“the story of bharat (india) needs to be told,” prof. …...that’s the goal of prof. tej kumar...
TRANSCRIPT
That’s the goal of Prof. Tej Kumar Pareek’s interdisciplinary Study Abroad programs to India at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), where he teaches courses in Neuroscience, International NGO’s, and Global Health and Sustainability. On December 26, 2018, he and Sudhesh Agrawal, Ph.D., will once again lead about 20 CWRU undergraduate and
graduate students and some others on a trip called “Namaste India.” Besides touring monuments carved in stone, they will also learn about the larger story of India.
“Students like to go to Europe, and India is not usually on their list of places to visit due to how things are portrayed in the media. Any small negative incident is blown up,” said Prof. Pareek. “However, India has the lowest percentage of crime rates. This program is a powerful way to introduce students to global
cultures, issues, and new ways of thinking.”“It’s an opportunity for American students to participate in India’s growth story,” he continued. “In the future, India will be the youngest country and one of the largest economic powers, but it is also one of the poorest countries; 25% of the population lives below $1.9 a year while about 10 of the world’s top 85 billionaires live there. It’s a land of contrasts and disparities, a complex country that needs to be explained to U.S. students.” For students of Indian origin as well, his trip is a complete eye opener. Students live in 5 Star hotels and villages. In the past, students have met Kailash Satyarthi, the Nobel Peace Prize Winner and discussed his work with child labor and trafficking, and visited NGO’s such as Vatsalya Gram and Akshaya Patra Foundation’s centers which serves the largest midday meal (1.4 million) to students in the world.
They have met socio-political leaders and policy makers, visited the place where the world famous Jaipur Foot was invented, the Barefoot College in near Jaipur to explore the concept of self-sustaining villages, and experienced workshops on Ayurveda.
In the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody,” rock music fans get a close look at the life and work of Freddy Mercury, one of the greatest singers, songwriters and record producers. Many people don’t know that Mercury, the pianist and lead singer of the British band “Queen,” was of Indian origin.
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1967 - 2018
A Monthly Publication of the Federation of India Community Associations
November - December 2018
“The story of Bharat (India) needs to be told,” Prof. Tej PareekCHERYL D’MELLO
Freddie Mercury: “We will rock you!”
Please email us at: [email protected]
Editor’s Note...............2 FICA Events.................3
Community Events, Photos......................….4
AIPNO & Recipe Corner............…….......5
Sai Baba Center...…....6
Religious Corner..........7
FICA New Year’s Event.............................8
INSIDE
See back page for our invitation to FICA’s New Year’s Eve Party, December 31, 2018
CHERYL D’MELLO
COntinuED On pagE 2...
COntinuED On pagE 2...
Senior Group Committee members Chander Kachoria, Anil Shah, Jotiben
Patel, Kokilaben Patel and Shirish Engineer organized a Christmas Party on December 8, 2018 at the SV Temple Hall. There was dinner and dancing
with music by Dr. Vaidyanath Rajan and the sound by Rameshbhai Patel.
Dr. Shashin Shah entertained the crowd as Santa
2 Who We Are
www.ficacleveland.org
FICA STAFF
THE LOTUS
AdministrationBoard of TrusteesSudarshan Sathe ( Chaiman B.O.T.)[email protected]
Mona Alag ( Vice Chair Person B.O.T.)[email protected]
Rajan Gautam ( Secretary B.O.T.)[email protected] Dr. Prasanta Raj
Executive BoardRitu Mahna (President)[email protected]
Samir Gautam (Vice President)[email protected]
Gaurav Kapur (Secretary)[email protected]
Hemant Kanodia (Treasurer)[email protected]
Smita Samant Ameet Bathiya Utkarsh Hazarnis Shaifali Bathiya Nipa TurakhiaDr. Rajesh SharmaYatish Desai
Member At LargeDr. Priyanka Sharma
Lotus Editor Cheryl D’[email protected]
PublisherFICA
India Cultural GardenRaj Pillai - [email protected] | 440/724-4398
Shiksha DaanSanjay Garg - [email protected] | 440/590-1261
Project SevaHarsha Rane, Chairperson440/567-0972
FICA Sister Organizations
Association of Asian Indian Women of NEO www.aaiwo.org | Lynette Sequeira
American Federation of Muslims of Indian Originwww.afmi.org | Dr. Razia Ahmed
Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio (AIPNO)www.aipno.org | Dr. Mona Gupta
American Society of Engineers of Indian
Origin (ASEI)www.asei-usa.org | 440-734-1830
Bengali Cultural Societywww.bcscle.org | Soumitra Ghosh
Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation Sreedhar Nair
Gujarati Samaj of Grtr. Clevelandwww.clevelandgujaratisamaj.org | Nilesh Patel
Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Society www.clevelandgurudwara.org
Guru Nanak Foundationwww.gurunanakfoundationrichfield.com
India-Ohio Chamber of Commercewww.indiaohiochamber.com | Radhika Reddy
Indian Christian Association, Michael Sreshta
Jain Society of Greater Clevelandwww.jsgc.org | Jitu Shah
Kasturi Kannada Society www.kasturikannadasangha.org | Meena Mahesh, President
Kerala Association of Ohiowww.kaoh.org | JayaKumar
NEO Marathi Mandal (NEOMM)www.neomm.org |Shekhar Ganore
Marwari Association | Sushila Mohanka
Orissa Society of America | Birendra Jena, (330) 544-1725 | [email protected]
Punjabi Cultural Societywww.guidestar.org | Burjinder S Dhanoa
NEO Telugu Assn (NEOTA)[email protected] | Prasad Muvva
NEO Tamil Sangam (NEOTS)www.neo-ts.org | Jayabalan Sankarasu-bramnian
South Asian Bar Association of [email protected] | Ruchi Asher,http://ohiosaba.weebly.com/
NEO Sri Lankan Association (NEOSLA) [email protected]
Editor’s NoteBlessings of the Season!
The festive season begins with Diwali and doesn’t stop….we get caught up with Halloween, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and then the holiday season….. Hannukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Carols greet you at every corner. There’s plenty to celebrate as companies have their year-end parties, and you carefully make your way down snowy driveways to friends’ homes where tables overflow with goodies. As the year ends, it is also the time to take stock of ourselves and to think about where we are going, and what we want to accomplish in our lives. Where do we see ourselves, as an individual, a family, and as a community.
It’s also the time for thinking of those who are less fortunate – the homeless person huddled under the bridge or standing in line for a free meal. We are familiar with the poor from India – but here they face different challenges, including the freezing cold. Groups such as FICA’s Project Seva are busy, trying to keep people warm. Let’s think of joining them in their efforts to help the community we have been planted in. While we slip into 2019 with yet more festivities, let’s remember to not just count our blessings, but also share them with the less fortunate. Best Wishes for a Splendid New Year!
Cheryl D’Mello, Editor, The LotusEmail: [email protected]
Lotus TeamEditor, Cheryl D’Mello Editorial TeamBal KaramchandaniRaghav SharmaSwati DesaiSujata Lakhe BarnardMasumi Dhawan
Business ManagerAjay Chandra PublisherThe Federation of India Community Associations (FICA)
Freddie MercuryCOntinuED fROM pagE 1...
Mercury, whose real name was Farrokh Bulsara, was born in Zanzibar in a Parsi family. The Parsis, followers of the Zoroastrian religion, f l e d f ro m I r a n t o I n d i a in the 7th century. They settled there and were able to practice their rel igion freely, becoming extremely successful industrialists and philanthropists. Their core values are in “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds,” a phrase you hear in the movie. Mercury was sent to St. Peter ’s Boarding School in Panchgani, India where he learned to play the piano.
D r . H o m a i C u p a l a o f Cleveland remembers meeting him at the Parsi Colony in Dadar, Mumbai, India. “He used to visit his cousins, and play the piano,” she said, visibly moved after seeing the movie.
T h e m o v i e h a s s e v e r a l
of Mercury’s electrifying performances of his hit songs such as “I Want to Break Free,” “Radio Ga Ga,” “Love of my Life,” “Mama,” “We are the Champions,” and the foot stomping “We will Rock you.” He was inducted into Cleveland’s Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
In 1964 Bulsara moved with his family to England. He g r a d u a t e d f r o m E a l i n g College of Art in 1969 and worked at Heathrow Airport for a while before getting a break with a music band.
Mercury had extraordinary talent and tremendous stage presence. He struggled with identity issues. In 1991 he died of complications from AIDS at the age of 45 and was buried according to Zoroastrian rites. His music lives on. “The Plain Dealer” has called the movie “a must-see classic-rock movie masterpiece.”
