Hindu Society of North Carolina

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

Page 22

20 Page
Norales. She was awarded for her article on "Regenerative Rituals" dealing with celebration of Indian festivals, published in N.C. Crossroads published by North Carolina Humanities Council. She has been Ethnic Chair for coordinating Hindu Society' participation in the City of Raleigh International Festival since 1986 to present. This ye ar she also served as the Chair for Gandhi Statue Project and coordinated programs for fund -raising. She initiated and chaired the celebration of Heritage India Festival which is now preparing for its 5 celebration. Along with presenting Indian music, colorful classical and folk dances by children and adult members of the society, the Festival also celebrated community leaders by recognizing them for their contributions to the community, academics, art, science and culture. Her vision for Hindu Society is to see it as an organization which:Builds partnership with its membership and cares for the community: Enhances its scope by becoming a primary link for Indian Americans; Invigorates people-to-people ties.
N.R. Parikh - In August of 1985, Anjana, Vedangee, Anand and I settled into the Southern Part of Heaven' after many cold years in southern Ontario. Very soon thereafter, we attended the grand opening of the Hindu Bhavan. The Hindu Society and the Bhavan quickly became an intrinsic part of this culture we were now a part of. My appreciation for the Bhavan and its supporting community continued to grow since those early days. The Society taught me the bases of Hindu doctrine and tradition, developed an environment for me to rediscover my heritage and culture, and helped me instill the foundations of these in my children. Remarkably, because the Society and Bhavan has had this tremendous role in my life, when I go to other temples (even in India) and close my eyes to pray, I envision the deities at the Morrisville Hindu Bhavan. Amazing. The simple, elegant design of the temple itself and the diversity of deities developed and reflected an incredibly diverse community unified by spirituality, culture, and care of members for one another. The friends I have made through the Society have enriched my views, helped Anju and I raise our children, challenged my intellect, guided me in times of trouble, helped me grow as a person, and celebrated with me in times of joy. For all of these things, I am grateful. Respectfully,
on
Rashmi Patel : My name is Rashmi Patel. I have been involved in Hindu Society since 1998, serving on planning committee for building cultural hall. In 2003. I volunteered to help as a rental coordinator. In 2005, I joined to serve board of directors. During my time on Hindu Society Board, I was involved in many areas of our society from facility maintenance to various fund raising programs including HSNC raffle, hosting professional programs and yearly grand Navaratri celebration. As a Hindu Society savak, I am dedicated to promote Hindu religion and culture as two main aspects of our identity. On 30 year's celebration, I thank and appreciate many who selflessly devoted their time and charity for Hindu Society to promote huma nity through Hinduism.
Suman & T. Nath Batra - We consider it to be an hour in providing the 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 Pkwy, Morrisville) to the present day. Wish our best to the HSNC.
Vijaya Bapat M.D. I Am a life member of the temple. Have been involved in Starting Marathi Class, Marathi Drama club and some fund raising/educational activities on behalf of the Temple. I believe that we must educate future generation about our religion and culture if we are to preserve the same. We also need to become part of the main stream society via some activities such as providing food periodically to homeless shelters, meals on the wheels. (We are doing some of these but perhaps need to expand and publicize them more f ully). A place in the news letter for comments from member may be a good way to get member input on regular basis. Thanks for the opportunity.
9007 tagtasa
HINDU SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA CELEBERATION AND APPRICIATION (1976-2006)