Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan holds anniversary celebrations in New York

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA organized a marquee sit down dinner event on Sunday, 18th October, 2015 at The Pierre Hotel, Central Park, New York City. At this prestigious event a select few individuals who have excelled in their chosen fields and touched many lives were acknowledged and honored namely Founder Executive Director Dr. P. Jayaraman, Late Prof. Robert Goheen-Former US Ambassador to India (Past Chairman for 23 years), Mr. Harishchandra Mistry a renowned philanthropist and Musical genius Mr. A. R. Rahman.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, has been functioning in the USA since 1981 and is committed to the promotion of Indian culture and values through the media of arts, languages and literature. It has had a great impact on the local community – Indian and non- Indian, through its courses, lectures, seminars, concerts and publications.

Its founder, Dr. K. M. Munshi, always said that “India will once again be acknowledged as the Vishwa Guru – a superpower that embodies the ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the global family and supremacy of “Dharma” which stands for moral and ethical values.

Bhavan, USA has entered the 35th year of serving the Indian American community of the United States on October 2nd. To commemorate and celebrate this milestone the Bhavan will be organizing several cultural, educational and literary events to spread the message of unity and harmony.

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Dr. Deepak Chopra and Ms Chandrika Krishnamurthy Tandon presented very interesting symposium ”Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times”. Enthralling and in-depth discussion left the audience spell bound. Ms. Tandon who is a long time supporter of the Bhavan, a Grammy award Nominee-A humanitarian and astute businesswoman initiated the evening with melodious prayers to Ma Durga with students from New York University. Mr. Anurag Harsh a renowned performer and Mr. Manu Narayan (Bombay Dreams) kept audience on the edge of the seats. Ms Gayatri Devi and Mrs. Sanjukta Sen offered prayers to Lord Shiva –Rudrashtakam and Ms. Siddhi Vaishnav and  students of Bhavan’s Nartanrang Dance School  offered prayers to Lord Ganesha.

Bhavan’s former Chairman and Current President of Trustee Committee Dr. Navin C. Mehta conducted the whole evening with grace and aplomb.

Chairman Mr. H. R. Shah welcomed everyone in his opening speech and was delighted to see former Bhavanites joining celebrations.

Prime Minister of India, H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister-Government of India, Hon. Mrs. Sushma Swaraj sent their good wishes on the occasion. Governor of New York state Hon. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Hon. Bill de Blasio, Consul General of India-New York, Ambassador Mr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Myanmar Ambassador Mr. Vijay Nambiar, Sant Shri Morari Bapu, Shri S. P. Hinduja with whose support Bhavan started functioning and host of dignitaries wished Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan on this occasion.

Evening was most memorable for the rich cultural content and poise of the dignitaries and honorees. Bhavan expressed her gratitude by thanking all the sponsors, supporters and volunteers for their overwhelming support and response.