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Vol. 7 | No. 36 | January 3-16, 2015 | 60 Cents

Person of the Year 2014

H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj
World-renowned spiritual leader, Head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
Pramukh Swami & his teachings, BAPS & its temples: Pages 6-26

2014 Roundups: Pages 32-52

The South Asian Times

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j o u r n a l i s m

Vol.7 No. 36 January 3-16, 2015 60 Cents Ahmedabad-Special Edition Follow us on

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

World rings in 2015 with great hope

New York/New Delhi: Revelers
across the world celebrated the
New Year with people converging
on Sydney's iconic Opera House,
the skyscrapers of Dubai and New
York's Times Square.
A million people crammed into
New York's Times Square welcomed the new year with kisses,
hugs and cheers after the giant,
Waterford crystal ball dropped at
midnight and a ton of confetti

New Year celebrations at Times Square, called Crossroads

of the World, in New York.

rained down. More than 1.5 million

people crowded along the shores of
Sydneys harbor to watch the vivid
eruption of light over the Harbor
Bridge and Opera House.
At the stroke of midnight, the
crowd cheered as a 12-minute firework display was launched.
The Gulf Arab emirate of Dubai

Person of the Year 2014

Pramukh Swami & his
Teachings, BAPS & its
Temples: pages 6-25

was aiming to break the world

record for the largest LED-illuminated facade. About 70,000 LED
panels were wrapped around the
world's tallest building, the Burj
Khalifa. In London, hordes of people lined the River Thames for a
fireworks display timed to the midnight chimes of Big Ben, the UK

A priest performs morning aarti on New Year

at Sangam in Allahabad.

parliament's famous bell. A reported 12,000 fireworks were used in

the 11-minute display.
India embraced the New Year
with boisterous midnight revelry
and religious devotion. In virtually
every major city and town, people mostly the young - welcomed 2015
Continued on page 4

2014:
Roundups
and More
Inside

Alleged Pak conspiracy to disrupt PBD, 'Vibrant Gujarat'? Modi all set to woo diaspora
New Delhi/Ahmadabad: As
Gujarat prepared to host two backto-back mega events Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas (PBD) and
Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Indian
Coast Guard stopped two Pakistani
boats in a dramatic chase, out of
which one boat turned into a ball of
fire and sank after its occupants set
fire to it prompting fears that a
major terror attack may have been
averted.
In what was a chilling reminder
of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack,
Defense Minister Manohar
Parrikar told reporters on January 5
that the occupants, believed to be
four in number, of the Pakistani
vessel spotted around 365-km off
the Porbandar coast were suspected terrorists.
"I think they were suspected terrorists as they committed suicide.

INDIA TOP TEN 33

Four occupants of the

Pakistani vessel spotted near
the Porbandar coast were
suspected terrorists. They
are said to have committed
suicide and their boat caught
fire during the chase by
Indias coast guards.

A normal boat even carrying drugs

can surrender," he added.
"Why would smugglers stay in
touch with Pakistani maritime
authorities? Furthermore, why
would they commit suicide?" he
questioned.
The defense minister also lauded
the Coast Guard personnel for their
effort, saying they did the right job
at the right time.
"The Indian Coast Guard reacted
immediately. The boat was on sur-

LOKESH MUNI 28

veillance for 12 hours and it was

intercepted as soon as possible,"
said Parrikar.
According to media reports, electronic chatter shows that two
Pakistani fishing boats, one of
which sank after being intercepted
in the Arabian sea, were in frequent
touch with Pakistan army and
Maritime Security Agency of
Pakistan through a "contact".
To enhance security cover in
Continued on page 4

BEST OF AHMEDABAD 36

to invest in India

By SATimes Team

Gandhinagar:
Invoking
Mahatma Gandhi and his
momentous return from South
Africa to India to lead its nascent
freedom struggle at the Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas 2015 here,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
hopes to energize the 25 millionstrong Indian diaspora and get
them to contribute to the uplift of
their motherland any which way
they can. On his trips abroad,
Modi had wowed the diaspora,
particularly in the US and
Australia where he held massive
rallies. He now hopes they could
Continued on page 4

PM Modi (seen with Sushma

Swaraj who also holds the
Overseas Indian Affairs portfolio) often invokes Mahatma
Gandhi when talking to NRIs.
This PBD marks 100 years of
Gandhi's return to India
from South Africa.

(See detailed stories on PBD pages >> 34-36)

SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 58

excellence in journalism

TURN PAGE

January 3-16, 2015

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Top politicians line up to pay

respects to Mario Cuomo

From the Soul of Publisher

Nominating a Person of the Year is never an easy task for any
publication, whereas there are always many illustrious people
around who have touched and turned the lives of millions. 2014
was another year of happenings, there was Narendra Modi having clear mandate in the largest democracy of the world after
three decades, there was Sushma Swaraj, one of the most efficient ministers in the new government in India, there was
Manjul Bhargava decorated with the equivalent of Noble prize in
mathematics, there was Kailash Satyarthi the Peace Noble Prize
winner, Governor Andrew Cuomo and so on. The challenge of
choosing the right person was not simple until the name of Shri
Pramukh Swami Maharaj appeared from unconscious thoughts.
The chronic train of thoughts about my feelings for BAPS & the
influence of Pramukh Swami ji never stopped. His divine inspirations, living example of simplicity and forgiving, selfless aspirations made the case of having him as POY 2014 become much stronger. A series of letters, phone calls,
visitations & anxious awaiting, finally we got blessed with the acceptance by BAPS to have Param
Pujya Pramukh Swami ji featured as The South Asian Times-Person of the Year 2014.
BAPS inauguration of Robbinsville temple in New Jersey in August 2014, building a magnificent monument of Indian spirituality and architectural heritage, and next one coming up soon in Melville, Long
Island; the change in landscape was obvious but never-ending change in the character of neighborhood is already felt by the communities. Shri Pramukh Swami ji is indeed the living legend who has
transformed millions by his divine touch. His vision has spread the Indian Spiritual Values all over the
world in a unique and exemplary way. He has further deepened the roots of a deep rooted philosophy,
instilled the great values in youths. The positive impact of vision & leadership of Swami ji is far reaching for many generation to come.
We are overwhelmed with the support of BAPS for providing us the great opportunity.
We admire & appreciate the spiritual service, vision, dedication & leadership of Shri Pramukh Swami
ji, by Him adorning the pages of the USA based community newspaper. We hope that he as a role
model par excellence he will become a spiritual resource and succor for many, many people all over,
inspiring and motivating them to choose the right path in life.
My sincere gratitude to Mrs & Dr Devendra Brahmbhatt for introducing
BAPS almost 15 years back, and heartfelt thanks to Chaitanya Murti
Swami, Lenin Joshi and Dilip Chauhan for their guidance and cooperation.
To you, our esteemed readers, we hope you like our offering - this New
Year Special, made extra special by the presence of Pramukh Swami ji.

--Kamlesh Mehta
Chairman & Publisher

died at age 82 will

New York: The 3term New York govbe held on Tuesday
ernor Mario Cuomo
at St. Ignatius
Loyola Church on
died on New Year
Park Ave. Attorney
day hours after his
General Eric Holder
son, New York Gov.
Andrew Cuomo was
would attend the
inaugurated for his
service. Cuomo
3-term New York State
held governor s
second term. Those
Governor Mario Cuomo
office from 1983arriving at the
with son and current
Cuomos
wake governor, Andrew Cuomo. 94. He was known
for his liberal views
Monday included
Andrew, House Democrats Leader and public speeches, particularly his
Nancy Pelosi, former Mayor David keynote speech at the 1984
Dinkins and former Sen. Alfonse Democratic National Convention
DAmato. A who's who of the politi- where he criticized Ronald Reagan's
cal world, led by Vice President policies. The speech brought him to
Biden, joined hundreds of New national attention, and he was wideYorkers who lined up in the cold ly considered a front-runner for the
Monday to pay their respects to the Democratic nomination for
former governor
President in both 1988 and 1992,
The funeral for Mario Cuomo who but he demurred.
Continued from page 3
World rings in 2015 with great...
with music and dancing. As the
clock struck 12 midnight, firecrackers went off and motorists honked
their horns.
Indoor parties raged through the
night -- at homes, in pubs and
hotels. Hundreds of thousands of
SMS greetings clogged the mobile
network at night. The celebrations
were most marked in major cities
including New Delhi, Mumbai,
Pune, Chandigarh, Bengaluru and
Hyderabad. PM Narendra Modi
wished the people a "wonderful"
New Year. While people do visit
temples on New Year, the Ekadasi
turned the usual crowds into a devotional rush. Long queues of devotees were seen at the major temples
in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the morning. Over two lakh devotees
swarmed the Lord Venkateswara

temple at Tirupati.
Alleged Pak conspiracy to..
Gujarat's coastal region, 173 marine
commandos have been deployed at
20 police stations along the state's
coastline. Pakistan, however, rejected India's claim that the crew of a
Pakistani fishing boat blew up and
sank their vessel.
Modi all set to woo diaspora..
contribute not just in terms of
investment but talent in speeding up
Indias growth story. The 13th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
(PBD) is being held for the first
time in Gujarat, at the Mahatma
Mandir Convention Centre in
Gandhinagar from Jan 7-9. The
mega event is expected to be attended by over 4,000-5,000 NRIs. This
PBD will also see a session devoted
to Girmitiyas and on the
Francophone diaspora.

New Delhi Bureau

Meenakshi Iyer
Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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p r o f i l e

A Life of Inspiration

Under Pramukh Swami Maharajs guiding inspiration as its spiritual head, BAPS Swaminarayan
Sanstha headquartered in Ahmedabad has spread Indian spirituality and cultural heritage across
five continents, and raised highly acclaimed, magnificent temples, which are marvels of architecture
and attract millions of tourists from all over. But the 94-year-old world renowned spiritual guru
himself has dedicated every moment of his life to serve others and uplift humanity.

To think is great, to live is

greater and to inspire is the
greatest gift to society.
Dr. Valavanur Subramaniam of New York
is the world renowned cardiac surgeon who
had successfully operated on Pramukh Swami
Maharaj in 1998. Himself an agnostic who
worshipped work and karma alone, he shared
his personal experience of Pramukh Swami
Maharajs power to inspire with a fellow professional, Dr. Atul Chokshi. Dr. Subramaniam
said, You read the Gita daily, but today Ill
show you someone who lives the Gita daily,
and can help you live it. The enlightened
Guru can help us live the scriptures, primarily because he lives them himself. He is the
living link, the live connection between the
metaphysical and the material world.

One historic account is the Ugandan exodus in 1972, when

thousands of wealthy, well-settled Indians were slaughtered, uprooted and driven out, penniless with nowhere to run. Sir Charles
Cunningham describes in the foreword to Life and Philosophy
of Shree Swaminarayan: We have seen recently, in a very
striking way, how this ability to draw strength from cultural and
religious continuity can help in facing the unpredictable trials
of modern life. When nearly thirty thousand people were suddenly expelled from Uganda and had to come, often penniless, to
start a new life in Great Britain, their calmness and dignity, their
readiness to accept hardship, the uncomplaining way in which
so many of them who had known success and prosperity began
again at the bottom of the ladder, impressed us greatly. It was
evident that they had been sustained by a deep religious faith
which had enabled them to accept adversity and to rise above it.

Moral Purity
Pramukh Swami Maharajs wisdom for
life: Paramatma is the all-knower
generates a conscience of uprightness,
honesty and unshakeable integrity.
The hallmark of a BAPS Swaminarayan devotee, whether a
child, youth or adult, is his or her moral strength. Incidents abound.
From Narsinh Solanki of Ahmedabad, working as a simple electricity meter reader who refused to accept bribe to a girl in Nadiad taking her final secondary exams who declined to cheat and
copy despite the fact that the rest of the class was freely copying;

In his book Modern Man in Search of a

Soul, psychologist and psychiatrist Dr. Carl G.
Jung concludes that a spiritual outlook and a
real live guru are the necessities of our time
for inner stability and peace. Citing his personal experience in his autobiography, Memories,
Dreams, Reflections, Dr. Jung, who himself
had guided and treated thousands, admits: In
my darkness (of mind) I could have wished for
nothing better than a real, live guru, someone
possessing superior knowledge and ability,
who would have disentangled for me the involuntary creations of my imagination.
With depression predicted to become the
second-most common disease by 2020 and
looming as one of the biggest threats to civilized society, we may not have long to wait
before spiritual outlook or a guru becomes
a biological need for human survival.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj as a real, live guru
specializes in inspiring and instilling spirituality, and become a limitless source of peace
and tranquility to hundreds of thousands of
people throughout the world.

Emotional Stability
Pramukh Swami Maharajs
wisdom for life: Paramatma
is the all-doer and provider
of inner strength to cope
with all controllable or
uncontrollable, individual
or collective crises of life.
Whether it be a depressed student or a runaway child, a collapsed businessman or a frustrated wife, a broken marriage or a loss of a
job or death of a loved one, people overcome
their emotional trials through Pramukh Swamis care, counseling and wisdom.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is regarded by BAPS as the fifth spiritual successor of

Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830), whose image is before him.

Many of these were Swaminarayan devotees. Not only did they

survive as refugees, but soon restored their wealth and status,
overcame this emotional nightmare, and in 1995 built the BAPS
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London, hailed as the
first and the largest traditional Hindu mandir in the West by the
Guinness World Records. Though architecturally, this mandir is
considered a wonder of the modern world, it is a greater wonder
of unflagging spiritual faith; a timeless symbol of the love, devotion and dedication of simple devotees towards their God and
Guru, and their miraculous story of resilience and resurgence.

One of most magnanimous and exemplary

act of restraint and responsibility by Pramukh
Swami Maharaj and his satsangis, was the
calm, controlled and peaceful response to the
inhuman terrorist attack on Akshardham in
Ahmedabad on 24 September 2002. It helped
dissolve fuming hatred, diffused the haunting
threat of mass riots and violence and restored
peace and equilibrium in Gujarat.

one wonders how teenagers like Vipul Patel, studying at Harvard, and students like Amar, Yogen and Sanjay at Oxford, Cambridge and IIT willingly stop watching films and television for
life! And how officers like Prakash Mehta in the US Army and
many more in multi-national corporations continue to avoid meat
and alcohol despite being posted in remote outposts. Or for that
matter, why educated young men, of varying backgrounds, intellects and talents are inspired to embrace the most sublime levels
of morality in the form of renunciation. The answer they all give
Pramukh Swami Maharajs life!

p r o f i l e

Spiritual Continuity
Pramukh Swami Maharajs wisdom for
life: I am atma, and Paramatma
is eternally with me.

Social Responsibility
Pramukh Swami Maharajs
wisdom for life: Paramatma is
in everyone and everything.
Focusing on this, he has groomed his devotees to respect and serve others. To accept and
appreciate others. To rise above the differences of personal beliefs and backgrounds, social
castes and communities and serve society with
dignity and responsibility.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj has created a committed volunteer force of 55,000 selfless volunteers who serve with devotion, dedication
and almost zero administrative cost. Through
a worldwide network of 3,850 centers and a
million members, BAPS performs over 160 humanitarian services in areas as diverse as environmental, educational, medical, tribal, social,
cultural and spiritual. It is one of the select few
NGOs of India that are affiliated to the United
Nations for its international services.
To cite a recent example: in hours after the
Gujarat earthquake near Bhuj on 26 January
2001, Pramukh Swami was amongst the first
to send in volunteers and supplies. Over 6,500
volunteers reached 409 affected villages, rescuing victims, distributing hundreds of tons of
relief supplies, serving 1.8 million hot meals,
finally constructing 49 schools for 15,000 students and rehabilitating 15 villages by building and rehabilitating 4,190 houses. Over
91,000 patients were provided free medical
treatment while 2,500 were given employment
assistance. It is regarded as perhaps the largest
and most humane social responsibility shouldered by a socio-spiritual NGO.
One of most magnanimous and exemplary
act of restraint and responsibility by Pramukh
Swami Maharaj and his satsangis, was the
calm, controlled and peaceful response to the
inhuman terrorist attack on Akshardham on
24 September 2002. It helped dissolve fuming
hatred, diffused the haunting threat of mass riots and violence and restored peace and equilibrium in Gujarat.
On 2 October 2004, Deepal Trevedie wrote
in The Asian Age: Gujarat Regained: Akshardham has restored Gujarats pride in itself. The Swaminarayan sect and the various
swamis associated with it provided solace in
a manner befitting their vocation. Pramukh
Swami is an influential figure and everyone,
from President Abdul Kalam to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, spoke to him within
an hour of the attack He kept stressing on
the need for peace. The Swaminarayan saints
stress that philosophy and spiritualism have
to be grounded in social realities... The Akshardham tragedy has instilled a fresh sense of
confidence that Gujarat need not burn at every
spark that is ignited.

Realizing oneself as atma, which is not born and does not die,
and offering devotion to Paramatma creates an exalted spiritual state
that is far beyond the momentary experiences of meditation, visions,
and well-being. Through satsang and spiritual endeavors people rise
above worldly desires and fears! Even beyond the fear of death.
Bhagwanji Mandavia, was a dynamic business administrator in
Toronto. Active in the Indo-Canada Federation, and guiding the
Gujarati community, he was enjoying success at its best. Then in
1985 he was diagnosed as having blood cancer. Not disclosing
it to anyone except a close friend or two, he continued with his
life. All throughout, his satsang with Pramukh Swami Maharaj
had strengthened him beyond belief. By 1988, he was hospitalized for a bone-marrow transplant. All the pains and pressures of
loneliness, illness, depression and death were upon him. Still, his
smile never lost its luster nor did his voice lose its vibrancy. No
wonder, while he phoned his friends, almost dying on his bed,
they still thought Bhagwanji was in office! His inner strength
and stability is spelt in the reply he wrote before his death to his
brother in India who had expressed great grief about his terminal
illness! Physical pain comes to one and all. So one must never
worry about disease and death. One must never leave the refuge
of a saint like Pramukh Swami Maharaj in whom God resides.
Our faith in God and Swamiji should remain unshakeable.

In the Joy of Others

Lies Our Own
Pramukh Swami Maharaj is 94 years old and until the past few
years, he has continued to travel from home to home, hut to hut,
not resting in one place, meeting, counseling and addressing thousands daily. Through schools, hospitals and hundreds of social
projects, he serves humanity day and night. He lives by the words
he often speaks, In the good of others lies our own, in the progress
of others lies our own. He lives for others, not for himself.
In 1980, Bob Kaplan, solicitor-general of Canada, in his letter
to Pramukh Swami emphasized his importance in this present

Till recently, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, now 94, would

continuously travel from home to home, hut to hut,
meeting, counseling, consoling and addressing
thousands daily. Through schools, hospitals and hundreds
of social projects, he serves humanity day and night.

world, You are good pious people. If the whole world took you
as an example it would be a better place, free of crime, of war and
self-destruction. I believe you have valid answers to lifes toughest
questions. On 8 February 2004, the President of India, Dr. APJ
Abdul Kalam in his public address recounted how Pramukh Swami
Maharaj had guided him to include a spiritual component in the five
areas of development. Then he narrated his personal experience of
meeting Pramukh Swami: I have met (and visited) in India almost
all the religious places and religious leaders. Every religion I visited
looked like a beautiful orchard. But when I came out of the religion, from the orchard, I found that the orchards are all like islands.
Each orchard, each religion is beautiful but is an island. But, how do
we connect the religions? Compassion and love! A bridge we need.
When I met Pramukh Swami Maharaj... I got a feeling, here is a
Swamiji, a spiritual soul, who has got compassion and love and spiritual force he was radiating from himself to others. Inspiration in all
aspects of life is Pramukh Swami Maharajs greatest gift to mankind.
Continued on page 8
Thousands of local devotees and people flock to get a
glimpse of Pramukh Swami Maharaj when he is in a
particular city or town. Hundreds line up to meet
him and receive his blessings everyday.

p r o f i l e

Inspiring Incidents

Continued from page 7

Deep Compassion
Through personal meetings, letters and home
visits, Pramukh Swami Maharajs compassion has
consoled countless people throughout the world.
Whenever someone is in a difficult situation or
drowned in grief, his compassion heals and rejuvenates. When Harshad Chavda, a youth who had
been serving in the BAPS for many years, met with
a car accident, Pramukh Swami Maharaj wrote
him a 20-page letter to express his serious regret
for not being able to serve him personally: The
news (of your accident) brings me much pain. I
am praying to God for your speedy recovery. I am
praying for you in my morning puja as well. I also
feel the pain you are suffering. I should be serving
you in your time of need, because you have always
selflessly served with great understanding and
enthusiasm, and without concern for your health,
hunger or thirst, or time of day. I can never serve
you enough to make it up! The fact that I cannot
serve you now is causing me immense sorrow.
Prabhashankarbhai Pandya of Ahmedabad,
an elderly devotee from Shastriji Maharajs
time, recalls a moving incident to illustrate
Pramukh Swami Maharajs compassion:
Once, I arrived in Atladra for the Vasant Panchmi festival at around 2am. Everyone was
asleep, and there was no place for me to sleep.
I decided to rest at the foot of the steps leading up to the assembly hall, using my bag as
a makeshift pillow. At around 5:30am I felt a
hand on my shoulder. It was Pragat Bhagat,
Pramukh Swami Maharajs attendant. I saw a
blanket wrapped around my body. Who covered me with this blanket? I asked him.
Pragat Bhagat replied, Pramukh Swami
Maharaj had come in the middle of the night
and covered you with his blanket.

Pervasive Peace
R.K. Laxman, the renowned cartoonist of
The Times of India, is a close friend of Dr Abdul Kalam. After the opening of Akshardham
in New Delhi in November 2005, President
Kalam repeatedly suggested that the Mumbai based political cartoonist visit the newly
opened complex. Laxman visited Swaminarayan Akshardham for two days and then came
to meet Pramukh Swami Mahara and was
mesmerized by his darshan, commenting, If I
hadnt accepted his (Dr Kalams) invitation, I
would have missed out on the chance of a lifetime. I dont have words to describe it. I will
never forget this experience. Tears trickled
from the corner of his eyes, reflecting the deep
emotional impact Pramukh Swami Maharajs

presence had made on Laxman in that brief meeting. Everyone

was amazed to see the nations boldest critic in tears! He managed to says just three words, Nothing to say. Nothing to say.
Leaving the room after having Swami Maharajs darshan, he
said, It feels like I was swept in a whirlwind of peace and stability. The experience changed R.K. Laxman, and his wife was
the first to notice, I have never seen my husband so amazed, so
touched. It is a miracle.
Pramukh Swami Maharajs truthfulness is highlighted by his
transparency and straightforwardness. Once in Bochasan (the birthplace of BAPS in Gujarat), he had told the swamis seated in front of
him. If there is one thing I dislike, it is deceit and manipulation.
Thousands of local devotees and people flock to get a glimpse
of Pramukh Swami Maharaj when he is in a particular city or
town. Hundreds line up to meet him and receive his blessings
everyday. After one such exhausting day, Janmangal Swami decided to amuse Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He said, Didnt you
get tired of blessing five thousand devotees individually? Putting your hand on each one is a physically straining task. You
should consider using a wooden hand attached to a motor and
blessing every devotee that comes to meet you with that!
Pramukh Swami interrupted, Why would you want to deceive
the people? I dont like fake things. Though the incident seems
trivial, it highlights Pramukh Swamis honesty and transparency.

nician again asked Pramukh Swami Maharaj to remain calm

and free of thought. The technician tried a third time. Again, the
readings were not satisfactory. Pramukh Swami Maharaj then returned to the mandir after the incomplete test.
As Pramukh Swami Maharaj was retiring to bed that night, the
attendant swami explained that the physician had called and said he
needed to do that test again. Pramukh Swami Maharaj immediately
refused. Swamishri explained, I was calm the whole time. I was
imagining myself sitting in the Akshar Deri in Gondal, meditating
upon Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Is that not serene and calm enough?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj can never be free from this thought,
since God is forever etched in his mind.

Purity of Character
Pramukh Swami Maharaj has transformed the lives of thousands of people around the world, and they are a testimony to his
contributions in purifying society.
A tribal devotee from the village of Uber described his first
darshan of Swami Maharaj, which changed his life, I first had
your darshan in Atladra. I didnt think it was ever going to happen, but it did. It was like a miracle. With your blessings, my

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is respected and adored by countless people throughout the world including leaders of all hues.
From the United Nations to the smallest tribal villages of Gujarat, he has been showered with praises and respect.

Always Thinking of God

In 1993 Pramukh Swami Maharaj was in Kolkata. Unexpectedly, he started having dizzy spells. He was immediately brought
to Mumbai for a medical checkup. The neurosurgeons recommended that an EEG and a BERA scan be performed.
During the BERA test Pramukh Swami Maharaj was told to
lie face-up on the examination table, and clear his mind. An array of sensors and wires were attached to his head and around
his ears. After 15 minutes, the technician told the attendant
swami, I am not satisfied with the readings. Please request
Pramukh Swami Maharaj to relax and calm his mind.
The attendant explained the instructions to Pramukh Swami
Maharaj. The second attempt yielded the same results. The tech-

entire family has stopped eating meat, smoking and drinking. We

have been able to bring our tempers under control. It has been
eight months now, and now I can say that we feel 100 percent
purified! My adulterous behavior has also gone. I feel privileged
to have received your blessings.
On 18 July 1996, a youth came to meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj in Dallas, Texas. In 1994, he had promised Pramukh Swami
Maharaj that he would quit drinking and eating meat. He fell
at Pramukh Swamis feet and described his success, Swami,
though it seemed impossible, your blessings made my wifes
dream a reality. I have given up eating meat and all other addictions. In fact, I dont even get angry any more. I never thought it
would be possible, but you made it happen.
Only one who is clean, pure and spotless can transform the
lives of others. Thousands of individuals have developed inner
purity through Pramukh Swami Maharajs blessings and many
more are in the process of achieving it.

TEACHINGS OF
PRAMUKH SWAMI
10

DHARMA
Dharma is that which spreads love for one
another. There would be no differences if
everyone followed their Dharma. By becoming deeply spiritual you will never want
to make another unhappy or snatch away anothers property. We are all atmas souls.
Vayam amrutasya putrh! We are all
sons of the Eternal!
Of which caste is the atma? Which is its
family? Which is its country? Dharma teaches us that the body, for which we perform all
manner of harmful actions, is itself not going to live forever. Then why do wrong, believing this is mine and this is yours? Share
one anothers fortune and misfortune, help
one another rise. All this is taught by dharma.
Dharma is only one humanity and
sadachar (righteous living).
If one does not have values in life then it
wont take long to lose ones wealth.
Eating a dry millet bread earned honestly
brings peace, instead of earning abundantly
through dishonest means.
When one sees God in everyone, then the
sentiments of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
are born. Then no one is seen to be different.

