Category: Culture

The Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, located in Sugarland, Texas, is preparing to unveil a massive 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, which will be the tallest statue in Texas and the third-largest in the United States. This grand statue, referred to as the ‘Statue of Union,’ is intended to serve as a symbol of unity and strength, inspired by the vision of the Indian spiritual leader Chinna Jeeyaar Swami. Chinna Jeeyaar Swami, who also inspired the creation of the Statue of Equality in Hyderabad, India, will be present to inaugurate the statue during a ceremony scheduled to take place from August 15-18 at the temple.

The temple officials describe the Statue of Union as “North America’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman, an embodiment of strength, devotion, and selfless service.” Hanuman, revered for his loyalty and unwavering service to Lord Rama, is celebrated in Hindu tradition for his role in reuniting Sri Rama with Sita, which is the inspiration behind the statue’s name. The official statement elaborates that “The Statue of Union is about creating a spiritual epicenter where hearts find solace, minds find peace, and souls find a path to transcendence.”

Support for this monumental project has been overwhelming, with well-wishers from India and around the world showing their enthusiasm. Bollywood music director Dilip Sen, known for his work on “Hanuman Tandav” along with Anup Jalota, has expressed his support. He has also contributed Bhajans, devotional songs, sung by Anuradha Paudwal for the Ram Sita Milan, and another devotional track on Lord Ram featuring Udit Narayan.

The inauguration of this significant religious monument is being meticulously organized by a dedicated team led by prominent community leader Arun Mundra, who serves as the international coordinator for Mein BHARAT Hoon and NRI Global, along with Heemanshu Maheshwari.

In a historic and culturally significant event, the youth of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir set a world record by performing the largest-ever Kashmiri folk dance. The record-breaking event took place during the ‘Kashur Riwaaj’ cultural event, with a staggering 10,000 young women participating.

The remarkable achievement was widely shared and celebrated on social media, with All India Radio News posting a video of the massive dance performance on its official Instagram handle. The event was organized by the Dagger Division of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Punit Balan Group and the Baramulla District Administrative agencies. The Defence Spokesperson expressed the significance of the event, stating, “The mega event has successfully united the youth of Kashmir, celebrated their cultural heritage, and instilled a sense of pride and unity that will resonate for years to come.” The celebration was held in Baramulla and extended to several nominated schools across the district.

This record-setting event in Baramulla is reminiscent of a similar achievement last year by Kudumbashree, an all-woman network from Kerala. Kudumbashree organized a massive Thiruvathira dance performance at Kuttanellur Government College, which also set a world record. On that occasion, 7,027 Kudumbashree members came together to perform the ancient group dance form on the college campus. Thiruvathira, a dance traditionally performed during the Onam festival in the Malayalam month of Chingam, and sometimes in the month of Dhanu, was showcased on a grand scale.

Due to the sheer number of participants, the gigantic “Thiruvathirakali” (Thiruvathira dance) made its way into the Limca Book of Records and the Talent Record Book. Organizers are also considering submitting this achievement to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Kudumbashree, recognized as the world’s largest women’s network, was praised as a model of women’s empowerment by Revenue Minister K Rajan. He also emphasized the network’s significant status and influence. The district’s Onam celebrations, which included this record-breaking dance performance, were coordinated by the municipal corporation, the tourism department, and the district government.

Both events, one in Kashmir and the other in Kerala, exemplify the power of cultural traditions in bringing communities together and achieving global recognition. The success of these large-scale performances not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of the regions but also showcases the unity and empowerment of women through the preservation and celebration of traditional art forms.

The Moidams of eastern Assam, a 700-year-old burial system from the Ahom dynasty, were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List on Friday, marking the first cultural site from the Northeast to achieve this status.

The nomination dossier for the Moidams was submitted over a decade ago. Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed his elation by stating that the “day would be etched in golden letters.” He extended gratitude to UNESCO, saying, “We thank UNESCO, World Heritage Committee for understanding the outstanding universal value of ‘Moidams.’”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma also celebrated this recognition, noting, “The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property – a great win for Assam… It is the first time a site from the North East has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category and after Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam’s third World Heritage Site.”

What are Moidams?

Located in the foothills of the Patkai Ranges in Assam, the Moidams are the royal necropolis of the Tai-Ahom. The site comprises ninety moidams — hollow vaults constructed from brick, stone, or earth — varying in size. According to a statement on the UNESCO website, for 600 years, the Tai-Ahom created these moidams, integrating the natural topography of hills, forests, and water, forming a sacred geography.

To date, the World Heritage Committee has inscribed 1,199 sites in 168 countries. India boasts 43 sites on this prestigious list.

A moidam is a tumulus, essentially a mound of earth raised over a grave, specifically of Ahom royalty and aristocracy. While Charaideo houses the moidams of Ahom royals, other moidams belonging to aristocrats and chiefs are scattered across the eastern part of Assam, between Jorhat and Dibrugarh.

Ahom kings and queens were interred within these moidams. Unlike Hindus who practice cremation, the Ahoms, originating from the Tai people, primarily buried their dead. The height of a moidam typically reflects the power and stature of the individual buried within. However, except for those of Gadhadhar Singha and Rudra Singha, most moidams remain unidentified.

Inside the moidam chambers, the deceased king would be buried along with items necessary for the “afterlife,” including servants, horses, livestock, and sometimes even their wives. The similarity between Ahom burial rites and those of the ancient Egyptians has led to the Charaideo moidams being referred to as the “Pyramids of Assam.”

President Droupadi Murmu announced on Thursday the renaming of two significant halls in Rashtrapati Bhavan—Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall. They will now be known as Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively. Durbar Hall is renowned for hosting important ceremonies, including the presentation of National Awards, while Ashok Hall, once a ballroom, is now reserved for special events.

“There has been a consistent endeavour to make the ambiance of the Rashtrapati Bhavan reflective of the Indian cultural values and ethos,” stated the Rashtrapati Bhavan in a press release.

The term ‘Durbar’ historically referred to the courts and assemblies of rulers. However, it lost its relevance after India became a Republic, or ‘Ganatantra.’ The statement elaborated that the concept of the republic is deeply rooted in ancient Indian society, making ‘Ganatantra Mandap’ a fitting name for the venue.

The name ‘Ashok’ signifies a person “free from all sufferings” or “bereft of any sorrow.” It also refers to Emperor Ashoka, a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. The National Emblem of India, the lion capital, is derived from the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath. Additionally, the Ashok tree holds significant importance in Indian religious traditions, arts, and culture. The Rashtrapati Bhavan emphasized that renaming Ashok Hall as Ashok Mandap ensures linguistic uniformity and eliminates traces of anglicization while upholding the values associated with ‘Ashok.’

“Renaming Ashok Hall as Ashok Mandap brings uniformity in language and removes the traces of anglicisation while upholding the key values associated with the word ‘Ashok’,” read the statement.

Reacting to the renaming, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra commented, “There is no concept of ‘Durbar’ [for the government] but a concept of ‘Shehanshah’… Interesting.”

In January of the previous year, just a day before the historic Mughal Gardens were set to open to the public, the Rashtrapati Bhavan announced that the gardens would henceforth be known as Amrit Udyan. Announcing that the gardens would be accessible from January 31 to March 26, Navika Gupta, Deputy Press Secretary to the President, stated, “On the occasion of the celebration of 75 years of Independence as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the President of India has given a common name to the Rashtrapati Bhavan gardens as Amrit Udyan.”

Spanning 15 acres, the layout of the Mughal Gardens was inspired by the garden styles of the Mughals in Jammu and Kashmir and the Taj Mahal. According to the Rashtrapati Bhavan website, these gardens, described as “the soul of the Presidential Palace,” were also inspired by miniature paintings from India and Persia. BJP leaders hailed the renaming as “historic,” viewing it as a step away from “slave mentality.”

In 2022, the pathway from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, formerly known as Rajpath, was renamed Kartavya Path. The Prime Minister’s Office commented at the time, “It symbolises a shift from erstwhile Rajpath being an icon of power to Kartavya Path being an example of public ownership and empowerment.” The statement continued, “These are steps… in line with the Prime Minister’s second ‘Panch Pran’ for New India in Amrit Kaal: ‘remove any trace of colonial mindset.’”

(RNS) — Every day since March, 63-year-old Ranjani Saigal has posted a 90-second Instagram reel. “I’m not a social media person,” said Saigal, who goes by “The Hindu Grandma” on Instagram. “I didn’t know what a reel was, I didn’t know what TikTok was, any of that. Like many other grandparents, I was like, ‘Social media? I should stay away from that.’”