The Association of Asian Indian Women of Ohio (AAIWO) offers free confidential professional counseling for women and
children in the Asian Indian community. Please call their helpline: (440) 218-6959
“The story of Bharat (India) needs to be told”
COntinuED fROM pagE 1...
Prof. Pareek and Agrawal cofounded IUM, an education and cultural immersion firm. Over the past five years, they have taken 150 students to India, travelling more than 16,000 kms through nine states and 35 cities, visiting 29 UNO recognized projects, 28 historical places, and 9 UNESCO conserved sites. The students have adopted a one year meal for 100 children, education for 50 orphan children, treatment costs for 21 AIDS suffering children and treatment for 25 tribal patients of Sickle Cell Anemia. They have donated 25 limbs to the handicapped and donations towards the welfare of the Mumbai dabbawalas. These social impacts and experiences have helped them shape their future careers. Prof. Pareek’s involvement has helped him to learn intercultural openness, curiosity and empathy as well.
Prof. Debby Jacobson, Dr. Kyra Rothenberg and Prof. Sree Sreenath from CWRU, helped found this program. Students have had rich experiences that challenged their ethnocentrism and introduced them to diverse cultures and people.
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3FICA MattersTHE LOTUS
www.ficacleveland.org
FICA’s Project Seva’s Outreach to the Homeless
FICA’s glittering Diwali Celebration
FICA wishes
community members a Happy
New Year!
As the cooling temperatures announce the onset of winter, I am reminded of the numerous homeless people roaming the streets of Cleveland. I met several of them earlier this year on a freezing February evening on one of our winter distribution drives. We were distributing food, winter wear, blankets and hygiene packages. Project Seva is the service arm of the Federation of India Community Associations (FICA).
It was difficult for me to imagine people and families living under bridges and in tents without heat or electricity in the freezing winter. They asked us for gloves, shoes and candles to escape the cold and
darkness. The women in the downtown Women’s Shelter couldn’t contain their delight at receiving the blankets and the second-hand shawls, coats, shoes and slippers, we were handing out. That evening I saw many resigned to their misery but also many working hard on getting out of their cycle of poverty and homelessness. Each one of them expressed immense gratitude to Project Seva for the donations they were receiving. These donations would not have been possible without the tremendous support and generosity of the Cleveland Indian community. Their gratitude truly belongs to our donors.
As it does every year, Project Seva is currently
working on its winter collection drive. Every winter we distribute blankets, winter jackets, socks and other winter wear to many local homeless shelters. We also sponsor hot meals at four churches every month throughout the year. We are looking for donations for meals and hygiene packages and donations of winter wear, new or used in good condition, specially gloves and socks. If you wish to contribute towards our efforts in any way, please reach out to me at: [email protected] or any of our team members – Poonam Punwani, Chitra Mishra, Sangita Bafna, Seema Sharma, Mona Alag and Satish Parikh.
A glittering Diwali party was hosted by the Federation of India Community Associations (FICA) on October 26, 2018 at the La Villa Conference and Banquet Center on Brookpark Road in Cleveland. Over 325 people attended the program. It was one of the first ever Diwali celebrations hosted by FICA in a very long time. Whether you do it through knowledge, friendship, caring, love, or the lighting or fireworks, the goal of Diwali is to remove the darkness in both our lives and those of others.
In India, fireworks and crackers are an integral and essential part of the biggest festival in the country. At the FICA Diwali Celebrations, there were Indian
style fireworks– chakris, twinkling sparklers, flower pots and crackers provided for the guests to enjoy in the traditional Diwali festivities of light.
Artists from Houston, Los Angeles and New Jersey performed and sang hit songs from today and yesteryears for the event. The singers had the crowd dancing and stomping to the beats of the Bollywood music; they rocked the dance floor.
The lamp was lit by Mr. and Mrs. Bhushan and Mr. Sudarshan Sathe. There was a 50\50 raffle. Archana and Vijay Khosla were the winners and generously donated their portion of the winnings to FICA. There
were scrumptious appetizers, dinner, and lots of Indian mithai and desserts. Catering for the event was provided by the Saffron Patch Restaurant.
There was face painting and many other games and activities that were organized for young children and adults.
