Message from the President Elect Dr Om Sharma, 31 August 2009
Dear All:
I am delighted to inform you that Nomination and Election Committee (NEC) has declared me as an unopposed President Elect of BSNA along with my EC for the term of 2010-2012 following withdrawal of Dr. Surendra Pandey and his running mates from the race this morning. Our term will commence from January 1, 2010.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for your kind support, hard work and guidance throughout the process.
I would like to thank my excellent Executive Committee Elect, Mr. Bharat Mohla, Mrs. Mamta Tiwari, Professor Naren Misra, Mr. Pardeep Sharma, Mr. Hari Sharma, and Dr. Vinay Sharma, who have been very supportive. The dedicated team is committed to delivering valuable service to the members and to take the organization on a progressive path to a new height.
I am grateful to my friends and big supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scene for this election. I would like to thank respected NEC for their hard work and efforts for the election.
Last but not least I would like to thank my lovely wife, Manju, and our dear son, Himanshu, who allowed me to prepare for this service. I would have not been able to do any service to the society without their support and encouragement because most of the BSNA service I do is done on their time. You might have seen them actively participating in BSNA conventions.
I spoke to Dr. Surendra Pandey this morning and he indicated that he is committed to continue working with us for a united and strong BSNA. Also, I will strive to work with other Brahman organizations in a cooperative manner to serve the entire Brahman community, promoting our youth, and helping the society.
Best regards,
Om Sharma
President Elect of BSNA for the term 2010-2012
Dr Om Sharma’s Profile
It needs dedication and cooperation of the entire family in performing meaningful volunteer work and the Sharma family has set an example of this team work. The Sharma family strongly believes in giving back to society. They are selfless, dedicated volunteers, and are actively involved in various community activities. They serve on various committees of several Indian social, cultural and educational organizations. The Sharma family has been actively involved in various cultural and religious activities in the communities (in temples or other social forums) where they lived. Dr. Sharma and his family has been attending and actively participating in every annual convention of BSNA for the last number of years.
Personal and Professional Profile:
Dr. Om Sharma was born in 1957 (51 yrs old) in India and currently lives with his family in Skillman, NJ. Dr. Sharma graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Dr. Sharma has enjoyed a distinguished career in academia on teaching and research faculty positions for 14 years at;
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Obstetrics & Gynecology; Endocrinology)
Max Planck Institute, Germany (Reproductive Medicine; Obstetrics & Gynecology)
Johns Hopkins University Medical School, Baltimore, MD (Urology; Reproductive Medicine)
University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, VA (Internal Medicine; Endocrinology)
In recognition of his outstanding scientific achievements Dr. Sharma was awarded a fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of Germany to continue his research work in Germany.
Dr. Sharma is widely published in peer reviewed scientific journals of international repute (more than 75 papers) and is member of several national and international scientific organizations. He has been invited speaker in various conventions, meetings, forum, etc.
Dr. Sharma has been an executive in the pharmaceutical industry for 17 years.
He is currently a Director of Clinical Research and Drug Development at Johnson & Johnson. NJ
Dr. Sharma has led successful development of several drug entities in the areas of women’s health, urology, endocrinology and metabolism, allergy, asthma, analgesics, oncology, CNS, infectious disease and dermatology. Several of these drugs are available for patients’ use worldwide.
Dr. Sharma has been on the list of Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who’s Who in America in Science, every year for the last 10 years.
Community Service:
Dr. Sharma family is Life Member of BSNA for the last several years. Dr. Sharma originally belongs to a very learned Brahman family of Pundits in Rajasthan. Through this heritage, he has acquired an exemplary knowledge of Vedic rituals and Pujas in Sanskrit. He demonstrated his Brahmanic values and Vedic knowledge when he performed the opening ceremony at the 15th annual BSNA convention in Princeton with chanting of Vedic Mantras. He has been helping the local community by performing Vedic ceremonies.
Mrs. Manju Sharma has been awarded several awards during the conventions in recognition of her services to BSNA, and talented presentations of cultural programs, dances and acting in Ramleela (Lincoln Center, NYC, 2008), etc.
Their son, Himanshu, has been active participant in a number of the BSNA annual conventions. He has chaired discussion groups, spoke in several forums, organized talks, and have been helping organizers in different activities.
He strongly believes in practicing Vedic values that benefit society in general and our younger generation in particular.