But Saigal, who lives in Boston, was determined to reach the next generation of Hindu children, and she knew social media is where she’d find them. Through short educational videos answering questions such as “Why do Hindus wear a bindi?” or demonstrating a step-by-step everyday morning prayer ritual, Saigal has become a symbolic “dadi,” “ajji,” or “ammamma” to over 100,000 followers.

“Somehow people seem to like to learn from grandma, and hence seem to listen in more,” she said. “People love their grandmas, at the same time they’re kind of missing in their lives. And I don’t know, it touches me a lot, so it makes me keep wanting to go with it.”

To Saigal, who is a trained purohita, or family priest, and a Bharatanatyam teacher, Hinduism is a “star-studded, gem-filled” tradition that has a real power to connect with youth. For her granddaughter’s first birthday, Saigal was able to gift her a copy of her own children’s book: “My First Om,” intended for the very youngest of Hindus.

“The more Hindu a teacher you are, the more you should allow for questions,” she said. “It’s a religion of understanding and of knowledge, not of faith. And I think that kind of vibes with the modern generation.”

American Hindu parents and grandparents like Saigal are reckoning with how to keep their children connected to Hinduism against a nationwide backdrop of decreased religiosity among young people. From Instagram reels to children’s books, summer camps to Sunday school, Hindu adults hope to spark genuine excitement about the Hindu faith among second-generation youth, while offering them a community to belong to.

Roopa Pai, an award-winning author based in Bangalore, India, similarly saw a gap that needed to be filled. The author of India’s first children’s fantasy series, the “Taranauts,” Pai wrote “The Gita: For Children” in 2015; it’s an 18-chapter, kid-friendly version of one of Hindus’ most revered scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita, which takes place during the Battle of Kurukshetra.

Before taking on the project, however, Pai, who had never read the Gita before, had her concerns. “First of all, I thought, it’s not meant for children,” said Pai, who was raised as a Lingayat, a community that does not practice Vedic rituals. “You know, it’s something that old people in their rocking chairs in the winter of their lives, after having experienced all the vicissitudes of life, settle into.

“And in India, the Gita is a living, breathing text, and people are very, very sensitive to what you may say about it,” she added. “So I approached the Gita with a very open, inquiring, curious mind as a piece of literature, not as a piece of scripture.”

Although the book is set in wartime, Pai says the dynamic Gita is chock-full of relevant lessons for children of any age. It is a metaphorical story, she says, in which the battlefield is in one’s own mind. Arjuna, the main protagonist, asks Lord Krishna for advice moments before he must fulfill his dharma, or duty, as a soldier, even though some of his beloved relatives are on the other side.

The author describes Krishna as Arjuna’s “best friend,” who instructs him to not let emotion cloud his dharma. In 700 verses, Krishna offers wisdom on morals, mindful action and the power of making the right choice against voices that will tell you otherwise — like, for example, when facing peer pressure to lie to your parents.

Pai says her lessons for children from this are to recognize they are already whole, that “your best friend is with you” and always has their back, and they just need to cultivate that friendship and lean into it when they face problems. “I tell them, you know, every five minutes before you go to sleep, each night, sit and talk to your Krishna,” Pai said.

Pai, who has lived in New York and Florida with her two children in the past, says her book is widely read by children across the Hindu American diaspora. “That’s the other core thing in Hindu philosophy: that happiness is not to be pursued, that it’s a waste of time, which goes fully against the American thing of pursuit of happiness,” she said. “It says instead, put all your energies into finding bliss, contentment, peace that is long-lasting.”

She says parents and children are equally “surprised, startled and delighted” by the modern-day relevance of the centuries-old text. Through “The Gita: For Children,” she instructs children around the world on its practical implications, teaching, for example, that a student’s dharma is simply to work hard and study, not to focus on being the first in the class.

“It’s very nonpreachy,” she said. “It allows you to think for yourself, and tells you that, once you have thought about it in this way, whatever you come up with is valid, and that’s a very warming thought for children to believe that they are in control of their own destiny.”

For some parents in the United States, grounding their kids in Hindu teachings at home is critical for combating what they say are stereotypes about Hinduism taught in schools, such as an emphasis on caste or cow worship.

“The anxiety that has started is this awareness, you know, especially post 2000s, that the only time children learn about India or Hinduism in their school textbooks is just being two or three buzzwords,” said scholar and parent Vamsee Juluri.

A media professor at the University of San Francisco, Juluri was raised in India, where as a kid, he said, intergenerational Hindu practices were passed down without much room for questioning. But mythological stories on TV and in movies, along with the popular Amar Chitra Katha comics, kept kids entertained and intrigued by the gods.

In the U.S., he says, Hindus face a challenge familiar to many immigrants with children who have more American sensibilities and questions about the meanings behind traditional rituals.

“Until the ’90s, most Hindu American kids didn’t have an alternative other than these very clumsy, you know, weekend temple classes run by an uncle from India,” said Juluri, calling them “cosmetic cultural” Hindu. ”There is now more of an organic, American born and raised transnational community that has started to form in the U.S.”

He points to initiatives such as the Chinmaya Mission’s Bala Vihar program, which offers weekly Vedic classes and a yearly Gita Chanting Competition, as pioneers in the Hindu youth space. Many former students are now leaders, which adds to its relatability, he said. And with more initiatives popping up, Juluri has high hopes for the future.

“I think it’s delightful that there are people like the Hindu Grandma who are just conveying their joy about what they feel. The joy of talking squirrels or the elephant-headed God, the gentleness and the beauty of the traditions and the worship and the aesthetics,” Juluri said.

Saigal has heard from other parents and grandparents who use her explanations as trusted, authenticated resources for their own children’s questions, something she says most parents didn’t have in the past 30 years. “If you’re respectful toward the traditions,” she says, “without forcing them on your children, your children will also learn to love them.”

“In Hindu traditions, the word ‘God-fearing’ doesn’t exist,” she added. “I teach children, never do it out of fear. Never do it out of superstition, or so that something horrible doesn’t happen. I think we can get out of that thought.”

On the occasion of International Yoga Day 2024, GOPIO, and Emmy-nominated filmmaker & Happy Life Yoga speaker Tirlok Malik along with the Indian Panorama & Indian American Forum will be hosting a highly interactive and informative Yoga event featuring experts and speakers from various walks of life.

The theme for this year addresses the basic question: “There are challenges and hardships in life, but how you let them go and laugh at life?”

Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York will be the chief guest. Other speakers will include Dr. Thomas Abraham, Professor Indrajit Saluja, Indu Jaiswal, Anil Narang, Lal Motwani (GOPIO International President), Neeta Bhasin, Dr. Renee Mehra, Deborah Fishman, Neha Lohia, Priti Dhariwal, Dr. Tara Shajan, and Dr. Bhuvan Lall.

The event promises to be energetic, knowledgeable, inspiring, and celebratory in nature. Malik will interact with all the prominent speakers on the panel to discover their own personal mantras for happiness. While emphasizing the growing importance of Yoga in today’s times, session host Malik explains his vision behind Happy Life Yoga and its underlying philosophy as “a way of living inspired by the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian Philosophy.”

Malik created the Happy Life Yoga workshop (No mats needed!) inspired by Ayurveda yoga and Indian philosophy as a practical way to live a happier and healthier life in today’s time. This interactive workshop emphasizes “love yourself,” and if you love yourself, it’s your responsibility to take care of your happiness and health, using the tools shared by Malik in this workshop. It’s the gift of ancient India, tested by science & time! The event is supported by many New York media outlets. Malik and the whole team look forward to the celebration of International Yoga Day 2024 and invite everybody to join!

The Zoom session will be held on Sunday, June 22nd from 11:00am – 12:30pm (East) (US and Canada). Interested participants can join the session using the meeting ID: 709 536 8686 and passcode: gopio.

The historical monument Vijaya Stamba is situated within the Chittor Fort complex in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, a state in India. Vijaya Stamba is also known as the Tower of Victory. The site holds significant cultural and historical value in association with its rulers, Rajputans at that time. Vijay Stamba is a UNESCO-approved world heritage site offering a historical insight into the rich cultural and architectural marvels of mediaeval India.

