BREAKING NEWS

Over 1700 Hindus come together in Tampa for Hindu Sangam: September 18, 2006
    Tampa, fl, September 18, 2006: Over 1700 people attended a day-long celebration in Tampa on Saturday September 16, 2006. The celebration, held at the Sickles High School, was organized to mark the birth centenary of Shree Golwalkar Guruji and to bring the diverse Hindu community of Florida closer. The program, which was a resounding success, was inaugurated by Swami Aksharananda at 9:45 a.m. and concluded with an enthralling performance by the famous singer, Anuradha Paudwal, 12 hours later. This was the first major public event in Florida in which representatives from several Hindu organizations participated, under the stewardship of the Florida chapter of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA. In his inaugural address, Swami Aksharananda (a South American Hindu) emphasized the great gift of Hinduism, unity in diversity, particularly relevant to a world still struggling with the aftermath of 9/11. Over one hundred families participated in the opening Ganesh Puja held in the spacious gymnasium.
    After lunch, there were three parallel activities: Balagokulam, consisting of games and story-telling for the younger children; activities for teenagers; and several panel discussions for adults, coordinated by Abhinav Dwivedi of Hindu University of America.          
     The afternoon session was concluded with a cultural segment showcasing the talent of singers, dancers, and musicians from across Florida. Of particular interest was the performance by two young brothers on the mridangam, traditional Indian drums. It was refreshing to listen to this rendition, rather than to the more popular tabla. The cultural segment was followed by a performance of the poet/singer/painter, Baba Mourya, who executed three fine paintings to accompany his verbal outpourings.
The keynote speech delivered by Shri Ravi Kumar, the Joint International coordinator of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, showcased to the audience the achievements of Hindus and the Hindu resurgence that is occuring throughout the Hindu world. Hindus and in particular the youth, said Raviji, were asserting themselves unlike their previous generation. He stated that the entire program of Hindu Sangam was organized by the youth and all activities had taken place as planned and on time.
    But it was Anuradha Paudwal, who brought the packed auditorium to life with a mixture of classical, filmi, and traditional bhajans and devotional songs. Requests from the audience included the popular “Payojimainay” which was composed by the 16th century poet, Mira. A visibly moved crowd stood and sang in unison along with Anuradha’s concluding rendition, “Jai Jadesh Hare” – a fitting conclusion to Florida’s version of Hindu Sangam 2006.

Bishop Edghill, Swami Aksharananda re-elected as Co-Chairs of Inter-Religious Organisation
Guyana Chronicle, April 25, 2005
BISHOP Juan Edghill and Swami Aksharananda were unanimously re-elected as Co-Chairs of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) of Guyana at the organisation’s recently held Annual General Meeting (AGM).
According to a statement from the IRO, Father Hildebrand Greene of the Roman Catholic Church served as Returning Officer and presided over the election of office-bearers where Ms. Jennifer Dewar was returned as Secretary, Hajji Roshan Khan is now the Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, and Pastor Ronald Mc Garrel was returned as the Public Relations Officer.
The new Trustees are Father Greene, Mr. Krishendat Persaud and Abu Bakr Mohamed Haniff.
It was noted that the Inter-Religious Organisation was established because of the nature of the Guyanese society.
“Despite centuries of partisanship and strife, today the world’s religions are coming together in interfaith dialogue and cooperation (and) there is growing recognition that religious conflict is a pernicious evil and a particular affront to God,” the IRO release stated.
It further noted that with the “dawning of the culture of heart, spiritually attuned people have come to recognise the love of the one God coursing through the hearts of believers of every faith and they are led by their conscience and by the spirit to go beyond received dogmas and ancient hatreds and to find universal values in all religions”.
The IRO release also indicated that the body is committed to promoting a culture of peace and harmony in this nation and becoming a model for other nations to follow. As such, it said, the Executive is working on formulating a plan of action for this year. The results of this plan will soon be made known to the public.