He is a big supporter of transitioning the BSNA leadership role to younger generations.
Dr. Sharma has been actively involved with BSNA and World Brahman Organization (WBO) activities over the last several years.
He has been serving on the BSNA Executive Committee for several years on the following positions;
1.Treasurer
2.General Secretary
3.Executive Vice President (Currently)
Dr. Sharma has chaired several committees of BSNA including – Finance Committee, Publications, Convention (various committees)
Dr. Sharma has been serving on WBO Executive Committee as Secretary. He is being instrumental in organizing the 5th World Brahman Convention to be held in Jaipur, India in December 2009.
He has been actively trying to unite different Brahman Organizations in North America. For example, he initiated and recently completed a very cordial alliance with WBF Canada that would promote an environment of cooperation between two Brahmans organizations.
He and his family have been the backbone of organizers of BSNA Annual Conventions every year since 2004. The whole Sharma family has been actively participating in the conventions every year.
Dr. Sharma was instrumental in successfully organizing the 4th World Brahman Convention with Dr. Satish Misra, Convention Director, in Washington, DC, in May 2007.
He has been a member of the editorial board of Brahma Vani for the last several years.
He has been actively increasing the BSNA membership in the local chapter as well as in other chapters through his wide net of social links.
In recognition of his and his family’s selfless dedicated services to BSNA he has been awarded with multiple awards over the several years.
Other Community Services:
Vice President of the Indian Association in Charlottesville, VA
Vice President of the Executive Committee of Shri Sanatan Mandir, NJ
Dr. Sharma and his family had played a major role in running a Sunday school for the children of Indian origin in Parsippany, NJ for many years. Mrs. Manju Sharma taught Hindi and Indian Culture & Civilization in this school. Their son, Himanshu, taught music to children and led prayers. They organized at least 3 big functions for the Sunday school every year.
Assistant Scout Master in Parsippany, NJ for a number of years
Hindi USA – the organization is doing excellent work in promoting Hindi language in US Schools
Dr. Sharma and his family played major role in organizing a nine-day Shri Ram Katha discourse by Shri Ramesh Bhai Oza in NJ in 2000.
Dr Om Sharma’s Position Paper
Since the inception of BSNA the organization has grown and prospered under the leadership of many good and able leaders. I believe a lot more needs to be done to make the organization a valuable resource for Brahmans. I am humbled with the fact that a large number of well-wishers of BSNA have nominated me for the position of the next BSNA President for the Term 2010-2012.
My family and I have whole heartedly served the community and been very actively involved in various BSNA activities over the years including playing major role in organizing annual conventions since 2004. I have served on several executive positions such as Treasurer, General Secretary, Executive Vice President and various management and operations committees. We have been working hard to continue increasing the BSNA membership and uniting Brahmans in North America.
Having served BSNA in different capacities as well as organizing several conventions I understand the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. This understanding as well as strategic and operational experience gained during this period will help me to move swiftly to rectify the problems and bring back the community involvement.
I have helped BSNA remain in existence by taking a strong and definite stand against the unfair proposal of dissolving the organization by merging it with VHP during 2007.
If I am given this opportunity to serve BSNA, I will continue my selfless, dedicated performance and lead the organization as I propose the following plan:
Goals and Objectives:
As President of BSNA, my mission will be to preserve and propagate Vedic values among communities aligned with the mission of BSNA with the goal of serving humanity. I will promote Brahman unity and enthusiasm among youth to get them involved in BSNA to make the organization a progressive, active, resourceful and value oriented one.
Examples of Specific Activities:
Organizational Growth by Unity - I will forge relationship with other Indian organizations to enhance position of BSNA without compromising its independence. I have just set an example of developing a cordial relationship with other Brahman organization for the benefit of the entire community by establishing a formal understanding of cooperation with WBF Canada. As a result of my efforts on this aspect, a memorandum of understanding was signed between BSNA and WBF Canada on July 5, 2009 in Princeton, NJ during the 15th Annual Convention of BSNA. As President, I will continue this effort by extending this type of cooperative relationship with other organizations such as regional/language/state based Brahman organizations in North America who share BSNA’s ideals.
nclusiveness of the Membership - I will make efforts in attracting other South Asian Language Speakers into BSNA, and will institute focus sessions in different languages at the BSNA meetings/conventions.In my efforts to grow BSNA I will put a concerted effort into increasing the membership of BSNA. I will work toward bringing members back into the organization who have either left BSNA or have become inactive. I will share information and seek feedback from the local leaders of the local chapters and general membership to generate their active participation in BSNA.