History and architecture

Maharana Kumbha of the Mewar dynasty built the Vijaya Stamba in 1448 AD. The construction of the structure was done to honour his victory over Mahmud Khilji’s unified forces from Malwa and Gujarat. The tower honours the military and architectural splendour of the Mewar era; it stands for the pride, valour, and glory of the Rajput warriors in their victories.

The tower is a nine-story building made of red sandstone and white marble, standing at a height of approximately 37 meters. It is characterised by traditional Rajput carvings, balconies, and a pyramidal roof.

Tales

The tower symbolises the valour and triumph of the Mewar kingdom. One of the myths followed on Vijaya Stamba is that it is guarded by spirits who look out for the safety of its inmates and protect the people from invaders.

Following another legend, Maharana Kumbha is said to have constructed the tower as a tribute to his consort or loving queen, which motivated him to start on the enormous task of building it.

Things to do

• One of Rajasthan’s main tourist destinations is the Vijaya Stamba, which is also close to the Chittor Fort. By climbing to the top of the tower, visitors can take in panoramic views of the surroundings and gain knowledge of the area’s historical significance via educational exhibits and guided tours.
• Look out for any light and sound performances. A captivating audiovisual experience is offered by these shows, which often narrate the history and stories around the fort.
• The neighboring Chittorgarh sights, like the Meera Temple, the Rana Kumbha Palace, and the Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame), are other tourist attractions.

In the bustling heart of the city that never sleeps, the Sikh International Film Festival 2023 unfurled a spellbinding tale of Sikh heritage and cultural diversity at the prestigious Rubin Museum on December 16th. This year’s festival treated the audience to an enchanting journey through impactful stories, with standout films like

 “Baywatana: Without a Country’, directed by high school students from Boston”, explored the plight of Sikhs and Hindus in Taliban-era Afghanistan.

“American Sikh”, is a true story of Indian American Sikh who was trying to assimilate with the Americans. The Oscar qualified animated short film is a story of American Sikh Hero Vishvajit Singh and Produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor – Oscar-winning producer (The Elephant Whisperers) and Michelin-starred chef-filmmaker Vikas Khanna and directed and illustrated by American Sikh Hero Vishavjit Singh and Ryan Westra.  Vikas Khanna said, “One of the highlights of screening ‘American Sikh’ at Sikh International Film Festival was engaging the little ones and the youth who could see themselves reflected in our film. Their dreams and hopes keep me inspired.”

“Colonel Kalsi: Beyond the Call”: is another true story of a Sikh young Kamal Kalsi who fought to serve in the US Army with his turban and beard. The film explores themes of diversity, sacrifice, faith, identity and resilience. Colonel Kalsi expressed, “Serving in the Army with my unique camo turban and beard was a profound experience of celebrating my Sikh identity while embodying the spirit of American patriotism…”

As the curtains closed on these impactful narratives, the festival featured over 10 films, covering a diverse range of topics from current affairs to historical perspectives. Teji Bindra (Founder and President of Sikh Art & Film Foundation), Mandeep Sobti (Senior VP and Chair of Finance), Dr Paul Johar (Chair SAFF – Film Festival), Harmeet Bharara ( Former Chair FF and Gala), Hansdip Bindra ( Head of PR and Marketing), expressed their satisfaction with the films that captivated a packed auditorium at the Rubin Museum in Manhattan.

Teji Bindra emphasized, “Sikh Art & Film Foundation has been at the forefront in bringing better awareness of Sikhs through films and arts for the past 17 years. We are pleased with the fantastic movies showcased this year.”

Dr. Paul Johar added, “This year’s Sikh International Film Festival showcased a powerful lineup addressing contemporary Sikh Diaspora issues, delved into the challenges faced by the community. “Amardeep Singh’s documentary, “Oneness in Diversity: Elixir of Guru Nanak and the Indic Saints,” intertwined memories of Saints and Sufi mystics, emphasizing the essential theme of oneness and diversity. The festival, with its captivating stories and impactful quotes from filmmakers, not only celebrated Sikh culture but also provided a dynamic platform for filmmakers to showcase their artistry.

The Sikh International Film Festival, originating in 2004, has been a cultural beacon, fostering awareness of Sikh culture through films and arts. As the curtains closed on this year’s festival, the organizers expressed gratitude to viewers for their unwavering support, marking a significant chapter in the festival’s journey. The success of SIFF 2023 promises an even brighter future, continuing to celebrate Sikh heritage and diversity through the captivating lens of cinema.

Website: http://sikharts.com/film-festival.html

In the course of 2023, numerous significant events unfolded, capturing global attention and shaping the contemporary narrative. However, amidst the unfolding present, it is crucial to cast our gaze into the corridors of history, acknowledging pivotal moments that transpired in bygone years. As we delve into the annals of time, we encounter a tapestry woven with milestones spanning various decades, each contributing to the rich mosaic of our collective past.

Half a century ago, the vibrant beats of hip-hop echoed through the Bronx at a groundbreaking party. Simultaneously, a month later, the specter of a brutal military coup in Chile reverberated across South America, jolting many Americans into a heightened political awareness. This juxtaposition encapsulates the dichotomy of historical events, where cultural revolutions and geopolitical upheavals coexist within the same temporal frame.

Six decades have elapsed since a quarter of a million people converged in Washington, D.C., for the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This pivotal moment, marked by the resonance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, was followed by the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas three months later. These events, though distinct, are threads intricately woven into the fabric of the 1960s.

Moving back 75 years, the birth of the nation of Israel stands in stark contrast to the Palestinian Nakba, commemorating 75 years of sorrow and displacement. This historical paradox underscores the enduring complexities of the Middle East conflict, where the narratives of independence and catastrophe intersect and diverge.

As we embark on a retrospective journey through the months of the year, let us traverse the historical landscape, pausing to reflect on the resonance of each significant event.

January:

In 2013, amidst a world that seemed ablaze with challenges, the iconic “this is fine” meme emerged from Question Hound’s comic strip, becoming a cultural touchstone. Meanwhile, 1943 witnessed the nationwide release of “Casablanca” in the U.S., a film depicting refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, its cast including actors who themselves had sought refuge.

February:

The year 2003 was marred by tragedy as the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas, claiming the lives of seven astronauts. The same year, Secretary of State Colin Powell delivered a speech to the United Nations Security Council, erroneously claiming Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, 1993 marked the federal raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, leading to a tragic siege.

March:

In 2003, President George W. Bush’s decision to send U.S. troops to invade Iraq unfolded, ushering in a war with profound and enduring consequences. The invasion, remembered by U.S. veterans, was characterized by the military’s “shock and awe” campaign. Simultaneously, the release of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” in 1973 added a musical dimension to the historical tapestry.

April:

In 2003, the English translation of Marjane Satrapi’s classic memoir, “Persepolis,” entered the public domain, offering a poignant narrative of a girl’s coming of age during the Iranian revolution. Meanwhile, 1993 witnessed the public debut of the World Wide Web, revolutionizing global communication.

May:

1963 witnessed the “Children’s Crusade” in Birmingham, Alabama, where young students peacefully marched for an end to segregation, inspiring support for the Civil Rights Act. The same year, Israel was established, leading to the displacement of Palestinians, an event etched in history as the Nakba.

June:

The year 2013 saw revelations about mass data collection by the NSA, courtesy of Edward Snowden, reshaping public understanding of government surveillance. Meanwhile, in 1983, NASA mission specialist Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space aboard the Challenger space shuttle.

July:

1963 marked the introduction of ZIP codes, streamlining mail sorting. Concurrently, a group of Black girls faced arrest during a march for desegregation, highlighting the ongoing struggle against racial inequality.

August:

In 1993, alternative rock band The Breeders gained prominence with their breakout album, “Last Splash.” The birth of hip-hop in a Bronx community room in 1973 marked a cultural milestone. Additionally, the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom drew over 250,000 people, with Martin Luther King Jr. delivering his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

September:

The year 2003 saw the passing of Johnny Cash, a musical icon whose songs resonated with generations. In 1973, Chile’s socialist president Salvador Allende was overthrown in a military coup, ushering in a dark period of dictatorship.

October:

The gruesome killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 by Saudi agents underscored the complex geopolitical landscape. In 1973, a surprise attack by Arab countries initiated the Yom Kippur War, shaping subsequent U.S. foreign and energy policies.

November:

In 2003, the Concorde made its final flight, marking the end of a groundbreaking era in aviation. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 cast a shadow over the nation.

December:

2013 witnessed the passing of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of the struggle against apartheid. In 1983, the Talking Heads recorded the acclaimed concert film “Stop Making Sense,” delving into the band’s creative process. The release of “The Exorcist” in 1973 challenged societal perceptions of horror and faith.