Shri Prakash Gossai receives MS at special investiture ceremony - July 10, 2004.
A special Investiture Ceremony at State House was held to present Shri Prakash Gossai with a National Award, the Medal of Service (MS). Shri Prakash was one of the National Awardees for the 2002 investiture but could not attend the ceremony. The special ceremony was held today a the request of President Bharrat Jagdeo who presented the award. Speaking after the presentation, President Jagdeo said he has known the recipient for some time now and is impressed with his knowledge of the Scriptures. According to the President, during his recent visit to New York, he visited the Hindu Temple where Shri Prakash Gossai is doing a “wonderful job teaching young people to uphold the Hindu Scriptures.” The National Award was presented to Shri Prakash Gossai for long and dedicated service in religious work.

Women Read Ramayana - Break Tradition, August, 2003
Port of Spain: Three Hindu women have created a record by reading the Ramayana for five nights at a Ramayan Yagna hosted here. The all-women panel read from the Ramayana at the religious ceremony hosted by the Hindu Prachar Kendra's Ninth Annual Tulsidas Jayanti Festival here. The triad included Mayaanti Maharaj, Gita Ramsingh and Shakuntala Jangabahadoor, all from Trinidad and Tobago. Jangabahadoor is a well-known singer and has studied classical Indian Music at the Gandharva Mahavidyala, New Delhi on a Government of India scholarship. She is a secondary school teacher. Ramsingh already holds the honour of becoming the first woman to sing the Ramayana in 1990. PTI

Largest Hanuman Murti Outside of India consecrated in Trinidad, June 2003

One passerby described it as “like visiting India itself” while foreigners who came in four maxi-taxis yesterday marvelled at its beauty and serenity. They were all eyeing the magnificent 85-foot-high Hanuman murti—the largest outside India, and the exquisite architectural designs of the pinkish/saffron (Kesari) coloured Dattatreya Mandir at Orange Field Road, Carapichaima. Bala Swamiji, who has been living at the Ashram for almost two decades, said the structure was built according to Hindu architecture. nside the mega-Hanuman there is a smaller Hanuman murti— “so that devotees can perform their rituals Trinidad -style” and then complete a pradakshina (circumambulation) around the 85-foot murti, which will be surrounded with fountains at completion. The murti, which is of solid concrete and iron, is expected to last for 120 years. The mandir complex which is expected to become a tourist attraction as well, has been described as a part of a divine gift from Swami Ganapati to Trinidad and Tobago. “This is one part of his vision for you people. He hopes this mandir will boost the psyche of the Hindus and non-Hindus and bring spiritual elevation to all,” Bala Swamiji said. At the temple site, dozens of workers, of both Indian and African descent, worked assiduously in unity and in the blazing hot sun to achieve one goal—ensure all the fine work and final touches on the murti and the mandir are completed for the consecration of the murti on Monday. The consecration will be done by Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. Come Monday, at the consecration ceremony, millions of Hanuman mantras which were written as spiritual sacrifice by local devotees will be made into a scroll and tied around the Hanuman by Swami Ganapati who will also perform the vedic fire consecration ceremony .

25,000 Indians congregate at Everest Cricket Club, Guyana to celebrate Indian Arrival Day in Guyana, Sunday 4, 2003.
Under the auspices of the Guyana Indian Heritage Association (GIHA) approximately 25,000 people attended the the inaugural function at the Everest Cricket Club ground in Georgetown. The thousands in attendance caused severe traffic jam in and around the city. Despite reported attempts by the ruling PPP to get people not to attend the function, it was a great success. Addressing the event was GIHA president Ms. Rayan Shaw, Leader of ROAR and MP Mr. Ravi Dev, and cultural activist Mr. Amar Panday. 

Massive Holi Parade (2003) Richmond Hill, NY, March 23, 2003.
On Sunday March 23, 2003, Hindus in NY and other places, even as far off as Toronto, Canada converged in Richmond Hill (Little Guyana) to celebrate the annual Holi Parade. Approximately 20 thousand people participated in the festivities. 