Visibility of BSNA in the Mainstream Community - In order to increase the visibility of BSNA and to increase awareness of Vedic Values among other cultures and communities, I plan to extend BSNA’s activities to other local communities. In the long run this activity will help in developing tolerance and diversity among all of us, and will help promote the intellectual strength and general knowledge of our youth. I will work with local leaders to spread awareness of the community, its activities, and the overall visibility of BSNA among the general population.
Fund Raising and Increasing the Involvement of Youth - In order to raise funds it is important to define objectives and provide a plan to the general membership and Brahman community explaining how their donations will be utilized. BSNA will raise funds for scholarships and utilize this incentive for our High School and College students to become actively involved in BSNA activities.
Matrimonial services will be developed and made more user-friendly. Also, I will help organize some opportunities for our interested youth to meet for this purpose only and foster long term relationship.
Mentoring and Guidance of youth – I will organize a pool of expertise and make this available to our youth for consultation, mentoring, etc. for educational, professional, and career development needs.
Communication – I want to strengthen communication through electronic media and publications to keep the members interested in BSNA activities as well as to impart Vedic values, culture, religion and other related information by having someone actively manage our web site. Also, I shall personally seek feedback from the members on one-on-one basis via calling members periodically.
Establishing Think Tanks - I plan to put a group of religious and cultural scholars together who will be organizing group discussions/small meetings as well as regular communication through our publications such as Brahma Bharati, Brahma Vani, and BSNA Web Site to educate the community on various aspects of our culture and values.
Establishing BSNA Community Center - I intend to establish a BSNA Community Center in the US. We will first gauge the interest of the members, subsequently will perform a feasibility study regarding location, interest, funding, etc. and then will work out a plan and start raising funds accordingly for this specific purpose. This may be a long term goal but I feel this is the time to initiate this activity and I have support of the appropriate sponsors of this project.
Need Based Financial Support - I plan to initiate a program by providing a limited amount of financial aid to the communities who cannot afford medicine, food or education
New Executive Committee
All of the executive committee members are life member of BSNA. They all have very supporting families who are committed to social service. They all have been significantly involved in serving BSNA in one or another capacity, and have been attending BSNA annual conventions for a number of years. Overall, this is an excellent team with a lot of professional, social, and BSNA experience, representing diversified geographical regions, and ready to take the organization to the next level. Each of them have very active chapter where they provide services to the local community.
Executive Vice President
Mr. Bharat Mohla, 676 Lake Crest Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, Tel: 916-933-6339
E-mail: mohla01@aol.com
Mr. Bharat Mohla (current Vice President of BSNA) is a community leader and the unity among Sacramento Chapter is due to results of his tireless efforts. He is a team player and very well respected among the community. He is known for his negotiation power and strategic planning. He has served on the BSNA Chapter Board and Vice President of BSNA (2007-2009) at national level. He was instrumental in organizing the 14th annual convention of BSNA in Sacramento. He is an accomplished executive in his professional life.
Vice President
Mrs. Mamta Tiwari, 2208 Farmhouse Ct., Brookeville, MD 20833, Tel: 301-774-6365
E-mail: mamtat@gmail.com
Mrs. Mamta Tiwari (Current Board of Trustees) has been extensively involved with BSNA at chapter level as well as at national level for the last number of years. She is currently a member of Board of Trustees of BSNA. She was the Convention Director in 2005 and organized a memorable convention in Washington, DC area. She is the magnet of social activities in DC area. She is very well respected community leader and extremely successful businesswoman.
Vice President (Canada)
Mr. Naren Misra, 1 Ursula Ave., St. Catharine, Ontario, Canada L2T1S9, Tel: 905-680-5407
E-mail: naren_misra@hotmail.com
Mr. Naren Misra completed his education in India and England in chemical engineering. He is a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Applied Mathematics for the last 40 years at Niagara College, Canada. Other than BSNA activities he has been involved with Indian social and cultural associations in Niagara peninsula. Mr. Misra’s other passion is Indian music, e.g. ghazals, classical, and filmy. He would be a great asset to the BSNA Executive Committee.
