Hindu Society of North Carolina

Author(s): Hindu Society of North Carolina
Publisher: Hindu Society of North Carolina

Page 17

15 Page
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Suman and T. Nath Batra - We consider it to be an hour in providing the following factual information regarding the Hindu Temple in Raleigh, North Carolina. We emigrated from Canada in Dec. 1978 to settle in Raleigh, NC. The population of immigrants of the Indian origin amounted to 150 families in the three (3) adjacent cities - Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham, known as the "Research Triangle Area". When we inquired about the Hindu Temple in Raleigh, we were directed to 5400 Kaplan Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, the house owned by Dr. G. D. Sharma and Mrs. Saroj Sharma.
The above Temple served as an excellent place for holding various social functions, and religious services commonly observed by the people of the Indian Origin. The Temple never limited itself to observing religious services based on the provincial divisions and sub-divisions (such as Punjab, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Bengal, Medras, ... etc.). It always provided a "Cosmopolitan (non-provincial)" attitude. It is for this non -provincial attitude that we ascertain, the Temple at 5400 Kaplan Drive to be the first Hindu Temple in Raleigh. The cosmopolitan attitude which was adopted at Kaplan Drive prevailed when the Temple was moved to its interim location at Boylan Street, Raleigh. The same cosmopolitan attitude (evident by the variety in the Deities honored and worshiped) is reflected in the Temple's permanent location (Aviation P kwy. Morrisville) to the present day. Should you have any question, or the authenticity of the above testimony, please call us at (919)-782-4450. Evening hours are preferred. Sincerely,
Jagdish Bhandari - It has been a privilege to be associated with the Society as a Life member as well as in the management and growth of the Society for the last 21 years. In 1985, when our family (my wife Prabha and three children Ricky, Rachana and Anjana moved to the Triangle area and visited the HSNC old site on Ash Ave., near N.C. State University, the Society was very small with a small place of assembly and worship. However, the leadership, untiring dedication, and warm welcome offered by Dr. Gangadhar and Mrs. Saroj Sharma to one and all and any new comer, has been a key factor in the growth of the Society. The grass root approach, openness and the broad based accommodative nature of the Society's founding fathers has benefited not only the Hindu residents in the Triangle area but also the all other interested ind ividuals of other faiths that support the basic values of Hindu religion. The Society has helped and benefited all its members in instilling the values and rich heritage of our culture and religion in our children and the next generations to come, particularly born in this country. As a parent Society, HSNC has provided opportunity to many other large and small community organizations in the RTP area. In spite of the exponential growth of the Indian community in the Triangle area, HSNC is still respected an d serves as an umbrella organization. I would hope that the future years for the Society would be equally good or better with improved resources and membership to carry out its mission. With Best Complements,
Harish Rangwani- I am delighted to know that Hindu Society of North Carolina is celebrating its 30th Anniversary and 20h Anniversary of the Temple. It is a privilege to be part of such organization that maintains the traditions and richness of our cultural and religious heritage. The credit of succes sful completion of such long span of time of the Society goes to our Members and dedicated volunteers, especially Sharma Aunty and Uncle. I wish and pray for the Society and its Members for many such celebrations in future.
Surendra Paul and Usha Singla - We feel blessed to have Mrs and Dr G D Sharma, along with other leaders and volunteers, start this society and bring it to this higher level. Congratulations to everybody on its 30 anniversary. Following are some items for which, we feel, the society s hould continue to take leadership role in providing to the community: a) Get younger generation involved in running the society and policy making. B)Emphasis on teachings of Gita & explanation of Hindu Philosophy in scientific way.
Dhruva Kumar - Since coming to the board in January 2006, I have realized with respect, the immense task accomplished by the founders and the subsequent office bearers of this society. Although much has been achieved, much more needs to be done to accommodate the changing need s of the Hindu community in America. We need to adjust to our changing demographics, which has more seniors and fresh immigrants. At the same time we must make a push to give Hindu religion its deserved national stature. With God's blessing and your help. I plan to make my small contribution towards achieving these goals.
December 2006
HINDU SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA CELEBERATION AND APPPICIATION (1976-2006)