As we traverse the historical landscape of 2023, each month unveils layers of the past, intertwining moments of triumph and tragedy, cultural evolution, and political revolutions. These anniversaries serve as poignant reminders that our present is intricately connected to the threads of history, weaving a narrative that continues to shape our collective identity.

In the heart of America, a silent battle rages on. Each year, a staggering 670,000 lives are claimed by coronary heart disease, a stealthy foe often linked to the heart’s cry for more oxygen. In this landscape, where 20% of heart failure warriors grapple with their heart’s weakened ability to soak in life-giving oxygen, a hero emerges from the shadows. It’s not a new pharmaceutical wonder drug or a high-tech medical procedure. It’s something far more ancient, yet astonishingly relevant – yoga. This age-old practice steps into the modern health arena, not just as a form of exercise, but as a crucial ally in the fight for heart health, breathing new life into our most vital organ.

This ancient practice, deeply rooted in holistic wellness, offers benefits that can match, and sometimes surpass, traditional exercises like brisk walking. In a nation where heart health is a critical concern, yoga’s role in improving cardiac function is not just a matter of physical well-being but a potential lifesaver.

Yoga transcends mere physical exercise. It’s a holistic practice that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. Its impact on cardiovascular health is profound. By enhancing blood circulation, yoga ensures that oxygen-rich blood reaches every part of the body, including the heart. This improved circulation nourishes the heart and aids in detoxifying the body, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure – all factors that contribute to a healthier heart.

The connection between yoga and heart health is backed by scientific research. A European Journal of Preventive Cardiology review suggests that yoga can lower heart disease risk as effectively as conventional exercises. Research in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research shows that yoga improves lung function and oxygen saturation, directly benefiting the heart. A study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine indicates that yoga enhances heart rate variability, an important indicator of heart health. The British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that yoga increases lung capacity and efficiency, positively impacting heart functions.

Pranayama, the art of yogic breathing, is key in enhancing cardiac oxygenation. Research in Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that pranayama positively impacts the cardiorespiratory system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure. A trial published in Academia found that Pranava Pranayama improves baroreflex sensitivity and reduces blood pressure. A review in Fitsri Yoga states that pranayama increases lung capacity and oxygen levels, aiding in deeper breathing. The International Journal of Indian Psychology discusses how kapalabhati, a pranayama technique, enhances oxygen supply to the circulation. Brahmari Pranayama is a very specific type of ancient breathing technique credited to increase intravascular nitric oxide. This is the magic chemical that helps keep blood vessels open and thus helps in preventing heart attack and stroke.

Incorporating specific yoga poses into your routine can significantly enhance heart oxygenation. Tadasana (Mountain Pose) improves posture and lung capacity, facilitating better oxygen supply to the heart. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) expands the chest and lungs, enhancing breathing capacity and oxygen flow to the heart. Savasana (Corpse Pose) reduces stress and promotes relaxation, lowering blood pressure and improving heart oxygenation.

Integrating yoga into daily life can lead to significant improvements in heart health. Consistency is key. Starting with a few minutes each day and gradually increasing the duration can make yoga a sustainable practice. It’s also beneficial to combine yoga with other heart-healthy activities like walking or a balanced diet.

Despite its benefits, misconceptions about yoga can deter people from trying it. It’s important to understand that yoga is adaptable and can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. For those with existing heart conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider and practice under the guidance of a qualified instructor.

Yoga is more than just a series of poses; it’s a pathway to a healthier heart and a more balanced life. By enhancing oxygen supply to the heart, yoga offers a holistic approach to cardiovascular health. We encourage readers to explore yoga not just as a physical exercise, but as a comprehensive wellness practice.

Indranill Basu-Ray

The author is a Cardiologist, Meditator, and Yogi based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He is the Founder and Chairman of the American Academy for Yoga in Medicine. He is the Editor in Chief; The Principle and Practice of Yoga in Cardiovascular Medicine.

ibr@aaymonline.org

The Consulate General of India in association with the Federation of Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE held a garba celebration at New York’s iconic Times Square to commemorate the dance’s recent inclusion by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Garba dancers from the Indian American community in colorful attires took to the streets to represent the cultural richness of Gujarat on a global platform. Free transportation, complimentary refreshments and participation certificates were provided for all performing artists. Indian missions across the globe organised Garba programmes to mark the occasion.

“The event was a spectacular showcase of the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat as attendees donned traditional Garba attires,” the organizers said. “The vivid colors and intricate designs of their attire were a sight to behold, and one could feel the energy and pride emanating from them as they represented their culture on a global platform.”

Acting CG of India in NY, Varun Jeph addressing the gathering. / Image – X/@IndiainNewYork

Describing the dance’s inclusion as “momentous and historic occasion”, Acting Consul General of India in New York Dr Varun Jeph hailed the Times Square celebrations as a testament to India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Traditionally performed during Navratri, the nine-day festival that is celebrated to honor the devine feminine energy, Garba is among the oldest folk dances of India. The UNESCO officials appreciated the dance for its “inclusive” nature and hailed it as a symbol of bringing communities together.

Today, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed ‘Garba of Gujarat’ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during its 18th session, taking place in Kasane, Botswana from 5 to 9 December 2023.

The inclusion of Garba now makes it India’s 15th inscription on the List.

A ritualistic and devotional dance performed throughout the State of Gujarat, and across India, Garba is celebrated for nine days during the festival of Navaratri. The festival is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or Shakti. The cultural, performative, and visual expressions of this feminine energy are expressed through the Garba dance. The performative and visual celebration of Garba takes place within homes and temple courtyards, public spaces in villages, urban squares, streets, and large open grounds. Garba thus becomes an all-encompassing participatory community event.

“I offer my sincere congratulations to India, its people and the teams that worked on the nomination dossier. I hope this inscription helps ensure the viability of this tradition and inspires the community, particularly young people, to continue with the knowledge, skills and oral traditions associated with Garba,” said Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO New Delhi Regional Office for South Asia and UNESCO Representative for Bhutan, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka.

Over the decades Garba has been an integral, multivalent component of Gujarati culture in India and among the Indian diaspora across the globe. Garba continues to be a vibrant living tradition. In addition to being a religious ritual, Garba fosters social equality by diluting socio-economic, gender, and rigid sect structures. It continues to be inclusive and participative by diverse and marginalized communities, strengthening community bonds.

The 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, hosted by the Republic of Botswana, was assigned with the job of evaluating nominations submitted by States Parties for inscription on the Lists of the Convention, that include 45 elements for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, 6 elements for inscription on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, 4 proposals for the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices and 1 International Assistance request.

Apart from ‘Garba of Gujarat,’ some of the new inscriptions include Rickshaws and Rickshaw painting in Dhaka from Bangladesh, Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival from Thailand, Hiragasy, a performing art of the Central Highlands of Madagascar, Junkanoo from the Bahamas, and the Procession and celebrations of Prophet Mohammed’s birthday in Sudan, among others.

The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage currently has some 704 elements corresponding to 5 regions and 143 countries. It includes forms of expression that testify to the diversity of intangible heritage and raises awareness of its importance. By enhancing the viability of communities’ cultural practices and know-how, UNESCO aims to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of communities globally.

Although labeled ‘a ritualistic and devotional dance performed throughout the State of Gujarat’, Garba is a dance of celebration at any joyous event. It is said that Garba originated among the cowherd friends of Krishna in Vrindavan who got together to take off the weariness of their day’s labor with dancing. Going around in circles while clapping their hands and singing was the basic form of that Garba.

India’s current inventory list of Intangible Cultural Heritage includes Garba of Gujarat, Durga Puja in Kolkata, Kumbh Mela, Nawrouz, Yoga, Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru in Punjab, Sankirtana-ritual singing and drumming and dancing of Manipur, Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir,  Chhau dance, Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan, Mudiyettu-ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala, Kutiyattam-Sanskrit theatre, Tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila-the traditional performance of the Ramayana.

The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage currently has some 704 elements corresponding to 5 regions and 143 countries.

The Diwali party presented by Pratibha Jairath and Ashok Potdar was held at Ashyana Banquets and was once again a full house event and a melodious celebration of joy and happiness. Beautifully decorated Ashyana ceilings and jazzy, vibrant colors of the outfits of the audience brought life to a quiet and dreary fall evening.