Hindu Sangam to Build a Museum Commemorating Arrival of South Indians to Fiji
NADI, FIJI, October 27, 2002: The spring of 2003 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the first arrival of South Indians to Fiji from Chennai. To commemorate the occasion, the India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam has set aside a half-acre parcel of land where they plan to build a museum. Founded in 1926, the Sangam runs 26 primary and high schools as well as many Hindu temples in Fiji. Funding for the museum will be sponsored by the National Sangam parent body in conjunction with other branches and Sangam organizations overseas. Those knowledgeable about the India diaspora who might help with the museum are welcome to contact "source" above.

18th International Ramayana Conference, South Africa, September 5-8, 2002
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, April 10, 2002: The 18th International Ramayana Conference will be held September 5 to 8, 2002, in this harbor city of South Africa. Interested scholars are invited to attend the above conference and present a paper. Chairing the event is Professor R. Sitaram, a local scholar of Hinduism. Registration forms together with abstracts must be completed and returned to reach Usha Shukla by April 30, 2002. E-mail or fax are preferred for faster communication. The fax number
is 27-31-204-4160.Registration forms, abstracts and registration fees must be sent to P O Box 19238, Dormerton 4015, South Africa. For information regarding details of the conference: ramayana@mailbox.co.za or ushukla@pixie.udw.ac.za

Conference at University of Guyana, Berbice Campus, May 9-25, 2002
The University of Guyana Berbice Campus will be hosting a conference entitled The Indian Diaspora - the Global Village in May 9-25, 2002. Contact Professor P.S. Thakur for more info at professor20002001@yahoo.com  

International Hindi Conference organized by UWI and the Hindi Nidi Foundation, May 17-19, 2002 
INTERNATIONAL HINDI CONFERENCE Organised by The University of the West Indies, The Hindi Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago (Hindi Nidhi), The High Commission of India, Trinidad & Tobago on "Hindi Language, Literature and Culture: A Caribbean Perspective," MAY 17 – 19, 2002 at THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES. 
CALL FOR PAPERS: Objectives of the Conference General Objectives: Present and discuss one's experience in teaching Hindi (language, literature and culture) § Formulate common objectives, approaches and  methodologies for teaching Hindi in the Caribbean § Interact with international Hindi scholars § Establish professional links with Hindi scholars § Improve the quality of Hindi courses available in the Caribbean Academics and scholars are invited to contribute presentations in the following areas: § Developing materials for teaching Hindi as a Foreign Language § Proficiency-oriented language instruction: integrated skills in the Hindi language programme § Aspects of phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon that are a challenge to the teacher and learner of Hindi. § Designing computer based activities § Sociolinguistic considerations in teaching Hindi. § Terms of address and kinship relations in Hindi § Opportunities to practice Hindi § Economic need for Hindi § Incorporating literature in the language programme. § Role of Tulsi and Kabeer’s literature in propagating Hindi in Caribbean countries. § Focus on culture:  integrating songs and music in the teaching of Hindi: chutney, Pichkari songs, wedding songs, chowtaal, films. Deadline for sending abstracts: 18th March 2002 Deadline for sending paper: 18th April 2002 Medium of Communication at the conference Hindi and English. Kindly provide the English translation of paper that is being presented in Hindi. 

Massive Pagwah (Holi) Parade 2002, Richmond Hill, NYC, March 30th 2002
The annual Holi parade is set for Saturday, March 30th, 2002 in Richmond Hill, New York City. Assembly starts at 12 noon at 133rd Street and Liberty Avenue. Various Mandirs and other Organizations will, as usual, participate in this colorful Hindu celebration. Twenty thousand people are expected to attend - the same amount last year! 