Gems of wisdom culled from Pramukh Swami Maharajs discourses and satsangs.
Youth should think first of character. They
should have no addictions. All those who
have become great have first molded their
character built their life. There is no outcome if you serve society with a lack of
character. Even if you talk to somebody, you
cannot hope to influence him if you are lacking in character.
Immorality may give you great gains, but
a dry piece of bread given with morality will
guarantee peace of mind. Do not become
lazy and negligent. Fruits obtained without
effort do not give peace and joy. Do
not be trapped by greed and superstition. Walking through life in
consonance with instructions given by God
will
ensure

tranquility. Many have houses and cars and

other wealth, but they suffer inner turmoil.
This is because the soul is not fed what it
wants.
Unbroken Sant samagam gives inner
strength. The soul is strengthened. To the
very last breath should we do Sant samagam. Just as we need food every day we
should do Satsang every day. Grain nourishes the body, Satsang nourishes the soul.
Without Satsang the soul
becomes weak.
Knowledge cannot be had from
books alone. Association with the
holy Guru is a

that we are not met by misery.

This body should not be made into a hell,
but into a mandir. The jewels of the bodymandir are compassion, character, and satisfaction. What is the point in being intelligent
from the outside and impure from inside?
Ones birth will be worthwhile when one purifies ones inner self and installs God within.
One who gives is divine, whereas one who
has the motive to take anothers wealth is a
demon. By doing good to others one invites
goodness upon oneself.
Till one does not become pure and pious,
one does not get good thoughts, and so how
can one get nearer to God?

must. If by mere reading one could become

a doctor, why do children have to go to
school? To obtain spiritual knowledge you
will have to do Sant samagam.

God is everywhere, but only by

associating with one in whom
He is manifest does liberation
become a reality
discord. It is also the
main reason for all
political and professional differences.
However good a
family may be, wealth
drives a wedge between
brothers. One begins to
find fault with the other.
This shatters the fabric of the
family business, causing it to
slide from riches to rags. If one
lets go, there would be peace.
There are many such family issues. So, the only way to get peace is to
cultivate wisdom, understanding and to
know the glory of God as He is. One should
realize that one is atma, worship Parmatma
and believe that he is the all-doer. All the
pleasures and pains one experiences are due
to the will of God. With such understanding
there is
no

GURU
The guru is the gateway to moksha. He possesses God. Through the guru God can be attained. Such an Ekantik Satpurush takes one
to God. God is everywhere, but only by associating with one in whom He is manifest
does liberation become a reality.
Even though there are heaps of books,
knowledge cannot be gained from them. A
true Satpurush and his holy association are
required for that.
As long as doubts remain toward the Satpurush, the light of Brahman is not seen.
Many think: Why should one endeavor
in this birth in order to reach God? But
where did the astronauts train themselves in
order to go to the moon? On earth, of course.
Similarly, one should realize God and His
Satpurush in this human birth.
When one is extremely hungry, will diamonds, precious stones and gold satisfy the
hunger? Similarly, the atma hungers for
peace; and hunger cannot be satisfied
through material things. Only association
with a holy Satpurush bestows peace.

CHARACTER
Without character and morality as the first
step, no one can attain God. Character is the
foundation, if it is kept firm and intact the
monument of life built upon it will be unshakeable. If character is lost, the monument
will soon tumble. Keep all thoughts and actions pure.

SATSANG
Only through Satsang can one discriminate between the eternal and ephemeral.
Soap cleans the body, but what of deceit and
fraudulence that remain in the mind? Satsang is the soap that cleanses the mind.
For countless births we have been intoxicated with the world. This Satsang removes
that craving. Can such intoxication be cured
in three or four days? Unbroken Sant samagam leads to a cure.
When thirsty only water can quench ones
thirst, not even pearls and diamonds can. In
the same way, only Satsang grants inner

BHAKTI
What is devotion? Never seeing the Lord
as one with human qualities, understanding
that happiness has been given by God, and
that distress has been also given by God,
and thus never feeling spiteful or prejudiced
towards anyone this is devotion.
One should become a humble servant, as
did Hanumanji, and then offer devotion.
Only when the I ness has been eradicated
can we experience the bliss of God.
Knowingly or unknowingly, if one drinks
nectar one becomes immortal. Similarly, devotion is always fruitful.

CURE FOR FAMILY ISSUES

(Pramukh Swami Maharaj addresses an
audience on family issues.)
No matter how wise and intelligent people
may be, there is discord at home: father and
son, husband and wife, mother-in-law and
daughter-in-law, and brothers and sisters are
often at conflict. People tend to want things
their way. That is the root cause of family

misery.
It is the ego which is at play in all quarrels.
Even if one is not at fault, one has to forgive
and forget. One should also cultivate
sankhya understanding, otherwise there will
be no peace. Gunatitanand Swami rightly
says that only right understanding leads to
happiness. If one has it, even the poor feel
happy, and without it even the rich feel ill at
ease.
When does such understanding develop?
Daily satsang and reading of our scriptures
will solve all problems. We should also turn
the mala, worship, visit the mandir and hold
ghar sabha for harmony in the family. Ghar
sabha is a cure for all discords, but this is not
understood. Even if there are verbal quarrels, hold ghar sabha and sit together.
Parents spend money for their sons and
daughters, but they have not reached their
hearts. Parents dont spend time for their
children to share their thoughts and listen to
them. This distances both father and son. So,
when he grows up, he tells his father to leave
home.
A boy once told his mother to get out of
his home. The mother said, My son, do you
realize what you are saying? I have brought
you up and educated you by putting in hard
work and by grinding grains to feed you.
Now I have grown old. You should care for
me. I have spent a lot of money bringing you

11

up. And now you want me to get out?

The son was well-educated, so he said,
You breastfed me. So just tell me how
much I have to pay for the milk?
If this boy had been brought up in a spiritual environment and persuaded to give up
bad company, he would not have asked his
mother to leave home. He would have
thought of serving her, knowing that she had
brought him up and fed him, while she herself remained hungry at times.
When we were kids, our mother washed
our nappies and fed us, while going hungry
herself. We cannot imagine how much she
suffered. Is it fair to disown our mother
when we have grown up?
This would not happen if parents take care
to know their children and share their
thoughts. Children should develop affinity
towards parents. Such feelings are developed through satsang and ghar sabha.
Men tend to care more for their spouses after marriage. They should care for them, but
it is their duty to care for their parents when
they fall ill. A wife refuses to live with her
mother-in-law. Where would the old lady
go? You too are going to grow old, and will
be treated likewise. You should spare a
thought for this.
Ghar sabha and daily satsang are the sure
cures for this.
Fathers also dont get the respect they deserve. The son treats whatever the father
says as nonsense. The father spends money
to raise and educate the son, and in that the
fathers wisdom is negated.
This is the scenario we have today. The
only way out of it is satsang, ghar sabha and
spiritual discourses. If the family members
sit together, even for half an hour and hold
ghar sabha, this will slowly change the atmosphere at home.
Every morning should begin with puja,
worship and a visit to the mandir. Then, begin your work.
After dinner you should sit together to read
our spiritual books and worship God. You
should narrate stories from the scriptures
and share news of each family members
difficulties and successes; how they tolerated and cared for their family. Then only you
learn to pass through such times remaining
united.
God is the source of all peace. If we take

The concept of ghar sabha is an innovative initiative introduced by Pramukh Swami - a sure cure for many family issues.

refuge in him and worship him together,

there will be no differences. We should sit
together at least once a day. But we dont
even have time for that. Some waste time till
late evening by dining out, taking drinks and
eating meat, so how can there be peace in the
family? So we should respect all the spiritual injunctions.
Ghar sabha is very important. But we find
it tiring because it is often the same spiritual stories. Yogiji Maharaj used to relate a
parable about a farmer. He had a small farm
on which he grew only grams. So he had to
eat grams in a variety of ways. Once, he didnt have his lunch.
By evening he was very hungry. He asked
for food. His wife served the same food. The
husband got angry saying, The same
food? The wife said, We have grams to
make either dal or roti. Like it or not, it is
only with this that you will be able to satisfy your hunger. So, we speak of worshipping repeatedly, but that is the only thing
which will bring peace and happiness.

PRESERVING DHARMA
Whatever job or business you are doing,
always remember your dharma, your guru,
and God so that you never do anything improper in life; never do anything bad. This is
the foundation and should not be forgotten.
Whatever your dharma, the instructions given in the scriptures, the values learnt and the
commands of our Guru should always be remembered.
Wherever you go, whatever you do, preserve our traditions and values. Our dharma
is the Vedic Hindu Sanatan Dharma. This
belief should remain firm throughout life. If
dharma is practiced, God is pleased and one
reaps positive benefits. So, preserve the values you have learnt and inspire them in others.
Practicing them intermittently does not
achieve anything. If you plant a tree and
move it every few days, its roots will not

take hold. But if planted properly in one

place and given sufficient water and nourishment, its roots become strong, and it blossoms. Similarly, if one nurtures ones traditions and values daily, ones life becomes
virtuous and fragrant.
Virtues are ones true wealth; they are
ones ornaments and they make one special.
Preserve them in India and abroad. We
should have pride in our Dharma and in our
country

THE GLORY OF GOD

People do many things to attain peace of
mind. Some believe money brings peace,
some believe power brings peace, others believe possessions bring peace, some believe
a status brings peace, some perform austerities for peace of mind, some practice yoga,
but none of these bring lasting peace. They
bring worldly rewards. Lasting peace of
mind is attained by offering navdha bhakti.
That is why mandirs are necessary, because
God is the only stable entity. Whatever stability there is in the world is due to God.

stand and give them up. The fact that one

will not remain forever on this earth is certain, so why cling on to things that are transient. Be satisfied with what you get to sustain the body. Only one who has true wisdom, understanding, and firm faith in God
and his Satpurush will be truly happy.

PARENTS MUST LEAD BY

EXAMPLE
Parents are so engrossed in their own
work, they have no time for worship; not
even at home. In the home one should at
least have a murti of God. Whoever one has
faith in, pray, offer worship, read scriptures
and go to the mandir for darshan. If parents
do not practice such dharma, their children
will not either. Todays social environment is
such that even those of good character become bad. Time and money are lost in bad
habits and addictions. So, the greater the
practice of Satsang, the greater the peace
you will experience.

UNDERSTANDING FOR TRUE HIGHWAY TO HAPPINESS

HAPPINESS
Possession of worldly objects does not
represent ones greatness or excellence. Our
greatness lies in saintliness and devotion.
The nature of the jiva is such that attachment
to material objects cannot be discarded. But,
Swami says, there is no alternative but to
leave it all. Understand this principle now or
after two births, ten births or even after
100,000 births; there is no alternative to it.
So, why not give it up in this birth and become happy.
Death will come and take you, however
much you refuse and resist. You may hold on
to possessions for a while, but at the time of
death will they remain with you? So, under-

Whatever ones faith may be, one should

live piously. Bhagwan Swaminarayan taught
that by living with piety and remaining free
of all addictions everyone would experience
bliss in life. The virtues of piety, honesty,
compassion, ahimsa, brahmacharya, righteousness, jnan, detachment, bhakti and others are the basis of Hindu Dharma.
God has said that if we offer devotion to
him, he will protect us. By cultivating the
virtues he has described we will experience
peace and bliss in society, God will be
pleased and we will attain moksha.
Before God, we all must shed our ego and
seek his refuge. Only then is everything
achieved. If we overcome our worldly desires, worship Him and take firm refuge in
Him then He will protect us.

QA WITH THE GURU

In person and through letters, Pramukh Swami Maharaj dispels doubts
of his devotees about the value of the spiritual path.

12

How does mankind benefit from Satsang and from temples?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj: By going
to the temple, mans faith in dharma is
strengthened. He develops devotion towards God, his life is transformed and
his evil instincts are destroyed. The result
is that he experiences everlasting bliss.
He experiences every type of peace - at
work, in his home, in society and in his
mind.
Above all, he attains spiritual peace in
his soul. By doing Satsang, he learns
how to live in society without becoming
entangled in it.
Even devotees face hardships in todays society. Is there an easy way to be
free of all these entanglements?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj : Society
exists and with it, come responsibilities.
It is not easy to live in todays social climate. However, we should keep God in
front of us and strive on and learn to be
content with whatever we get as a result.
But we shouldnt become depressed.
Think of it as Gods wish and keep going. We should never let go of Satsang
and puja.
There is constant friction between the
youth and their elders. How can this be
resolved?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Elders
tend to be orthodox whereas youngsters
are full of new ideas. However to say that
anyone is the cause of such friction is not
right. Youths are not ready to accept the
advice of their elders and the elders are
not ready to adapt to the views of the
youngsters. Basically, both groups
should try to understand each other. If
they can learn to compromise, there
wont be any problems.
If a man is destined to die, what is the
purpose of him living?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: To help
others and to attain redemption from the
cycles of birth and death by offering devotion to God. We should also use it
(life) to do seva. But be careful not to
harbor vanity. Always think, I am not
doing anything, God is doing it all. For
God gives us the strength and ability.
One should live life beholding this belief.
On the spiritual path there are many
paradoxes which remain debatable.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Religion
is a subject of faith. Logical explanations

will never suffice.

Many people attach themselves to a
guru simply by seeing him perform a
miracle. Is that not negative and harmful to society?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Bhagwan
Swaminarayan has not given much emphasis to the significance of miracles. Of
course there is such divinity in God, but
miracles do not help a man to achieve
stability in his life. We believe that to
change a mans character for the better is
the real miracle!
Where can one find peace of mind - in
money or in God?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj: Money
causes strife; only spirituality gives one
peace. God is the source of all peace and
harmony. But only those who are worthy
can attain such peace. People experience
peace upon receiving perishable objects, which is followed by pain when
they lose them. Whereas when one receives Gods wealth, one receives happiness followed only by more happiness.
How rich was Narsinh Mehta? Still,
through his devotion to God he was at
peace.
What should we do so that we can
concentrate fully in all our activities
and achieve success?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj : We have
to make an effort to concentrate harder.
Once we have fixed a goal, all our
thoughts should be directed towards ful-

filling it. To develop intense concentration we need to keep a single thought

fixed in our minds, read only about that,
discuss only that topic and stay in an appropriate environment. But if we let our
thoughts wonder here and there, or if we
waste our time in trivial actions, then
how can we concentrate on our work? To
achieve our goal we must be fixed in our
niyams. If we behave in this manner,
then we will be successful.

Q. If a man is destined to die,

what is the purpose of him
living?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj:
To help others and to attain
redemption from the cycles
of birth and death by
offering devotion to God.

How did you progress?

Pramukh Swami Maharaj : If we remain smaller than everyone, we become
bigger than everyone. But those who try
to become bigger than the rest end up becoming the smallest. We should never try
to get ahead at someone elses expense.
Those who help others help themselves.

they will be victorious! Only through

them will we attain peace. Even if we
only have a hut as a home, we will still
be content.
There is nothing greater than being
happy at heart!

Many youths are drawn towards

BAPS. Whats the reason behind that?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj : My guru
Yogiji Maharaj had a lot of affection for
youngsters. He was a great Saint, a divine person. He never had any sort of
hypocrisy, and he never tried to be artificial. He was never egoistic, nor did he
have any prejudices. He had the qualities
of a true Sadhu. His own life was very
pure. His life was his message. He was
an example for us all. Thus children and
youths were drawn to him.
Will honesty and truth ever succeed in
this world?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj : Only

How can one attain everlasting peace

of mind?
Pramukh Swami Maharaj : By daily
prayer and reading the scriptures. By doing a little every day our mind will become calm. Also, realize God as the alldoer and that whatever happens in our
life is for our own benefit. Think: I may
have been heading into trouble, and He
saved me.
By keeping that thought we will never
be shocked or upset in times of failure or
disappointment. Our efforts are never in
vain. Sometimes if we dont succeed, we
should think that its for the best. That
way we will not become frustrated. By
offering daily prayer and doing Sant
samagam our mind will experience
peace.

MESSAGE FOR WORLD PEACE

Pramukh Swamis address

to Peace Summit at UN
14

A translation of Pramukh Swami Maharajs speech delivered in Gujarati at the Millennium World
Peace Summit in 2000, in which he said, Religion is that which spreads love for one another.

29 August 2000,
United Nations, New York
ost revered Saints and Religious
leaders gathered from all over the
world, UN Secretary General H.E.
Kofi Annan, respected President of the Conference, Mr. Ted Turner, Mr. Bawa Jain and
the organizers.
Today, the sight of so many religious leaders together at one place is in itself a moment
of great joy and divinity. This is the first such
religious summit guided by the UN, and we
wholeheartedly welcome this bold step,
which recognizes the crucial role of religion
in bringing about world peace.

Dialogue with
Religious Leaders

Pramukh Swami addressing the august forum of the Millennium World Peace Summit.

Inter-religious Dialogue and harmony is

our immediate need. Religious leaders should
often meet and talk to other religious leaders.
We must freely communicate with each other.When we met the Pope in 1984, many reporters asked, What purpose will the meeting of two religious heads serve? We answered, Apart from creating understanding
and friendship, when religious heads meet
each other it lessens bitterness between the
followers of the two Faiths and helps generate harmony. A single meeting, a simple dialogue can positively influence the minds of
millions. Just as the Archbishop of Canterbury positively visited our Swaminarayan
Hindu Mandir in London, we personally visited Bethlehem, the wailing wall in Jerusalem
and met both the chief Rabbis of Judaism. It
creates understanding, and generates genuine
respect. That is why we often say, Religion
is that which spreads love for one another.

Bhadraha Kratavo Yantu Vishvataha - Let

noble thoughts come to us from every side.
Our spiritual master Yogiji Maharaj often
said: Maaru e Saaru Nahi pana Saaru e
Maaru. - Rather than mine is the best, the best
should be mine.
The Upanishads say, Isha vasayam idam
sarvam, yat kincha jagatyam jagat - In everyone and in everything there is the divine presence of God. This spiritual unity connects us
with the entire creation.The Vedas say, Amrutasya putra vayam - We all are the children
of God. Bhagwan Swaminarayan says, We
are all atmans - pure spiritual entities unattached to and unbound by caste, country, race
and religion. And the Mahabharat says, Atmavat Sarve Bhuteshu - Behold all living beings as oneself.

In this age of growing environmental

awareness, we have realized the value of life
and bio-diversity and are persisting to preserve all forms of life. Then what about religious-diversity? Let every religion exist and
flourish. No big religion should usurp and efface small religions. Allow them to serve the
world in their own small ways. At this hour in
human history, we religious leaders should
not dream of only One religion in the world,
but dream of a world where all religions are
One - United. Unity in Diversity is the lesson
of life. Flourishing together is the secret of
peace. Just as the unity of our followers
makes our Faith strong and stable, unity of
Faiths will make our future strong and stable.
We must remind ourselves that every civilization, culture and religion born on this
earth is like a goldmine, rich with values,
wisdom and vision. Let us share this legacy
and construct a common platform of values
for the rest of mankind to stand on. From
Rigvedic times, the Hindus have professed
this global broadmindedness of a Beautiful
Borderless World with this prayer Ano

Dialogue among religious leaders is not

enough, a dialogue with our own followers is
more important. A religious leader alone can
change the minds of his followers. If every
religion concentrated on improving the quality of spirituality of their own followers then
there would be more faith and less fanaticism.Let us teach our followers that religion
does not grow by quantity of numbers, but by
quality of spirituality. Vertical depth is much
more important than horizontal spread. A
Hindu should become a better Hindu, a Jew
should become a better Jew, a Christian
should become a better Christian, a Muslim
should become a better Muslim. If the follower of every religion becomes a better and
true follower then our world will be a much
better world. Therefore, we should steer our
followers away from fanaticism and focus on
faith and pure living.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan transformed the
lives of dacoits like Joban Pagi and the lawless and violent tribes of Kathis into peaceloving people with His spiritual influence. In
this way, through a weaponless revolution,

Dialogue with Followers

with the medium of love and devotion, He

transformed the lives of people. It works.
But, if we work individually our impact is
limited. If we all work together we will be
able to bring large-scale transformation.

Dialogue with Oneself

Lastly, there is nothing more important than
dialogue with oneself. We must ask ourselves
how close we are to the teachings of our
founders. Let us live their philosophies and
teachings of love, truth, compassion, non-violence, harmony, faith, devotion. Bhagwan
Swaminarayan has given a universal, all-encompassing definition of religion, Dharmo
gneyaha sadacharaha - Righteousness is Religion. Let us not allow righteousness to
weaken. That is why today's religion should
be both social and spiritual, and should benefit not only its followers but all people, and
not just people but all forms of life. Hence,
the Hindus, from the dawn of civilization

have continually prayed,

O Lord! May the skies be peaceful, the
space be peaceful,
May the earth, the waters, the herbs and
plants be peaceful,
May peace, peace and only peace prevail.
When we are at peace with ourselves and at
peace with people and things around us, only
then can we attain real peace.
Let us guide ourselves and our followers
not just to tolerate but to respect other religions, not just to exist but to co-exist, not just
to hail but to help others. We must not
progress at the cost of others, but sacrifice a
part of ourselves for the good of others. Because: In the good of others lies our own. In
the progress of others rests our own. In the
joy of others abides our own. Once again I
thank you all and pray that the organizers, the
UN, and all the people of our planet are
blessed with peace, piety and progress by
God and all the saints and sages who have
walked on our earth.

The then UN Secretary General H.E. Kofi Annan greets Pramukh Swami Maharaj in his office at the UN Headquarters.

Appreciations:
For the Divine Inspiration
15

ramukh Swami Maharaj is respected

and adored by countless people
throughout the world. From the United
Nations to the smallest tribal villages of Gujarat, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been
showered with praises and respect. The true
reason behind his fame is his pure, divine
spirituality, character and selfless service to
society. Countless world, spiritual and community leaders have expressed their admiration for Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Here are some of the opinions

from dignitaries:
People around
the world are
starting to realize
that power and
material objects
do not yield
peace. They are
turning to spirituality and religion
to fill a void in
their lives. Religion and spirituality is the key.
Your swamis are
setting an example of content, co-existence
and selfless service. There is an ideal for all
of mankind. His name is Pramukh Swami
Maharaj.

The true reason behind his fame is his pure, divine spirituality,
character and selfless service to society.
Gods grace we have attained such a person.
His name is Pramukh Swami Maharaj. If we
want to unite India, it will be possible under
the leadership of Pramukh Swami. He is not
the leader of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya
only; he is the leader of Hindu Dharma. Not
only Hindu Dharma, but he is the leader of
Indian society.

- Jain Acharya Muni Sushilkumarji,

the late founder of World Fellowship
of Religions
Pramukh Swami Maharajs life is an extraordinary example of love and harmony. If
the entire nation were to take a cue from him
and live by those standards, it would solve all
of our problems. He has sacrificed in the true
sense.

- Acharya Mahapragyaji,

- Pujya Shri Chidananand Swami,

Divya Jivan Sangh, Rishikesh

former President of India

Pramukh Swami Maharajs life is an example of spiritual beauty. That beauty shines
throughout India and the world as he continues to guide mankind on the path to spirituality. He loves unconditionally and forgives.
Revenge and vengeance are never to be seen
in his life. This is illustrated in his credo: In
the joy of others lies our own

ist even in the deepest corner of his mind. He

doesnt have the slightest trace of ego. He
sees God in all.

- Justice B.J. Divan,

the late Chief Justice, Gujarat High Court
Pramukh Swami Maharaj is a
great spiritual
leader. I have
met him quite a
few times and
each time I experience
peace.
Very few peoples presence
gives you that
feeling. It is a
feeling of spiritual elevation.
Pramukh Swami Maharajs presence has a
mesmerizing effect. What surprises me the
most is his ability to motivate and inspire so
many people. It is always a pleasure and fortune to have his darshan.

- Dr R. Chidambaram,
former Chairman, Atomic Energy
Commission of India

- Dr Rowan Williams,
104th Archbishop of Canterbury
I had the fortune to meet Pramukh Swami
Maharaj ten years ago. I was impressed then
and I am impressed now. I experience spirituality like never before. It is unique. Bhagwan Swaminarayans spirit of social reform
is living through Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

- Tony Blair,
former Prime Minister, United Kingdom

Pramukh Swami Maharajs humility and

selfless love have touched my heart.

- HRH Prince Charles

The Prince of Wales

Spiritual progress and liberation can only

be attained in the company of a God-realized
sadhu. Pramukh Swami Maharaj is a God-realized sadhu. His presence rids people of
their materialistic desires.

- Pujya Swami Chinmayanandji,

the late founder of Chinmaya Mission
Buddha, Mahavir,
Rama,
Krishna,
Kabir, Nanak and
other sadhus and
avatars have enriched and enhanced
Indian culture. We
are all waiting for
someone else to
come along and lead
Indian Culture. By

-Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,

the late Jain Acharya, Terapanth

-The Dalai Lama

Pramukh Swami Maharaj is always considerate, simple and humble. He leads a multinational organization, yet is always relaxed.
He is as light as a flower. He is able to do so
because he has surrendered himself to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He continues to serve
society with the aim to please God. He thinks
nothing of himself. He is just a means. God
works through him.

I feel a very
strong and divine aura in his
presence. I feel
at peace in his
presence. I forget about all my
worries and difficulties. He truly loves people
unconditionally.
That is why he
is able to counsel and take part
in their difficulties and problems. Their problems become
his problems. I can see it in him.

When I look into his eyes, they are filled

with integrity. I saw in his eyes that he is a
man who has not come ahead by eclipsing
others. He has come forward by always placing others before him.

- President Bill Clinton,

former President, United States of America

The BAPS
Swaminarayan
Complex
(Toronto)
stands as a testament
to
Canada and Indias proud tradition of pluralism. Id also
like to commend this organization for
the role youve
played over the
years in fostering peaceful coexistence
among all communities through heightened
understanding and co-operation, while preserving heritage and faith.

- Stephen Harper,
Prime Minister of Canada
Despite being the President of BAPS, I
have seen Pramukh Swami Maharaj perform
menial seva in Sarangpur. I am the President
of this organization. I cannot perform such
ordinary tasks. This kind of pride doesnt ex-

Emergence of Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi signals the beginning of resurgence of Indias great Vedic culture.

- Dr Vijay Bhatkar,
Architect of Param Supercomputer
project, and Padma Shri recipient
Along with his spiritual activities, Pramukh
Swami Maharaj has contributed a lot to society through his social initiatives. His work is
immeasurable. I bow my head in reverence to
his contributions to society and mankind.

- Ramakrishna Bajaj,
the late founder of Bajaj Group of Industries

Oh! What a humble man. What a divine

man! Ive yet to see such people in abundance. One of the very rare souls that our
country has. I have not travelled far and wide,
I have gone to some countries, but he is one
of the most impressive men I have met in my
life; very dedicated, spiritually very high, at
the same time wonderful organizing capacity. Pramukh Swami is so silent, at the same
time making so many people so active.