Ritu Mahna, President of FICA, thanks the Executive Committee, the Board of Trustees, the Diwali Committee, their entire team of volunteers including high school students, who helped make this event a huge success for everyone to enjoy. SEE THE EVENT PHOTOS ON PAGE 4
FICA OF CLEVELAND Invites students grades 4-12 for its ESSAY CONTEST 2019
To commemorate India’s 70th Republic Day
Topic: What does pollution mean to you?
Levels: Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12
Word Limit: Min. 400 words, max. 600 words, MLA format
Type of Essay: Persuasive/Argumentative
Due Date: Jan. 5, 2019 |Award Ceremony: Jan. 19, 2019
Please note: We encourage you to put forth your best effort and urge
you to be creative and original. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in
disqualification of your entry.
Suggestions: Some ideas you might wish to consider but are not limited
to: Air, water, noise or soil pollution, ozone depletion, human footprint,
acid rain, impact of insecticides and pesticides on humans, GMOs, etc.
Contact Information: vandy (216)801-2006
For essay rules and guidelines visit: http://www.ficacleveland.org
For information about the Indian Community in Cleveland, visit www.ficacleveland.org
Federation of India Community Associations of Northeast Ohio
HaRSHa RanE, CHaiRpERSOn, pROJECt SEVa
Swati DESai
As a community service, FICA will broadcast funeral service notices and memorial service notices to the Asian Indian
community. To avail of this service, please contact the President of FICA at (216) 791-FICA, or email: [email protected]
www.ficacleveland.org
4 THE LOTUSCommunity Events
Mr. & Mrs. Bhushan who lit the lamp, along with volunteers, members of the FICA Executive Team, Board of Trustees, and the Diwali Committee
Poets Khushbir Singh Shaad of Jullander presenting his ghazals.
Photo credit: Zahid Siddiqi
(Left to right): Rogerio Branco, Executive Vice President, Eaton,
Padma Jambunath, Director, Sewa ASPIRE, and Dr. Hira Fotedar, President, Sewa International,
Cleveland Chapter
The Indian Catholics of North East Ohio celebrated Christmas on December 1, 2018 with an Indian Santa and caroling at Our Lady of Peace Church in Shaker Square. Contact [email protected] for
more information.The Marathi Mandal welcomes Ganapati Bappa as Lord Ganesh is affectionately called during the Ganapati
Celebration. See article on Page 7.
Radhika Reddy of Ariel Ventures, LLC (extreme right) participated at a Weston Ideation Lab Panel Discussion at Cleveland State University on Sept 24, 2018 with other CSU alumni who are also entrepreneurs:, , Daria Roebuk, Drew Anderson of Cleveland Kraut, Mike Maczuzak of Smartshape Design, all CSU alumni who are entrepreneurs. Executive in Residence, Daria Roebuck was the Panel Moderator.
The 29th Annual International Mushaira hosted by Aligarh Alumni Association and Bazm e Adab was held on October 26, 2018 at the Double Tree in Beachwood.
The diverse fabric of India was well represented by some presenting poets such as Janab Khushbir Singh Shaad of Jullundur and a budding local poet Narendra Singh, Nadeem of North Royalton. The chief guest was the Ex Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University Lt. General Zameer Uddin Shah, the older brother of Bollywood legend Naseer Uddin Shah.
North Royalton’s Narendra Singh, Nadeem and his wife Kavitha with the Chief Guest Lieutenant
General Zameer Uddin Shah, the ex-Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.
Children enjoying the Diwali festivities
Singers Salil and Anish rock the night with their music on the dance floor
Welcoming Ganapati Bappa A clay statue of Lord Ganesh is venerated
Dr. Khosla and Mrs. Rita Khosla enjoying fireworks
(Left to right) Sudarshan Sathe, Chairman, FICA Board
of Trustees, Yatish Desai, FICA Board Member, Ritu Mahna, President of FICA,
Neha and Kalpesh Shah, FICA Committee Members with the
fireworks.