The lamp lighting ceremony included the Guests of Honor and sponsors including Anil and Sweety Loomba, Sunil and Rita Shah, Bhupinder & Anita Beri, Pinky & Dinesh Thakkar, Mayur Ganger and partner Ashok Potdar. Mrs. Rita Sunil Shah recited Shree Sidhivinay prayers beautifully during Lamp lighting. Mr. Sunil Shah presented Diwali Greetings to all.

Ms Jairath reminded the audience of the significance of Diwali such as victory of knowledge over ignorance, which turned into her recent initiative, a Not-for-Profit organization ‘Vidya Jyoti’s. She mentioned the accomplishment of being able to help 1015 students thus far. Mr.  Mayur Ganger, who had opened his heart as a great sponsor was presented by Mr. Anil Loomba and Dr. Bhupinder and Anita Beri.

The singing trio Pratibha Jairath, Raju Bankapur, Pradeep Sood kept the audience on their dancing feet throughout the celebration. The program started with melodious songs when Pratibha presented songs by legendary singers Lata Ji, Asha Ji, Geeta Dutt, Vani Jairam, each singer with a different special touch. It was a variety of songs, including Bole Re papihara type semi classical numbers. It was pin drop silence throughout the listening numbers and as always, her songs pulse with feelings. With her dance numbers, folks came to the dance floor as usual.  The next surge of excitement was from multi-talented singer Raju Bankapur.  Once again, well known singer, Pardeep Sood had a dramatic entrance once again and his Punjabi medley that people always love brought even more people to the dance floor.

There were few duet performances of popular songs. Mrs. Rita Shah and Hitesh Master performed a beautiful Duet which received a lot of applause too. Pinky Thakkar and Pardeep sood joined Pratibha in a fast dance number and the dance floor was all full.

The beautiful Bharatnatyam dance performances by Jenish Balsara got big applause from the audience. Raju Bankapur’s flute transported the audience to the world of pure joy and ecstasy.

Orchestra Sa Re Ga Ma with Hitesh Master Nayak, Richard Christian, Bobby and sound engineer/DJ Monachan enthralled the attendees.

Pratibha doesn’t forget to thank her friends ever who come out to help her including Anita Beri, Sarita Sood, Asha Mehta, Sushma Srivastav Sushma Gupta, her co-organizer Ashok Potdar, Neha Potdar and Vandana Bankapur who also did beautiful decoration besides front desk help.

Ms Jairath has strong ties with the community, because she maintains ‘Main aasman nahin chhuma chahti, bas logon ke dilon ko chhoo lonn bas yahi tamanna hai’.  Her attention to detail and relationships is what makes her parties successful and that is why she is ione of the most sought-after entertainers and artists of Chicago.

The Senior Friendship Group Chicago marked the joyous occasion of Diwali with a vibrant celebration on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Golf Maine Park District, 8800 W Kathy Ln, Niles, IL . The festivities, which spanned from 9 am to 4 pm, brought together members and guests for a day filled with cultural delights.

The event commenced with a delightful breakfast featuring an array of Diwali delicacies, including Ghooghra, Cholafli Mathiya Farsi, Puri Chawanan, tea, and coffee. The beautifully adorned venue, embellished with exquisite depictions of Ganapatidada and Lakshmi Mata, was a testament to the meticulous efforts of Meghna D Vora, who orchestrated the enchanting decor.

President Harshadbhai Parekh extended heartfelt Diwali and New Year wishes to all attendees, outlining the day’s program. A collective Aarti of Ganapati Dada and Lakshmi Mata, performed by both members and guests, set a spiritual tone. Smita Parekh presented prayers of Sarva Dharma and Mayurashtakam, adding a divine touch to the celebration.

In a special segment, November birthdays were celebrated, including the festivities for Sunilbhai Shah. The entertainment quotient soared as Jeetendraji, Amitbhai, Pratibhaji, and Ritaben Shah showcased their musical talents, creating a jubilant atmosphere that had everyone dancing.

The highlight of the event was the felicitation of President Harshadbhai Parekh and other dedicated members by Pinkiben Dineshbhai Thakkar and Mukeshbhai Mehta. Bouquets and shals were presented as tokens of appreciation for their significant contributions.

“On this Diwali and New Year celebration, I want to express my love and affection for my caring family and friends. I want to tell my husband Dinesh Thakkar how fortunate I am to have him in my life as my best friend and a wonderful life partner. I want to thank him for the love and support, and I look forward to celebrating our bond together for years and years to come. Happy Diwali and New Year”! Said by Pinky Thakkar

Asian Media USA captured the magical moments of the day, diligently documenting individual and group pictures along with videos. The generosity of guests who contributed to the event was acknowledged, aligning with the spirit of giving during Diwali.

As a sweet conclusion to the celebration, the President, committee members and Guest distributed sweets to all attendees, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared joy.

The Senior Friendship Group Chicago’s Diwali celebration was a resounding success, weaving together tradition, community, and festivity in a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday signed a historic legislation making Diwali a school holiday in public schools.

The legislation requires that all public schools in the city be closed on the “15^th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar in each year, which is known as Diwali”.

“New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we’re taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar,” Governor Hochul said in a press statement.

“This legislation to designate Diwali as a New York City school holiday is an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate traditions from across the world,” she added.

The legislation was signed during a special reception at the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing during Diwali celebrations.

“I believe that a celebration of light should not be commemorated in the dark. That’s why tonight, we took action to bring people together,” Hochul wrote on X.

The press statement from Hochul’s office said that the legislation “amends the education law to declare Diwali a holiday for New York City public schools”.

“Many people of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths in New York City and throughout the state observe the festival of Diwali and more than 1 billion people around the world celebrate this holiday,” the statement read.

The move came after the New York State legislature on June 9 passed a Bill to make Diwali a school holiday in the city with efforts from NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Indian-origin Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.

“With the signing of my bill, we have lit an everlasting lamp in the hearts and minds of all New Yorkers… By signing my bill, we say to over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist New Yorkers, ‘We see you, we ecognize you, and Diwali is an American holiday,’” Rajkumar, the first Hindu American and first South Asian American woman elected to New York state office, said.

Rajkumar said that for over two decades, the South Asian community has lobbied for the Diwali holiday. Two earlier attempts to pass the legislation in 2021 and 2022 did not succeed.

“In this time of local and global racism and anger, Diwali’s message is critically important and needed. The Diwali celebration not only represents the rich cultural heritage of our diverse community, but also serves as a reminder of the values that bind us together,” State Senator Joseph Addabbo said, thanking Hochul.

According to city officials, more than two lakh New York residents celebrate Diwali which is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists.

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania became the first US state to officially ecognize Diwali as a public holiday.
(IANS)

Activities that showcased the rich cultural diversity of Bihar and Jharkhand, and engaging exhibitions showing the states’ arts and crafts were part of the event

 The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) hosted its annual Diwali celebration at the Royal Albert Palace, New Jersey, USA. The event was attended by more than 600 community members from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware.

Mayor Charlie Carley of South Brunswick township in New Jersey graced the event as the chief guest and wished everyone on the occasion. Video messages from the Governor of Jharkhand C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren, and the Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar conveying wishes to the entire Bihar and Jharkhand diaspora in the United States were also screened.

On the occasion, BJANA presented awards to recognise the efforts of community members. Dr. Anil Kumar received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to the organization. Dr. Rupam Saran was awarded for her achievements and community service. Abhinav Atul from Bihar, India, was recognized for his contributions to the people of Bihar and Jharkhand.

Anurag Kumar, the president of BJANA, emphasized BJANA’s ongoing fundraising efforts and charitable activities in the USA, Bihar, and Jharkhand and expressed gratitude to the community members for their active participation and unwavering support.

Alok Kumar, the past president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), took the stage to invite all community members to participate in bidding farewell to Consul General New York, Randhir Jaiswal, on November 20 and express their gratitude for his services to the Indian community.

The event featured cultural programs, including dance, live band, and singing by the children from the community and adults. Additionally, activities that showcased the rich cultural diversity of Bihar and Jharkhand, and engaging exhibitions showing the states’ arts and crafts along with delectable Indian cuisine were also part of the festivities.

UNESCO has included Gwalior as the city of Music under the Creative Cities Network (UCCN). 55 cities from all over the globe joined the UCCN. Gwalior was acknowledged for its strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of UNESCO’s development strategies, and displaying innovative practices in human-centered urban planning.