-H.H. Atmanand Swami,

the late Head of the Ramakrishna
Mission, Raipur

LANDMARKS IN A GLORIOUS LIFE

Year
1921
1939
1940
1939-1946
1946-1950
1950

Date
7-Dec
22-Nov
10-Jan

Event

Born in the village of Chansad near Vadodara, Gujarat; named Shantilal.

Initiation into Parshad order by Shastriji Maharaj, Ahmedabad.
Initiated into Sadhu order by Shastriji Maharaj at the Akshar Deri, Gondal; named Narayanswarupdas Swami.
Sanskrit studies, travels with Shastriji Maharaj, various services in the mandirs.
Kothari of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sarangpur.
21-May
Appointed as Pramukh (President) of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) by
Shastriji Maharaj, Ahmedabad.
1961
12-May
Kalash Mahotsav, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Gadhada. Yogiji Maharaj initiates 51 youths into the sadhu order.
1967
4-May
Yogiji Maharajs Amrut Mahotsav (75th birthday celebrations), Gondal.
1968
27-Nov
Pramukh Swamis 48th birthday celebrated in presence of Yogiji Maharaj, Mumbai.
1971
23-Jan
In Mumbai, Yogiji Maharaj returns to Akshardham; cremation rites in Gondal. Pramukh Swami Maharaj becomes spiritu
al guru of BAPS.
16
1971
4-Jun
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sankari. First mandir by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
1973
3-Dec
Kalash Mahotsav, Ahmedabad; initiation of 56 youths into sadhu order. First diksha ceremony by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
1974
29 March to Third overseas Satsang Tour: Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Mauritius.
3 Jan 1975
1974
4-Aug
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Flushing, New York. First mandir in USA.
1977
4 June to
Fourth overseas Satsang Tour: UK, USA, Canada, S. Africa, Kenya, Tanzania. Mandirs consecrated in Leicester,
3 Feb 1978 Wellingborough, Ashton, New York, Dar-es-Salaam, Mwanza.
1981
7 March to Bhagwan Swaminarayan Birth Bicentenary Celebrations, Ahmedabad; 37-day festival. Initiation of 207 youths into
13 April
sadhu- and parshad-order.
1982
31 March to Eighth overseas Satsang Tour: UK; Opening of new hari mandir in Neasden, London.
29 April
1983
12-Dec
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Mumbai.
1984
23 March to Ninth overseas Satsang Tour: Kenya, UK, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Portugal, USA, Canada, Fiji, Australia, Japan, Hong
4 October
Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore. Mandirs consecrated in Preston (UK), Chicago and Los Angeles.
1984
7-Apr
Meeting with Pope John Paul II, Vatican City.
Narayanswarupdas Swami (Pramukh
1985
10 July to
11th overseas Satsang Tour: UK; Cultural Festival of India, Alexandra Park, London.
Swami Maharaj) with his guru
22 August
Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj,
1985
20-Jul
Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in Suvarna Tula Mahotsav, QPR Stadium, London.
the founder of BAPS
1985
22 OctAksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami Birth Bicentenary Celebrations, Ahmedabad. Initiation of 200 youths into sadhuSwaminarayan Sanstha.
19 Dec
and parshad-order.
1987-1988
Cattle camps and famine relief activities in Gujarat.
1988
7 April to
12th overseas Satsang Tour: UK, France, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, West Germany, Sweden, Norway, USA,
12 Jan 1989 Canada, Trinidad, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Mauritius. Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in British and
Canadian parliaments. Mandirs consecrated in Atlanta and Houston.
1989
22 to 26 May International Childrens Convention (Adhiveshan), Vidyanagar; 15,000 children participated.
1990
22 to 26 May International Youth Convention (Adhiveshan), Vidyanagar; 21,000 youths participated.
1990
14 June to
Thirteenth overseas Satsang Tour: UK, USA, Canada. Mandirs consecrated in Boston, Toronto, Birmingham (UK).
12 Nov
1991
12 July to
Cultural Festival of India, Edison, New Jersey, USA; Over 1 million visitors.
11 August
1991
20-Jul
Pramukh Swami Maharaj honoured in Platinum Tula Mahotsav, Edison, New Jersey.
1992
30-Aug
Inauguration of The Swaminarayan Independent Day School, Neasden, London.
1992
30 October- Yogiji Maharajs Birth Centenary Celebrations, Gandhinagar. Initiation of 125 youths into sadhu- and parshad-order.
2 December
Pramukh Swami Maharaj with his
1992
2-Nov
Inauguration of Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar.
guru, Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj 1993-1994
Relief and rehabilitation activities following earthquake in Latur, Maharashtra.
1995
20-Aug
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden, London.
1995
25 NovPramukh Swami Maharajs Amrut Mahotsav (75th birthday celebrations), Mumbai.
31 December
1997
9-Nov
Received at St. James Palace by HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales.
1997
10-Nov
Welcomed at Buckingham Palace by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
1999
29-Aug
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nairobi.
2000
8-Jul
Guinness World Records recognize Pramukh Swami Maharaj as having constructed the most mandirs. In December 2007,
total was 713 mandirs.
2000
29-Aug
Pramukh Swami Maharaj addresses the Millennium World Peace Summit of Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations, New
York, USA.
2000
4-Oct
Meeting between Pramukh Swami Maharaj and President Bill Clinton, Florida, USA.
2001
6-Jun
Awarded
Rotary International, Mumbais highest accolade Service Above Self.
Inauguration of first BAPS Mandir in
2001
21-Jul
Pramukh Swami Maharaj and BAPS receive G.D. Birla International Award for Preservation of Indias Heritage &
USA in Flushing, New York
Culture. Presented by vice-president of India, H.E. Krishna Kant.
on August 4, 1974.
2002
17 January- 24th overseas Satsang Tour: Asia-Pacific. BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs consecrated in Perth, Sydney and Auckland.
26 February
2004
8-Feb
50th anniversary of BAPS Bal Mandal. Celebration at Swaminarayan Akshardham, Gandhinagar, in the presence of
Pramukh Swami Maharaj and H.E. APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India. Broadcast live to over 150 countries.
2004
23 April to 25th overseas Satsang Tour: UK, USA, Canada, Africa. Hari mandirs consecrated in Lenasia, South Africa and Gabarone,
29 October Botswana.
2004
25-Jul
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston.
2004
8-Aug
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago.
2005
6-Nov
Public opening of Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, H.E. President Dr APJ Abdul
Kalam, PM Shri Manmohan Singh, Opposition Leader Shri L.K. Advani and Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri B.L. Joshi.
2007
22-Jul
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto, Canada.
2007
26-Aug
Murti-pratishtha of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Atlanta.
2007
13-17 Dec
Grand finale of BAPS Centenary Celebrations, Ahmedabad.
2010
3-Apr
Inauguration of Satchitanand Water Show, Gandhinagar.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Indian
2010
4-Jul
Swamishri inaugurates the BAPS Swaminarayan Research Institute, New Delhi.
Ambassador Dr. Abid Hussain, Con- 2010
13-Dec
Swamishris 90th Birthday Celebration, Mumbai.
gressman Bill Mc Collum and Mayor of 2012
16/17 Jan
Swamishri inaugurates the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of BAPS Youth Activities, established by Yogiji Maharaj in 1952.
Edison Sam Convery and other digni- 2012
5-Jun
Swamishri inaugurates Akhil Bhartiya Yuva Adhiveshan in Sarangpur, as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of BAPS
taries inaugurate the Cultural Festival
Youth Activities.
Of India in Edison, NJ, on July 12,
2014
18-Feb
Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurates redesigned BAPS Charities website, www.BAPSCharities.org , Sarangpur, India
1991. This was a 31-day festival cele- 2014
10-Aug
Pramukh Swami Maharaj performs murti-pratishtha of new shikharbaddha BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Robbinsville,
brated in 200 acre campus of MiddleNJ, USA.
sex County College and visited by 1.2 2014
15-Aug
Pramukh Swami Maharaj performs the Bhumital Pujan ceremony of Swaminarayan Akshardham Mahamandir in
million people.
Robbinsville, NJ, USA.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

Happy Holidays

January 3-16, 2015

n e w

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Making of historic BAPS

RobbinsvilleMandir

Three days of celebrations in August 2014 led to consecration of Shri Akshar Purushottam
Maharajs murtis in a magnificent shikharbadh mandir in New Jersey.

By Sadguru Pujya
Ishwarcharan Swami
Head of Akshardham Project
For quite some time, His Holiness Pramukh
Swami Maharaj had envisioned of building an
Akshardham in North America. In 1997, he finally voiced this desire to the devotees and encouraged them to begin the process of finding
suitable land. Initially, Dr K.C. Patel and Board
Members began this earnest search, which was
later continued by a team of youths including
Bharatbhai, Dipal, Hari, Sunil and Yogesh under the guidance and supervision of Pujya Yagnavallabh Swami and Kanubhai, CEO of BAPS
North America. Based on Pramukh Swami Maharajs guidance of finding a substantial area
of land, they scouted for land in all directions,
visiting many locations.
Finally, after a long search, a location was
found in Robbinsville, New Jersey in 2007.
Due to the grace of Bhagwan Swaminarayan
and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, we acquired
102 acres and later on, an adjacent plot of
65 acres. Upon hearing such news, Pramukh
Swami Maharaj responded, It is good we
have got the land. I had not been able to come,
but I want to. This was the first of many
times Pramukh Swami Maharaj conveyed his
desire to visit the Akshardham site.
Meanwhile, the arduous task of designing
the entire Akshardham complex began. When
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was shown the overall site plan, he expressed that the shikharbaddh mandir should be made completely out of
marble, just as Shastriji Maharaj had made one
in Gadhada. Not only this but he said the mandir should last for over 1000 years! To fulfil his
wish, stone testing was performed on marble.
Experts proposed to Pramukh Swami Maharaj
to have the mandir enclosed inside a building
so that it could be protected from the harsh climate changes in the northeast region of America. Pramukh Swami Maharaj gave his blessings
to build the mandir within such a structure.
The mandir is ornately designed and made in
alignment with the Hindu shastras. The mandir plans were drafted by a Sompura (traditional architect) and sadhus. Then, the stones
were carved according to the designs and plans
through the immense efforts of Harshadbhai Chavda, who runs a stone workshop in
Pindvada, Rajasthan. The design for the shikharbaddh mandir was done by Prakashbhai
Sompura (architect), Bhaktinandan Swami,
Shrijiswarup Swami, Aksharvatsal Swami and
others. Shri B.V. Chaudhary (New Delhi) and
Ashwinbhai Patel (Ahmedabad) also provided
their expert services as structural and civil engineers respectively.
The mandir was to be made out of Italian
marble. To ensure the quality of the marble was
suitable for the mandir, Pujya Muniraj Swami
travelled to the quarries in Italy from time to
time. The selected marble was then shipped
to India and arrived in Pindvada, where it was

shaped and sculpted by artisans according to various designs.

Once carved, it was shipped to America and the mandir construction process began at the hands of Indian artisans and BAPS
volunteers. Rohitbhai Patel of Sachi Construction and his team
aided in the construction of the mandir, which had to conform to
the American codes and conditions. In just over three years the
entire mandir was ready and enclosed within a building. Large
skylights were installed on top of the building to allow natural
light to flow in to enhance the beauty of the mandir exterior.
Pujya Bhaktinandan Swami, Harshadbhai and many sadhus and
devotees made great efforts to finish the monumental task.
On 9th and 10th August 2014, the murti-pratishtha was celebrated festively in Pramukh Swami Maharajs presence. Prior to
Pramukh Swami Maharajs arrival in America, a mahayagna was
performed as part of the Mandir inauguration ceremony. Six sessions were arranged to accommodate all the devotees who had
registered for the yagna rituals. On 10th August, Pramukh Swami Maharaj entered the garbhagruha (sanctum sanctorum) of the
mandir and personally performed the murti-pratishtha rituals.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed all with divine memories.
Prior to Pramukh Swami Maharajs visit, the foundation-stonelaying ceremony of Akshardham Mahamandir had already been
performed on 31st August 2011, with the foundation being laid on
26th October 2013. Despite this, everyone wished that Pramukh
Swami Maharaj himself bless the land on which the Akshardham
Mahamandir will be built. Thus, when Pramukh Swami Maharaj arrived to the US, he fulfilled the wishes of the devotees and
touched the land. He sat on the main proposed garbhagruha area
of Akshardham Mahamandir and placed the nidhikumbh.
K e y

Pramukh Swami Maharaj after the Murti Pratishtha Vidhi

F a c t s

Mandir Style: Nagara | Shikhar Type: Phamsana

Length: 133 ft. | Width: 87 ft. | Height: 42 ft.
Material: Italian Carrara marble (approximately 68,000 cubic ft.)
Stone Pieces: 13,499
Each stone travelled a sea-journey of 11,000 miles (21,500 km.)
Pillars: 98 | Beams: 176
Domes: 2 domes of 30 ft. diameter; 34 ft. high
Wall Murals: 10 | Arches: 66 | Decorative Grilles: 34
Decorative Ceilings: 58
91 elephants with various musical instruments and flowers
44 murtis of Ganapatiji offering devotion with various musical instruments
4.7 million man-hours were required by craftsmen and volunteers to complete the mandir

n e w

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Inspiring Stories of Volunteerism

From conception to birth, the shikharbaddh BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey,
and its other buildings reflect an epic story of planning, execution, skill and divine grace. Through the
inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the concerted efforts of thousands of artisans and over 4,764
BAPS volunteers working in 25 main and 81 sub-departments resulted in inauguration of the mandir
on August 10,2014. The accounts of unsung heroes of volunteerism, young and old, male and female,
resonate with relentless and selfless devotion, work ethic, focus, drive and discipline. We present a slice
from the compendium of stories on volunteerism about the mandir and Akshardham site preparations.
volunteers, he would join them in doing seva till 12 midnight.
He would also serve hot meals to the volunteers at night. Bhanubhai served seven days of the week for the last four to five
years, regardless of time and discomforts.

any BAPS volunteers and devotees had

made great efforts in searching for a
suitable site for Akshardham. Among them
Dipal M. Patel resigned from his job to spend
three years in scouting for land and in acquiring the Akshardham site. Dipal traveled to
several parts of New Jersey State and studied the various land sites. Finally, his journey
concluded at the Robbinsville site.

he devotees of Philadelphia Satsang mandal took up the seva of setting up the scaffolding during the mandir construction work.
They toiled intensely for three-and-a-half
years, traveling by car to the site twice a week.
During the final countdown to the Mandir Mahotsav 30 volunteers came daily to rig or dismantle the scaffolding and to move the heavy
stones on site. Out of the many noteworthy
volunteers Bharatbhai (Bob), in addition to his
40-hour weekly job, spent an equal amount of
hours in seva at the mandir site. He operated
a crane for moving stones, thus cutting the
cost of hired labor. Bharatbhais team included S.K. Patel, Alpeshbhai Patel, Jigneshbhai,
Bhavinbhai and others. Pujya Muniraj Swami
made great efforts in acquiring stones for the
shikharbaddh mandir and Akshardham Mahamandir from the mines in Italy.

ver since he settled in New Jersey in 1991 Bharatbhai

(Bhavpura) has been offering his voluntary services in all
the BAPS shikharbaddh mandir construction works in North
America. Since 2009 he has served full-time at the construction site in Robbinsville.

ipteshbhai and Mahendrabhai Patel of Lansdale and other

volunteers shouldered the seva of naturally beautifying the
mandir grounds. They developed 30 to 40 acres of landscape by
acquiring and planting varieties of saplings and flowers. Their
hard work saved a hefty sum.

or the last one-and-a-half years Hasmukhbhai and Rameshbhai cultivated vegetables at the Robbinsville site,
shopped for food rations and humbly served food to the artisans on site.

omabhai and his wife sold their booming businesses and

settle near the Robbinsville mandir site to serve honorarily.
Every day for two years, the couple made tea for the 38 artisans
at their home and supplied it on site. They also supplied drinking water for all from their home. They have not taken any vacations nor attended any family functions for the past three years.
In 2009, Pankajbhai joined the construction department on site,
full-time. During the 12-hour concrete pour for the Akshardham
foundation Pankajbhai was on duty from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. From
2006, other than his physical seva, he and his wife have refrained from buying a new car, going on their annual holiday
and buying expensive clothes, and instead donated their savings for the Akshardham project.

arikrishna V. Patel graduated as an IT engineer and soon

thereafter he rejected a prosperous job to enroll for seva at
Akshardham. He had intended to serve for a few months but stayed
on for five years, coordinating the mandir construction work.

ajubhai S. Patel left his business in the hands of 35 staff members to serve full-time at the Akshardham site. He looked after

or the past three years Vinodbhai Patel has

been living in Bulgaria and Greece, away
from his family who are in the US. The reason
for his absence from the comforts of home lies
in his steely resolve to serve for the Akshardham project in Robbinsville. He assesses and
approves the quarried stones from the local
mines for the project.

fter graduating as a civil engineer from

Vidyanagar, Bharatbhai F. Patel (Kavitha)
joined the BAPS to offer his voluntary services. At Pramukh Swami Maharajs bidding
he served as a project manager at various construction sites of BAPS shikharbaddh mandirs
in Gujarat. Then he migrated to USA.

nce the Robbinsville mandir construction

began Bharatbhai often travelled from Chicago to offer seva during weekends and then
returned home. As the pace of construction increased, he started serving full-time from April
2013. A person of few words, he has never complained about or recoiled from working in the
harsh weather conditions. Each day he put in 11
to 12 hours of exhaustive efforts on site.

hanubhai D. Patels (Piplag) seva in the

construction department was noteworthy.
He sold his booming business to spend all his
time doing seva on site. Being multi-talented he
operated giant machines and did welding work.
He arrived on site daily at 8.00 a.m. and left
after the artisans finished between 8 and 9.00
p.m. Sometimes, to give company to the other

Thousands of manhours of selfless service and sacrifices culminated in inauguration

of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, NJ

couple of decades ago Kanubhai I. Patel (CEO of BAPS

in North America) fully dedicated his life for satsang seva
after resigning from a prestigious and lucrative job. Ever since,
he has been looking after the administration of BAPS activities
in North America. In spite of his administrative duties Kanubhai never hesitates in doing menial seva like washing dishes or
helping out the volunteers serving in the parking lot. All his family members were also fully engaged in the mandir construction
seva. His brother-in-law, Gunvantbhai, despite having had heart
bypass surgery has been doing seva in the construction department at the Robbinsville site for the last four years. Dineshbhai Ambalal Patel, originally from Bochasan, arrived in the
US in 1988. When the Akshardham project commenced in 2009
Dineshbhai left his job to serve for one-and-a-half years in the
construction and coordination departments.

the requirements of the artisans related to food and accommodation and also attended to parking and kitchen sevas. Rajubhai
also took training in operating large cranes and other machines on
site. He had never missed serving a single day on site.

atinbhai H. Patel served in the IT department. Ratibhai B. Patel contacted many people and inspired them to do seva. His
efforts inspired 70 families into satsang and in various services.

rom 2009 when work on the Akshardham site began, Babubhai C. Patel drove four to five hours every week from
Boston to serve in the electrical department. He sacrificed his
annual vacations to serve more.
Continued on page 20

n e w

j e r s e y

more Inspiring Stories of Volunteerism

nagaryatra departments. In the last two years Deep Patel spent
many hours in sincere seva for Aksharpith, the decoration department and Akshardham construction. Jitubhai contributed
significantly in preparing drawings of mandir plans in AutoCAD.

agdishbhai and Jayantibhai Patel (Mandala) are brothers who performed the housekeeping services at the Akshardham precincts. They cleaned the washrooms, emptied
the dustbins and did other menial seva. Hiral Patel, a young
engineer, took two-and-a-half months leave to serve in the
housekeeping department.

hirubhai, Rohitbhai, Ambalalbhai and others performed

Thakorjis seva for the past two years at the Robbinsville
site. Their dedication and efforts in doing meticulous seva is
also noteworthy.

Continued from page 19

D
F

ilipbhai Mewavala served for four years,

driving from Edison to Robbinsville.

or the last three years Vinubhai has served

on site despite his advanced age and the
harsh winters. He served daily from morning till 9.00 p.m. in a variety of services, like
overlooking the construction work, accounting,
wages of artisans, visitors reception and scrutinizing the quality of materials used on site.

embers of the Akshardham security

team also offered noteworthy seva.
Ghanshyambhai Patels security cabin was
buffeted and overturned during a heavy storm
but he came out unscathed. Pramukh Swami
Maharaj had blessed Ghanshyambhai, saying,
Nothing will happen to you. There is still a
lot of seva to be done by you.

he stone artisans were transported by bus

every morning and evening between their
accommodations and the mandir site. Pankajbhai Patel volunteered to drive the bus. But
before he could start his seva he had to take
driving lessons and acquire a licence. With the
twin responsibility of seva and business Pankajbhai managed both with alacrity. Kaushikbhai N. Patel also served for five years as a
bus driver for the artisans.

Amazing stories of tireless seva and profound

devotion have gone in the making of this
milestone in Hindu history in the USA.

ince 2011 Jitubhai Amin has sincerely served the stone artisans. In 2012, Jitubhai was confined to a wheelchair and
used a walking aid for ten months. Even during such disability
his spirit to serve did not ebb.

scorching summer sun all day, not revealing an inkling of the

difficulties he was going through due to his failed kidneys.

aginbhai Patel is a veteran devotee who has been serving

in the kitchen department for decades. For the seva at Robbinsville Naginbhai retired from his business two years ago.
His son, Yogesh, offered seva in the Sansthas legal department,
providing information and giving presentations to the township
counsel for attaining permission for the construction work.

ay Kapadiya and many volunteers serving in other departments during the Mandir Mahotsav had also put in tremendous efforts. Some worked hard to enroll devotees and
wellwishers to participate in the mandir pratishtha yagna.
Giteshbhai and Amitbhai (Washington DC), who looked after
the yagna department, strived for long hours each day.

ignesh Rai, a young seva enthusiast, undergoes dialysis

three times a week because of his failed kidneys. During
the Mandir Mahotsav he volunteered his services for the parking department. From early morning till late evening Jignesh
rendered his services unflaggingly. He stoically weathered the

ajesh Jhariwala suffered a heart attack during the Mandir

Mahotsav preparations. Subsequently, with the advice of
doctors he had a pacemaker implanted. Three days after the
implant Rajeshbhai returned to his seva.

uring the Mandir Mahotsav a mass marriage programme

had been arranged. In all, 18 couples were going to get
married and 12 couples were to get engaged. Ashish Patel was
one of the 18 bridegrooms who was neck-deep in seva. Because
of his intense seva he could not spare time for his own marriage
mandap-muhurt. He texted his invitees that his pre-marriage
rituals were cancelled. Like him there were others who were
also vigorously engaged in seva till the last moments before
their marriage rituals. After their marriage, the couples attended
the karyakar shibir or served during the shibir.

he story of Anilbhai Patels austerity is staggering. His ongoing 15 years of dharna-parna vrat till the completion of
Akshardham Mahamandir is incredible.

he sacrifice and seva of Chirag Shah (Edison) in project administration and construction management were exceptional. To
cope with his responsibilities he gave up his job
and worked full-time for more than six months.

rijeshbhai Patel served in the volunteer

recruitment cell (swayamsevak dal) for
the last five years. Ritesh Patel left his job to
serve in the kitchen department. Dharmik V.
Sheth, 27 years old, gave up his job in October
2013 to serve full-time for the development of
the Akshardham site. He later resumed his job
at the instance of sadhus, but he still offers
seva in the evening after work. Kishorebhai
Makwana left his occupation to serve for one
year for the Mandir Mahotsav decoration and

The marvel of Mandir is result of concerted efforts of thousands of artisans

and volunteers with blessings of Pramukh Swami Maharaj

Many names could not be accommodated due to space constraint but we salute the sacrifices and dedication of the volunteers and their families including children

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

January 3-16, 2015

BAPS TEMPLES IN NORTH AMERICA

22

ince 1970, BAPS has been serving

families and individuals across USA
and Canada through various spiritual
and cultural activities. Its 150 centers,
including over 90 mandirs, form the hub of
its various initiatives. With over 65 dedicated swamis giving spiritual guidance, the
organization hosts over 630 weekly satsang
assemblies for children, youth and adults.

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chicago.

CANADA

Jacksonville

MASSACHUSETTS

Syracuse

Greenville

Calgary

Melbourne-FL

Boston

Westchester

Orangeburg

Toronto*

Miami

South Boston

NORTH CAROLINA

TENNESSEE

Scarborough

Orlando

Springfield

Charlotte

Columbia-TN

ALABAMA

Tampa

MICHIGAN

Greensboro

Knoxville

Birmingham

GEORGIA

Detroit

Raleigh

Memphis

Dothan

Albany-GA

Sterling Heights

OHIO

Nashville

Huntsville

Atlanta*

MINNESOTA

Cincinnati

TEXAS

Montgomery

Augusta

Minneapolis

Cleveland

Austin

ARIZONA

Calhoun

MISSISSIPPI

Columbus

Clearlake

Phoenix

Chattanooga

Jackson

Dayton

Corpus Christi

Tucson

Perry

MISSOURI

OKLAHOMA

Dallas

ARKANSAS

Savannah

St. Louis

Oklahoma City

Houston*

Little Rock

ILLINOIS

NEW JERSEY

OREGON

Lubbock

CALIFORNIA

Chicago*

Atlantic City

Portland

San Antonio

Fresno

Bloomington

Cherry Hill

PENNSYLVANIA

VIRGINIA

Los Angeles*

INDIANA

Clifton

Allentown

Manassas

Sacramento

Indianapolis

Edison

Harrisburg

Richmond

San Francisco

Munster

Jersey City

Lansdale

Roanoke

San Jose

KANSAS

Parsippany

Philadelphia

Virginia Beach

CONNECTICUT

Kansas City

Piscataway

Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON

Hartford

KENTUCKY

Robbinsville*

Scranton

Seattle

DELAWARE

Louisville

NEW YORK

Warrington

WISCONSIN

New Castle

MARYLAND

Albany

SOUTH CAROLINA

Milwaukee

FLORIDA

Washington DC

New York

Columbia-SC

* Traditional stone mandir

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

in Los Angeles.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir,

Toronto. (left) Pramukh Swami
Maharaj directing construction
work of the grand Haveli at BAPS
Mandir in London in 1995.

The sacred
images of
Bhagwan
Swaminarayan
and
Gunatitanand
Swami seen
in the
intricately
carved
BAPS
Shri
Swaminarayan
Mandir in
Los Angeles,
California.

B A P S

S w a m i n a r a y a n

BAPS also stresses the importance of family meals or samuh bhojan - a family dinner in
which all members put aside other obligations
and spend time together eating, talking and enjoying each others company.

BAPS:Mission,
Philosophy &
Global Spread

In mandirs, BAPS organizes parents meetings where parents learn how to improve communication with their children and develop unity
within the family, while children learn ways in
which they may better understand their parents.

