not be left outside the dumpster on the floor. The Aarti donations for such events must go to Samaj. No exceptions. Samaj is looking for sponsors for food served at all major events. The sponsorship can be monetary or supplying one or more food items. Your generous support will be very much appreciated. All the attendees and their guests attending religious events at the Samaj are requested to follow a protocol and dress respectfully. Shorts and hats must not be worn for such events. Event reminders and information will be conveyed to the members by E-mail. Please make sure that Hindu Samaj has your current Email address. We can only maintain one email address per membership due to space restriction on Hindu Samaj website. 4

Sunday, September 29, 2013 and Thursday October 3, 2013 Garba Lessons were held at the Samaj to prepare for the upcoming Navratri festival. Saturday, October 26, 2013 Boo at the Zoo is an annual event attended by Baton rouge community. Hindu Samaj youth participated as a group inviting adults to join them at this fun event. If you are interested in participating in Samaj youth activities, please contact Richa Banthia (755-4030) or Kishan Shah at (755-6467).

SAMAJ ANNOUNCEMENTS
One can become a donor member with a onetime donation of $500 which will provide voting privilege to the member. A donor member can also become a Trustee if nominated and elected during the annual election cycle. Please consider becoming a donor/voting member and get more involved with the operation of the Samaj Mr. Gopalchandra Dave (father of Kalyan Dave) will be performing pooja on Sundays as Dr. Kumar is unable to provide this service on a regular basis due to personal reasons. Please plan on attending this weekly event and show your support. Hindu Samaj is recycling plastic water bottles, plastic cups and aluminum soda cans. Please help us with this effort by using the recycle bin placed in the Samaj hall as it is a small but

Congratulations are extended to the parents Manish and Asha Sthanki and Grandparents Daulat and Vijaya Sthanki on the birth of a baby girl Maya on May 20, 2013.

Rental Policy
The Hindu Samaj facility may be rented by the Samaj members at the Boards discretion. The Samaj Hall rental fee for members is $300 per day which includes the use of Samaj kitchen for cooking on the day of rental and the use of Samaj utensils. The kitchen can be rented for cooking on the day before the event for an additional charge of $100. A cleaning deposit fee of $100 will be required in all cases and will be refunded only if the Samaj Hall, the kitchen and Bathrooms are left in clean condition and the Samaj utensils are cleaned and returned in proper condition. A checklist of rental policy/guidelines will be provided when the key is given to the renter. It is the renters responsibility to pick up the keys on time. The board members may not be available to deliver the keys on the day of the event. The renter will be responsible and liable for any damage to the Samaj property and will be required to sign such an agreement at the time of renting. The rental fee and the cleaning deposit must be paid in advance. The Samaj facilities may also be rented to non-members at the Boards discretion. For non-members, the hall rental fee is $400 per day. Please contact Pravin Patel if interested in renting Samaj facility.

Congratulations are extended to the parents Dipesh and Nikita Patel and Grandparents Jayantibhai and Kanchanben Patel on the birth of a baby girl Misha.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Samaj gratefully acknowledges following donations. Ramesh and Kalpana Patel Navneet and Manu Patel Dinesh and Joyoti Desai Alka Joshi Pratul and Meena Ajmera Shailesh and Smita Patel Kishor and Nancy Chapaneri Champak and Ela Patel Narendra and Jyoti Vora Ratilal Patel Digamber and Swapna Shembekar Aarti Sponsors for navratri: Jitendra and Vibhuti Dave $ 70 Alay and Dipa Desai $ 51 Ramnik and Geeta Modha $ 51 Champak and Ela Patel $ 51 Manjuben Patel $ 51 Naresh and SHilpa Patel $ 51 Shailesh and Smita Patel $ 51 Kikkeri and Uma Srinivas of New Jersey $ 51 Following Aarti sponsors donated $ 25: Pratul and Meena Ajmera Ramesh and Maya Bettagere Kirit and Daxa Desai 5 $ 500 $ 500 $ 251 $ 251 $151 $151 $ 101 $ 101 $ 51 $ 25 $ 21

MEMBER NEWS
Sincere condolences are extended to Hemant Desai and family on the passing of his mother Jashumatiben Desai on August 14, 2013 in Gandhinagar, India.