The project was led by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board in cooperation with the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior, Gwalior Smart City Development Corporation Limited, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University, music artists, and other stakeholders. The Network now includes 350 cities in over one hundred countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

Since 2019, continuous efforts have been made including multiple stakeholder consultations and a dedicated feasibility study of the city to map the potential for UCCN membership followed by the drafting of the application. Gwalior serves as an exemplary example of living cultural heritage and it houses one of the biggest annual music festivals of India; The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh to celebrate the rich culture of Madhya Pradesh.

Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director, MP Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS) said ‘Inclusion of Gwalior by UNESCO under the creative cities network is definitely a big shot in the arm which goes a long way to tell the whole world about the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh. Gwalior being the city of Tansen, BaijuBawra, the birthplace of Dhrupad Music form and Gwalior Gharana, which are world known for musical practices and traditions which are alive even today, have been very persistently conserved and preserved and now on the occasion of Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day, it has been recognised by UNESCO by including Gwalior as a city of music.

I am sure the whole world will sit and take notice of the richness and depth of the cultural diversity, the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh in general and Gwalior in particular. This will also go a long way in boosting international tourism in the city of Gwalior and also bringing them to showcase the best of the architectural and heritage assets.

It is a great opportunity for Madhya Pradesh and we are very thankful to UNESCO, the Minister of Culture, and the Government of India to the city of Gwalior and all the people who have ever, in any way associated with Gwalior. As a city of music, It is a massive achievement for everyone who is concerned with music and Gwalior.

Joint Director, Planning, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Prashant Singh Baghel highlighted ‘Through the designation to the UCCN, we envision the realisation of the city’s goals towards achieving overall sustainable development with music as the key driver. This includes the creation of new economic and artistic opportunities for the local youth; making the city an education hub for music, cultural infrastructure development, linking of the music sector with tourism, urban renewal, and mobility and enhancing access to arts and culture.’ (IANS)

Curated by Ambika Trasi and featuring Abir Karmakar’s most recent oil paintings of his city of residence, Baroda, in Gujrat, India is opening at the famous Aicon Gallery7 in New York City on Thursday, November 2, 6-8pm with an artist talk from 7:30-pm

Born in Siliguri in West Bengal, the works in Nightjar consider the artist’s relationship to the Baroda as a resident whose roots are removed from the local culture and who does not speak the
regional language or have access to a community. At a time when right wing politics and Hindu nationalism have taken hold in India, there is a sense of mounting insularity throughout the nation, as well as a distrust and social alienation of migrants and minority residents.

Karmakar’s eye is keen and observant, enabled by his invisibility and illegible presence. His paintings consider the psychogeography of the city: the social and psychological effects of urban architecture on the individual and community. His use of hyperreal and trompe l'oeil aesthetics give his works a filmic quality that push the boundaries of painting and blur reality and fiction. Through his style, the artist creates a simulacrum of the city: one that is stark and eerily absent of people– a Baroda that feels closer to his own (and to the outsider’s, migrant’s, or other’s) lived experience of it.

Yet throughout Karmakar’s paintings, nature transgresses and declares itself an uncontainable force that resists the dense concrete of Baroda. Unruly shrubs and grasses are seen growing outside of the homes and over the walls and gates in his Dead Hours series. The artist’s skies, meanwhile, appear pastoral and boundless. In Towards Oblivion, Karmakar removes any specific markers of location or time to disorient the viewer and create a transcendental experience. The sky acts as a sublime space that provides respite from the solid, angular structures of the built environment and from earthly notions of property and borders. In painting the piece, Karmakar blends into his environment like a nightjar or a transparent eyeball, underlining his (and everyone’s) fundamental right to belong.

An accompanying exhibition catalog for Abir Karmakar: Nightjar is available for purchase through the gallery. The publication features an essay by curator Ambika Trasi and includes illustrations of all 12 of Karmakar’s paintings from the exhibition. Nightjar will be on view from November 2 through December 2, 2023.  For more information, please info@aiconcontemporary.com

The largest Hindu temple in the United States is set to open its doors in New Jersey this Sunday. Located in Robbinsville, the 183-acre BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, named after its founding Hindu spiritual organization, rivals major Hindu temples in India.

Yogi Trivedi, a temple volunteer and a scholar of religion at Columbia University, marveled at the temple’s existence, saying, “I wake up every morning and scratch my eyes thinking, ‘Am I still in central New Jersey?’ It’s like being transported to another world, specifically to India.”

The temple is scheduled for official inauguration on October 8, with public access commencing on October 18. For Indian Americans and Hindu Americans, this represents a significant milestone. Trivedi noted, “This is the American Dream. The sacred geography of India and beyond is here in this one place, and you can experience, witness, and admire it all here in New Jersey. I anticipate, as a scholar of religion, that this will become a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus from across the world.”

Construction of the temple involved 12,500 volunteers from around the world and has been in progress since 2011. However, it gained significant attention a decade later when a group of immigrant laborers filed a lawsuit against the global organization Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), which operates temples worldwide. The lawsuit alleged “shocking” conditions, including forced labor, long work hours, inhospitable living conditions, and caste discrimination.
The initial complaint stated, “For these long and difficult hours of work, the workers were paid an astonishing $450 per month, and even less when Defendants took illegal deductions. Their hourly pay rate came to approximately $1.20 per hour.”

BAPS, however, made a distinction between employment and religious volunteer service, known as seva. A spokesperson for BAPS, Ronak Patel, explained, “The artisans who helped to build our mandir came to the U.S. as volunteers, not as employees. We took care of the artisans’ needs in the U.S., including travel, lodging, food, medical care, and internet and prepaid phone cards so they could stay in touch with their families in India. BAPS India also supported the artisans’ families in India, so they did not suffer financial hardship as a result of the artisans’ seva in the U.S.”

Many of the laborers who participated in the temple’s construction arrived in New Jersey from India on religious visas and belonged to the Dalit community, historically marginalized groups in South Asia’s caste system. The lawsuit claimed that temple leadership enforced the caste hierarchy at work.
The lawsuit has been put on hold, with 12 of the original 21 plaintiffs moving to dismiss their claims. BAPS Akshardham spokespeople have assured that the temple will be a place for people of all creeds and castes to gather in community.

The temple’s walls feature carvings of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing inclusivity. Trivedi commented, “When you come to the mandir, you will see people of all genders, all castes, and social backgrounds living, eating, praying, loving, and serving together.”
However, activists argue that the allegations still raise questions about the line between religious service and work exploitation, which particularly affects vulnerable Dalit communities.

Sunita Viswanath, a civil rights activist and co-founder of the civil rights group Hindus for Human Rights, expressed her concerns, saying, “A place of worship, a temple, is such an important space, especially for an immigrant community who’s making a home in a new country. I would want anybody who goes to the temple to really ask themselves, really do some soul searching, about going to a temple where there are such serious allegations of labor and human rights violations.”

The construction of the temple was no small feat, involving the placement of 2 million cubic feet of stone in Robbinsville Township. The temple is a cultural blend, featuring materials sourced from around the world and nods to American history.

The outside of the temple was built with non-traditional Bulgarian limestone to withstand New Jersey’s cold winters. The interior includes stone from various countries, including Greece, Italy, and India. A traditional Indian stepwell contains waters from 300 bodies in India and all 50 U.S. states. Notably, women played key roles in running the project, a rarity in temple construction.

Trivedi sees the temple’s design as representative of the diverse community that will gather there, with inclusivity reflected on the walls. He said, “That kind of inclusivity is not just talked about, it’s actually seen on the walls.”

This landmark Hindu temple in New Jersey, with its rich cultural diversity and complex history, is poised to become a significant focal point for Hindu and Indian American communities across the nation.

Plans have emerged for what is poised to become London’s most remarkable underground tourist attraction ever: the $268 million makeover of a mile-long network of World War II tunnels into a glamorous immersive experience.

Previously shrouded in secrecy and once shielded by the UK’s Official Secrets Act, these former espionage tunnels are slated for transformation by a team that includes the architects responsible for Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and London’s Battersea Power Station. This transformation is contingent on securing planning approval later this autumn.

Situated approximately 40 meters beneath Chancery Lane tube station in High Holborn, the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels were constructed during the 1940s to provide refuge for Londoners during the Blitz bombing campaign of World War II. Since then, they remained off-limits to the general public, serving subsequent wartime roles such as housing Britain’s covert Special Operations Executive, an offshoot of MI6 and the real-world inspiration for James Bond’s Q Branch.