Since 1971, under the leadership of His Holiness

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha,
a Hindu socio-spiritual organization, has been growing
exponentially, guiding people and serving humanity.

T h e V a l u e o f Fam i l y
Emphasizing the value of families, BAPS encourages parents and children to regularly hold
ghar sabha - a gathering of family members in
the home that provides a platform for spiritual
development and mutual understanding.
During the 15 to 30 minutes of ghar sabha,
family members pray, read and discuss spiritual
and inspiring literature. They also discuss issues facing one another or the family to foster
open communication.

introduction
Established in 1907, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide Hindu organization dedicated to the collective spiritual
and social progress of society by promoting
harmony between individuals, within families
and amongst diverse communities.
Since 1971, under the leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS North
America has been serving with an emphasis on:

Spirituality
Family Unity
Cultural Heritage
Humanitarian Services
Child and Youth Development

m i ss i o n
BAPS aims to serve communities,
families and individuals by:
CARING for their spiritual, cultural, social,
physical, emotional and educational needs.
INSPIRING all towards a pure
and peaceful way of life:

Filled with character, love,

tolerance and harmony;
Free from addictions and vices;
Rooted in the values of
co-existence and service.

S a n s t h a

BAPS emphasizes the need for communication, love and understanding as a means to
achieving family unity. It also provides methods to maintain family harmony.

S a t sa n g : S p i r i t u a l G u i d a n c e
Satsang is association with the Satpurush
(God-realized Guru), Bhakta (devotee) or
Bhagwan (God). It is practiced through devotion to God, the study of scriptures and observance of dharma (code of conduct).
Satsang provides deeper knowledge of the
atma (soul) and God. Through this knowledge,
one develops the patience, courage and understanding to face the ups and downs of life with
stability and peace of mind.

Bhagwaan
Swaminarayan
(1781-1830)
established the
Swaminarayan
Sampraday.

This same transformative power helps to free

individuals from addictions and remove inner
vices such as lust, ego, anger, envy and greed.
One of the primary means for strengthening ones personal Satsang is weekly Satsang
Sabha (spiritual assembly), organized in every
BAPS center around the world. Here devotees
come together and enjoy spiritual discourses,
scriptural readings and devotional singing.

SUSTAINING the universal values

of Hindu culture.
FOSTERING faith and devotion
in God through Satsang.

C h i l d & Y o u t h D e v e l o pm e n t
The true prosperity of our world lies in our
children and youth. The values we instill in
our children and youth today will allow them
to mold their lives for a better future. BAPS
promotes personal development of our children
and youth through an emphasis on spiritual,
family and cultural activities.
BAPS Childrens and Youth Activities have
helped our youth become responsible and contributing members of society.

C u l t u r a l H e r i t ag e
Hindu culture is a beautiful mosaic of art, music, dance, cuisine and festivals with roots dating back thousands of years. BAPS celebrates
Hindu culture through various cultural events
and educational programs. Through various activities, BAPS encourages younger generations
to experience the beauty and richness of Hindu
culture and to develop a sense of identity and
pride in their heritage. BAPS is an integral part
of the Indian American community in North
America in celebrating our shared culture.

1st spiritual successor

2nd spiritual successor

Fifth spiritual successor in the lineage, and current head, Pramukh

Swami Maharaj took the movment
to four corners of the globe.
Here he is blessing devotee Ramesh
Patel of Natchez, Mississippi.
5th spiritual successor

Continued on page 24

3rd spiritual successor

4th spiritual successor

B A P S

S w a m i n a r a y a n

S a n s t h a

These mandirs facilities include: Prayer &

Assembly Hall, Childrens and Youth Activities
Areas, Classrooms, Exhibitions, Dining Area,
Gardens and Gift Shop.
Hari mandirs, although not made from stone
like traditional Shikharbaddh mandirs, also
provide similar facilities for spiritual, cultural
and social activities.
Ghar mandirs are small mandirs in devotees
homes, where family members gather for puja,
morning and evening Arti (prayer) and Thal
(offering of food).

Bhagwan Swaminarayan
(1781 - 1830)
Continued from page 23
SATSANG PROGRAMS:

Satsang Sabha
Celebrations of Festivals
Cultural Programs
Satsang Shibirs (Seminars)
Samuh Puja (Group Worship)
Seva (Volunteer Services)
Goshti (Group Discussions)
Group Outings

MORNING PUJA
An essential personal practice for strengthening ones personal satsang is daily morning
puja (worship). Every BAPS Swaminarayan
devotee begins his or her day by performing the morning puja, which involves mansi
(meditation), introspection, mantrajaap (spiritual chanting), prayer and scriptural reading.
Regular practice of morning puja strengthens
spiritual values and devotion to God.

Mandirs & Cultural Centers

To cater to the needs of the individual, family and community, Hindu scriptures and traditions have prescribed the following three types
of mandirs: Shikharbaddh mandir, Hari mandir
and Ghar mandir.
Shikharbaddh mandirs are built according
to the ancient texts of Hindu architecture.
These magnificent structures, made from
hand-carved stones, are masterpieces of ancient art and architecture.
BAPS Shikharbaddh mandirs are also typically adjoined by Satsang Activities Centers,
which provide facilities for various cultural,
social and spiritual activities.

Born in 1781 in northern India, Bhagwan

Swaminarayan brought about a social and
spiritual renewal to a society plagued by corruption and immorality. He revitalized the values of Sanatan Hindu Dharma and established
the Swaminarayan Sampraday. He inspired
devotees to live moral and spiritual lives by
observing five basic principles: addiction-free
living, vegetarianism, refraining from stealing,
abstaining from committing adultery and maintaining purity of the mind, body and soul.
Gunatitanand Swami (1785 - 1867)
First spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He extolled Bhagwan Swaminarayans true glory as God through his inspiring
discourses, profound saintliness, matchless
wisdom, and constant rapport with God.
Bhagatji Maharaj (1829 - 1897)
Second spiritual successor. He had an intense desire to worship God and serve his
Guru, Gunatitanand Swami. His life is a story
of tremendous effort to follow the wishes of
his Guru. Although not a saffron- clad renunciate, his spiritual enlightenment singled him
out as successor.

Guided by the Hindu tradition of celebrating unity in diversity, BAPS

values living in harmony with others. Worshippers and visitors are
welcomed with warmth and respect at all BAPS mandirs.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj

His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj is the fifth spiritual successor of
Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the present leader of BAPS. He leads an ascetic
life of lifetime celibacy without personal wealth. His compassion for humanity and caring nature have touched and inspired countless people.
His inspiring call, In the joy of others, lies our own... reflects the spirit of his
life and work. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has travelled from large cities to remote
villages to foster love, peace, harmony, spirituality and faith within individuals
- irrespective of race, class, creed or color. His unique combination of spirituality and leadership inspires hundreds of thousands of devotees around the world.

Shastriji Maharaj (1865 - 1951)

Philosophy

Third spiritual successor. He was a profound

scholar of Sanskrit and ancient Hindu scriptures and a magnetic orator. He founded the
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and propagated
the core philosophy propounded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan - to worship Purushottam
(God) along with Akshar, His ideal devotee.

The members of BAPS

are part of the Swaminarayan Sampraday (Swaminarayan Faith) - the Hindu
Bhakti Sampraday founded
by Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
BASIC HINDU
PRINCIPLES

Yogiji Maharaj (1892 - 1971)

Fourth spiritual successor. He was a great
visionary. who, with an ever-smiling and joyous visage, devotion, love and tolerance attracted many young people to spirituality. He
initiated many young, learned swamis and
started BAPS youth & childrens activities.

Swaminarayan followers
believe in core Hindu principles including: accepting
the authority of the Vedas,
the belief in Parabrahma
(one supreme God), Avatarvaad (incarnations of God),
Karma, Punarjanma (reincarnation), Moksha (liberation), Guru and Ahimsa
(non-violence).
THE SWAMINARAYAN PHILOSOPHY
Bhagwan Swaminarayan revealed that there are five eternal entities: Jiva,
Ishwar, Maya, Brahma and Parabrahma. He explained that Parabrahma, the
supreme entity has a form, is the all-doer and is ever-present on Earth through
His eternal abode, Aksharbrahma.
MOKSHA (Liberation)
Bhagwan Swaminarayan explained that jivas (souls) transcend maya and
realize Ekantik Dharma through association with Akshar-brahma - the living
God-realized Satpurush.
Ekantik Dharma consists of dharma (righteousness), gnan (knowledge), vairagya (detachment) and bhakti (devotion) to God, which leads one to moksha
(ultimate liberation).

Every BAPS Swaminarayan devotee begins his or her day by performing the
morning puja, which strengthens spiritual values and devotion to God.

In the state of moksha, jivas are liberated from the cycle of birth and death,
transcend maya, become an Aksharmukta and offer pure worship to Parabrahma
in Akshardham (divine abode of Bhagwan Swaminarayan).

B A P S

S w a m i n a r a y a n

S a n s t h a

clinics treating over 615,000 patients annually

Since 1999, mobile medical clinics have treated 3.2 million tribal villagers free of charge

Over 100 Medico-spiritual conferences

have enlightened over 20,000 doctors

Over two million people inspired

to quit addictions

165 diagnostic & specialized health camps

treating over 150,000 people annually

COMMUNITY SERVICES

C o e x i s t e n c e & Ha r m o n y
Guided by the Hindu tradition of celebrating unity in diversity, BAPS values living in
harmony with others. Worshippers and visitors are welcomed with warmth and respect at
all BAPS mandirs.
BAPS members, young and old, live harmoniously with their neighbors and proactively
contribute to their community through a variety of service activities.
Believing that dialogue among societal and
spiritual leaders is essential for peaceful coexistence, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has worked
to foster communication with leaders of other
cultures, religions and civic bodies. This effort has also led to BAPS participation in various inter-faith activities.
Thus, members of BAPS are responsible and
contributing members of their local communities. They value their own cultural and spiritual
heritage while respecting the beliefs of others.

BAPS Charities Contributing to Society

BAPS Charities is an independent international
charitable organization that has partnered with
BAPS to inspire individuals across North America to serve their neighbors and communities.
For our volunteers, the concept of seva, or
selfless service, means not just volunteering
time or donating money, but being motivated by
a spirit of service to sacrifice for the greater
good of the community and the world.

Walkathons organized for the past 15 yearsgiving financial support to community

projects (local hospitals, childrens organizations, township entities, school systems,
etc.). Over 15,000 walkers participate annually in 55 centers throughout North America
Food & Toy Drives

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Career Fairs & Scholarships

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Tree-planting campaigns

Energy awareness

Recycling projects

HUMANITARIAN SERVICES
For over 30 years, BAPS Charities has
reached out during times of urgent need, first
to assist, and then to empower people to return
to their normal lives.

Over 40 disaster relief operations

successfully managed

More than 1,800,000 hot meals served

in the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake

4,190 homes constructed following

the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake

51 villages served after the South

Asia Tsunami in 2004

BAPS Worldwide
BAPS has been serving in countries throughout the world, including India, the United
States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France,
Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, Hong
Kong, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa,
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia
and UAE. Its global activities include:

Over 1,100 BAPS mandirs worldwide

Over 930 swamis

3,850 centers in India, USA, UK, Europe,

Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East

HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES

Health Fairs organized annually in over 40

centers, benefiting over 13,000 individuals

10,400 weekly assemblies for men and

women, youths and teenagers

6,600 weekly assemblies for children

Environmental Activities

10 charitable hospitals and healthcare

Thousands of water conservation projects in hundreds of villages

Millions of trees planted in thousands of villages in India

Volunteers

55,000 volunteers worldwide

12,000,000 hours of service annually

Educational Services

38 permanent facilities annually provide

12,000 students with value-based education

55 schools built in disaster-hit regions

Over 5,000 scholarships awarded annually

Established the first award-winning Hindu School in London - 1992

Swaminarayan Akshardham (Gandhinagar & New Delhi)

Swaminarayan Akshardham celebrates Hinduisms ancient yet living culture
in all its grandeur, beauty and wisdom. Offering a unique insight into Hindu
traditions, the Akshardham experience provides an engaging journey of inspiration and enlightenment to all. Celebrated for its religious architecture,
Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar and New Delhi offer homage to
Bhagwan Swaminarayan as well as the avatars and great sages of Hinduism.
These Mahamandirs were made possible through the selfless efforts of thousands of volunteers and craftsmen as well as the inspiration and blessings of
Pramukh Swami Maharaj. They stand as a testament to the power of volunteerism and continue the BAPS tradition of devotion and service.

Spiritual & Cultural Activities

This spirit of service, as exemplified in the

life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, inspires our
volunteers to donate millions of hours annually
in the service of our communities.

Over 5,300 individuals registered in

Bone Marrow Drives

Periodic Health Fairs are organized in BAPS centers. Moreover,

BAPS Charities reaches out during times of urgent need like
natural disasters, first to assist, and then to empower
people to return to their normal lives.

Thousands of tons of paper collected for

recycling annually

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years

of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom
and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of Indias ancient
architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages.

28

P R O F I L E

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni

An apostle of peace and social harmony

charya Dr. Lokesh Muni is a social
reformer, versatile thinker, writer and
poet. For the last 30 years, he has
been continuously making efforts for building National character, development of human values and establishing non-violence,
peace and mutual co-operation in the society.
He has traveled on foot about 20,000 kilometers throughout the country for removing social evils and for propagating moral values.
Says Acharya ji, "My first and last ambition
is that I should be able to make the world free
from violence, terrorism and tension and that
I may help in making my humble contribution in establishing peace and mutual co-operation." In order to give practical shape to
these values he founded "Ahimsa Vishwa
Bharti" and thus spread his field of activities
throughout the world.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh was born on April 17,
1961 in Pachpadra City, in Barmer district of
Rajasthan. After completing his formal education he deeply studied Jain, Buddhist,
Vedic and other Indian and foreign thoughts
(philosophies). He is well read in Prakrit,
Sanskrit, Hindi, English, Gujarati, Kannarese
and many other languages.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh has earned limitless
love, fame and respect not only in India but
also at the international level due to his steadfastness, knowledge, energy and perseverance. He is master in the field of Meditation,
Yoga, and Peace Education. His contribution
is the mode of popular 'Peace Education',
through age-old meditation and yoga and current scientific research. It brings an end to the
animal instinct in the human beings and
awakens the human and spiritual values.
In the year 2001, President Bill Clinton of
USA was deeply impressed with the fundamental thoughts of Acharya Dr. Lokesh and
invited him to visit America. During his first
visit to USA in March 2007, Acharya Dr.
Lokesh discussed Peace Education and training of non-violence in the US Senate, where
members of both the political parties namely
Republican and Democrat participated. In

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni addressing World Summit on

Peace Security and Development at Seoul, South Korea,
organized by Universal Peace Federation.

Honble President of India,

Mr Pranab Mukherjee in discussion with the Acharya.

September 2008, he addressed Milpitas Assembly of California. Mayor Hoze Astawish

honored him with Keys to Milpitas City for
his distinguished contribution in the field of
non-violence, peace and mutual co-operation. As writer, Acharya Dr. Lokesh has written more than dozen books in prose and poetry. His literature is famous due to his new
approach and solution to current problems.
In his writing Dr. Lokesh has not only raised
the problems but also presented lasting solutions to them. 'The Unborn Curse' is a novel
denouncing abortion of female child. It was

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni honored with Ambassador of Peace award at

United Nations Information Centre, New Delhi.

Acharya Dr. Lokesh discussing national issues with

Honble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.

Former President of USA, Hon. Bill Clinton

with Acharya Dr. Lokesh.

released in Hindi by Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,

former President of India and it gained great
popularity. The first copy of the English version was releases by Smt. Sonia Gandhi,
President of Congress party. The introduction
of this book is written by Shri Shivraj Patil,
former Home Minister of India. Shri L.K.
Advani, former Deputy Prime Minister of India, had penned down his comments. The
Acharyas books are popular both in India
and abroad. His literature provides solution to
personal, social, national and international
problems. Innumerable people have found

solution to their problems through his literature and thus got the basic mantra of health,
happy and ecstatic way of life. The literature
of Acharya Dr. Lokesh has been translated
and published in many language including
Hindi, English, Gujarati, Tamil, Bengali,
Kannarese and German.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh is a noted social reformer. He has performed several experiments for the removal of ignoble traditions in
the society while establishing Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti. He simultaneously started a strong
movement against the abortion of female

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni participating in Ganga Manthan- National

Dialogue on Ganga in the presence of Cabinet Minister for Water Resources,
and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ms. Uma Bharti and Cabinet Minister Shri Shripad
Yesso Naik organized by Government India at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

29

child and other social evils such as taking of

intoxicants. During the All-Religion Foot
Travel from Tankara in Gujarat to Amritsar in
Punjab passing through five states to create
an awakening among the public against abortion of female child, he was leading the participants of Jain faith in the movement
against abortion of female child and intoxicants in various states. Acharya Dr. Lokesh
started National Movement against these
evils on February 20th, 2008 and it was inaugurated by Dr. Hamid Ansari, Vice President
of India.
The basic specialty of Indian culture is unity in diversity. Another fundamental principle
is mutual brotherhood of all religions in order
to firmly maintain that distinguished culture
and to establish Ahimsa and mutual co-operation in the society. Acharya Dr. Lokesh is
making continuous efforts - the 1500 km yatra on foot from Haryana to Gujarat in this
context helped in establishing the spirit of religious tolerance and mutual brotherhood.
Appreciating it, Smt. Sonia Gandhi had written, I am happy to learn that the status of Yuvacharya is being offered to Muni Lokesh Ji,
the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti who
has been working hard for the last 25 years
towards building national character and uplift
of human values. He is famous as a prominent thinker, fundamental author, poet promoting mutual brotherhood in the society.
His efforts in this direction are worthy of appreciation especially in communally affected
areas of Gujarat for establishing peace and
mutual brotherhood. He has transformed religion into a spiritual force and has tried to
amalgamate it with science and social service. He has also tried to create a wave of
awakening among the public by starting a
National Movement against abortion of female child and liquor. He is a good social reformer and also a prolific writer.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh has made efforts from
time to time to avoid tension among various
castes, and religions. In the year 2007, he had
served as an extremely important background
force to quell tension between Sacha Sauda
Dera and the Sikh community. It saved the
society from the imminent disturbance and
violence.
In the year 2010 Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, a dynamic crusader for national integration and lead campaigner
against social evils, was honored with National Communal Harmony Award by the
Government of India among several national and international accolades.

Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni and other faith leaders at Media Launch of Global Interfaith WASH
(Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Alliance India supported by UNICEF.

was honored with National Communal Harmony Award by the Government of India,
given by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh and Vice President of India Mohd.
Hamid Ansari. In 2006, then Indias President
Smt. Pratibha Patil conferred the 'Ethical
Honor' of Gulzarilal Nanda Foundation to Dr.
Lokesh for his distinguished services in establishing Ahimsa, Peace and mutual trust in
the society.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh has been honored by
the United Nations with Ambassador of
Peace Award on February 3, 2014 at the UN
Centre for his remarkable contributions towards World Peace & Communal Harmony.
The entire life of Acharya Dr. Lokesh is full
of immense contribution towards re-establishing human values and national trust. He
has dedicated his entire life for the uplift of
humanity, welfare of human beings, establishing human integration and mutual brotherhood. He is making various experiments in
order to strengthen National Unity and is continuously moving ahead in this direction.

Vice President of India Mohd. Hamid Ansari and then Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh presenting National Communal Harmony Award 2010
by Government of India to Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni.

Muniji
presenting a
copy of his
book
Interfaith
Dialogue to
former
Prime
Minister of
Britain Mr.
Tony Blair.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni in discussion with then
President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and then
President of Pakistan Mr. Pervez Musharraf.

Launch of Save Girl Child Year on the occasion of 50th Birthday of Acharya
Dr. Lokesh Muni in the august presence of religious and political leaders.

Acharya Lokesh Ashram inaugurated by External Affairs Minister

Mrs. Sushma Swaraj and other top dignitaries.

I N D I A

32

I N

T H E

W O R L D

Foreign relations on uptick with

new flamboyance

India's foreign relations appear on a humming, happy front as 2014 draws to a close, with ties with
many countries, including the US, China and Russia, on the uptick, especially after the Narendra
Modi government kicked off a blitz of active foreign policy engagements since it took over in May.

he year dawned with the

looming general elections in
April-May, lending an air of
uncertainty to everything, including
foreign policy, as everyone was unsure of the outcome and predictions
were rife of the demise of the
decade-long Congress-led United
Progressive Alliance government.
The international community was
waiting and watching to see what
would happen in the world's largest
democracy.
The year 2014 began with IndiaUS relations on the ebb, with the bitter hangover of the Devyani Khobragade episode very fresh. The arrest
and strip search of the Indian diplomat in New York in late 2013 continued to reverberate in early 2014.
Both sides made serious efforts for
a patch-up, with then foreign minister Salman Khurshid breaking ice
with US Secretary of State John Kerry and India's new envoy S. Jaishankar moving actively to smoothen
the ties.
The US also moved quickly to recall then US envoy Nancy Powell,
who was perceived to be unfriendly
towards the Modi juggernaut that
was surely headed towards Delhi.
After Narendra Modi was installed
at the helm, the outreach with the US
started in earnest, culminating in his
visit to America, a country that had
declared him a pariah over the 2002
Gujarat riots.
Before Modi came to power, India
had two important guests - Japanese
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as chief
guest of the Republic Day parade
and South Korean President Park
Guen-hye, who visited in the second
week of January. Abe was the first
Japanese prime minister to grace the
Republic Day and his visit helped reinforce India-Japan ties that got an
even higher trajectory under the
Modi government.
The new government launched its
foreign policy with a bang - by inviting eight South Asian neighbors, including Pakistan, to the swearing in,
a step that was lauded all round. It

gave Modi an opportunity to get to

know his immediate neighbors and
also reassured them of the new government's intentions. While the Modi
government's outreach to neighbors
appears to have worked well to assuage the concerns of most, in the
case of Pakistan the blow hot, blow
cold relations between the two continue, despite the early promising
noises in the wake of the ModiNawaz Sharif handshake and the
shawl-sari and twitter diplomacy.
The relations with Pakistan, in
fact, witnessed a major downslide after the continuous border firing incidents and after India called off the
foreign secretary-level talks over Islamabad dabbling with Kashmiri
separatists.
The horrific Peshawar school terror attack last week helped bring
both neighbors together in sharing
concerns over terrorism and sympathy over the great loss. A Pakistan
court's decision last week to grant
bail to 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur Rahman Lakhvi came
as a shocker, and India will have to
wait for three months to know if the
Lashhkar-e-Taiba terrorist will get
off the hook or Islamabad will heed
India's concerns and bring him and
other perpetrators of the 26/11 carnage to book.
In the over six months that Modi
has been in power, he has met all the
Permanent Five members of the
United Nations - the US, Russia,
China, Britain and France - some
more than once, including US President Barack Obama, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The prime minister, who visited
Bhutan in his first bilateral outing,
has since visited Nepal, Myanmar,
Australia, Fiji, the US, Brazil and attended several bilateral and multilateral summits. Among the multilateral summits are: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
(SAARC) in Kathmandu, the G20 in
Brisbane, Australia, the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations

Modi tops most searched politicians list in 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most searched politician of India
on internet in the year 2014, as per Yahoo Indias review report.
While Modi led High and Mighty Political Top 10, his trusted aides
Amit Shah and Arun Jaitley also feature on the list, which includes
Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Nationalist Congress Party chief
Sharad Pawar.
This man clearly tops the list as he changed the political landscape in
2014. One of the most popular leaders in the Indian political history,
Modi became the Prime Minister of India after BJPs magnificent victory in the general elections this year. He is second most followed political leader in Twitter after US President Barack Obama.

(ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit

in Myanmar, and the first IndiaSouth Pacific Island nations forum
summit in Fiji - all in November, and
the BRICS summit with Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa in Fortaleza, Brazil. He also became the
first Indian leader to address the Australian, Nepalese and Fiji parliaments, and his interaction with the
diaspora in New York's Madison
Square Garden and Sydney Allphones area were rocking events.
While former prime minister Manmohan Singh, an intellectual,
brought his own style of learned wisdom to foreign policy that was not
overt, but well thought out, towards
the end of his decade in power it began to be perceived to be faltering,
especially with regard to ties with
neighbors. And this was largely due
to troubles from coalition allies, like
the DMK and the TMC.
In contrast, Modi, whose BJP-led
government came to power on the
back of an unbeatable three-fourths
majority, is perceived by the international community as powerful,
someone who means business and
has the ability and the numbers to
pull through tough policy decisions.
Modi, who is known to have a penchant for good attire, has brought in
his own brand of flamboyance and
colour to India's foreign policy - his
invite to eight South Asian neighbors, his twitter diplomacy and his
courting Chinese President Xi Jinping along the banks of the Sabarmati being just some examples.
Modi, who initially started off in
Hindi but has since begun addressing
diplomatic gatherings in English
with the aid of teleprompters, has got
the eyes and the ears of the international community with his promise
of the ease of doing business in India, his Make in India, Clean India
campaign, Skill India and building
100 Smart Cities.
His invite to US President Barack
Obama to be chief guest for the Republic Day parade on Jan 26 is being
viewed as a diplomatic masterstroke.

I N D I A

33

T O P

1 0

A great year for BJP,

nightmare for Congress
It was a historic, memorable and momentous year for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. And it was a year the Congress would like to forget. After 10 long years in the opposition, the BJP
took control of India, by forming the first government in 30 years with a parliamentary majority for any one party.
India's Mars orbiter mission
creates history

in his hand. He also nominated various celebrities and well known personalities to participate
in his cleanliness drive to make the efforts
more impactful. Entire country is being encouraged to take part in the Abhiyan and keep
the country clean.

Dispute between BJP-Sena

comes out in open
014 was phenomenal in many ways but
Narendra Modi clearly was the hero of
Indian politics in 2014. The former Gujarat chief minister changed the BJP's fortunes
in a way that left its opponents gasping.
As prime minister, Modi has continued to
steer the BJP campaign in state elections, leading to victories in Haryana, Maharashtra and
Jharkhand. In Kashmir, the party is knocking at
the doors of the government -- for the first
time. Even as a weakened opposition targets
the government over its unfulfilled promises,
Modi has retained the political momentum.
The coming year will pose electoral challenges in Delhi and Bihar.
The government will be expected to translate
its promises into action including over bringing back black money stashed abroad. And it
will be seen if Modi can check Hindu groups
determined to make minorities embrace Hinduism.
The scale of BJP victory has forced the old
Janata parivar to try to merge the Janata DalUnited, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal-Secular, Samajwadi Party and the Indian National
Lok Dal.
But the BJP remains supremely confident.
Just before 2014 ended, the government named
the now ailing former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pandit Madan Mohan
Malaviya for Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honor.