Photo credit: Sunil DesaiFICA Diwali Event, 2018
See article on Page 6
5
www.ficacleveland.org
THE LOTUS
Scenes from India Fest USA
2018: YGT Minor Team
Winner, Guest Speaker Wayne
Dawson from Fox 8, YGT Junior
Performance and CASE Spartan Bhangra
Performers
The Annual Gala of the Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio (AIP-NO) is one of their most prestigious events. This year we successfully celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the AIPNO Annual Dinner and 27th Chiraag fundrai-ser and 6th Research Showcase on October 6, 2018 at the Cleveland Public Au-ditorium under my leadership and the leadership of Hari Balaji Past-President, Dr. Harbhajan Parmar, President Elect and Dr. Beejadi Mukunda, Chair Board of Trustees. Over 500 participants attended the event.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all our sponsors especially our presenting sponsors - University Hospitals (UH) Community Hospitals and Cen-ters for Dialysis (CDC). Several leaders in healthcare including Dr. Dan Simon, President and Chief Academic Officer of UH Cleveland Medical Center; Mr. Mon-te Ahuja, well known entrepreneur and philanthropist; Susan Juris, President of UH Ahuja Hospital, Diane Wish CEO of CDC; Gary Robinson, President CDC; Robert David, President UH St. John; Brian Monter, President UH Richmond Medical Center; Kristi Sink, President UH Elyria Medical Center; Dr. Margaret McKenzie, President Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital; Dr. Ajeet Kothari, Chair of Board of Trustees of the American Association of Physicians of Indian origin (AAPI); and Dr. Gautam Samadder, immediate Past President of AAPI graced the occasion. We were honored to have our Chief Guest Todd Park, Chair of Devoted Health and Keynote Speaker Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative from California.
This year AIPNO donated $20,000 to Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s Scholarship Pro-gram which is administered through “College Now.” Honorable Mayor Frank Jackson sent his proclamation. UH Hospice also received $ 5,000.
The evening’s highlights were Continuing Medical Education, a Research Show-case, an Awards ceremony and medical student scholarship, a cultural program and social program of networking, raffle, dinner, dancing and a DJ. The Research Showcase Poster Competition co-chaired by Dr. Beejadi Mukunda and myself, Dr. Mona Gupta, was a phenomenal success. Numerous posters were presen-ted by high school/medical/nursing students, residents, fellows, hospital admi-nistrators and basic science research scientists and judged by a panel. Winners were awarded certificates by Mayor Jackson. AIPNO presented approx. $5-10,000 scholarships to young students and residents to support more research.
The Distinguished Physician of the Year Award, presented to a physician who has shown outstanding services to AIPNO, academic achievement, service to other community associations and philanthropy was presented to Dr. Umesh Yalavart-
hy, a Board-Certified Nephrologist in private practice at Cleveland Kidney and Hypertension Consultants Inc. There were dance performances by renowned Sree Mayuri Dance Academy and Nupur Dance Academy from Gujarati Samaj of Gre-ater Cleveland.
AIPNO has continued to grow and develop its strengths through all these years with our unwavering core principles of Education, Philanthropy and Improving Health Care Access. AIPNO is for all of us including non-physicians who share our mission. We are grateful to our founders, our sponsors, our endowment & executive committee and AIPNO Board of Trustees for our success and suppor-ting us for the Fundraiser Gala. Together, we will continue to grow, expand and thrive as a leading organization in Northern Ohio.
AIPNO’s Annual GalaDR. MOna gupta, pRESiDEnt Of aipnO
AIPNO’s check presentation to College Now: Left to right: Harb-hajan Parmar MD, President-elect, Mona Gupta MD, President of AIPNO, Rep. Ro Khanna, the Key-note Speaker, Todd Park, Chief Guest, Kate Schwab, Director of College Now, Beejadi Mukunda MD, Chair, AIPNO Board of Trus-
The Physician of the Year award was presented by Gautam Samadder, Im-mediate Past President AAPI (extre-me left) to Umesh Yalavarthy, MD as Dan Simon MD, President and Chief Academic Officer UHCMC and Hari Balaji MD, Immediate Past-President of AIPNO look on.
Community Events
This is a popular snack in South India, made from rice flour and lentils. It is deep fried. It is also popular in Maharashtra. Besides being popular at Diwali festivities, Christians in the South of India make this savory treat at Christmas time. It helps balance out the other sweets and fruit cakes.