Subsequently, these tunnels were expanded to become the Kingsway Telephone Exchange, functioning as an internal communications hub during the Cold War in the 1950s. Notably, it played host to the “hotline” directly linking the leaders of the United States and the USSR. The exchange operated an extensive network of 5,000 trunk cables and was staffed by a bustling community of 200 workers responsible for managing phone lines.

In the 1980s, British Telecom assumed control of the site, establishing the world’s deepest licensed bar, exclusively catering to government personnel. This bar featured a game room replete with snooker tables and an opulent tropical fish tank, epitomizing the luxury of the 1980s.

By the close of that decade, the technology underpinning the telephone center had become outdated, leading to its decommissioning. However, fund manager Angus Murray, who serves as CEO of The London Tunnels, is now endeavoring to breathe life into the tunnel’s history by utilizing high-resolution immersive screens, interactive structures, scent-emitting technology, and an array of pinpoint speakers to captivate visitors.

Murray articulated, “The history of the tunnels, their scale, and their location between London’s Holborn and the historic Square Mile could establish these tunnels as one of London’s most sought-after tourist destinations.”

The proposed investment comprises £140 million ($170.5 million) for restoration work, coupled with an additional £80 million ($97 million) allocated for immersive enhancements. With the participation of architects Wilkinson-Eyre, this project has assembled a stellar team for a highly ambitious endeavor that far surpasses any other offerings in the city. Presently, London’s most established permanent underground tourist attraction is the Churchill War Rooms, situated just 12 feet below ground level, occupying a fraction of the 8,000-square-meter expanse of the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels.

Periodically, London Underground organizes Hidden London tours, allowing exploration of the city’s abandoned tube stations and tunnels. These tours consistently garner immense popularity, with tickets being snatched up as soon as they become available.

Nonetheless, eager subterranean adventurers may need to exercise patience. The London Tunnels project, should it proceed, is not anticipated to welcome its first awe-struck visitors until 2027. Yet, judging by its ambitious scope, it appears to be well worth the wait.

The District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser joined global humanitarian and peacemaker Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of the Art of Living, to announce the preliminary lineup for the 2023 World Culture Festival, to be held September 29 through October 1, 2023, on the historic National Mall in the U.S. capital.

The Honorable Mayor Muriel Bowser:”We are delighted to host the fourth-annual World Culture Festival. Washington, D.C. is the perfect city to bring people together from around the globe. We are a city that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, a global city, a welcoming city, and a city that loves visitors. We know that Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s message that ‘diversity is the beauty of creation’ aligns with our D.C. values. So, we invite people to plan their visits, and we’ll see you in the fall!”

The World Culture Festival, which has attracted millions in its previous iterations in Asia and Europe, will come to the United States for the first time ever for an epic celebration of global diversity, unity and peace:

• #YOUnitedWeCelebrate: Gurudev and Mayor Bowser invited the public to join in on the world’s largest celebration of diversity and belongingness.
• Bridging the Divide: Amidst increasing political and societal polarization, world leaders will come together to affirm a collective intention for unity and peace.
• Social Connection: As the world grapples with epidemic loneliness, isolation, and mental health burden, the Festival’s attendees will experience the power of social connection.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: “We need to bridge the gap. There is a lot of polarization in the world. The World Culture Festival is an occasion for people to come together and celebrate each other’s differences. It is the need of the hour, to bring people together in celebration and to spread the message of peace and to say that we are one human family.”

PRELIMINARY LINEUP:

• Over 50 world leaders,including current and former heads of state, members of national parliaments and international governmental organizations, have already committed to attending the Festival, including:
• E. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary General of the United Nations
• E. Chan Santokhi, President of Suriname
• E. Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of Mauritius
• E. Vicente Fox, Former President of Mexico
• E. Federico Franco, Former President of Paraguay
• E. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President of India
• E. Alojz Peterle, Former Prime Minister of Slovenia
• E. Rosalía Arteaga Serrano, Former President of Ecuador
• E. Kjell Magne-Bondevik, Former Prime Minister of Norway
• Hildebrando Tapia, Former Member of Andean Parliament

Thousands of unique performers and artists will take part in the jam-packed entertainment lineup. All performers are based in the United States, representing the cultures and heritage of over 35 countries and counting. Performance groups include:

• 1,000+ Chinese Cultural Performers
• 1,000-Person Gospel Choir
• 500 Indian Classical Dancers
• 500-Person Global Dance Mashup
• 200 Hip-Hop Dancers
• 200 Ukrainian Dancers
• 200 Latin-American Dancers
• 100 Afghan Performers
• 100 Native American Performers

 A global Faith Advisory councilis being convened in support of the World Culture Festival. The council, composed of leaders from faiths of the world, will share messages about common values of peace, harmony and partnership to nurture greater unity and togetherness. More details to come.

There will be a diverse international food festivalassociated with the event that is expected to attract thousands to sample international cuisines made by chefs from around the capital region. Over 50 ethnic food trucks are expected to be in a designated area along the National Mall.

There will be multiple pop-up cultural events throughout the District of Columbialeading up to the festival, including at least one in each of D.C.’s eight community wards. These pop-ups will be a chance for D.C. residents and visitors to preview and experience the celebration of culture and unity before the historic event from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. Details and dates for all upcoming pop-ups will be announced soon.

The first D.C. pop-up is Saturday, May 20 at the picturesque Meridian Hill Park. The free pop-up is open to the public and will have music, dance, yoga and meditation. The afternoon’s highlight will be a live meditation conducted by Art of Living founder Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. For more information, please visit tiny.cc/wcfpopup.

 WCF’S EXPANSIVE SCOPE AND SCALE:

The World Culture Festival is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors. This festival is expected to have an economic impact of over $30M in revenue.

The previous WCF in New Delhi, India, created a 45% increase in the GDP of the union territory of Delhi and contributed $300 million dollars to the economy of the union territory of Delhi.

As of mid-May, 45,000 people have already registered to attend the World Culture Festival, with 80 percent of registrants coming from the United States and 20 percent from abroad.

• Of the US registrants, 27 percent come from the greater D.C. area, while the rest are from all corners of the country.

Thousands of hotel rooms have already been booked ahead of the Festival. As of mid-May, 2,180 hotel rooms have been booked at the various neighboring hotels in the area.

Festival grounds will span the entire National Mall and will be similar in size to presidential inaugurations. It is being designed to be the largest event in D.C. this year, based on the permit given by the U.S. National Park Service.

Hargrove is working as the event designer, bringing Gurudev’s vision to life across the National Mall. The Festival is a D.C. endeavor that has been in the works for the better part of a year.

There will be an expansive performer/speaker stage – with vast audience seating (over 12,000 seats) to watch the events unfold – in addition to a large portion of the Mall dedicated to various World Culture Festival Activations. The dance floor is expected to be over 32,000 sq ft and will provide over a football field’s worth of performance space.

RECEPTION COMMITTEE/ORGANIZING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Reception Committee is composed of high-level government officials lending their experience and expertise to the Festival. Full list of names are below.

Video testimonials from Hon. Danny Davis, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL); Hon. Andy Kim, Member of House of Representatives (D-NJ); Hon. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL); Virginia State Senator Chap Petersen(D-Fairfax City); Hon. Michelle Steel, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA); Hon. Mike Quigley, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL) can be found here.