The rise and fall of

Arvind Kejriwal and AAP

The ISRO succeeded in its Mars Orbiter

Mission as India became the first Asian country to reach planet Mars. Space sector has undoubtedly done extremely well in 2014. Indias
Mangalyan successfully enterted into Mars orbit on September 24, 2014. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi praised the country's space
centre by describing their success as an Endorsement of countrys space capabilities.
This was marked as a historic achievement.
ISRO made two successful launches of GSLVs
and five foreign satellites in the orbit.

Jayalalithaa convicted in
disproportionate asset case
Former
Tamil
Nadu chief minister
Jayalalithaa was convicted by a special
judge and was sentenced to four years
imprisonment in the
disproportionate assets case of Rs 66.65
crore which came
like a shock for the people of TN and her supporters. The supporters protested against the
government and many even committed suicides. In 1996, Subramanian Swami had filed
a case against the CM of Tamil Nadu that during her tenure as CM from 1991 to 1996, she
made assets worth Rs 66.65 crore which were
disproportionate to her disclosed sources of income.

Modi begins 'Swacch Bharat'

campaign

Woman raped by Uber

cab driver in Delhi

The year 2014 came with one more shock as

BJP broke the alliance with its closest and oldest support Shiv Sena. The disputes went on for
many days which created a lot of mess between
both the parties and the leaders from either parties kept making harsh comments and remarks
about each others parties during Maharashra
polls. They finally came together to form the
government in the state.

Kashmir floods kill

over 600 people

Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated

Swacch Bharat Abhiyan in the country after
becoming the PM and encouraged people of
the country to participate in the same. To begin,
he cleaned the streets of Varanasi with a broom

Uber cab service was banned in the national

capital after a 27 year old was raped by a driver of Uber cabs. The Delhi government banned
all activities of Uber cabs after the accused
driver, Shiv Kumar was arrested on rape
charges canceling the taxi permit and drivers
license as well. While the investigation also revealed that the cab driver was earlier jailed too
in a sexual assault case which showed laxity on
part of Uber. People across the country and
abroad showed anger against the horrible incidents. New Delhi banned app-based taxi services.

Sword fight at Indias Golden

Temple on raid anniversary
The devastating flood in Kashmir killed
more than 600 people in different parts of
Kashmir and Punjab and left many people
homeless causing loss of property as well to a
great extent. Army played a key role in rescuing people from affected areas and taking them
to safer place, rescued thousands of people.
Help from all over the country extended to the
flood victims in every possible way.

Mamata Banerjee and

Saradha scam
The beginning of 2014 witnessed victory of
Aam Aadmi Party as AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal made an impressive debut in the state elections in December 2013 by his encouraging
speeches against misgovernance and corruption. AAP got power in Delhi as Kejriwal became the CM of national capital but soon after
49 days came the shocker when kejriwal announced his resignation due to delay in Jan
Lokpal bill. Delhi is facing fresh elections now
but his party seems to have lost the steam.

ment for TMC chief and Bengal CM Mamata

Banerjee as TMC MP Kunal Ghosh, who was
arrested in November last year for cheating and
criminal conspiracy in a case related to a complaint by a Saradha group firm, accused her of
being involved in the multi-crore Saradha chit
fund scam. Kunal claimed that Mamata Banerjee was the biggest beneficiary of Saradha
scam and that she and former union railway
minister, Mukul Roy had jointly used the money of Saradha chit fund.

Saradha Scam brought a huge embarrass-

A sword fight erupted at Amritsar's Golden

Temple between two Sikh groups as tensions
ran high on the 30th anniversary of a notorious
army raid at the holy site. Groups believed to
be tied to rival political factions faced off in violent confrontation, hacking at one another in
chaotic scenes which left at least 10 injured.
The two groups, sporting colorful blue and saffron turbans, chased each other with swords
down the marbled staircase of the revered
shrine in Punjab state. The clashes broke out
after the leader of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) was unusually prevented from speaking
to crowds gathered for the anniversary, which
is an annual event at the holy site.

34

P R A V A S I

B H A R A T I Y A

D I W A S

2 0 1 5

Modi all set to woo

diaspora to invest in India

Addressing NRIs Prime Minister Modi often invokes Mahatma Gandhi who went abroad, became a
barrister, had opportunities, but came back to serve the nation. I appeal to you to try and find a way to
pay your debt to your motherland," Modi said at the Indian community reception for him in New York.

By SATimes Team
t was during the first days of January 100
years ago that Mohandas Karamchand
Gandhi returned to India from South
Africa with his wife Kasturba. He had left his
native country as a callow youth from Porbandar to become a barrister only to have returned 26 years later as the Mahatma.
Gandhi received a tumultuous welcome
back home for his fearless quest for justice
and equality in South Africa. Before he immersed himself fully in Indian politics, Gandhi first travelled far and wide in India, deciding to keep his ears open and mouth shut.
As he once wryly commented, Men say I am
a saint losing myself in politics. The fact is
that I am a politician trying my hardest to be
a saint. From the banks of the Sabarmati not
far from where the PBD celebrations are being held, Gandhi then built one of the worlds
greatest movements that would transform India and culminate in it attaining freedom.
By invoking Mahatma Gandhi and his inspirational return, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, also from Gandhis state of Gujarat,
hopes to energize the 25 million-strong Indian diaspora and get them to contribute to the
uplift of their motherland any which way
they can. On his trips abroad, Modi had
wowed the diaspora, particularly in the US
and Australia where he held massive rallies.
He now hopes they could contribute not just
in terms of investment but talent in speeding
up Indias growth story.
To Modis credit, he has changed the perception of policy paralysis and has got the diaspora interested in the India story again.
While addressing the 40,000 strong crowd of
Indian Americans last September in Madison
Square Garden, Modi said, "You are pravasi
bharatiyas. Like you, there was one MK
Gandhi. He was also an NRI." The audience
cheered loudly at the comparison.
He urged Indians abroad to draw inspiration from Gandhi's return. "Gandhi went
abroad, became a barrister, had opportunities,
but he came back to serve the nation. I appeal
to you to try and find a way to pay your debt
to your motherland," he said.
Instead of a diffused call for help, the Prime
Minister is pushing the India diaspora to
make significant contributions to the big programs that he has announced like Make in
India, Swachh Bharat, Clean the Ganga and
Digital India.
There will be platitudes and promises in
plenty at PBD celebrations, just like in the
past, but instead of a diffused call for help,
this year NDA government is all set to woo
investors and strengthen the two-way engagement by showcasing its new initiatives
like Make in India, and economic reforms.
PBD, India's three day annual event to connect with diaspora to be held from January 7
to 9 in Gandhinagar, will have a special focus
on youth in a bid to inspire many of them to
return and be the change that Modi wants to
bring about.

The opening day will be celebrated as

Youths PBD. After the inauguration, a plenary session on 'Bharat ko Jano' and 'Bharat
ko Mano' will be organized. Later, there will
be a deliberation on 'Thoughts of Gandhi in
21st century referring to youths'.
Gujarat-origin US astronaut Sunita
Williams will be attending the opening ceremony of PBD. She will be accompanying external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who
will inaugurate the event.
On the following day, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi will officially inaugurate
PBD at Mahatma Mandir. He will also inaugurate 'Dandi Kutir' near the venue.
As the second largest diaspora in the world,
with over 25 million people worldwide, Indians abroad have tremendous economic and
political prowess in their countries of origin
and destination. In particular, the 2.8 million
strong Indo-American communities (boasting of the highest household income of all
ethnic groups in the United States, as well as
higher degrees of education) have an important role to play in the economic development
of their home and host countries, India and
the United States respectively.
At his felicitation program in New York
and Sydney, Modi introduced a slew of
schemes benefiting pravasis including lifelong visas for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
card holders, merging of PIO and Overseas
Citizens of India (OCI) cards, on arrival visas
for US and Australian citizens, etc.
This is not the first time that the Government of India announced schemes in favor of
NRIs. India began wooing the diaspora in
earnest during the premiership of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government and the

Mahatma Gandhi with wife Kasturba after his return

from South Africa hundred years ago.

first PBD celebrations were held in 2003 in

New Delhi. The Government of India then
eased visa rules for the diaspora by offering
OCI and PIO cards that enabled lifelong multi-purpose, multi-entry visas for the former
and ease of entry for the latter. While the two
categories enjoyed no political rights like
voting, these documents allowed the card

holders to do business in India and even purchase property or homes, but with some restrictions. Many states, including Punjab,
which has one of the largest diaspora populations, even offered concessions to set up industry and invest in their home states.
According to official statistics, NRIs have
invested $4.7 billion through the Foreign Di-

Narendra Modi, then Gujarat chief minister, at PBD 2014.

Thirteenth Pravasi
Bharatiya Divas

35

Centenary Celebrations
January 7-9, 2015

Venue: Mahatma Mandir,

Gandhinagar

Programme at a glance (tentative)

rect Investment (FDI) route in nearly 15
years since April 2000. Foreign remittance
received by India in 2013-14 soared to $70
billion.
Over the years diaspora have become more
than just remittance economy to a constituency, to be tapped, cultivated, and honored, or at the very minimum to be listened
to. However, while pravasis were initially enthusiastic, many expatriates were soon frustrated by Indias lethargy and red-tapism, and
hence began to pull out. The Modi government is also unlikely to give in to the long
standing demands of the diaspora for dual citizenship or the right to vote.

In yet another effort to boost

Indias economy, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi is likely to
announce a new framework for
global Indians - their nonrepatriable investments could soon
be treated on par with those by
locals, free of any of the
restrictions that otherwise apply
to money that comes in from
overseas. The measure is
expected to help strengthen
the government's plan to
shore up flagging investment
and boost the economy. The
proposed changes are to
apply to non-repatriable
investments by NRIs and
holders of the soon-to-be-unified
PIO and OCI cards.

Gujarat-origin
US astronaut
Sunita Williams will
be attending the
opening ceremony
of PBD. She will be
accompanying
external
affairs minister
Sushma Swaraj
who will inaugurate
the event.

P B D

36

2 0 1 5

On a museum trail in Ahmedabad

By Anil Mulchandani
hmedabad has some of Indias finest
specialty museums, which make for
an enjoyable and educational day in
the city. One of the finest places to begin your
day in Ahmedabad is the Gandhi Ashram,
with its historical trees and simple but picturesque tiled houses Hriday Kunj where Mahatma Gandhi stayed from 1917 to 1930 has
his possessions like a spinning wheel, work
table, cloths, utensils and round eye glasses.
The Gandhi Smarak Sangralaya here is a museum designed by Charles Correa keeping in
mind Mahatma Gandhis own principles of
simplicity. Go through this moving memorial
to the Mahatma, explaining his life and principles through pictures, text and newspaper
reports.
From the Gandhi Ashram, drive north to the
Calico Museum of Textiles housed in the ancestral estate of the Sarabhais who were once
among Ahmedabads major textile manufacturers. This museum can only be seen on a
guided tour which takes you through galleries
exhibiting exquisite textiles like Gujarats Patola silk sarees, Kashmiri shawls, Chamba ru-

(Above) The memorial museum at Gandhi Ashram.

(left) Auto World in Dastan Estate off the Ahmedabad Gandhinagar
Highway has a fine collection of vintage cars.
(Photos by Dinesh Shukla )

mal, Punjabs phulkaris, embroideries, tiedye and block-prints, Rajasthans royal

wardrobes, fine gold-thread brocades, narrative religious paintings, Jain cloth paintings,
pichwais, temple curtains and manuscripts. A
short distance from here, the Mughal-era
Shahibag Palace where Rabindranath Tagore
lived for three years has a museum dedicated
to the life of Sardar Patel.
From the Shahibag Palace, drive on to the
Dastan Estate at Kathwada. This estate now
houses Auto World, a museum exhibiting the
late Pranlal Bhogilals one-man collection of
vintage and classic cars. The collection in-

cludes vintage models, splendid coach-built

cars customized for Maharajas and Nawabs,
classic bikes and carriages. You can lunch at
the museums caf or village theme restaurant. Return to the city and drive to the LD Institute of Indology campus. The institute has
a museum which displays some rare Jain art,
manuscripts and book covers, and a superb
collection of sculptures, besides coins and archaeological finds. Also look at late NC
Mehtas miniature painting collection which
is housed in a museum gallery. It has some
fine Pahari miniature paintings.
Travel southwest from this institute to

Shreyas, a beautiful campus with a school

and cultural center. There are folk and toy
museums here where you can see embroideries, beadwork, bullock-cart accessories,
colorful umbrellas, toys, puppets, masks, costumes and folk performance dioramas.
For dinner, travel from here to Vishala Village, a superb theme restaurant designed by
owner Surendra Patel. Do not miss the
Veechar Utensils Museum which houses his
amazing collection of nut-crackers, locking
devices in different shapes and sizes, and
utensils with intricate enamel, relief and engraving work.

A day in Gujarats capital

The impressive stepwell of Adalaj, on the outskirts of Gandhinagar.

(Photos by Dinesh Shukla )

By Anil Mulchandani
andhinagar has come into the notice of People of Indian Origin in
different parts of the world as the
venue for Vibrant Gujarat Summits and
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015. This newly
planned city was designed by architects
who had worked on the Chandigarh project.
The planning is based on streets that are
numbered and cross-streets named for Gu-

jarati alphabets, meeting at right angles to

create a grid of largely self-sufficient sectors.
A good morning nature walk in Gandhinagar is possible at Indroda Nature Park, a
wooded area along the Sabarmati River
where you can spot antelopes, mongoose,
jackals, monitor lizards and attractive birds.
The park has a well-designed dinosaur museum with life-size models of prehistoric
animals and displays of prehistoric fossils

The dinosaur park in Indroda Nature Reserve offers an

era into the prehistoric era.

found in Gujarat. Continue to Akshardham

which has a huge temple in honor of Lord
Swaminarayan. It has three fabulous exhibition halls that introduce visitors to the life
and philosophies of Lord Swaminarayan,
using contemporary technologies. The lush
grounds have a caf and other facilities.
From Akshardham, travel to Pethapur
which is a historical village now best
known for its woodcarvers. Pethapur is one
of Indias key centers for the making of in-

tricate carved wooden blocks used for

block printing.
Just outside Gandhinagar, Adalaj Vav is
one of Indias finest stepwells. Built by
Rudabai Vaghela in 1499 this step-well was
designed to conserve water and provide a
shelter and meeting place in a cool setting.
The pavilions, balconies and galleries of
this five storied step well are profusely
carved with religious, floral and religious
motifs.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

January 3-16, 2015

38

Anil Bansal: A versatile serial

entrepreneur of New Jersey
Mr Bansal is the Founder and Executive Chairman
of Indus American Bank

Corporate Profile
Indus American bank
Compiled by Parveen Chopra
nil Bansal graduated from IIT Kanpur
in 1977 and came to the United States
for a masters degree in metallurgical
engineering. After working for a few years as
a metallurgist at Westinghouse and GTE, he
got more interested in marketing. After completing his MBA from Syracuse University, he
joined Perkins Elmer but soon decided to start
his own business. He has started several different businesses, including a very successful
computer business, printing business, etc. He
currently owns First National Corporation, real
estate management company, and is the principal owner of real estate holdings throughout
the United States. As an international business
leader, he is a partner, investor and on the
board of several corporations and charity foundations.
In 2005, Bansal joined with a few friends
who felt there was a need for a bank focused
on the Indian immigrant community in the US,
especially in the New Jersey/New York area,
which had the second largest Indian-American
population. By December 2005, they had got
the approvals, raised the capital and opened

their first branch in Iselin, NJ.

Today, Indus American Bank
has over $230 million in assets
with several branches in New
Jersey-New York area, serving
Indian owned businesses and
communities especially senior
citizens, with personalized services and a staff that can communicate in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Malayalam, Sindhi and
English. In 2009, the bank was
honored as one of Top 50
Fastest Growing Companies in
Anil Bansal represented New Jersey
New Jersey by NJBIZ.
in a national committee on Diversity,
Bansal also serves his commusupporting Gov. Chris Christie.
nity as the President of the Asian
American Chamber of Commerce, an association of Indian/South Asian businesses in New
Jersey, helping create an environment for the
businesses to network and promote interactions with the state government. Anil Bansal
represented New Jersey state in a national level committee on Diversity, supporting the Governor of New Jersey in promoting diversity in
the state and in efforts to create local grassroots
organization. New Jersey is the most diverse
state in the US, with immigrants representing
countries all over the world, and Indians are
the fastest growing new immigrants coming
in, said Bansal.
Fear is what often stops us from doing anything new if we have the smarts, we can do
Opening day of the Plainsboro branch, the fifth of
the
hard
work
and
succeed,
Indus American Bank, last year.
Mr Bansal believes.

IAB is community intermediary to channel funds

An interview with Anil Bansal, Chairman, and Jasbir Chopra, President & CEO, of Indus American Bank
The South Asian Times: What is the difference between mainstream banks and
your bank, except for the clientele which
in your case is South Asian?
IAB: As a community bank we cater primarily to the needs of consumers and small
businesses. More importantly, as a niche
community bank we better understand the
unique needs of our clients. We do not use a
cookie-cutter approach and tailor our solutions to meet the unique needs of our constituents. As a community bank we rely on
the community for the funding of our loans,
which are concentrated in our geographic
footprint. So in effect we act as the community intermediary to channel funds from
those who have excess liquidity to those
who need funds for growth. We say Lets
grow together.
Our Mission: To service the unique banking and financial services needs of consumers and businesses in the Indian-American community in our market area.
Objective: To be the Bank of Choice for
consumers, businesses, their owners and
their employees in our catchment area as de-

fined by the CRA Assessment Area.

PROPOSITION: Deliver on the promise
of understanding the unique needs of our
customers and providing solutions with exceptional personalized service. Help the
customers business grow through an emphasis on relationship banking over transaction banking.
SATimes: The bank was specifically
founded to serve the needs of South Asian
community but in actuality, are your
customers/clients of Indian origin?
IAB:True, our customers happen to be
manly of Indian origin. Reasons? Over the
last 10 years the Indian economy has not
only been booming, but has also opened up
to overseas investment. The sheer size of the
Indian population also provides a much
broader and deeper base for recent immigrants compared to the other South Asian
countries.
Hicksville, Long Island, branch staff with Anil Bansal and Jasbir Chopra.

SATimes: The bank was launched in

2005, has the response and business
growth been as envisaged?

IAB: They say timing is everything. The

Bank opened in 2005 and the financial cri-

sis started in 2007. Yes, we hit some serious

head winds but were able to come out

39

support a niche institution with strong ties to

the community.
Our existing branch network represents a
good platform for delivery of services.
SATimes: What are your projections for
the real estate market - the changed rule
about 3% down for home buyers, will it
change things?
IAB: We expect to see continued improvement in the real estate market and government agencies are taking steps to stimulate this sector, being so critical for the overall economy.

stronger and resilient. Overall, we have been

able to achieve the goals we envisaged and
believe we are on the track for broader and
deeper market penetration.
SATimes: Where are you planning to
open new branches? How are you celebrating 10th anniversary ? Where do you
want to be after next 10 years?
IAB: We follow our clients or members of
the community. In 10 years we have five
branches despite the deep recession. We expect our growth to gain momentum as the
economy gathers steam and we are able to
attract more customers with new and improved products and services. We are celebrating our 10th anniversary with an even
greater contribution to the community, both
in terms of contributions and time devoted
by our employees.
SATimes: Who were the founding members of the bank, and who are the shareholders currently?
IAB: Anil Bansal, Executive Chairman is
one of the founders of the Bank and is the
largest shareholder. Currently, the Bank has
over 200 shareholders from within the community.

SATimes: What is your projection for

economic recovery in the US in the next
few years?
IAB:It has been a rather slow recovery
but we expect growth to pick up in the next
few years.
SATimes: What is your advice for Indian
Americans where they can invest for better returns?
IAB: While Indians have been good
savers, they have also been very astute investors. Our advice would be to continue on
the path with diversification as a goal.
SATimes: The interest rates in India continue to be high compared to America, so
is it wiser to move our money there?
IAB:One should invest in the currency in
which one expects to spend to avoid the impact of devaluation of a currency in case
your investment is in a currency which devalues.
SATimes: Lastly, your message to the
readers of The South Asian Times.
IAB: We as a community have done very
well in America, our adopted country. We
should use our success in continued contributions to our motherland and our adopted
country. India is on the cusp of major
changes and we as Indian-Americans can
play a crucial role.

SATimes: Can we have some figures of

the deposits, annual turnover, etc.
IAB: Deposits: $195 MM; Loans:
$155MM; Total Assets: $235MM.
SATimes: Having dealt with the South
Asian community in the tristate area,
what have you observed about the distinctions of the community, in terms of
entrepreneurship, business savvy, saving
habits, and growing prosperity?
IAB:Here is my view:
Market Attractiveness : Indian American
Banks market area was defined to include
Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Morris,
Passaic, Union, Bergen, Essex, and Hudson
Counties in New Jersey and Nassau County
in New York. Loans have also been made in
the five boroughs of New York City to include Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island,
Manhattan and the Bronx. The population in
the defined counties is in excess of 6.7 million.
The market area is attractive for the following attributes:
The NY-NJ metro areas have the largest
concentration of Indian-Americans in the
country.
Indian-Americans are one of the fastest
growing ethnic groups in the U.S.
Indian-Americans generally have higher than average household incomes, savings
rates, and ownership of real-estate.
The general market characteristics are
strong.
While statistically overbanked, there is
significant deposit growth in the market to

Community enjoying food, music and games for their children on the
opening day in the parking lot outside the new branch in Plainsboro.

Plainsboro branch offers 1,000 safe deposit boxes,

largest of any bank in the area.

Jasbir Chopra: A banker with

a wealth of experience
asbir Chopra has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Indus American Bank since April
2011. Prior to joining IAB he served as
an Executive Vice President of Sovereign Bancorp, and Managing Director of
Business Banking for Metro NY-NJ.
Mr. Chopra started his banking career
as a Management Trainee in 1978 with
National Bank of North America in New
York. Over the years he served in various capacities and increasing responsibility with successor institutions,
NatWest Bank USA, and Fleet Bank
where he was SVP and Head of the International Division. He then joined
EAB and Citibank as Executive Vice
President for the Commercial Markets
Group. At Citibank he formulated the
strategic direction, organizational structure and business plans for launching
initiatives to small and middle-market
business. He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
for Business Banking of Independence
Community Bank, beginning in March

Mr. Jasbir Chopra (sitting), President & CEO, Indus American Bank
with the Plainsboro branch staff members

2004 where he was responsible for new

business initiatives. Mr. Chopra graduated from City College School of Engi-

neering and received his MBA in International Business from CUNY's Baruch
College.

C O M M U N I T Y

40

R O U N D

U P

A pivotal year for Indian

Americans

Indian community in the US witnessed some historic moments in Indo-US relations,

celebrated success in various fields and gave back generously to society in 2014.
Heres a recap of events that impacted Indian Americans the most
on Diwali. The families were tied up with
duct tape and robbed at gunpoint by masked
men who forced their way inside their homes.
The men made off with cash, jewelry, and
electronics. Four Texans Chaka Castro, 39;
Juan Olaya, 34; Octavius Scott, 22; and
Johnisha Williams, 19, were arrested soon for
orchestrating the robberies. The community
has been targeted during and prior Diwali for
past several years and the community has represented their case to the authorities seeking
extra security during those times.

Indian Americans unite for PM New York Consulate hailed as

model of Swachh Bharat
Modis historic US reception

Rajat Gupta was sentenced to prison

Indian PM Narendra Modi gets rock

star welcome at MSG

rime Minister Narendra Modis rock

star like reception by a rapturous Indian-American community at Madison Square Garden made quite a splash in
the US media too ahead of his summit with
President Barack Obama in September
2014.
The Indian American Community Foundation (IACF) hosted the event on September 28, 2014.
According to reports 18,000 free tickets
were distributed to various community organizations across America. 400 organizations came together as welcome partners
for the reception ranging from NGOs to
temples, student bodies, regional, ethnic
and linguistic associations and so on. Many
members of the United States Congress,
Governors of sates and city leaders also attended the function which was beamed live
across several countries.

President Obamas
Immigration Reforms brings
relief to some sections of
Indian immigrants
White House document summarizing
the presidents executive actions on
immigration suggests that the reform
measures include a new visa program that
will expand immigration options for foreign
entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria and
extend the amount of time foreign students
are allowed to stay in the U.S. for work after
graduating.
Some of the other significant operational
changes proposed include allowing the
spouses of certain H1-B visa holders to work
in the U.S., reducing the time taken to issue
green cards and issuing guidelines on how to
successfully apply for an L-1 visa used by
employers for intra-company transfer of employees. Indias outsourcing industry welcomed the reform measures which they say
will take out the operational bottlenecks in
doing business in the U.S. and increase the
flow of skilled workers into the country.

CGI Dnyaneshwar Mulay overseeing

display of portraits of Indian leaders
at NY Consulate

n keeping with the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, the Indian Consulate in New York
undertook a massive cleanliness drive at
its premises and is being hailed as a model of
'Swachh Consulate,' setting an example for
other Indian missions and posts abroad to
take up similar efforts. The clean-up exercise
was conducted under the aegis of Consul
General Dnyaneshwar Mulay with the aim of
serving the community better and keeping
visa and passport records in a proper and easy
to access manner. During the exercise, several valuable artifacts, musical instruments and
portraits of Indian leaders were also unearthed that are now being displayed at the
Consulate.
As of March 2014, the Indian Consulate in
New York has been holding a monthly lecture-series called Media India 2014-15,
where prominent Indians from various fields,
address issues related to Indias global image,
identity, aspirations, and impressions. These
lectures are aimed at increasing understanding of Indian culture and heritage, and to generate interest amongst university students,
media personnel, academics, persons of Indian origin, and prospective tourists.

When law caught up with

some high profile Indian
Americans
ndian-American hotelier Sant Singh
Chatwal avoided jail time and was sentenced to three years probation and a
$500,000 fine on charges of illegally donating thousands of dollars to political campaigns. Chatwal, 70, a Padma Bhushan
awardee and major fundraiser for former US
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, had pleaded guilty in April 2014 to violating the Federal Election Campaign Act by making more
than US $180,000 in campaign donations to

three candidates through straw donors and to

witness tampering. Similar Obama baiter Dinesh DSouza was sentenced to spend eight
months in a community confinement center
during five years of probation after pleading
guilty to a campaign finance law violation.
DSouza was also given a $30,000 fine and
ordered to do one day of community service
a week during his probation. D'Souza, 53, admitted in May 2014 to illegally reimbursing
two 'straw donors' who donated $10,000 each
to the unsuccessful 2012 U.S. Senate campaign in New York of Wendy Long, a Republican he had known since attending Dartmouth College in the early 1980s.
However celebrated Indian-American business icon Rajat Gupta had to report to a Massachusetts prison in June 2014 begin a twoyear sentence for insider trading, having exhausted every court of appeal in a case that
has transfixed corporate board rooms in US
and India and beyond.
The IIT and Harvard alumnus, a former director at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs and other storied firms, is expected to serve approximately 85% of his 24-month sentence but he
will be eligible for transfer to a halfway house
prior to his release date.
The expectation is that he will be back
home by the end of 2015. Mathew Martoma,
the portfolio manager who worked for an affiliate of billionaire Steve Cohens SAC Capital Advisors hedge fund firm, too wasnt
lucky enough as Chatwal or DSouza. He was
sentenced to nine years in prison, one of the
longest prison sentences ever handed out for
an insider-trading conviction.
A federal jury found Martoma guilty of getting material non-public information about
the development of an Alzheimers drug from
a doctor and trading on the information to
make more than $200 million in profits for
SAC Capital and $9 million in bonuses for
himself. As part of the sentencing, the federal judge also ordered that Martoma pay back
his $9.38 million in bonuses.