Ingredients:4 cups of rice flour1 cup moong/mung dal (split yellow mung beans or lentils)Salt to taste1 tsp chilli powder (or more if you want it spicier)1 tsp black pepper powder½ tblspn butter (softened)Oil for frying
Directions:Boil the moong dal in2 cups of water (preferably pressure cook it)When cool, mix it into the rice flour with the other ingredients.Add ½ tblspn. black and ½ tblspn.
white sesame seedsPress dough into chakli maker/ dough press. Make sure the dough is not too dry.Place the spirals/swirls on butter paper.If they break, then add a little more water to the dough. Deep fry at low temperature.Drain on paper towels. You can also try baking it. If you don’t have a chakli maker, try using a cookie press, a spaghetti press or a pastry bag with a star tip. Enjoy your crunchy snack!
Chaklis or Murruku RECIPE CORNER
winnY D’SOuZa
India Fest USA 2018 a Success
Over 4,500 visitors attended the 9th Annual India Festival USA on September 15, 2018 in Independence, Ohio. India Festival USA is not-for-profit (501(c)(3)) organization. Guests included Mayors and representatives from the Cities of Independence, Broadview Hts., Parma, Westlake and Cleveland, Wayne Dawson from FOX 8, and motivational speaker Jim Smith.
Our thanks goes out to WKYC TV3, FOX8, WOIO/CW43, Wayne Dawson, Harry Boomer, Jim Smith, Gov. John
Kasich, Sen. Sherrod Brown, Sen. Rob Portman, Congressman J im Renacci, the City of Independence, Broadview Hts., Cleveland, Parma, Westlake, Independence Police & Fire Department, Independence Middle School, over 225 participants, parents, audience members, FICA, SEWA, EKAL, AIPNO, Cleveland Gujarati Samaj, CASE Spartan Bhangra, and Kasturi Kannada Association for their support. The 10th Annual India Festival USA will be held on Sat. Sep. 14, 2019.
BHaRat KuMaR
6
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THE LOTUS
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Sewa Int’l’s ASPIRE Program awarded $15,000 grant from Eaton
SEWA Int’l Cleveland’s 5K/1 Mile Run Raises $10,000
For the third year, Eaton Charitable Fund awarded a grant of $15,000 in support of Sewa International’s ASPIRE (Active Student Participation Inspires Real Engagement) Tutor ia l and Mentoring Program in Cleveland to help at-risk high school students improve their grades in science, math and English. Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based humanitarian 502©(3)non profit service organization.
Rogerio Branco, Executive Vice President and Chief
Supply Chain Officer at Eaton, and member of the Sewa International Cleveland Board of Advisors said that although the Sewa ASPIRE program began by assisting Bhutanese refugee children in 2009, the program has seamlessly been adapted to the needs of Cleveland high school students, many of them from economically disadvantaged homes and communities. He praised the Sewa International team for excellent progress achieved by ASPIRE in the last two years at Euclid High School and Garfield
Heights High School. Ten students have received tutorial help to improve their grades, graduated from high school, and have gone on to college with scholarships.
For more details about Sewa ASPIRE contact: Padma Jambunath 440-635-7088, Sunil Narahari 440-725-5185, Viji Vijay 440-610-5719, Hira Fotedar 440-281-2921
In spite of a light steady rain, 125 enthusiastic organizers, runners and volunteers turned out for the Fourth Annual Run for Sewa held on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Weiss Field in Avon Lake, Ohio. This annual fund raiser for Sewa’s ASPIRE (Active Student Participation Inspires Real Engagement) program – a tutorial and mentoring program for at risk high school students in Euclid High School and Garfield Heights High School, raised $10,000.
Volunteers were from Sewa International, Cognizant and Moen as well as officials from Hermes
Sports and Events. Hira Fotedar, President and Dr. Rupesh Raina, Chairman, Advisory Board of Sewa International Cleveland along with Avon Lake Mayor, Greg Zilka welcomed and thanked everyone. Drs. Reem Gulati, Priyanka Sharma and Geetu Pehlajani got the runners stretching to some Bollywood beats. The over-all male winner was Alexander Hopkins with a time of 20:02.9. The over-all female winner was Stephanie Logosh with a time of 27:50.8. First, second, and third place medals were also awarded by gender in nine different age categories.