General Secretary
Mr. Pardeep Sharma, 1605 Rio Grande St., Davis, CA 95616, Tel: 530-792-7191
E-mail: hum5@msn.com
Mr. Pardeep Sharma is a very well liked and respected community leader in the Sacramento area as well as in other CA chapters. He is well respected not only here in the US but also in India as Brahman leaders from India consult him time to time for his advice. He is a leader who has successfully brought together groups with different ideologies. He has served as Chapter President of the Sacramento Chapter. Mr. Sharma was the Convention Director in 2008 and did tremendous job in organizing a very successful Annual Convention of BSNA in 2008 in Sacramento area. Mr. Sharma and his family is a big sponsor of the community activities through donations and time. His daughter, Aradhna Sharma, has been serving BSNA as Youth President for the last 2 years indicating family dedication to the BSNA activities. He is a very successful business leader in his professional life.
Treasurer
Mr. Hari Sharma, 12 Chatham Ridge Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728, Tel:
732-409-3523
E-mail: sharmafam@optonline.net
Mr. Hari Sharma (current Treasurer of BSNA and President of
NJ Chapter) is known for his spontaneity in writing poems,
songs and singing. Mr. Hari Sharma has served BSNA in different
capacities such as Chapter President, BSNA Treasurer, etc. He
was the convention Co-Director in 2009. He put tireless efforts
in helping the Convention Director, Mr. Mahendra Misra and the
group in organizing a very successfull 15th annual convention
in Tri-State area. He has been Cultural Program Director or co-director
in several annual conventions (2004, 2008, and 2009). He is a
recently retired Nuclear Engineer and ready to devote most of
his social service time to BSNA. His wife, Mrs. Kaushal Sharma,
and daughter, Meena Sharma, MD, actively participate in the BSNA
activities. Dr. Meena Sharma gave a talk on healthcare in the
15th annual convention of BSNA.
Assistant Treasurer
Dr. Vinay Sharma, MD, 2481 Poinciana Ct, Weston, FL 33327, Tel:
954-562-7365;
E-mail: vinaysharmamd@yahoo.com
Dr. Vinay Sharma is a radiation oncologist, specializing
in the treatment of several solid tumor cancers. His current
practice is with a large community hospital in Boynton Beach,
Florida (suburban Miami). Dr. Sharma has been in practice for
12 years, since completing his training in Toronto, Canada and
Detroit, MI.
Dr. Sharma has been involved with BSNA since the
very first annual convention. He attended that first convention
and 6 others since then, including the most recent one (2009)
in New Jersey, where he gave a talk on prostate and breast cancers.
He has also served as the youth committee chair at a previous
convention in Michigan.
Dr. Sharma and his wife, Mrs. Priya Sharma,
have been life members of BSNA for over 10 years. They have 2
children; daughter Meghna age 9, and son Aneesh age 6. They both
attend a prestigious private school in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Dr.
Sharma and his wife, Mrs. Priya Sharma are both very active in
the Indian community in South Florida. Dr. Sharma also serves
on the Exec. Comm. of IPOF, the South Florida chapter of AAPI.
5th World Brahman Convention
26 - 28 December 2009
Birla Auditorium, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Convention Theme: Unity Among Brahmans
Accommodation: Hotel Clarks Amer (5-Star), Jaipur
Executive Committee & Board of Trustees Meeting, Hotel Clarks Amer
December 26, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(Lunch & Dinner will be served at Hotel by the pool)
Convention Registration
General Registration without Hotel Room
2 days, per person US$25.00
1 day, per person US$15.00
- Included in the registration fee - Buffet Lunch, Dinner, Tea/coffee, and Soft Drinks during convention
- Only Vegetarian food & Non alcoholic drink will be served at the convention.
- Registration will start on 26th Dec. Morning from Breakfast and end with Lunch on 28th Dec.
| Room Rates at Hotel Clark’s Amer and Booking Information | ||
| Before 30th Sept. 09 | After 1st Oct.09 | |
| Two persons (couple) or 2 adult with sharing room One room for 2 nights (26 & 27th Dec) |
US$ 350 | US$400 |
| One room for one night, two persons sharing room | US$ 200 | US$225 |
| Children below 5 years accompanying with delegate free Any additional Bed charges payable separately to Hotel |
||
| At 2 star Hotel (one Room on sharing basis for 2 nights) | US$100 | |
| At 2 star Hotel (one Room on sharing basis for 1 night) | US$50 | |
*Check-in time after 12 noon & checkout time before 12 noon (count one day)
*You may also book hotel of your choice directly on your own. In that case WBO will not get involved in hotel booking.