Indian Americans targeted in

a series of home invasions
spate of home invasion robberies targeting Indian-American residents all
living in middle-class or upper-income suburban homes in Old Bridge, Edison
and South Plainfield, New Jersey cast a pall

Young Indian Americans won

accolades, set records

Young Scientist Sahil Doshi

ittsburg teenager Sahil Doshi was

named Americas 2014 Top Young Scientist for CO2 battery; while Ishan Jagiasi of Delaware was crowned Pokemon
champion; but it was Sriram Hathwar, 14, of
Painted Post, N.Y and Ansun Sujoe, 13, of
Fort Worth, Texas, who created history by together winning the 87th Scripps National
Spelling Bee in 52 years. Besides a number of
Indian American students won prestigious
scholarships.

The community gave back to

society generously
e it Mehta family and Agrawal couple
donating to University of Houstons
upcoming Multidisciplinary Research
and Engineering building or Rhode Islands
largest private company and one of the
worlds largest business property insurers FM
Globals CEO Shivan Subramaniam pledging
$1 million for an upcoming $125-million engineering facility at the University of Rhode
Island in Kingston, Indian Americans contributed wholeheartedly.
Indian-American organizations celebrated
their accomplishments and recognized members at several galas held throughout the year.
Funds collected were also used for several
initiatives in both the U.S. and India. The
America India Foundation raised over $1.5
million at its New York gala; the Nanubhai
Foundation raised over $60,000 for education
in rural India; the Childrens Hope India
luncheon collected $25,000 for New Yorks
homeless; while the Share and Care gala
raised$725,000 for womens empowerment.

41

Dilip Chauhan:

Young community
leader to reckon with
Corporate Profile
By Robert Golomb
hen the Prime Minister of India
Narendra Modi attended a mid-day
reception held in his honor at New
York Citys Madison Square Garden this past
September 28th, he was treated with what some
in the media described as Rock Star Status.
Speaking in Hindi about India, the largest
democracy in the world with a billion and a
quarter inhabitants, Modi said to the audience
of over 20,000, In India democracy is not just
a system, its a faith. Its a belief.
After he spoke those two short sentences,
many of the 20,000 attendees, both young and
old, male and female and mainly, but not all, of
Indian background, broke into chants of
Modi! Modi! Modi! These chants were
reported to have been constantly repeated
throughout the 60 minutes that Modi, making
his first visit to America since his election as
Prime Minister this past May, spoke.
Sitting in the front rows of that crowded stadium that day was a 43-year-old man named
Dilip Chauhan. Because in the New Yorks
Indian American community Chuahans face is
known to be not nearly as identifiable as is his
name, he remained, I later learned, incognito
that day.
But it would come as no surprise to either
those who personally know Chauhan, President
of the politically powerful NRI Overseas
Affairs organization, or those who just know
him by his name and title that many of the
prominent elected officials whom they could
see seated in the Garden that night, including
New York Senator Democrat Charles Schumer,
Congress members Democrats Joseph Crowley,
Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, and most
notably, South Carolinas Republican Governor
Nikki Haley, seen as a possible presidential
contender in 2016, had come either directly or
indirectly through Chauhans outreach and
invitation.
However, when I interviewed Chauhan last
week, he quickly downplayed this feat. Not
one of these elected officials came because of
me. Once they were informed that the Prime
Minister was to be celebrated and honored,
they all wanted to join in the celebration of this
great man.
What Chauhan did not downplay was his and
his familys long time relationship with Prime
Minister Modi. Chauhan, who was born in
India and moved to the United States when he
was 28, explained, My parents, one sister and
five brothers and I were neighbors of PM Modi
for 15 years in Gandhinagar in Gujarat. He
was a legislator then, and we got to know him
quite well. He was a brilliant but humble man.
My family still lives in the community in India
and continues to be in contact with him.
Nor did Chauhan try to downplay his support
of Modis conservative economic policies,
which he likened to those of Republican
President Reagan. Prime Minister Modi is to
India today what President Ronald Reagan was
to America thirty years ago, Chauhan contend-

Dilip Chauhan honored with New York State Proclamation by NYS Assembly
members David Weprin, Ed Brauestein and Nily Rozic. (Photo: Hasmukh Patel).
Chauhan is also Chairperson of Gujarati Samaj of New York, Political Advisor AAPI, and was City Hall News Political Rising Star "40 under 40" - 2010.
ed. Prime Minister Modi, like President
Reagan, understands that people, not government, create wealth. In {Modis} first six
months in office, he has already started to
implement policies that remove the disincentives and shackles that previous governments
placed on the backs of entrepreneurs and business pioneers, which now enables them to produce greater amounts of goods and services,
which, as we learned from President Reagan,
leads to the creation of large numbers of private
sector jobs. However, while Chauhan extolled
the conservative policies of Reagan in America
in the 1980s and those of Modi in India today,
he made it a point to inform me that NRI
Overseas Affairs Organization, which plays an
active role in American politics, has endorsed
and supported both Democratic and Republican
candidates in the past. We look to support
candidates be they Democrats or Republicans
who possess great personal integrity and whose
policies will benefit all the people they
represent.
In addition, as a South Asian Indian organization, we look to support candidates regardless
of their party affiliation who possess a deep
understanding of the make-up and the needs of
the South Asian Indian community.
Citing data revealing the national composition of that community, Chauhan continued,
There are approximately four million South
Asian Indians living in America today. In statistical terms, we comprise 17% of the Asian
American community, making us the third
largest Asian ethnic group in the United States,
behind only Chinese Americans and Filipino
Americans. From this South Asian India community, we have 120,000 doctors. We also
have in the range of half of a million owners of
small or large businesses. Included in the ranks
of those entrepreneurs are about 200,000 who
own hotels and motels and approximately
80,000 who run and operate convenience
stores. Together these doctors and small and
large business men and women employ approximately four million American workers.
Chuahan told me that he feels a good deal of
the success that South Asian Indian Americans

have achieved in the US can be attributed to the

important role family plays in their lives.
Chauhan, who resides in Nassau County, NY
with his wife, Ruchika, and two daughters,
Riddhi (6), and Kahini (15), explained, The
family unit is most important in the South
Asian community. Divorce is rare, and it is
common to see grandfathers and grandmothers
sharing homes with their children and grandchildren, or if health and finances allow, living
in homes nearby. Each member of the family
unit gains understanding and strength from the
other, which has played a large part in the success South Asians have obtained in America.
Chuahan explained that he believes that the
Hindu religion, which is practiced by the overwhelming majority of South Asian Indians living in India, America and other nations around
the world, complements the family lives of
South Asian Indian Americans. You see families -- children, parents, grandparents and
sometimes great grandparents -- together in
temple, Chuahan stated. They go there with
the common purpose of meditating and praying
and learning how they as individuals and as
part of a family unit can best provide understanding, compassion and help to their fellow
human beings.

Dilip Chauhan,
a business development consultant,
specializes in
creating marketing
strategies for large
and small United
States and
international
companies which are
seeking to establish
markets in North
America.
Chuahan, who is a close disciple of Pramukh
Swami Maharaj, the head of the global socioreligious organization BAPS Swaminarayan
Sanstha, added , Hinduisms teaching of
respect for all other religions has helped South
Asian Indian immigrants assimilate into the
culture of America. Adhering to this teaching
has made us respectful and accepting of our fellow Americans of all religions and creeds and
has helped make them respectful and accepting
of us.
Chauhan, a business development consultant
who specializes in creating marketing strategies
for large and small United States and international companies and corporations seeking to
establish markets in the northeastern South
Asian communities, told me that he loves what
he does for a living because it gives him the
opportunity to help entrepreneurs create goods
and services and jobs for people. I consider
myself to be a blessed man, he said, to be
able to make a living doing what I most enjoy
doing, which is simply to help people achieve
the American dream.
Robert Golomb is a nationally published
columnist. MrBob347@aol.com. He can also
be followed on Twitter@RobertGolomb.

Chauhan with US Senator ChuckSchumer and

(right) with Congress member Joseph Crowley.

S U B C O N T I N E N T

42

Peshawar butchery shocked the world

From violent election in Bangladesh to mass demonstrations in Islamabad, from campaigning for
an early presidential poll in Sri Lanka to a year of surprising calm and progress for Nepal, 2014
was not at all that bad. And then Peshawar happened. Over 130 children were killed in a Pakistani
Taliban attack at an army school in Peshawar in revenge for the army offensive. The massacre left
the Nobel Peace prize winner Malala Yousufzai in tears.

Satyarthi, Malala dedicate

Nobel to the voiceless

ndia's child rights crusader Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistani girls' education activist Malala Yousafzai received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo and dedicated it to
the voiceless. Satyarthi and Malala each
were presented with a diploma and a medal.
Satyarthi said his life's aim was to make
sure that every child was a free child. "My
only aim in life is to make sure that every
child is a free child. I refuse to accept that
all the temples, mosques, churches and
prayer houses have no place for the dreams
of our children," he said in his acceptance
speech. Malala said she was glad she received the Nobel Peace Prize together with
Satyarthi because it showed the world that
an Indian and a Pakistani could work together for children's rights. "I am also honored to receive this award together with
Kailash Satyarthi, who has been a champion of children's rights for a long time... I am
also glad that we can stand together and
show the world that an Indian and a Pakistani can be united in peace and together
work for children's rights," said Malala in
her acceptance speech.

Energy pact sealed at

18th Saarc Summit
he 18th Saarc Summit concluded in
the scenic Nepalese capital Kathmandu with the eight South Asian
nations signing a pact on energy cooperation and adoption of the Kathmandu Declaration that called for deeper regional cooperation in core areas of trade, investment, finance, energy, infrastructure and connectivity. The two-day South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation summit started on
a discordant note with Pakistan blocking
three proposed agreements. But it ended on
a bright and positive note with the eight
countries signing the Saarc Framework
Agreement on Energy Cooperation and
promising to sign two other deals -- the
Saarc Motor Vehicles Agreement for the
Regulation of Passenger and Cargo Vehicular Traffic, and the Saarc Regional Agreement on Railways -- within three months.

rom a teenaged schoolboy who gave

his life to stop a suicide bomber to the
dozens of young boys and girls
gunned down in their Peshawar school - children increasingly became terror targets in
Pakistan, which continued to reel under attacks, political turmoil and natural catastrophes in 2014.
Terrorism continued to wreak havoc right
from the year's first day. Everyone was a target - pilgrims in Quetta, pro-government
tribal elders in Khyber Agency, soldiers in
Bannu, the general headquarters in
Rawalpindi, polio vaccination teams in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a court in Islamabad, the
Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the
flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah and finally Peshawar's Army Public School. A prominent victim was Karachi's counter-terrorism
chief Chaudhry Aslam Khan.
But in a case of rare bravery, 14-year-old
Aitzaz Hasan - late for school in KhyberPakhtunwa's Hangu - sacrificed his own life
to stop a suicide bomber at the gate, saving
hundreds of his schoolmates inside.
The June 8 Karachi airport attack led to
operation "Zarb-e-Azb" in North Waziristan
against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)
and other terrorist groups. The TTP retaliated with the Nov 2 Wagah bombing, leaving
at least 60 dead, and the December 16 Peshawar school massacre which left 141 dead,
including 132 children aged 8 to 18, and

thousands of students acutely traumatized.

Termed "Pakistan's 9/11", it was the country's worst-ever terror attack , surpassing the
2007 Karachi attack on Benazir Bhutto's motorcade when 139 were killed.
Cricketer-turned-Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan continued to demand the prime minister's resignation due to
the alleged electoral fraud in the 2013 general election, and began on Aug 14 the
"Azaadi March" from Lahore to Islamabad.
There were signs of a thaw with Sharif taking up Modi's invitation for his swearing-in
but foreign secretary-level talks were called
off by India after the Pakistan envoy met
leaders of the separatist Hurriyat.
Bail to Mumbai attack alleged plotter Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was another irritant.
Nature also unleashed its fury with floods
in September leaving over 200 dead in northern Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. But Pakistanis demonstrate a unique resilience in all the danger. TV programs like
the Aftab Iqbal-helmed "Khabar Naak" and
"Hasb-e-Haal" show the people's capacity to
laugh at their times and circumstances while
also holding insightful discussions about the
way ahead as 2015 approaches.
In Bangladesh, elections at the start of the
year saw widespread clashes between security forces and opposition activists.
The poll was boycotted by the conservative Bangladesh Nationalist party, which is

allied with Islamist organizations, and the

center-left Awami League consolidated its
grip on power. The campaign saw hospital
wards filling with badly injured civilians
caught in the crossfire.
In the Maldives, rising gang violence, often with a political edge, claimed more victims but the tourists kept pouring in, keeping
an otherwise ailing economy afloat. In a still
unsolved case, a journalist working for a respected independent news website on the
holiday island nation disappeared.
In Sri Lanka, the media and dissidents remained under massive pressure from the
government. On the economic front, Pakistan slid further while Bangladesh continued to do well. In the Himalayas, Nepals
growing adventure sports industry suffered
two high-profile tragedies. On Everest, Sherpas were killed in an avalanche, and more
than 40 people were killed by a freak storm
on the Annapurna walking circuit. The government promised reform.
In 2014, Kathmandu was spared the kinds
of strikes that have seen the city closed down
in previous years. Kathmandu was only shut
down for four days: two during Narendra
Modis visit and two when the city was hosting the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit.
If 2014 has been a year of surprising calm
and progress for Nepal, 2015 could well be a
game changer.

B U S I N E S S

43

R O U N D U P

Modi-led reforms bring cheer

Despite a sharp drop in global crude oil prices and inflation easing to historic lows, the Indian
economy's performance in 2014 was not particularly comforting, as fiscal and trade deficits
widened and the rupee came under renewed pressure. However, many of the initiatives led by
Narendra Modi made a major impact globally, notably the campaigns like Make in India,
Clean India, Zero-Defect-Zero-Effect Manufacturing and Digital India.

Alibaba founder Jack Ma

biggest billionaire gainer

ack Ma, the founder and executive

chairman of Chinese e-commerce major Alibaba, is 2014's biggest financial
gainer as the billionaire entrepreneur's fortune has swelled by a whopping US $18.5
billion to US $29.2 billion.
According to private wealth consultancy
Wealth-X, former English teacher-turned
billionaire entrepreneur Ma is the biggest
gainer of 2014 as his fortune increased 173
per cent, largely due to Alibaba's record
breaking initial public offer (IPO) in September and the subsequent strong performance of the company's stock.
Legendary investor Warren Buffett stood
at second place on the Wealth-X list of top
gainers in 2014.

Smartphone growth up
by 20.3 percent globally

martphone sales grew over 20 percent

in 2014 on the back of strong growth
in emerging markets, research firm
Gartner said.
Given the fast pace of smartphone sales
growth and declining preference for feature
phones, Gartner estimates that nine out of
10 phones will be smartphones by 2018.
Gartner expects sales of smartphones to
reach 1.2 billion units in 2014.
Among the mature markets, the US
achieved the highest growth at 18.9 per
cent, fostered by the launch of the iPhones
6 and 6 Plus.
Western Europe saw a decline of 5.2 per
cent, the third consecutive decline this year.
Samsung continued to lead the market but
its share fell from 32.1 per cent in July-September 2013 to 24.4% in the third quarter of
2014.Apple (12.7 per cent), Huawei (5.3
per cent) and Xiaomi (5.2 per cent) followed in the list.

Policy paralysis begins

to crumble

s per official data, the Indian economy's growth fell from 5.7 percent
during the first quarter of this fiscal
to 5.3 percent in the second with manufacturing output declining by 0.7 percent in a
clear indication that revival of industry was
nowhere on the horizon.
The Narendra Modi-led government, however, was certain that a 5.5 percent growth
was possible this fiscal, as spelt out in the
mid-term review of the economy this month,
and that a 7-8 percent expansion was also
reachable in the coming years with proper
policy measures that were being pursued.
These apart, after years of perceived paralysis on the economic reforms front, the
Narendra Modi government that took over
the reins in end-May started pursuing liberalization once again and took some key decisions, some of which have been pending
for over a decade.
The heads of the three apex chambers Ficci, CII and Assocham said that many of
the initiatives led by Modi himself also made
a major impact globally, notably the campaigns like Make in India, Clean India, ZeroDefect-Zero-Effect Manufacturing and Digital India.

Indian equities soared

30 percent

ndian equity markets emerged as one of

the the strongest performers amongst
emerging economies this past year with
a key index soaring almost 30 percent
against 9 percent in the previous year - the
gains mainly accruing due to a stable national government under Prime Minister Naren-

dra Modi and a perception that reforms were

back on track.
The year also saw a record inflow of net investment by foreign funds pegged at $16.11
billion in equities. The data with the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL),
showed that the overall inflows in equities
and debt market stood at $42.35 billion.
The 30-share sensitive index (Sensex) of
the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which
stood at 21,170.68 points as on Dec 31 last
year, was up 6,328.74 points, or 29.89 percent, as trading for the year ended at
27,499.42 points.

e-tailers shake Indian

retail space

The-commerce format with sales of Rs.1

trillion ($16 billion) managed to create a
buzz in 2014 like never before - not just with
mega promotions but also with mergers, acquisitions and some crazy valuations.
The Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group sold
its 16-percent stake in Yatra.com, a leading
leading consolidator of travel products, for
an eye-popping 12-fold jump in initial investment made in 2006, to value the portal at
$500 million.
This was followed by a $700 million fundraiser by Flipkart, that came over and above
the $1 billion the company had raised in July
- that had taken its valuation to a whopping
$6 billion overnight. Flipkart also decided to
merge Myntra, another leading e-retail firm,
into it.
Similarly, one saw Japan's SoftBank make
a commitment in October to invest $627 million in SnapDeal, a major player again in the
Indian e-commerce space, and pick a $210million stake in Ola that offers car rentals in
19 Indian cities through its mobile platform,
web site and call centres.
Not to be outdone, the US-based Amazon
said it will invest $2 billion in India's e-retail
space.

Indian IT industry dons

innovation

Recovering from a slowdown and sustaining a double-digit growth, the $120-billion

Indian IT industry had a remarkable 2014,

consolidating operations and using disruptive technologies, which ensures innovation

to shed the old and adapt to new products
and services.
The $120-billion Indian IT industry comprises small, medium and large firms, including global software majors like TCS, Infosys, Wipro and HCL, captive units of
multinationals and sectors providing software, hardware, process management, engineering, research and development, and innovative products.
The 25-year-old National Association of
Software and Software Services Companies
(Nasscom) has projected 15 percent export
growth for this fiscal (2014-15) as against 13
percent last fiscal (2013-14).

Reforms back in India's

oil economy

Complete decontrol of diesel marketing,

new pricing formula for domestic gas after
five years and a plunge in global crude prices
flagged a new beginning for India's oil economy in 2014 but there was little news on
stake sale in state-run oil firms and fresh
auctions for hydrocarbon assets.
After years of selling diesel below cost and
of subsidizing the rich consuming this key
transport fuel, the government in October allowed its deregulation in the face of profits
accruing on its sale from the fall of international crude prices -- from around $140 per
barrel to around $63.
Together with the decision on revising the
price of natural gas, the decision made the
industry watchers give a stable outlook for
India's oil industry -- as opposed to the negative outlook which they were planning for
lack of reforms. But they also had their set of
warnings.

S SP POOR RT TS S

46
58

58

Dhoni's retirement shocks the world

Indian sports went from strength to strength in the year 2014. As we were almost through compiling top 10 moments in
Indian sports (barring the sad demise of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes), the suddenness with which Indian cricket
team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni announced his retirement from the Test cricket was stunning as it was mystifying.

Dhoni retires, Virat Kohli

ushers in new era
he days of the charismatic, ice cool
Mahendra Singh Dhoni in Tests are
over. Forgetting the baffling abruptness with which
Dhoni decided to
say farewell to
Tests, there is no
denying
him
credit for keeping
his job for so
long after taking
it over from Anil
Kumble and then
leading India to
the top position
in the international Test rankings.
In quick time,
Dhoni, a hitherto little-known young man of
humble beginnings from Ranchi, soon acquired celebrity status as a cricketer, excelling
with the big gloves behind the wickets as well
as with the bat. His long filmi-style locks also
caught public attention with the young, who
would ask their barbers to give them similar
hair-styles after they watched the then Pakistani president, Gen. Parvez Musharraf advising the captain in front of TV cameras at
Rawalpindi to not clip his hair short.
Overall, Dhoni played 90 Tests in a career
that began in 2005 and scored 4,876 runs at an
average of 38, with a high score of 224
against Australia in Chennai in 2013. As a
wicketkeeper, he effected 294 dismissals, the
fifth highest in Test cricket.
However, out of 30 Tests overseas under
Dhoni's captaincy, India lost 15.
Post-Dhoni, aggressive, brash and in your
face - these qualities have become synonymous with India's new captain Virat Kohli,
and his passionate and outspoken methods
has ushered in a new era for Indian cricket in
the Test arena.

T
Topsy-turvy year
for cricket in India

ndian cricket went through another tumultuous year on and off the field with
a controversy that shook the very foundation of the game's governing body in the
country - the Board of Control for Cricket
in India (BCCI) - that refused to die down
and spilled over to the New Year after raising several tough questions for its beleaguered president, N. Srinivasan.
Srinivasan was under the spotlight, for
all the wrong reasons, throughout the year,
as his son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan was
implicated by the Mudgal Committee report in the IPL betting and match-fixing
scandal.
He himself faced several embarrassing,
potentially image-damaging questions before the Supreme Court and was forced, after seeking the apex court's permission, to
postpone the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections till Jan 31, 2015.
He also faced the uncomfortable task of
addressing the contentious 'conflict of interest' issue since he continued to defiantly
hold on to the BCCI post as well as owning
the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) IPL team.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's name also
cropped up in the report after his deposition to the committee was found to deviate
from reality as Meiyappan was a prominent team official and not just a 'cricket enthusiast'.

match between South Australia and New

South Wales (NSW) at the Sydney Cricket
Ground (SCG). Hughes scored three Test centuries. He also scored 26 first class centuries
and was a prolific scorer for New South
Wales, for whom he debuted at the age of 18
and later for South Australia.
Hughes was part of Australia's most recent
Test squad, for the series against Pakistan in
the UAE, but he was not called on to play a
Test in that series.
Cricket Australia termed the left-handed
Hughes "a rising star" and said the untimely
death of the batsman was a long-term loss for
cricket in the country.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) offered its deepest condolences to the family
and friends of the Hughes.
Former Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar and other team members led the cricketing community in offering condolences to
the unfortunate star.

he last time India won a Test at Lord's,

10 players in the current touring party
were not even born. A 28-year-long
wait came to an emphatic end on July 21
when the third generation of Indians since
1986 battled past England at their most formidable fortress. This was India's first overseas Test win since 2011.

Abhinav Bindra wins

CWG gold

Cricketing world mourns

Hughes' death

Rohit Sharma slams

record ODI score

ohit Sharma created history on November 14 when he became the first

player to score two double hundreds
in ODIs. He finished his innings on a record
264 - the highest by any cricketer - against Sri
Lanka in Eden Gardens.

Saina Nehwal, Kidambi

Srikanth win China Open
ndian badminton stars
Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth
brought down
renowned and
formidable opponents to win
China Open - a
historic
feat
from both on
November 16.

ndia's golden
boy Abhinav
Bindra finished
off his Commonwealth Games journey with his maiden singles gold
medal in the men's
10m air rifle event
on July 25.

he cricket world was left stunned on

November 27 as Australian batsman
Phillip Hughes, who was struck on the
head by a cricket ball, died in a hospital.
The 25-year-old Hughes, who represented
the national team in 26 Tests between 20092013, fractured his skull and suffered massive
bleeding in his brain after being hit by pacer
Sean Abbot's bouncer in a Sheffield Shield

op seeds Sania Mirza and Bruno

Soares defeated unseeded Abigail
Spears (USA) and Santiago Gonzalez
(Mexico) 6-1, 2-6, 11-9 on September 5. This
was Sania's third mixed doubles title.

India conquer Lords

after 28 Years

Mary Kom wins historic

Asian Games gold
oxer Mary Kom showed her determination and skill with a memorable gold - her first at Asian
Games on October 1. The
world number
five defeated
Zhaina
Shekerbekova
of Kazakhstan
in
the
women's flyweight (48-51
kg) division
final.

Sania Mirza wins US

Open doubles title

India win Asian Games

hockey gold after 1998

Kolkata win inaugural

Indian Super League

ndia's national sport - hockey - had its

biggest moment in years on October 2
when the national men's team defeated
Pakistan in Asian Games final. The win not
only helped the side win an Asian Games gold
after 16 years but also earned the side a place
in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

n what was projected as a battle between

co-owners of Kolkata and Kerala, Sourav
Ganguly's Atletico de Kolkata narrowly
beat Sachin Tendulkar's Kerala Blasters ton
win the first edition of Indian Super League
final on December 20.
(Compiled by Meenakshi Iyer)

U L T I M A T E

47

B O L L Y W O O D

Creativity, novelty ruled box-office

Unmissable
Hollywood films
"Boyhood": Filmed over a period of 11
years, "Boyhood" is an expansive investigation of human drama and emotions narrated through the eyes of a young boy.
Filmmaker Richard Linklater captures
boyhood on screen like you've never seen
before.

2014 straddled on sleeper hits such as 'Queen', 'Highway', 'Mary Kom' and 'Haider'.
As different as chalk and cheese in terms of genre, storyline and presentation, the
success saga of these films established that viewers' taste has changed. Hope now lies in
Aamir Khan's film 'PK' that has triggered controversy among rightwing groups but
Bollywood and young India have passionately defended the film.
adaptation of Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

The year goes

to 'PK'

Randeep Hooda: Imtiaz Ali's "Highway"

featured Hooda as a goon who kidnaps the
protagonist, and he breezed through his role.
Apart from "Highway", Hooda also appeared in a pivotal role in Salman Khan starrer "Kick" and he lived up to the expectation
of his fans in the commercial drama.

"PK": Aamir Khan's much anticipated

debutant Sajid Nadiadwala, the audience

loved the superstar's aggressive and in-yourface character in the film, which also featured Randeep Hooda, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
and Jacqueline Fernandez.