Lance Polen, a member of Cleveland’s dedicated running community and the first place winner in the Male 55-59 age group, said the event is the most family friendly run he has participated in. TV Asia covered the Run for Sewa on September 12 in their community round up segment. If you want to volunteer and learn more about Sewa’s ASPIRE program call Padma Jambunath (440) 365-7088 and Sunil Narahari (440) 725-5185 or visit: www.sewausa.org/cleveland
pat fOtEDaR
Sathya Sai Baba Center awarded Thea Bowman Award
On Sunday, November 4, 2018, the Thea Bowman Center presented “The Shining Light Award” to the Sathya Sai Baba Center of Cleveland at their event titled “Sunday Soiree with Sr. Thea” at the Banquet Center at St. Noel in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. The Shining Light Award recognizes those who have provided exceptional support to the programs and services of Thea Bowman Center.
The Thea Bowman Center, located at the corner of E.120th and Union, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Mount Pleasant community. It’s a 501©(3) charitable organization, named for Sister Thea Bowman,
FSPA an African-American nun who was an inspirational advocate for intercultural awareness in the Roman Catholic Church.e Thea Bowman Center is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in theThe Sai organization, located in every state and in more than 170 countries, embraces the belief that lives are transformed through serving others. Sathya Sai Baba East, located in Solon, has had a relationship with Thea Bowman Center that spans more than 15 years. Volunteers have provided nutritional support for children and adults and in 2017 they sponsored a health fair in coordination with the Cleveland Clinic.
Community Events
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www.ficacleveland.org
THE LOTUS Religious Corner
DR. RAMASWAMY SHARMA – SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLE, PARMA, OHIO
Diwali is the most widely celebrated Dharma festival by the devout across India and in many parts of the World. It is celebrated continuously for several days of which the day before and after the new moon day of the Lunar month Ashvin are the most important. This usually falls in October or November. The word Deepa-vali means an array of lamps.
Houses are cleaned and decorated before the festivities start and are illumined by clay lamps during nights. The festivities start with Dhanteras also called Dhana Trayodashi and Dhanvantari Jayanti. Puranas, the ancient epics mention this 13th day of Lunar month as the day of advent of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhan-vantari, an avatar of Vishnu. It is of great importance to those engaged in business and practice of traditional Ayurveda medicine. The Deepavali Lehyam, a semiso-lid medicinal homemade digestive aid, is made on this day.
The next day is Naraka Chaturdashi which is day for Ganga Snanam or traditi-
onal oil bath before sunrise. New clothes are worn by everyone with sweets and savories served. The Puranas narrate the story of Krishna vanquishing the demon Narakasura, thus signifying the festival is a victory of good over evil. The fire-works are burnt as effigies of the demon Narakasura.
This is followed by Lakshmi puja on the Amavasya day. The pitrus or forefathers are propitiated on this day as well. The next day is celebrated as Bali padyami to commemorate the victory of Lord Vamana over the demon king bali. This is also the beginning of the lunar month Kartika and is celebrated as New Year. The last day of the festivities is known as Yama Dwitiya to celebrate the bond of affection between brother and sister Yama and Yamuna.
The many different rites and ceremonies that are performed during these days of festivities are meant to bring about peace and prosperity Every year may we all perform these with faith thus getting the full benefit which is to sanctify the body, mind and soul of the participants.
RELIGIOUS CORNER
The resounding beat of drums and the jubilant chanting of “Ganapati Bappa Mo-rya” echoed loudly as the Northeast Ohio Marathi Mandal welcomed “Lord Ga-nesha,” the most revered guest of the year at the Ganapati festival celebration on September 22, 2018. About 300 people attended the event.
All age groups came together for rehearsals of plays, folk dances and musical pre-sentations. A workshop taught kids how to make clay ‘Ganesha’ idols. Just as in India, the celebration started with welcoming Ganesha with music, dance and de-votional chanting. After the rituals of puja and aarti, the traditional play focused on teaching young Indian Americans the importance of the rituals followed on special occasions in everyday Indian life (especially in Maharashtra) from sunrise
to sunset. The play showcased morning rituals accompanied by the raga ‘Bhoop-ali’ and. the progression of different activities throughout the day, culminating in a fiery dance performance by artistes which brought everyone to their feet. This was followed by an amazing vegetarian dinner and special desserts.
The event brought back memories of Ganesh festival being celebrated in homes in India. The strength of community ties and positive energy generated was felt by everyone and will continue to reverberate in everyone’s minds for a long time. Marathi Mandal will continue to invite all other Indian communities in Cleveland and would love to see them participate.
Ganapati Festival CelebrationHaRSHa RanE
Diwali - Deepavali
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www.ficacleveland.org
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