Cancellation terms of the Hotel Rooms: If any cancellation is done before 30th Oct. 2009 no cancellation charges. After 30th Oct. Cancellation changes will be collected according to the Hotel Policy.
In North America please make your check in US$ payable to “BSNA” for registration fee and hotel charges and mail to Mr. Bharat Mohla at 676 Lake Crest Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, Tel: 916-933-6339
E-mail: mohla01@aol.com
Contacts for Additional Information:
Dr. Sangam Mishra, WBO President; 0998361700, mishrasangam@hotmail.com
Shri R.D. Dixit, Executive Vice President & WBC-2009 Convener; 09313032393, rddixit@rediffmail.com
Shri R.S. Zemni, Convention Director; 09829013042, contact@kiraninfra.com
Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, Chairperson WBO Board of Trustees; 818-9819659, shrimishra@msn.com
Mr. Purushottam Sharma, BSNA President; 248-853-4076, psshrma@mail.com
Dr. Om Sharma, BSNA President Elect; 908-359-3348, hmosharma@gmail.com
Mr. Jagar Sharma, WBO BOT; 516 503 0871, jagarsharma@hotmail.com
Mrs. Mamta Tiwari, WBO BOT; 310-774-6365, mamtat@gmail.com
Dr. Shyam N. Shukla, WBO Patron; 519-770-1218, shuklas@comcast.net
Mrs. Rita Pandey; BSNA General Secretary, 905-680-1952, ritapandey@hotmail.com
Dr. Azad Kaushik; President, WBF Canada, 519-821-5733, kaushik.azad@gmail.com
5th WORLD BRAHMAN CONVENTION, jaipur (india)
December 26 – 28, 2009
Convention Theme: Unity Among Brahmans
Registration Form
“Brahmodaya”, the Souvenir Magazine of the World Brahman Convention 2009
The Convention Organizing Committee and the US Editors of Brahmodaya are Inviting Articles, Poems, Greetings, Pictures and Ads to be published in Brahmodaya
On the occasion of the 5th World Brahman Convention to be held in the Pink City, Jaipur, India from December 26-28, 2009 we are planning to publish the next issue of “Brahmodaya”, the souvenir magazine of the World Brahman Organization. Our goal is to publish a superb issue that we all can be proud of and keep it forever for our children to read and cherish. To accomplish this, we are inviting articles, poems, advertisements of your business, profession, pictures, etc.
Youth - We will publish articles from youth on a variety
of topics including their understanding of Sanatan Dharma, Hindu
scriptures, memorable experience while traveling to India, their
accomplishments, etc.
Articles – Please submit articles on the convention theme
or topics of interest listed on the convention flyer, or on any
relevant topic on Sanatan Dharma, Vedic values, Hindu scriptures
and articles of historical significance to Brahmans. Submit the
articles early so that the editorial board has enough time to
review them.
Sponsorship - is an important component of Brahmodaya.
Please submit greetings and advertisements. You can become a sponsor
for the youth section by donating as little as $100. Congratulatory
messages with the photographs of the youth on their graduation
and other accomplishments have been quite popular.
The deadline for all submission in the Brahmodaya is October 15, 2009. Late submission will not be accepted.
For further information and contribution, please contact US Editors of Brahmodaya:
Mrs. Anjana Bhargava; (916) 939-9233, E-mail: bharfam4@sbcglobal.net
Dr. Om Sharma; 908-359-3348, E-mail: hmosharma@gmail.com
Advertisements and Convention Sponsorships
The advertisement rates and/or suggested donations for this year are:
Full Page - Color $250
Half/Quarter Page* – Color $100
*Page size would be adjusted during the final typeset.
Each advertiser will receive a copy of the publication along with a receipt and a letter of acknowledgment.