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes": The

Nawazuddin Siddiqui: After giving extraordinary performances in the past years,

Nawaz yet again exhibited his talent in
"Kick", a masala movie, and then wowed
with his performance in indie movie "Liar's
Dice", which was India's official Oscar entry
for the best foreign language film category.

"Mary Kom": Priyanka Chopra's "Mary

Rajkummar Rao: He played Vijay in
"Queen" and Deepak Singh in "CityLights"
and proved his versatility through the lucid
roles. The former was a women centric drama and Rajkummar created the perfect contrast for the protagonist.

comedy-drama "PK" stirred thought and discussion and struck gold at the box office too.
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, it earned
Rs.215 crore in its second week. Even as
rightwing groups continue their protests alleging that 'PK' defamed Hindu religion,
movie buffs are unanimous that the film no
way hurt Hindu interests.
film effortlessly rewrites blockbuster
movie formulas. It's a touching story about
peacemaking and coexistence of apes and
humans.
"The Fault in our Stars": A heart-breaker, this romantic tale is filled with humour,
warmth and stellar performances. It challenges the teen-flicks conventions with a
story that tugs at your heartstrings.

"Highway": Shot in places like Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the road movie
revolves around two people who are brought
together by fate. What really clicked were
the story line, its execution and performances by the lead actors - Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda.
"Queen": Kangana Ranaut played an inspi-

"Gone Girl": Based on an eponymous

novel by Gillian Flynn, "Gone Girl" is a
disturbing walk down the aisle of a disturbed marriage. The suspense grows on
you scene by scene and dialogues play a
vital part in taking the story forward.
"Nightcrawler": An Oscar-deserving
performance by Jake Gyllenhaal makes
"Nightcrawler" the most unmissable films
of the year. Despite its murky message, it's
a thriller that makes us sit up and take notice of the extremely talented actor hidden
within Jake, who plays a character obsessed with real-life tragedy and carnage
to the hilt.

Kom" was about the heart-touching and motivational past of the Manipuri boxing champion with dignity and passion. The womanoriented film became a big hit at the box office.
"Haider": A modern-day adaptation of
"Hamlet", "Haider" was the comeback film
of Shahid Kapoor to the A-listers of Bollywood. With Kashmir as its backdrop, the
Vishal Bharadwaj directorial is a wondrous
work of art.
"Bang Bang!": Despite being tagged as
"mindless", "loud", "dumb", "pointless" and
"exhausting" by the critics, the Hrithik
Roshan-Katrina Kaif-starrer was one of the
biggest blockbusters of the year, collecting
Rs.145 crore.

rational girl next door in this highly acclaimed film. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the
comedy-drama presents the life of bride-tobe Rani who decides to go on her honeymoon alone.
"Citylights": It was appreciated for its
unique story line and brilliant performance
by lead actor Rajkummar Rao. Directed by
Hansal Mehta, the film is about a couple
with rustic innocence.
"Mardaani": Set against the backdrop of
child trafficking, the Rani Mukerji-starrer
raised the issue with great perfection under
Pradeep Sarkar's direction.
"Kick": The action-thriller starring Salman
Khan was a big Eid release. Directed by

Bang, bang performances

of the year
Shahid Kapoor: His role in "Haider" can be

Salman Khan: Salman has had two releases this year, "Jai Ho", which also stars Daisy
Shah and Tabu, and "Kick". While his performance has always allured the audience,
his films have also ranked well at the box-office blockbusters list.
Hrithik Roshan: Although Hrithik's actionthriller "Bang Bang!" didn't appeal to the
critics, the film did exceptionally well at the
box-office. The superficial action sequences
and Hrithik's trademark dance catapulted the
movie to the top of the charts.
Akshay Kumar: With the comic "Entertainment" and action-thriller "Holiday" under
his belt, Akshay entertained his fans thoroughly.
Shah Rukh Khan: He is a perfect entertainer and he entertained moviegoers with "Happy New Year" so much so that it topped the
box-office charts and crossed Rs.300 crore
world-wide collection.
Ajay Devgn: His movies "Singham Returns" and "Action Jackson" have both had
super openings. With this kind of success,
our serious hero has pleased the audience
with his action sequences and dialogues.
Aamir Khan: Last but not the least - Bollywood's perfectionist Aamir Khan is the talk
of the town, thanks to his alien avatar in
"PK". Once again he has proved, when it
comes to choosing subject, he knows how to
stand out.

described as the best performance of his career. Shot in the Kashmir valley, the quintessential Vishal Bhardwaj directorial was an

"Happy New Year": Bollywood's "Badshah" Shah Rukh Khan treated his fans to
"Happy New Year" during Diwali. The Farah
Khan directorial was a runaway blockbuster.

New Frontier in Caribbean

Medical Education:
Xavier University School
of Medicine, Aruba

48

Corporate Profile
education. Dr. Little was president of the Association for Hospital Medical Education from
2005 2007, and was on the Board of the Alliance of Independent Academic Medical Centers from 2004 2008. He has completed nearly 20 years of volunteer service to the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, having been the Chair of the Council in
2006. He also consults with hospitals, health
systems and corporations on medical education
administration and research strategies.

Integrated curriculum at Xavier

Xavier University President

Ravishankar Bhooplapur (top) and
Chancellor Dr. J. G. Bhat at a
commencement ceremony.

edical education is always in a mode

of constant flux. With changing demographics, societal expectations,
aging populations and advances in technology;
all affect the curricula and teaching and learning process at a medical school. The challenges
for the medical schools are to adapt to the rapidly changing needs.
Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM) at Aruba, under the leadership of its
President, Mr. Ravishankar Bhooplapur, is one
of the few Caribbean medical schools offering
a curricula comparable to US and European
Medical schools, which will help prepare future
physicians for 21st century.

New Academic Head Dr. B.W. Little MD, PhD

The academic wing is led by Dr. BW Little as
the Chief Academic Officer (CAO), who brings
in vast experience as a physician, academician
and also researcher. Dr. Little retired from the
Christiana Care Health System in May 2011,
after 12 years as Vice President for Academic
Affairs & Research and CAO. Prior to this, he
was Senior Associate Dean for Affiliate Affairs,
GME and CME at the Medical College of
Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University
School of Medicine [1994 2000]. Earlier in
his career he was Attending Neuropathologist
and Director of Education at the Lehigh Valley
Hospital in Allentown, PA.
Dr. Little is a board certified anatomic and
clinical pathologist, and Neuropathologist all
obtained at the University of Vermont. He has
published over 60 articles, and given numerous
presentations, in areas of neuropathology, neuromuscular disease, biochemistry and medical

Xavier University School of Medicine shifted to a partially integrated curriculum from

January 2013 and from January 2014 it is now
following a fully integrated model with early
clinical exposure during the basic science
years. Introduction to clinical medicine is also
learned in concert with the organ systems. The
social and behavioral sciences are receiving increased emphasis and medical humanities
module is being offered to all first semester students. Opportunities for early clinical exposure
are being developed and students are being
trained in critical appraisal of scientific literature. Prescribing skills, personal (P) drug selection, and counseling is being emphasized
and standardized patients are being increasingly used for both education and assessment. The
medical students learning under the integrated
curriculum will have improved knowledge and
skills which will confer a significant advantage
in their licensing exams and future medical
practice.

Quality assurance:
CAAM-HP accreditation
Xavier University received 2 years provisional accreditation from Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and
the Health Professions (CAAM-HP) in 2013
with scheduled revisit in 2015. The purpose of
accreditation process is to assure that medical
schools follow the best practices in teaching
and learning and also provide adequate support

Xavier University officials meeting with the Prime Minister of Aruba.

(From left) Mr Robert Leweu, Dr TJ Minhas, Prime Minister Michael
Godfried Eman, Esq, President Ravishankar Bhooplapur, Mr Herman
De Latte, and Mr Dervinder Singh, Corporate Consul of Xavier.

and learning environment to the students.

CAAM-HP is the constituted legal organization that establishes and prescribes standards
and accredits programs of medical, dental, veterinary and other health profession educational
institutions. XUSOM is also actively perusing
accreditation by New York state and ACCM.

Chief of Nephrology, and Director of the kidney transplant program at SUNY Downstate
Medical Center, was as the keynote speaker.
Valedictorian was Pawandeep Dhillon, MD and
Salutatorian was Amanda Wolf, M.D.

The Aruba Factor

In 2014, Xavier University has added more

land to the originally acquired 20 acres for the
campus. Also, it made substantial progress in
fulfilling government regulations for the building of new state of the art campus. It hopes to
have its ground breaking ceremony in mid2015 and complete the campus plan in the next
24 months.

Aruba is one of the most beautiful and developed Caribbean islands. It boasts the maximum
number of returning tourists from USA and Europe who fall in love with the friendliness of local Arubans and the amenities on the island. It
is also well connected with US and Europe with
a large number of daily flights. The weather is
nice and warm throughout the year. All these
factors make Aruba a great destination to come
and stay for few years for higher education.

Annual Graduation 2014

On June 19th, 2014, Xavier University celebrated its annual Commencement Ceremony at
the Hillwood Commons Cinema at Long Island
University C.W. Post, NY. The graduating
class of 2014 totaled 56 doctors. The guests in
attendance included Chancellor Dr. J. G. Bhat,
Chairman Edwin Casey, President Ravishankar
Bhooplapur, Trustees and the Clinical Chairs of
XUSOM. Dr. Moro O. Salifu, who serves as
the Chairman of the Department of Medicine,

New Campus Expansion

Scholarship Opportunities
Apart from private loan facilities set up by
the NewYork Office, Xavier University offers
financial assistance to the students in the form
of academic scholarships. Scholarships are offered based on semester GPA, Deans list for
academic achievement, research publication
and CARICOM countries resident students.
Entry Level scholarships are offered based on
SAT and MCAT scores.

Student Loan Program

Xavier is offering affordable student loans to
qualified students from Richland Savings Bank
. Terms of the loans and repayments are very attractive. Currently these programs are offered
to US citizens and permanent residence .

Excellent Clinical Rotation

Opportunities

To offer quality clinical training, Xavier University has affiliation with more than 31 hospitals in the US. All the clinical rotations are
ACGME accredited green book rotations. A
very recent addition to its clinical training sites
is Wyckoff Heights Medical Center , Brooklyn,
New York.

Xavier Universitys White Coat Ceremony & Recognition Day was held on Jan. 17, 2014.

For Xavier University admissions:

1000 Woodbury Road, Suite 109
Woodbury, NY 11797, USA.
Ph: 516-333-2224
f. 516-921-1070
Website: XUSOM.com

Xavier University: Frequently Asked Questions

49

Medical schools in the Caribbean are

mushrooming, how is Xavier University
better?
The past few years have seen many
Caribbean schools forced to shut down. The
ECFMG has already published a deadline that
after 2023 it will not allow graduates from
Caribbean schools to undergo clinical training
in the USA, unless the school is accredited by
an organization, which follows LCME guidelines. Xavier University already meets the requirement by achieving provisional accreditation by CAAM-HP. Also, Xavier provides an
integrated problem-based curriculum, which
very, very few Caribbean schools offer. There
is substantial evidence to show that integrated
problem-based curriculum is better in preparing students for challenges in medical education. The requirements for good quality education at an affordable price is becoming the
most pertinent question any parent should be
concerned about.

and self-directed learning. Most of the US

medical schools and European Medical
schools follow this model of curriculum. The
basic science curriculum is taught by full time,
qualified, and committed faculty. Highly qualified clinical faculties from USA regularly participate in teaching, learning, and strengthen
the curriculum. Excellent library facilities and
online access to student resources are highlights of the student support services. Xavier
University guarantees excellent preparation for
the students to pass USMLE. Our students
have secured residency spots in good institutes
and competitive disciplines.

How do you assure potential students that

the education at Xavier is at par with US
medical schools?
The very purpose of acquiring accreditation
by an outside agency like CAAM-HP is to ensure quality in medical education. The accreditation agency looks at every aspect of medical
education like: curriculum, quality of faculty,
student support, learning environment, USMLE pass rate, and residency matching. Xavier
University offers the most accepted and current curriculum, which is integrated, system
based, and puts emphasis on problem-based

What are the challenges of running a

medical school in the Caribbean?
The biggest challenge is to keep school
growing, and maintain the quality of medical
education. The only way to do that is keeping
qualified experienced faculty, and changing
the curriculum to meet the standards. Aruba,
being one of the most beautiful and developed
Caribbean islands, provides great attraction for
qualified faculty and students also main connectivity to USA is key.
There are daily 30 + flights coming to
USA and many flights connected to Europe

The Xavier University Class of 2014 graduates with faculty and officials at the Commencement Ceremony.

and central and South America.

With shortage already of medical doctors
in America, wont Obamacare, which is
bringing more people in the healthcare net,
make the problem more acute?
The past decade saw some increase in the
number of medical and DO-schools in USA,
but it is in no way sufficient to meet the growing demand of primary-care doctors. AAMC
has predicted that the surge in the number of
American medical schools will not even make
a small dent in solving the acute problem.
There are pending bills in the Congress to increase the number of residency spots, but so
far Congress has not taken any action. A recent
article (A word from the President: Facing the
facts about the physician shortage, AAMC
Reporter: December 2013) concluded that the
shortage is worsening rather than abating. In
fact, by 2020 we will need 91,500 new doctors,
and by 2025, we will need 130,600 doctors.
Which regions your students come from?
Two-thirds of the students at Xavier University are from USA and Canada, and the remainder from 16 South Asian countries. A few
Indian students with us are doing exceedingly

well. Xavier is actively pursuing to attract

qualified students from India, the Middle East,
and Africa. Special scholarships are in place to
support financially weak students from these
countries. The University is also collaborating
to build pre-med campuses with twinning-program arrangements with Indian institutions in
Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad. The
twinning programs are destined to be operational in July 2015. We have signed agreement
with NUFFIC, Brazil (Government of Brazil
Program) who will send their students for
training in Medicine and Nursing. Similar initiatives have been taken to attract students
from Ecuador and Chile. Students from CARICOM countries are eligible for financial assistance in the form of special scholarships.
No MCAT required for Xavier admission
- please explain.
There are not any single best index predicting future performance of students in a medical
school, be it undergraduate GPA or MCAT
score. Xavier University takes a holistic approach while selecting its students. We have
prepared and guided students to succeed with
our current curriculum and support system,
irrespective of their GPA and MCAT score.

Clinical Rotations: Confident Xavier students speak out

" X a v i e r
University provided me with a
vast and efficient basic science education
that helped me
stand out in the
wards.
The
rotations equipped me with the
confidence and experience to
reach a residency position in this
ultra competitive environment."
-Hassan Al-khalisy, MD
White Coat Jan 17, 2014
"Xavier
gave me the
opportunity I
needed and
with
hard
work
I
became
a
w o r k i n g
physician in
New York."
-Gargi Patel, MD

"I
am
thankful for
XUSOM in
giving me
the opportunity to
find electives in the
Chicago
area, helping me match at my program of choice."
-Gabriel Anzueto, MD
The basic
sciences are
taught by
an excellent staff of
professors.
Xavier prepares you
well for the
USMLE's. The hands-on clinical years allows you to embark
on your journey of becoming a
licensed physician
-David Ibrahim, MD

Had a
great time
on
the
island and
learned a
lot from
the basic
sciences.

-Ashvin Punnyamurthi, MD

" T h e
dynamic
basic science faculty
in
A r u b a
instilled
in me the
confidence to
apply the science of medicine during my clinical rotations."
-Amreen Aziz, MD

Xavier
University's
clinical rotations in the
US were key
to helping
me achieve
my dream of
matching
into a residency.

XUSOM
provided
the opportunity and
the means
to pursue
my
dreams!

-Michelle Lim, MD

XUSOM is
a diverse
s c h o o l
which paves
a path to
success in
medicine.
What you
make of it
lies in your
hard work and determination
. To become a reliable and
prepared physician, XUSOM
equipped me with all the
necessary and appropriate tools to
succeed in the multifaceted world
of medicine
-Janelle Yee, MD

I had a wonderfully productive

and fulfilling time in the
beautiful island of Aruba.
Thank you.
David Brual, MD

- Ramona Grewal, MD

50

I N D I A

N E W S W I R E

NITI Aayog
replaces Planning
Commission

Lakhvi in 14-day
custody, Pak hits
out at Indian 'hype'
Islamabad: Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was sent to 14
days' judicial custody in an abduction case
by a court here Thursday, even as Pakistan
termed "unfortunate" the "unnecessary
hype" created by India over the issue and
also questioned lack of action in the
Samjhauta blast case.
The judicial remand order came as
Lakhvi's two-day physical remand in the
kidnapping case expired Thursday.
The physical remand was ordered when
Lakhvi was awaiting release as the Islamabad High Court suspended his detention
under the Maintenance of Public Order
(MPO) law.
Although police asked the judicial magistrate for a five day remand, the court sent
Lakhvi to a 14 day judicial remand. He will
be presented in court again Jan 15.
India had summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit in New Delhi to register its protest at the lack of "effective action" by Pakistani prosecuting authorities to
keep the Lashkar-e-Taiba kingpin in custody. Lakhvi has been in jail since 2009 for
the Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.
New Delhi: A suspicious Pakistani fishing
boat apparently loaded with explosives blew
up in the sea and sank off Gujarat after being
intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard, officials said, prompting fears that a major terror
attack may have been planned.
The Pakistani vessel, which had set off
from near Karachi on the eve of New Year,
turned into a ball of fire and sank after its occupants, believe to be four in number, set fire
to it, about seven hours after it was spotted
following an intelligence tip off.
Darkness and bad weather prevented the

New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government began the New Year replacing the 65-year- old Planning Commission with a new institution
named NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog,
where the prime minister would continue as chairperson of the revamped body and have state chief ministers as part of the governing
council.
"The institution will serve as a 'think tank' of the government - a
directional and policy dynamo. NITI Aayog will provide governments at the central and state levels with relevant strategic and technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of policy," a union
cabinet release said.
Modi, in a series of tweets, said with the NITI Aayog the government would bid "farewell to a 'one size fits all' approach towards development while the body also "celebrates India's diversity".
"A pro-people, pro-active and participative development agenda
stressing on empowerment & equality is the guiding principle behind
NITI Aayog," he said.
Noting that NITI Aayog "has been formed after a wide range of
consultation with the various stakeholders including the chief ministers", he said it will "provide key inputs on various policy matters".
"A landmark change is the inclusion of all State CMs & LGs of
UTs in the NITI Aayog. This will foster a spirit of cooperative federalism.
"Having served as a CM in the past, I am very much aware of the
importance of actively consulting the states. NITI Aayog does precisely that," he said. Modi had indicated in his Independence Day

The new institution named NITI (National Institution for

Transforming India) Aayog has prime minister
as its chairperson.

speech that the Planning Commission was on its way out.

The NITI Aayog will have regional councils to "address specific
issues and contingencies impacting more than one state or a region.
These will be formed for a specified tenure," the statement added.
Elaborating on the rationale for the revamping the planning body
as the many forces transforming India, the government said the industry and service sectors have developed and are operating on a
global scale now.
"To build on this foundation, new India needs an administration
paradigm in which the government is an 'enabler' rather than a
'provider of first and last resort'. The role of the government as a
'player' in the industrial and service sectors has to be reduced," the
statement said.
Earlier this month, in a meeting with chief ministers here, Modi
said the Planning Commission should be replaced by an organisation
that thinks creatively, strengthens the federal structure, and is able to
energize governance at the state level.

After Coast AAPI should provide healthcare to

Guard chase, rural India: Maharashtra Governor
suspicious
Pakistani boat
explodes

Coast Guard from apprehending any of the

crew as they sank in the Arabian Sea along
with the vessel.
Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar "complimented the Indian Coast Guard and those
involved in the operation for intercepting the
rogue vessel off the coast of Gujarat, in a
timely and precise manner, thereby, averting
a possible danger", an official statement said.
The dramatic incident -- a reminder of the
manner Pakistani terrorists sneaked into
Mumbai in 2008 -- took place
on Dec 31-Jan 1 night. The
Coast Guard's Deputy Director
General K.R. Nautiyal said he
suspected "something serious".
Nautiyal told the media that
the boat was spotted by a military aircraft, nearly 365 km
from Porbandar in Gujarat late
Wednesday night.
At least three aircraft monitored the boat, and it was intercepted by Coast Guard
The Pakistani vessel, which had set off from near
ships near the India-Pakistan
Karachi on the eve of New Year, turned into
maritime boundary, around
a ball of fire and sank.
11.30 p.m. Dec 31.

Mumbai: Inaugurating the

ninth AAPI's annual Global
Healthcare Summit 2015
here, Maharashtra Governor
C. Vidyasagar Rao urged
AAPI leaders and its members
to identify ways to make
healthcare reach the remotest
villages in India including the
state.
If AAPI wants to establish
or offer any educational opportunities in the state of Maharashtra, I commit my full
The Global Healthcare Summit 2015
cooperation in the areas of conbeing inaugurated in Mumbai.
tinuing medical education, Rao
Global Healthcare Summit (GHS) held antold the audience at the event hosted at the Trident Hotel at Nariman Point in Mumbai on nually in India across the states in partnership
with the Indian Medical Association (IMA),
January 2.
Describing physicians of Indian origin as and Medical Council of India (MCI), with the
most required Indians, he appealed to the cooperation from the Ministry of Health and
AAPI delegates to work with the government Overseas Indian Affairs, has come to be recto find ways to make healthcare to make ognized for the many initiatives it has given
healthcare affordable, accessible and efficient birth to and the numerous joint recommendations of the standard of care for major diseases
for all.
Governor applauds the achievements and affecting the people of India, he said.
Describing the GHS to be very unique and a
contributions of Indian-American physicians
in the healthcare field in the US and for the truly pioneering effort to address areas of concern which are of significant consequences on
love for their motherland.
Others present at the event were Dr. Ravi Ja- health care scenario in India, Dr..Jahagirdar
hagirdar, President of AAPI, Dr. Jayant Ban- said, Past summits have identified areas of
thia, former Chief Secretary to Government of mutual interest and also integrated advanceMaharashtra, Dr. Seema Jain, President-Elect, ments of healthcare facilities in India besides
Dr. Ajay Lodha, Vice President, Dr. Gautam ways and means of tackling long term conSamadder, Secretary, Dr. Naresh Parikh, cerns leading to long-term collaborations.
The American Association of Physicians of
Treasurer and Dr. Ajeet Singhvi, Chairman,
Indian Origin (AAPI) represents nearly
Board of Trustees of AAPI.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, 100,000 physicians, medial students and felPresident of AAPI, gave a brief introduction lows of Indian origin in the US, and serving as
into the making of the Global Healthcare an umbrella organization for more than 160
member associations nationwide.
Summit.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

January 3-16, 2015

Rayaz Takat giving a shine

to family business in USA

52

Coming from an Indian family dealing in precious

stones, New York based Rayaz Ahmed has crafted TAKAT
into a glamorous brand in America since year 2000.

Rayaz Ahmed Takat with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson

akats company founder, Haji

Nisar Ahmed Takat, descended
from an ancient Indian family
of precious stone craftsmen. In 1955,
he opened his first precious stone cutting and polishing business in Jaipur,
Rajasthan. In 1976, with the help of
his sons Siraj Ahmed Takat and
Rafeeq Ahmed Takat, he established a
small office in the city and started
trading in precious stones. Today, that
original location remains as the
TAKAT flagship office.
In 1994, Siraj Ahmed and Rafeeq
Ahmed started exhibiting in gems and
jewelry trade shows around the world
(Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangkok,
Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, New
York, London, Munich, Paris, Milan,
Zurich, Basel, Istanbul, Dubai, and

Corporate Profile
Bahrain).
With the growth of its international
reputation, TAKAT began its first
phase of global expansion in 1996,
opening a trade office in Bangkok,
Thailand.
In 2000, Rayaz Ahmed Takat, grandson of Haji Ahmed Takat, opened the
company's third trade office in New
York City. And Irfan Ahmed Takat, another grandson, opened the fourth
trade office in Hong Kong.
Rayaz Ahmed Takat has served on
the Board of Directors of IDCA since
2010. For 2013, he served as a Joint
Secretary of the IDCA Board.
TAKAT remains a family business
based on a firm belief in providing ex-

Rayaz Ahmed Takat with Baywatch star Pamela Anderson

ceptional products and services. They

believe in the importance of maintaining excellence in the quality of their
products and establishing the power of
their brand as a foundation for future
success. Every TAKAT creation is
made with meticulous attention to detail and quality, balancing classicism
and modern evolutions in design and
production. The TAKAT signature
style incorporates timeless elegance in
a wide selection of distinctive jewelry
designed with daring combinations of
color, precious metals and gemstones,
and innovative materials.
TAKAT's talented workforce is a key
competitive advantage. As the company has grown and expanded globally,
the workforce has grown to be diverse. The Takat family believes in
treating all people with respect and
strives to create and foster a support-

ive environment in which individuals

can realize their maximum potential
within the company. Their business
success is a reflection of the quality
and skill of our people.
Says Rayaz Takat, While we are
proud of our accomplishments, we are
dedicated to building a better future
for our customers and employees. We
are truly honored that many of the
world's finest jewelers and most discerning end-users rely on us. We work
every day to earn their confidence and
business. TAKAT is focused on providing the highest level of quality and
customer service in creating and marketing exceptional jewelry. Our goal is
always to meet the needs of our customers and to exceed their expectations.
Website: www.Takat.com

53

IM NOT A BUSINESSMAN,
IM A BUSINESS, MAN
An Interview with Rayaz Takat, CEO, Takat Gems USA
RAPID FIRE ROUND
 Favorite business book
"Business Adventures" remains the best
business book I've ever read. John
Brooks is still my favorite business
writer.