Reception Committee Members:

• E. Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the Reception Committee
• E. Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister, Mauritius
• E. Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, President, Fiji
• E. Chan Santokhi, President, Suriname
• E. Jacques Santer, Former President, European Commission and Former Prime Minister, Luxembourg
• E. Erik Solheim, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and Former Minister of International Development & Environment, Norway
• E. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President, India
• E. Kjell Magne Bondevik, Former Prime Minister, Norway Founder and Executive Chair, The Oslo Center
• E. Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister, New Zealand
• E. Nambaryn Enkhbayar, Former President, Mongolia
• E. Mark Eyskens, Former Prime Minister, Belgium
• E. Vicente Fox, Former President, Mexico
• E. Federico Franco, Former President, Paraguay
• E. Mohamed Moncef Marzouki, Former President, Tunisia
• E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President, Nigeria
• E. Alojz Peterle, Former Prime Minister, Slovenia
• E. Rosalia Arteaga Serrano, Former President, Ecuador and Executive Director, Fidal Foundation
• E. Jigmi Yoser Thinkley, Former Prime Minister, Bhutan
• E. Akie Abe, Former First Lady, Japan
• H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
• Ryszard Czarnecki, Former Vice President of the European Parliament, Poland
• Prof. Herman De Croo, Minister of State, Honorary Speaker of the House, Honorary Mayor of Brakel, Belgium
• Armin Laschet, Member of German Parliament and Vice President, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Former Minister-President, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Sumitra Mahajan, Former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, India
• Nancy Pelosi, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, United States of America
• Right Honorable Sir Robert James Buckland KBE KC MP, Former Lord Chancellor and Wales Secretary, United Kingdom
• Ted Baillieu, Former Premier of Victoria, Australia
• Bruno Bruins, Former Minister for Medical Care, Netherlands
• Raymond LaHood, Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, United States of America
• Hakubun Shimomura, Member of the House of Representatives and Former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan
• Hildebrando Tapia, Former Vice President, Andean Parliament, Peru
• Geoffrey Van Orden CBE, Former Leader of British Conservatives in the European Parliament, United Kingdom
• Danny Davis, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
• Mike Quigley, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
• Bill Foster, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
• Andy Barr, Member of House of Representatives (R-KY), United States of America
• Richard Hudson, Member of House of Representatives (R-NC), United States of America
• Marc Veasey, Member of House of Representatives (D-TX), United States of America
• Ro Khanna, Member of House of Representatives (D-CA), United States of America
• Raja Krishnamoorthi, Member of House of Representatives (D-IL), United States of America
• Andy Kim, Member of House of Representatives (D-NJ), United States of America
• Jake Auchincloss, Member of House of Representatives (D-MA), United States of America
• Jerry Carl, Member of House of Representatives (R-AL), United States of America
• Young Kim, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA), United States of America
• Deborah Ross, Member of House of Representatives (D-NC), United States of America
• Michelle Steel, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA), United States of America
• Kevin Kiley, Member of House of Representatives (R-CA), United States of America
• Laurel Lee, Member of House of Representatives (R-FL), United States of America
• Rick McCormick, Member of House of Representatives (R-GA), United States of America
• Shri Thanedar, Member of House of Representatives (D-MI), United States of America
• Binod Chaudhary, Member of Parliament, Nepal and Chairman and President, The Chaudhary Group (CG)
• Yvonne Feri, Member of Parliament, Switzerland
• Dr. Nik Gugger, Member of the Parliament, Switzerland and Member of the European Parliament
• His Highness Azzan Bin Qais Al Said, Vice Chairman, Oman National Olympic Committee, Oman

Organizing Committee Members:

The Organizing Committee contributes their leadership, experience, and counsel to build an unforgettable World Culture Festival IV.

• Rob Trombold, President of Art of Living and Convener of World Culture Festival
• Ann Luskey, Founder and Trustee, Charlotte’s Web Foundation
• Binod Chaudhary, Member of Parliament of Nepal and Chairman and President of The Chaudhary Group (CG)
• Chirag Patel, President and CEO, Amneal Pharmaceuticals
• Courteney Monroe, President, National Geographic Global Television Networks
• Francisco Sanchez, Former U.S. Under-Secretary of Commerce at the US Department of Commerce
• Jo Leinen, Former Member of European Parliament
• Luis Moreno Ocampo, Founding Prosecutor of International Court of Justice
• Louis Gagnon, Founder and CEO of the Regenerative Group
• Madhu Rao, Former CEO of Shangri-La Group
• Manoj K. Jain, Founder and President of Mid-South Infectious Disease Associates
• Mike Perlis, Vice Chairman of Forbes Media
• E. Nirj Deva DL FRSA, President Envoy to Western Europe & Commonwealth of Nations for the Commonwealth Union and Former Vice President for International Development, European Parliament
• Prem Jain, Co-Founder of Pensando Systems, now the Networking Solutions Group AMD Pensando
• Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers
• Ranvir Trehan, General Trustee, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• Reginald Van Lee, Partner and Chief Transformation Officer, Carlyle Group
• Rodney Mims Cook Jr., President of the National Monuments Foundation
• Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of the Perot Group
• Sanjay Govil, Chairman, Infinite Computer Solutions
• Sanjay Pradhan, CEO of Open Government Partnership
• Sreenivas Reddy, MD, Vascular Interventional Radiologist
• Tim Draper, Founder of Draper Associates, DFJ, and Draper Venture Network
• Tim Ryan, Former Congressman D-OH13
• Tonya Vidal Kinlow, Vice President of Community Engagement, Advocacy and Government Affairs at Children’s National Hospital and Chair of the Board of DC Chamber of Commerce
• E. AMB. Vijay Nambiar, Former Chef-de-Cabinet of the United Nations & Special Ambassador to Myanmar
• Vivek Paul, Adjunct Professor, Stanford University

TICKET INFORMATION

All World Culture Festival events are free and open to the public. All ages are encouraged to join. Registration and ticket information for the fall festival in Washington, D.C. can be found at www.worldculturefest.org. Please direct all inquiries to WCF2023@lindarothpr.com for further information.

 PAST WORLD CULTURE FESTIVALS:

Bangalore (2006):2.5 million attendees, including 3,800 musicians and performers, 750 political and business leaders, alongside 1,000 spiritual and religious figures.

Berlin (2011): 70,000 attendees from 151 countries including 6,000 artists and dignitaries including ministers and members of parliament.

New Delhi (2016): 3.75 million attendees from 155 countries including 36,603 artists and 2,500 religious and spiritual leaders from Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, Islamic, Jain, Native American, and Tribal faiths.

MEDIA ACCESS:

World Culture Festival 2023 welcomes press outlets from Washington, D.C. and around the world to cover the weekend’s festivities. We are happy to provide approved members of the media with exclusive access. Please check back soon as applications for media will be available this spring. Reach out to WCF2023@lindarothpr.com with any questions or for pre-event interview opportunities.

MEDIA RESOURCES:

• World Culture Festival Compilation Video(Video Credit: Art of Living)
• Brochure for World Culture Festival 2023
• Past World Culture Festival Photos from 2016 and 2011(Photo Credit: Art of Living)
• #WCF2023: Official Hashtag for World Culture Festival 2023

About Art of Living Foundation

Operating in 180 countries, The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) is a nonprofit, educational and humanitarian organization founded in 1981 by the renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. All of AOLF’s programs are inspired by Gurudev’s philosophy of creating world peace through a stress-free and violence-free society. AOLF has touched over 800 million lives through numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals.

 About Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader, and peace envoy. He has helped millions of people worldwide find peace and resilience in the face of adversity, learning not only how to excel in their own lives, but also how to become powerful agents for social change.

Gurudev has created trauma-relief and meditation programs for at-risk youth, war veterans, prisoners and survivors of disaster. He has also created numerous educational and self-development programs and tools that facilitate the elimination of stress and foster deep and profound inner peace, happiness and well-being for individuals.

Standing for the Gandhian principles of non-violence, Gurudev has mediated and progressed negotiations for peace in conflict-stricken areas such as Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, where he is credited for playing a central role in ending the violent 52-year conflict between FARC and the Colombian government. He has received 39 governmental awards, including the highest civilian awards from several nations. Twenty-four universities have awarded him with honorary doctorates for his peace-keeping and humanitarian efforts.

Recognizing their contributions to world peace and harmony, the United States Congress has honored two Indian spiritual leaders, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Acharya Lokesh Muni.

A popular Indian Yoga guru, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founded the Art of Living Foundation, to improve the lives of people around the world through meditation and yoga. Acharya Lokesh Muni is a Jain spiritual leader and the founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, which aims to spread the message of peace, harmony, non-violence, and brotherhood in the world.

Highlighting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s work in the US House of Representatives, Indian American Congressman, Raja Krishnamoorthi said, “With his message of peace and commitment to education and humanitarianism, Gurudev has lived a life dedicated to the betterment of others.”

“Through his charity work and educational efforts, Gurudev has spread his belief that if individuals find inner peace, it can lead to real-world reductions in violence and conflict,” Krishnamoorthi said.

The Congressman also acknowledged Acharya Lokesh Muni’s dedication to promoting nonviolence, religious acceptance, and universal brotherhood, a cause for which he devoted the early years of his life.

“At a young age, Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni committed himself to the study and teaching of Jainism, Buddhism, and Vedic philosophy,” Krishnamoorthi told the House. “He has dedicated himself to the promotion of peace and tolerance among different faith groups,” he added.

The Indian American leader further elaborated on Lokesh Muni’s efforts to quell communal and religious violence through the recently established World Peace Center in Gurugram, India and his organisation’s support in hosting several interfaith dialogues around the world.