Bharat-mata pujan & Honoring students on 15th Aug at Irvine Hindu Mandir

 

 

Majority of Bhartiya origin diaspora celebrated Bharat ( India) independence day. They participated and enjoyed parades, colorful attire, waving flags, parties, fun activities , music, dancing and photo shoots with celebrities, dignitaries and friends across communities in USA. Rightly so to remind the great heritage in this adopted ( karmbhoomi) and birth (janmbhoomi) land of USA. Many flooded the social media by sharing photos, yet all these will get deleted in few days.

 

And, here at the oldest and most popular unique devotee owned and run Irvine Hindu Mandir ( south of Los Angeles), volunteers organized something novel, meaningful and memorable.

 

1) Bharat - mata pujan as connection and respect to “Mother India” that’s flanked by Ganga- sagar ( Bay of Bengal) in the east, Sindhu-sagar ( Arabian sea) in the west and Hind-mahasagar( Indian ocean) in the south. Bharat-mata represents Indian ethos and culture. The trinity of Saraswati- mata ( for learning), Lakshmi-mata ( for goal oriented-prosperity) and Durga-mata (for strength and fortitude) inspires us to aspire for these qualities. A model of “ Brahmos “ missile made by a volunteer was displayed. Eternal dharma practices by Hindus are possible with a strong and prosperous Bharat-mata.

A longtime Mandir volunteer unfurled the Star spangled banner ( USA flag) and the Tricolor (Indian flag) with recitation of American and Indian national anthems followed by “Vande Matram…..”.

 

2) Certificates of Recognition to honor the students going into the next grade ( grade 1 to PhD) with the Vedic mantra “ Unreal to Real, darkness to Light, death to the knowledge of Immortality “.

Our students excel in academics and are busy with multitude of activities. Many national organizations ( few examples: Hindu Parents Network, VHPA, Chinmaya, BAPS, Swadhyay parivar, HSS) and many local linguistic/ regional associations and mandirs serve our next generation born and raised here who have to learn and navigate two cultures.

 

It is proposed and recommended that all mandirs and organizations first honor the students to encourage their association and participation and then recognise dignitaries, donors and sponsors. Otherwise, why the students- teens will visit, identify and volunteer in mandirs.

Two undergraduate students from premier universities played songs on saxophone and mrudangam. Grade schoolers displayed proficiency in classical music and song. A colored photo of Bharat mata was presented to each family.

It is noteworthy that here the Mandir executives do not seek name or fame or photos. This report is publicized to encourage Hindu American community to value their knowledge based rituals, traditions and culture.