Rajendra and Sangita Desai Rakesh and Radhika Jariwala Jayanti and Jyoti Joshi M. B. and Sharda Kumar Sumanbhai and Jashuben Naik Jaimin and Jayshree Pandya Alpesh and Amisha Patel Balubhai and Kishoriben Patel Bipinbhai and Jyotsnaben patel Dahyabhai and Padmaben Patel Harshad and Jayshree Patel Hasmukh and Damini patel Hasmukh and Geeta patel Jayantibhai and Kanchanben Patel Kishorbhai and Champaben Patel Minesh and Devyani Patel Mukesh and Rama Patel Navnitbhai and Manuben patel Nigam, Sejal and Amaya Patel Pravin and Shila Patel Raman and Ramila Patel Ramesh and Shakuben Patel Suresh and Urmila Patel Vipul and Sanjana Reshamwala Daulat and Vijya Sthanki Sanjay and Urvi Thaker Vishal and Namita Vasanji Narendra and Jyoti Vora Volleyball youth group has donated $501 for Hindu Samaj youth activities. Samaj is grateful to Raju and Sangita Desai for providing cleaning service after all the major events.

READERS CORNER Lotus Flower

Anybody who has ever observed a lotus flower emerging from a murky pond cannot fail to see the beauty of this exquisite plant. The flower always looks so clean and pure against the background of the dirty pond. Because of this the lotus flower has come to be associated with purity and beauty in the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. The ancient Egyptian scholars observed that in the night-time the lotus closed its flowers and sank into the water, and came up with a different association, with the flower related to rebirth and the Sun In actual fact the Lotus slowly emerges from a pond over a three day period and then blooms in the morning until midafternoon. It can therefore be assumed that the lotus flower meaning is different between cultures, though in fact they share many similarities. Perhaps one of the strongest associations of the lotus flower with religion is the one that is observed in Hinduism. In this religion the lotus flower meaning is associated with beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality, and eternity. The most common lotus form seen in Hinduism is the white lotus flower. Many of the gods and 6

goddesses of Hinduism are linked to the flower, for example the goddess of prosperity, Laxmi, is usually depicted as being seated atop a fully opened lotus flower. Likewise Brahma, the god of creation is depicted as emerging from a lotus that crawls from the Naval of the sustainer Lord Vishnu. As a lotus is able to emerge from muddy waters un-spoilt and pure, it is considered to represent wisdom and spiritually enlightened qualities in a person. It is representative of somebody who carries out their tasks with little concern for any reward and with a full liberation from attachment. It is very interesting how the open flower and the unopened Lotus bud forms are associated with human traits. The unopened bud is representative of a folded soul that has the ability to unfold and open itself up to the divine truth.

The committee assignments are as follows: Building Rental: Pravin Patel Building Maintenance: Raju Desai, Harish Patel and Pravin Patel Religious: M.B. Kumar Patrika: Meena Ajmera Youth Activity coordinators: Nigam Patel, Prashant Patel Food: Bharat Patel Cultural Activities: Sangita Desai

Please E-mail us at hsbr@hindusamaj.org for reporting announcements, news and for omissions or errors in this Patrika. Board Members for 2012 - 2013: Nigam Patel (President) Pravin Patel (Vice President) Ela Patel (Treasurer) Prashant Patel (Secretary) Meena Ajmera (Chairman) M. B. Kumar Raju Desai Bharat Patel Harish Patel 677-9553 985-386-5631 752-1790 571-0811 769-9135 769-2765 928-1338 667-0592 755-8108

Youth Trustees: Richa Banthia Kishan Shah

755-4030 755-6467