Please submit your all publication material electronically by October 15, 2009 to:
Mrs. Anjana Bhargava, E-mail: bharfam4@sbcglobal.net
Dr. Om Sharma, E-mail: hmosharma@gmail.com
Registration Form
Please mail the completed form along with the registration fee and hotel charges to:
Mr. Bharat Mohla,676 Lake Crest Dr., El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Jaipur (India)
Preliminary Program
| Saturday, 26 December 2009 | |
| 12:30 pm | Arrival of Delegates |
| 04:00 pm | Meeting of Executive Committee and Board
of Trustees
|
| Sunday, 27 December 2009 | |
| 8 am to 9 am | Breakfast |
| 8 am to 11.30 am | Registration of Delegates |
| 9 am to 9.30 am | Assembling & Occupancy of seats |
| 9.45 am | Inauguration of Ceremony Honorable VIPs seating on |
| 10.00 am | Chief Guest & VVIPs Offering Garland to
Ganesh, Saaraswati & Parsuram Candle lighting Veda Mantras Chanting |
| 10.30 | Welcome address by the WBO President Dr. Sangam Mishra |
| 10.40 | Brief History of WBO by Executive VP & WBC-2009 Convention Convener Shri R.D. Dixit. |
| 10.50 | Introduction of VVIPs (Honorable C.P. Joshi, Mrs. Sheela Dikshit, Dr. Girija Vyas, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Governor Sharma) |
| 11.00 | Lokarpan of WBC Patrika Bramhookya by the Honorable Chief Guest |
| 11.30 | Felicitation of World level Social Brahmans |
| 12.00 - 2:30 p.m | Main speakers (7 Minutes each) |
| 2:30 pm to 2:45 pm Lunch Break | |
| 2.45 pm | Distribution of Souvenir Mementos to all Delegates attending the Convention |
| 3.00 pm | Cultural Program Rajasthani Dance, Songs, Puppet Show. etc. |
| 3.30 pm | Breakout Session on Main theme
"Preservation of Brahman Values" Speakers:
|
| 6.00 pm | Tea Break |
| 7.00 pm-8:00 pm | Cultural Program, Puppet Show, etc. |
| 8.30 pm. | Dinner |
| Monday, 28 December 2009 | |
| 08-00 AM to 9.00 AM | Breakfast |
| 09-00 AM | Post-Breakfast Session |
Guest Speakers(Convention 2009)
Ravindra Swarupa dasa (formerly Dr. William H. Deadwyler III).
He holds BA from University of Pennsylvania, MA and PhD in Religion
from Temple University. He is President of ISKCON temple in Philadelphia
and senior member of the governing body of ISKCON temples. He
will speak on "Lord Krishna as Communicator in Gita" and Brahmans
as Communicators. He has two web sites. First website is www.soithappens.com.
Click "About" for his Bio. second website is www.rsdasa.com.
Dr. Azad Kumar Kaushik: A Believer in Brahmanical Values to
the Core of Humanity
Dr. Azad Kumar Kaushik was born in 1955 near Ballabgarh, a New
Delhi suburb in the family of Dr. Rajendar K.
Sharma and Mrs. Kaushalya Sharma. The name Azad referred to the
first generation birth in the family in free India subsequent
to independence where the family was actively involved in the
movement. Dr. Sharma retired as Professor and Head of Extension
Education department of the Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar.
Apart from engaging in practice of academics, one of his major
contributions was towards development of .Krishi GyanKendra. in
Haryana that formed the backbone of the green revolution in the
state and was adopted at the national level. Mrs. Kaushalya Sharma,
the only child was born in the family of Pandit Laxmi Narayan
Sharma and Mrs. Chameli Devi of Ballabgarh who dedicated for the
cause of community during freedom movement. Azad is married to
Archana of Meerut and are blessed with one son who begins his
residency in Family Medicine in West Virginia in October, 2009.
Azad had his earlier education in India and graduated in Veterinary
Medicine followed by his studies at Pasteur Institute, Paris,
France, that led to award to .Docteur es Science. (DSc) with a
mention .Tres Honorable. (Very Honorable). With professional sejours
in New York, USA and Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Kaushik is currently
a Professor of Immunology at the University of Guelph, Canada,
since 1991. With one book, two patents and around 70 research
articles, Dr. Kaushik is known internationally for his contributions
to the understanding of systemic autoimmune disease and his discovery
of a largest sized antibody in cattle that offers new approach
to vaccine development and therapeutic antibodies for humans and
across species. Archana with an MA in Psychology and B. Ed. prefers
to spend time in social and voluntary activities in the community
with occasional short assignments in schools.