Q. Please tell us about the current state of

the colored gems movement in the US.
Rayaz Takat: Thank God, market is stable right now for high-end quality colored
stone, such as Emerald and Blue-sapphire.
Lower quality colored
stone china is consuming a lot specially
Semi-precious stone.
Right now the market
in USA is start getting
better for us. I had a
great 3rd quarter since I
moved to USA.
Q. The September Hong Kong show saw
a slow movement in the emeralds section.
What do you think is the reason and when
do you think it will pick up?
Rayaz Takat: Yes, the Hong Kong show
was on slow side for emerald, specially for
high-end quality emerald. Mostly calibration size goods were more
in demand. The reason is,
Hong Kong and China is
the biggest jewelry producer in the world and
they mostly consume
calibration sizes. Then I
saw, business picked up
from holiday season start in
USA (Christmas) and consumer started buying without
any hesitation.
Q. Apart from the emeralds, rubies and
sapphires, which precious or semi precious stones are in high demand in the
US?
Rayaz Takat: Emerald
and Tanzanite is still in very
high demand as well as
Alexandrite and Paraiba tourmaline, but because of limitation in production they are hard
to find but easy to sell in USA.
Q. What do you think will be the
fine jewelry
trends
for the
upcoming
season?
What are the
current trends
that are moving well?
Rayaz Takat:
I think fine jewelry market is going
to do good. The current trend is very mixed, some people like
Red, blue, white and green color, but Green
is forever.
Q. In the bigger picture, is the US market
still interested in lightweight and price
point jewelry?
Rayaz Takat: Yes, USA market is very

 Business mantra
Get your head in the game.
 Role model/Mentor in business
Warren Buffett
 If not a businessman, then
I'm not a Businessman, I'm a Business,
Man.
 Idea of unwinding
Take a break
Breathe and realize that worrying will
not solve any of your problems.
Learn how to do something new.
Find something positive about any
situation
Talk it through
Smile, Sleep well, Take things
slowly - there's no need to rush

Rayaz Takat posing with his family at home

big and known for lightweight and

price point jewelry.
Q. In which ways do you think
the Indian diamantaires
and diamond jewelry
manufacturers can lure
the US retailers?
Rayaz Takat: Indian diamondaires and diamond jewelry
manufacturers can lure the USA
retailers with their humbleness
and love. Of course, we Indians can fulfill their need in
every field. We provide
them best product at best
price.
Q. Is the US market
opening up in a big
way for jewelry?
Rayaz
Takat:
USA market is
huge in every
field, even jewelry; only you
should know
what you doing.
There is lots of opportunities around, all you
need to do is react at the right time and take
right decision.
Q. Any obstacles you are facing in recent
times?

Counting many stars and celebs among their clients,

Takats promotional material flaunts glamorous models.

Rayaz Takat: Wanting something is not

enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely strong to overcome all obstacles that come your way.
Q. What is your strategy to overcome
these obstacles?
Rayaz Takat: Everyone runs into obstacles, but the way you deal with them will de-

termine whether you trip and fall, or overcome them unscathed.

Listen to your gut when it comes to people.
Make frugality a company value.
Replace old strategies with new ones.
Don't distance yourself from the sales
function.

P A S S A G E S

54

We lost them in 2014

n 2014 we had to say goodbye to iconic Hollywood and Bollywood legends,
veteran journalists and dancers,
politicians, young athletes and celebrities.
The South Asian Times pays tribute to the
more notable ones.

Ariel Sharon, 85, Former PM of Israel

One of the most powerful leaders in the
history of Israel,
Ariel
Sharon,
died after eight
years in coma in
Tel Aviv. A hardcharging Israeli
general
and
prime minister
whose efforts to
reshape the Middle East caused
some to call him
a war hero and others a war criminal. He
succeeded in removing Israeli soldiers
from Gaza, ending long-running tension.
BKS Iyengar, 95, Yoga guru

BKS Iyengar took yoga to the world, turning it into a phenomenon that somehow retains the essence of its mystical aura yet
has been remade into a commodity. A
meeting in 1952 with the violinist Yehudi
Menuhin proved to be a turning point,
leading to Iyengar opening yoga schools
on six continents.
In 1956, Iyengar came to the US, the
first to teach yoga in the West, along with
pioneers like Pattabhi Jois, known for his
Ashtanga style. Iyengar taught author Aldous Huxley and actresses Ali MacGraw
and Annette Bening among other celebs.
His seminal 1966 book, "Light on
Yoga," became a worldwide bestseller,
with a million copies sold in 17 languages.
Iyengar yoga is now taught in more than
70 countries. Some two million of the 20
million Americans who practice yoga follow Iyengar style.
Joan Rivers, 81, Comedienne
Joan Rivers, Americas most abrasive
comedienne, will always be remembered
for her biting wit and skewering of celebrity style. But after a widely respected and
storied career launched with a 1965 appearance on The Tonight Show, she also
became a pioneer for women in comedy.
In February 2014, she finally got an invitation to come back to The Tonight Show.
She told Variety magazine it was about
time: "I've been sitting in a taxi outside
NBC with the meter running since 1987."
Rivers outrageous style made her hugely
popular in the UK too, where she regularly appeared on TV and at venues like the
Royal Albert Hall.

Deven Verma, 77, Comedian

Known for his comic roles in films such as
Angoor, Golmaal,
Rang Birangi, and
Chori Mera Kaam,
Deven
Verma
proved that one
can have a small
role in a film and
yet shine. On his
shoulders rested
many films that
went on to become
cult classics. In
Golmaal, the Hrishikesh Mukherjee comedy,
where he plays himself, hes the one steering
the film.

Gopinath Munde, 64, Politician

Senior BJP leader Gopinath Pandurang
Munde died in a
road accident in
Delhi shortly after
he was sworn-in as
the Rural Development Minister in
the Narendra Modi
government.
A
popular politician
in
Maharashtra
who rose from the
ranks,
Munde
wielded great clout at the national level too.
Khushwant Singh, 99, Author & journalist
Khushwant Singh, one of India's best known
writers who
won fame
for a searing book on
partition of
the subcontinent
as
well as his
once-daring descriptions
of
sex, died at ripe old age. He wanted to be remembered as someone who made people
smile and so he wrote his own epitaph some
years ago:
Here lies one who spared neither man nor
God
Waste not your tears on him, he was a
sod.
Singh, nicknamed King Leer for his legendary roving eye, was a household name in
India who wrote over 100 books and countless newspaper columns, including one titled
"With Malice Towards One And All". He edited The Illustrated Weekly of India, and the
Hindustan Times. His classics Train to Pakistan, I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale
and Delhi A Novel are unforgettable. At
95, he wrote the novel The Sunset Club.
Singh also served as a Rajyua Sabha MP
from 1980 to 1986. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1974 but returned it in 1984,
in protest against Opeation Bluestar. In
2007, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan.

K. Balachander, 84, Movie director

Legendary filmmaker K. Balachander will
be remembered for
Hindi hits like 'Ek
Dooje Ke Liye' and
'Aaina' and Tamil
films 'Aval Ora
Thodar
Kathai',
'Avargal',
'Varumayin
Niram
Sigappu' and '47
Natkal'. He was responsible
for
launching several South Indian actors who
are now megastars including Rajinikanth,
Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj, and Sujatha.
Murli Deora, 77, Politician
Senior Congress leader Murli Deora was
sworn in July 2011
as Minister of Corporate Affairs. In
2006, he joined the
federal government
as petroleum minister. The industrialist and social
worker-turnedpolitician from Maharashtra served four terms as an MP. Prime
Minister Narendra Modi said: A dedicated
leader, Shri Murli Deora's warm nature made
him popular across party lines."
Nanda, 75, Actress
The ultimate in beauty and grace, yesteryears actress Nanda was one of the
finest
leading
ladies in Bollywood. She worked
in several blockbuster movies including
Hum
Dono, Jab Jab
Phool Khile, Teen
Deviyaan
and
Gumnaam. She started as a child artist and
got her first break as a grown up in V Shantarams 1956 film Toofan Aur Diya. She
won Filmfare Best Supporting Actress
Award for Aanchal.
Robin Williams, 63, Actor
An Oscar-winning actor and comedian
renowned for his
bristling
energy
and incredible versatility,
Robin
Williams portrayed
roles ranging from
a space alien (Mork
& Mindy) and a
U.S. Armed Forces
radio DJ (Good Morning Vietnam) to a psychology professor (Good Will Hunting) and
the owner of a gay Miami club (The Birdcage). His suicide touched off a national conversation about depression.
Sitara Devi, 94, Kathak dancer
One of the early forces in bringing Kathak to
cinema, Sitara Devi popularized the dance
form on the national and international stage.
She was conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi
Award, Padma Shri and Kalidas Samman. At
age 11, she impressed Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore with a three-hour solo
recital.

Sadashiv Amrapurkar, 64, Actor

Character actor Sadashiv Amrapurkar made
his mark as
an actor and
director in
Marathi theatre and was
best known
to the national audience for his
roles
in
movies like 'Ardha Satya', 'Sadak' and 'Ishq'.
Over three decades, he played a variety of
negative and comic roles but one that stood
out was his villainous character of Maharani
in Sadak. He was also active in the rationalist movement in Maharashtra, led by late
Narendra Dabholkar against superstitions.
Suchitra Sen, 82, Actress
Suchitra Sen, an iconic star of Bengali cinema, redefined stardom. In 1978, at the peak
of her career the gorgeous actress quit films
and became known as the Greta Garbo of India for leading a reclusive life. Sen acted in
many
Bollywood
films too, such as Devdas (with Dilip Kumar playing the title
role) and Aandhi. She
teamed up with Uttam
Kumar to form a popular pair that delivered
a series of hits in Bengali cinema for over
two decades.
Oscar de la Renta, 82, Fashion designer
The legendary fashion designer known as
the "sultan of suave" outfitted everyone from
Jackie Kennedy to Oprah Winfrey in his
glamorous dresses. Laura Bush said, "We
will always remember him as the man who
made women look and feel beautiful."
Zohra Sehgal, 102, Actress
We remember the legendary actress Zohra
Sehgal (aka Segal) as the lovable old grandma
of Bollywood.
But she started
her career way
back as a dancer
in
Uday
Shankars troupe
and later was a
part of Prithvi
Theatre along with her husband. At 95, she
made her last Bollywood outing as a fun-loving character Lilipop in 'Saawariya'. She was
one of the first Indian actresses to achieve an
international profile.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, 87,
Literature Nobel winner
Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez
was considered one of the greatest Spanishlanguage authors, best known for his classic
novel One Hundred Years of Solitude
(1967) that sold 30 million copies. He was
awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in
1982. He pioneered magical realism, a
unique blending of the marvelous and the
mundane in a way that made the extraordinary seem routine. With his books, he
brought Latin America's charm and teaming
contradictions to life.
Compiled by Jinal Shah

A S T R O L O G Y

55

By Dr Prem
Kumar Sharma

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India:

+91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; psharma@premastrologer.com;
www.premastrologer.com

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week (January 10-16, 2015)

10th January, 2014

Ruled planet:Sun Ruled by no: 1
Traits in you: Being governed by the Sun, you are endowed
with uniqueness and philosophy. You are courageous, daring,
courteous, affectionate, decisive, and very determined. You
need to work on your impatience and short tempered nature.
Health this year: You may remain worried for the health of
your spouse. Your health will remain fine though it needs extra care. You should regularly visit to your doctor for checkups. Try to secure your parents health as they may suffer from
minor ailments throughout this year.
Finance this year: Financial gains are sure for you this year
as you may get into new business ventures. However, try to
avoid partnerships as much as you can. You may get benefited from your past investments or sale of paternal land or property. You may go for renovation of your house and that will
make you spend enough money. You may go for business trips
later in the year and you will succeed in bringing new
business.
Career this year: The nature of your professional work will
allow you find many new job opportunities with high salaries.
You should take up a new job to flourish in your career. You
will gain required expertise in your profession and perform
better than ever.
Romance this year: You will be in a peaceful relationship
with your beloved this year. You should take care not to get involved in any kind of confrontation or argument with your
partner. You may get into marital relationship this year if you
are yet to marry.
Lucky month: May, July and August.
11th January, 2014
Ruled planet: Moon Ruled by no: 2
Traits in you: The influence of your ruling planet Moon
makes you simple, dynamic, charismatic, creative, reliable
and focused. You need to control your frequent mood swings
and stubbornness to become a better individual.
Health this year: You will enjoy an overall good health this
year though you may go through minor health issues throughout the year. You should practice yoga and meditation for better result. Your parents may fall sick and this might make you

tensed. Take special care of your spouses health. Take a normal diet and medicines to remain healthy.
Finance this year: Your past investments may yield a lot of
money for you this year. You need to be extra cautions while
investing huge amounts as it is a bit risky to put money on unpredictable things. Overall, you will enjoy a strong financial
condition.
Career this year: You will enjoy a great professional career
this year. If you are involved in arts or creative field, this year
will be very good for you. You will reach new heights in your
career and you will gain enough recognition. You may seek
help from an experienced person to succeed in your career.
Romance this year: You will spend a peaceful life with your
spouse. If you are unmarried, you may get into a matrimonial
relationship towards the end of this year.
Lucky month: April, June, September and November.
12th January, 2014
Ruled planet: Jupiter Ruled by no: 3
Traits in you: As you are influenced by planet Jupiter, you are
dignified, religious, mentally strong, enthusiastic, lovable, respectable, determined, devoted, and courteous. You are self
dependent and have a great leadership quality. You are able to
take quick decisions. However, you need to take care of you
nature of being arrogant and stubborn.
Health this year: Your health will remain good throughout
the year. However, you need to go for regular fitness programs
or practice yoga and meditation for better results. Do not
avoid your regular medication. Look out the health of your
family members as they may fall ill frequently.
Finance this year: Sudden gain in money may surprise you.
Your pending legal issues will get resolved this year and provide you with ample of money. You may go for new investments this year as this year seems to be profitable for you. Do
not trust strangers in business. Do not lend any money this
year as you face a straight loss.
Career this year: You will be over ambitious as far as your
career goals are concerned. Take time to plan your career. Do
not be in a hurry for a job change. You will improve your skills
and expertise. You will find your work pretty interesting and
it will give you the job satisfaction you wanted.
Romance this year: Your romantic life would be at its peak
this year around. Try to sort things out if you have any problem with your spouse or partner. Do not initiate an argument
with your beloved as it may result in weakening your relationship.
Lucky month: January, August and November.
13th January, 2014
Ruled planet: Uranus Ruled by no: 4
Traits in you: As you are ruled by planet Uranus, you are
highly energetic, generous, focused, friendly, humble, honest,
hard working and optimistic. You are endowed with the ability to deal with various kinds of people. You should control

your mood swings and stubbornness to be a better individual.

Health this year: You may suffer from stress related sickness
throughout the year. Do not work overtime and take unnecessary stress. You should see a doctor regularly to get relieved
from your health issues. Try meditation to avoid your problems. You should also take care of the health of you parents.
Finance this year: Financial gains will be plenty for you this
year as your past investments would pay off. You may start
few new business ventures. You may expand your business in
foreign as well. Do not trust new people as they may prove untrustworthy. Do not lend a big amount of money.
Career this year: Being a hardworking professional, you may
create wonders for your organization. You need to learn more
and look for better options. You may not get your expected
promotion or salary hike in spite of your hard work and efficiency.
Romance this year: You may get married to your long time
partner this year. If you are already married, this year will
bring you the joy of being in a marital relationship. Do not create any unpleasant situation at home as it may weaken your
relationship with your spouse.
Lucky month: March, April and July.
14th January, 2014
Ruled planet: Mercury Ruled by no: 5
Traits in you: The influence of your ruling planet Mercury
makes you dynamic, unique, smart, confident, workaholic,
knowledgeable, and highly independent. You being very social loved by your friends and you are capable of making
friends very soon. You should not become introvert and work
on your frequent mood swings.
Health this year: You need to stop your bad habits such as
smoking and consuming alcohol to remain healthy. You
should take expert advice from a doctor to avoid health related issues. You should take your medicines at time to avoid further complicacy in your health. Take care of the health of your
spouse and parents as well.
Finance this year: Your new business alliances and partnerships will help you earn financial stability this year. You will
receive all the pending payments and money you gave away
as loans in the past. You should go for investing in real estates
and share market.
Career this year: You will find your profession hectic enough
as you have to do overtime due to the project requirements.
Your confidence and determination will be at peak so you will
perform better than ever this year. You may not like the behavior of your seniors. You need to deal diplomatically with
the unpleasant situations arising at your workspace.
Romance this year: Your spouse will be supportive enough
throughout the year in crucial times. You can rely on your
partner for any kind of support may be financial or emotional. You should get married this year as this is the best time for
you.
Lucky month: March, July and September.

15th January, 2014

Ruled planet:Venus Ruled by no: 6
Traits in you: As you are influenced by your ruling planet Venus, you are very energetic, joyful, optimistic, practical, realistic, punctual, determined and kindhearted. Your helpful nature toward all help you earn friends and popularity wherever
you go. Your friends are quite fond of your company.
Health this year: You will remain fit and fine throughout this
year. However, the health issues of your family members may
put you in immense pressure. You need to secure the health of
your family member by investing some money every year.
Finance this year: You will be in ample financial gains this
year. Your new business ventures will be successful this year.
You should go for new partnerships and businesses as your
star favors your luck this year. You may go for investments in
any sector. Do not spend unnecessarily in luxury and comfort.
Career this year: Your communications skills will be proved
instrumental in the overall improvement of your professional
career. You will be able to make enough contacts and you will
get regular projects and assignments. You may get promotions
and salary hike towards the end of the year.
Romance this year: If you are yet to be in a romantic relationship, this is the ideal time to go for one. You will enjoy a
pleasurable relationship with your spouse or partner.
Lucky month: January, April and September.
16th January, 2014
Ruled planet: Neptune Ruled by no: 7
Traits in you: As your governing planet is Neptune, you are
simple, dignified, unique, charismatic, reliable, trustworthy
and confident. You have a great leadership skill and you are
very creative. You should not be pessimistic and show your
stubbornness.
Health this year: As far as your health is considered you may
go through minor health issues this year. However, regular
medical checkups and proper medication will solve this problem. You may go for Yoga and meditation classes to remain
healthy.
Finance this year: Your financial conditions will be very
stagnant this year. As you will not earn much or spend much,
you will lead a peaceful life in money matters. You may invest for future. Do not lend or borrow money from your
friends or colleagues.
Career this year: With an enhanced confidence and brushed
up skills, you will become very successful professionally. You
will do justice to the role assigned to you. You may get promotion or a hike in your current salary. If you are in creativity field, this year will bring you much more success and
recognition.
Romance this year: Your marital life would be a peaceful one
this year. Your partner will be supportive enough in every
tough situation. You should get married this year if you have
not married yet.
Lucky month: February, April and October.

Stars Foretell: January 10-16, 2014

Aries: Time is right to bring your romantic relationship out in the open. Family will
honour your choice. You will need
to become street smart to win the
game of one-upmanship at work. It
will not be prudent to delegate financial authority to a subordinate. You can
seek medical advice over some health issue. Those
losing money in speculation may find it hard to
recover. Your romantic stars are on the ascendent.
Lucky No.: 9
Lucky Colour: Maroon

Taurus: Your dedication and loyalty will be recognised. Getting involved in whatever is
happening around you will keep
you forearmed and forewarned. An
important piece of information can
open up new opportunities for
some. You will be able to kiss and
make up with lover not in talking terms with you. A
new house or apartment is likely to be acquired by
some. Those embroiled in a legal battle will come
out victorious.
Lucky No.: 6
Lucky Colour: Coffee

Gemini: Showering love on your sweetheart will

get you what you seek! Some good
bargains are in store for shopaholics. You are assured of a relaxing time at home as peace prevails.
Your tact and persuasive powers
can be in full display this week.
Those studying outside can pick up a job for extra
income. A change in diet will do you good. Lover
seems most considerate this week. Driving gives
you the thrills.
Lucky No.: 9
Lucky Colour: Dark Red

Cancer: You can lag behind in a task at work and

be pulled up for it. Dont trust anyone
with your money as you can burn
your fingers. Some of you can find
raising funds a problem. You can
get on the wrong side of spouse and
spoil your week. Small incidents can
stress your mind and keep you tensed. Those
contemplating a long journey can expect a great
time.

Leo: Students will motivate themselves to give in

their best. Financial uncertainty is
likely to dissipate soon for some.
Meeting relatives will keep you in a
buoyant mood. Acquiring new skills
is on the cards for some. A well paying job can be landed by some.
Lovebirds are likely to plan an outing together
someplace exclusive. Your views and opinions are
likely to be sought by others. Health-wise you will
be at your peak.
Lucky No.: 11
Lucky Colour: Indigo

Virgo: You will manage to spend time with family

despite your hectic schedule. A positive
signal from the opposite gender is
likely to delight you. A smooth ride
is indicated for those driving down
for a vacation. Students wanting
scholarships can face difficulties. This
is not the week to undertake anything important on
the work front. You will need to preserve your energy by taking periodic breaks. Be careful about your
hygiene.
Lucky No.: 17
Lucky Colour: Electric Grey

Libra: You will need to take your professional rivals

head on. It will be a good idea to review
your financial situation before going
in for anything big. Bodily ills can
trouble some, but only temporarily.
You will need to awaken your spirit of
camaraderie if you want to achieve your
goal. A tough time is foreseen for the automobile and
real estate sectors. You may be expected to volunteer
help at home.

Scorpio:Getting passed over for promotion is a

reality that some of you may have to
face. You are likely to deplete your
savings by irresponsible spending.
A trip with family will be more of a
fatigue than fun. Chances of clearing
a professional competition look dim.
You go-getting attitude is likely to impress lover.
Take preventive measures to ward off common ailments. Some of you can buy something expensive.

Lucky No.: 11
Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky No.: 7
Lucky Colour: Baby Pink

Sagittarius:You are likely to get ahead at work as

your professional stars are bright. An
inheritance is likely to enhance your
riches. Self-discipline will find you at
your peak physical fitness. A competitive situation will bring out the best in
you. Dont let frustration get the better of
you in a domestic situation. Getting romantically
involved with a colleague is fraught with danger, so
consider carefully. A pilgrimage can prove
therapeutic.
Lucky No.: 17
Lucky Colour: Lavender

Capricorn: It is certainly a wonder how you manage

to become popular in any set-up.
Looking after an elderly will give you
due recognition and add to your reputation. Your efforts will bear fruit
both on the personal and professional
fronts. Good looks and gift of the gab is
likely to charm someone from the opposite camp.
Business persons can expect the profits to rise. Figure
conscious Geminians should take up an exercise
regimen.
Lucky No.: 2
Lucky Colour: Silver Grey

Aquarius:You can be in a reflective mood this

week. Sad memories are likely to
haunt you and push you towards
negativity. Your attempts to shine on
the professional front will require
some more efforts. You can sell a
prized possession for a hefty premium.
Steer clear of all controversial issues or you may
get into an awkward situation. Investing in property appears a profitable option. Curb excesses to
keep fit.
Lucky No.: 11
Lucky Colour: Peach

Pisces: You will need to focus on remaining fit.

Familiarise yourself adequately before
adopting a new workout regimen.
Dont succumb to any get-richquick schemes. You will manage to
win love and sympathy of people
you are working with. It is best to steer
clear of any kind of adversity. A brief journey will
prove most entertaining. Getting a membership of a
prestigious club or forum is likely. You will expand
your friends circle.
Lucky No.: 1
Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky No.: 15
Lucky Colour: Red

H U M O R

56

Funny Bone by Nury Vittachi

How to upset your children

ow To Upset Your Children: Wait
for their next check-up at the
doctors, and then hand them
their x-rays saying: Bad news. The doctors found a weird skeleton thing spreading through your body, look.
***

And just to be fair, heres a neat way for

young people to annoy adults.
You just wait for a grown-up to say,
My, youve grown SO MUCH since I
last saw you and then you point to their
tummies and say the same thing.
***
But going back to scary skeletal
creatures, the other day my daughter
Kelci described people who stagger
blindly down the street staring at mobile
phones as zombies, which made sense
to me.
***

The conversation reminded me of a

friend who said she didnt believe the
dead can return to life. I told her to visit
my office at 5.55 pm any Friday. Longdead corpses spring from cubicles, ripping off dark suits to reveal sequined
cocktail mini-dresses, and thats just us
guys.
***
In related news, the most staid office
workers are the wildest partiers, says a
press release I got from a guy called
Mike Taylor whose dating websites
members voted for ACCOUNTANTS as
the most exciting people to go on dates
with.
I can believe this. A guy called David
Ellis works on weekdays for the UK
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and
Accountancy. On holidays he travels the
planet filming himself screaming on the
worlds scariest roller coasters.
On an Asia trip, David visited 27 roller
coasters in China in 16 days, and was
delighted to find rides so jarring that he
was lifted out of his seat in mid-air,
which he calls air time.

I wish Id thought of taking him on my

morning minibus ride, during which we
unfortunate passengers spend most of our
time either in mid-air or pressed against
the bus ceiling by G-forces.
***
But accountants do get a bad rap. I
remember when the Most Exciting
Accountant competition was launched, a
columnist at theinquirer.net sneered: A
group of independent excitement experts
will leaf through the applicants and pick
out the most exciting, or perhaps least
dull of the group. The current favorite at
the bookies is one young man who owns
a purple calculator.
In my opinion, the commentator s
snarky tone is out of place considering
the typical earnings and credibility level
of internet journalists, both of which
stand at 00.000, and thats after generous

rounding up.
***
The truth is that if you search Google
News youll find some accountant
launching a company, getting arrested,
blowing a whistle, making a fortune,
stealing a fortune, creating an empire,
going on the run, etc.
And thats just MY accountant, keeping
busy before lunch.
***
He counters accusations of being boring by keeping a cutting from the U.K.
Daily Mail in his wallet, about a female
horticultural analyst in the U.K. who
gets PAID TO WATCH THE GRASS
GROW.
Can you even BEGIN TO IMAGINE
how this woman behaves during
evenings and weekends? Woohoo.
***

Laughter is the Best Medicine

by Mahendra Shah
Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist,
cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant
Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

58

S P I R I T U A L

A W A R E N E S S

It is my prayer that this New Years we take

steps forward so that each can experience
the ecstasy, peace, and love waiting for us
when we enter into Gods embrace through
meditation on the inner Light and Sound.

By H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh taught that we can discover our soul
and God through meditation, leadJi Maharaj
ing an ethical life, and doing selfless
ach day when we awake we service for others. Each day we can
have an opportunity to grow take steps to transform ourselves by
closer to God.
putting in more time for meditation,
The highest aim of human exis- weeding out any thoughts, words,
tence is to know ourselves as soul and deeds that keep us from leading
and realize God.
an ethical life, and by serving othSaints and
ers selflessly.
Masters
New Years is a time in
have
which we can take
stock of how far we
have come from
the previous year
to attaining our
goal of union with
God. We can see
how effective we
were in making daily improvements and
how much further we
still need to go on our
spiritual journey. If we
find we have made
progress, we can commit
to going still further. However, if we find we have not
progressed, then we can make
New Years resolutions of
what we need to do to
move forward.

Time keeps ticking away. It does

not stop for anyone. New Years is
an opportunity to commit to making
the best use of our time so we reach
our goals in Indescribable bliss, permanent peace, and unending happiness await each of us within. While
the problems of the world seem endless, we can retreat to a place of
peace, calm, and joy within us
through meditation. Leading an ethical life accelerates our progress so
that when we meditate, our mind becomes like a still pool into which we
see the reflection of our real self,
soul, a part of God.
Meditation opens our hearts to see
the Light of God in all, and we then
serve with love all of Gods creation. We live our life in a state of
receptivity to Gods Light and divine love.
It is my prayer that this New
Years we take steps forward so that
each can experience the ecstasy,
peace, and love waiting for us when
we enter into Gods embrace
through meditation on the inner
Light and Sound.
Yours affectionately,
(RAJINDER SINGH)

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

January 3-16, 2015