University Course on Ayurveda in Argentina: February 14, 2002 
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA, February 14, 2002: The Universidad Abierta Interamericana (Interamerican Open University), Argentina, is offering the first universitary post-degree course for Spanish-speaking medical doctors in ayurveda medicine starting March 2002. This one year training course is being offered through the Department of Ayurveda Medicine of the university and the Chairman Professor Doctor Sergio Lais, pioneer of ayurveda in Latin America. The course is for one year with 240 hours of intensive learning. Requirements to enter the course is that the candidate has to hold a medical doctor degree. For more information click "source" above.

Hindi Conference for Trinidad: May 17 - 19, 2002
Source: HPI Correspondent, Anil Mahabir
TRINIDAD, February 7, 2002: The University of the West Indies together with the Hindi Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago and the High Commission for the Republic of India are hosting a conference, which will take place from May 17 to 19, 2002. The title of the conference is "Hindi Language, Literature and Culture: A Caribbean Perspective." In Trinidad, the Hindi language is taught at primary and secondary schools, at the university, the Gandhi Institute and at temples. Hindi is also taught in Guyana and Suriname; although in Suriname most, if not all, Indians already speak Hindi as a second language, after Dutch. In Suriname, Hindi is also spoken by certain non-Indians, who live in predominantly Indian areas. The organizers of the conference say, "It is now time for scholarly reflection and guidance on the teaching of the language in Trinidad." The purpose of the conference therefore is to focus on the teaching of Hindi in the Caribbean, to discuss the various experiences of teachers of the language as well as to interface with international scholars in the field. Scholars are being invited to make presentations on the teaching of Hindi as a foreign language, the development of language teaching materials for Caribbean people as well as the role of literature and culture, including films, and songs in the Hindi language program. The conference will take at the University of the West Indies. The deadline for submitting extracts is March 18. The deadline for the actual conference paper is April 18. Interested persons may contact the Conference Secretariat at the Centre for language Learning, University of the West Indies, E-Mail: hindiuwi@yahoo.com

Female Students from Trinidad & Guyana at Hindu Camp in India: Jan. 16 - 30, 2002
Four female students from Trinidad and three from Guyana were part of a historic Hindu camp in Nagpur, India. Other female students went from UK, Canada, USA, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Denmark and Portugal. The Mayor of Nagpur City was the Chief Guest at the inauguration function. Many dignitaries visited the camp, including Acharya Dharnendraji, Minister of State for Defense, Dr. Baccheingh Ravat, Major General Shri Malik and Pujya Sudarshanji, Sarsangchalak of the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

VHP's Dharma Prasar Yaatra Reaches Guyana: August 18, 2001 
The Dharma Prasar Yaatra sponsored by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) visiting numerous countries where Hindus live arrived in Guyana on Sunday, August 18, 2001. In Guyana, the program was coordinated by Pujya Swami Aksharananda. The public program at Guyana's National Park by VHP Guyana was attended by approximately 20,000 people. The Guyana leg of the Yaatra included the Shankarcharya of Bhanupura, Jagadguru Param Pujya Swami Divyananda Teerth Maharaj, Param Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Pujya Swami Brahmadeva Upadhyaya. Among the dignitaries who attended the program were Prime Minister Sam Hinds, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Reepu Persaud, Opposition Leader Mr. Desmond Hoyte, Mayor Hamilton Green, Indian HC, Dr. Prakash Joshi.

Caribbean Male Students at Hindu Camp in India 
A total of 30 students from Trinidad (12), Surinam (13), Guyana (6) have gone to Bharat to participate in the Vishwa Vibhag Sangh Shiksha Varga in Bangalore. In addition, one Guyanese student residing in the US is part of the USA attendees. The Varga was inaugurated by Pujya Swami Ranghaveshanandji, President of the Shri Ramakrishna Mission by lighting a symbolic lamp and offering flowers to Bharat Mata. The one month Hindu camp ended on August 13, 2001 with an address by Shri Jaswant Singh, India's Foreign Minister and Secretary of Defense. The Varg was attended by Hindus from 13 countries.