Azad.s activities included climbing mountains that led him to
trek 6000 Kms. in Himalayas and climb two mountains . Laddakhi
peak (18,600 feet) near Beaskund, Manali (Himachal Pradesh) and
Mount Thailoo (20,000 feet) near Gaumukh in Gangotri area. Beaskund
is where Rishi Beas meditated and Gaumukh is about 22 Kms. from
Gangotri from where holy .Gangaji. originates. Dr. Kaushik has
traveled widely across the world that has led him to realize the
great contributions Brahmans from India have made that have positively
influenced the world. Such a realization, complemented by the
Holy Scriptures, has imbibed in him the Brahmanical spirit to
elevate human conscience to a higher level to advance mankind
through compassion, education and love.
Additional Information: http://www.uoguelph.ca/~akaushik/Kaushik_Laboratory/Home.html
SWAMI TATTVAVIDANANDA
Swami Tattvavidananda is a true pandita in both a classical and modern sense. His Vedic studies began in childhood, first under the tutelage of his father, a well-known scholar, and later in a traditional patashala. He excelled in his Vedic studies and at the age of 11 was encouraged to begin modern academic studies. A brilliant student, he ultimately earned a Ph.D in Chemistry, and enjoyed a succesful scientific career.
Swamiji continued to retain his connection to his Vedic roots,
and at the instigation of colleagues, presented some of his thoughts
on the Veda as a formal Ph.D. dissertation. This won him a Gold
Medal and a second doctorate, this time in Sanskrit. Although
steeped in traditional Vedic learning, Swami Tattvavidanandaji
considers his search for understanding Vedanta ended only when
he finally heard Pujya Swamiji, about ten years ago. Since then
he has dedicated himself to learning from Pujya Swamiji and recently
completed the translation of the Bhagavad Gita home study program
into Telegu. With his rich store of knowledge, his cheerful, unaffected
manner, and his eagerness to share, Swami Tattvavidananda is a
highly appreciated and beloved teacher at the Gurukulam. He is
that rare combination of knowledge (vidya) and humility (vinaya).
Swamiji while in the USA, may be contacted at tatva36@hotmail.com
from August 2009 until beginning of February, 2010.
Sridevi Mungara (Cultural Program)
Sridevi Mungara developed a strong penchant and fascination for
dance and was initiated into the art form at a very young age.
She has undergone rigorous training for over 15 years in the Kuchipudi
dance style under the guidance of Nrityachoodamani, .Padmasree.
Dr. Sobha Naidu. As one of her senior disciples at the Kuchipudi
Art Acadamy, Ms. Sridevi has performed in various sites all over
India and abroad and has earned laurels by one and all. She has
been a recipient of the prestigious .National Talent Search. scholarship
for dance and has been awarded 'Natya Visarada'
Along with the numerous solo dances, Sridevi has had the privilege
of participating in various ballets including .Kalyana Sreenivasam.,
.Sri Krishna Parijatam., .Jagadananda Taraka.. Her mastery of
the dance form has enabled her to perform various male and female
roles in these ballets such as Krishna, Venkateshwara, Brahma,
Sita etc. Sridevi has performed in almost all major cities in
India and in the United States. She gave a Lec-Dem (lecture demonstration)
for SPIC-MACAY explaining the various aspects of the Kuchipudi
dance form to a group of enthusiastic students at Iowa State University.
She also performed at the Texas A & M University, College Station
in their cultural festival Utsav-2000. As a member of the society
for promoting Indian Fine Arts in Dallas, she is constantly involved
in the spreading of the classical dance form. Participation by
her and her students at the Asian cultural festival in Dallas,
2003 is one such example. She also performed at the two major
Telugu gatherings, TANA and ATA when they were held in Dallas.
More recently, she has been a part of the world record setting
dance performed at the International Kuchipudi dance convention
that entered her name into the Guinness book of world records
A strong desire to spread the dance form enabled Sridevi to successfully
set up a dance school in the United States at Dallas, Texas and
later in the Lehigh Valley. She has been teaching Kuchipudi to
various Indian and American students and has made a name for herself
in a very short span. Her students regularly performed in the
various community events in North Texas. They have quickly earned
the respect of the local residents by their graceful performances.
