BHAVAN'S NEWS
62nd Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's Punya Tithi on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the New India House
The Consulate General of India, New York in association with the Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan, USA organized a function to mark the 62nd Anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi's Punya Tithi on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the New India House. Around 70 participants including teachers, academics, journalists, noted Gandhians and office bearers of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan attended the function. The bust of Mahatma Gandhi was garlanded by Mr. Prabhu Dayal, Consul General, Dr. Navin Mehta, a trustee of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Dr. Najma Sultana, Board Member, American Federation of Muslims from India.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prabhu Dayal, Consul General touched upon the different aspects of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy and its continuing
relevance in the contemporary world. The program was followed with singing of Gandhiji's favorite bhajans by Mrs. Sanjukta Sen and students of
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. She started with Kabir Das's bhajan "Bhaja Mana Ram Rahim" and ended the bhajan program with "Raghu Pati Raghav Raja Ram". Jotham, Indira and Harriet, students of Indian Culture Course of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan recited poems on Gandhiji. The presentation was prepared by the Hindi Culture Course teacher Mrs. Ambalika Misra. The program ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Kenny Desai, Secretary of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Consul Education Mr. P. K. Mohanty conducted the proceedings of the evening.
Launching of the first of the 12 volume of the research work on Nalayira Divya Prabandham by Dr. P Jayaraman
Dr. Jayaraman, Shri Arun Maheshwari, Dr. Kapila Vatsayan, Shri Gopichand Narang are present among others.
Dr. P. Jayaraman and Dr. Kapila Vatsayana
First step towards the Aitihasik Work by Dr. P Jayaraman.
Launching of the first volume of the 12 at the hands of Dr. Kapila Vatsayana. This is the research work on Nalayira Divya Prabandham. The Divya Prabandham is the Divine collection of 4000 hymns sung by Azhvars who lived in the southern part of India before 8th century A.D.The term azhvar means the one who is "immersed in" and they were immersed in Bhagavath anubavam all the time.
This book is published by Shri Arun Maheshwari- Vani Prakashan.
Pictures are Courtesy of daily Newspaper 'JANSATTA'- and Shri Om Thanvi ji
Jnanpith Award winner, Gujarati poet Shri Rajendra Shah passed away on January 3, 2010, in Mumbai.
Jnanpith Award winner, Gujarati poet Shri Rajendra Shah passed away on January 3, 2010, in Mumbai. He was 97.
Born at Kapadvanj on January 28, 1913, Rajendra Shah authored more than 20 collections of poems and songs, mainly on the themes of the beauty of nature. He had been greatly influenced by Rabindranath Tagore.
Apart from writing poetry, Shah also translated into Gujarati Tagore’s poetry collection Balaaka; Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda; Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner; and Dante’s The Divine Comedy. Shah won the Jnanpith — the Indian government’s most prestigious literary prize—for the year 2001.
The judges noted, “his intensity of emotion and innovation in form and expression which set him apart as a poet of great significance. The mystical tone of his poetry stems from the tradition of great medieval masters like Kabir, Narsinh Mehta and literary giants like them”.
While talking over the phone well known writer Shri Madhusudan Kapadia said ‘He was one of the Giants of Gujarati Literature’.
Poetry Collections * Dhvani (1951) |
Awards * Kumar Chandrak in 1947 |
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A 2-DAY CONFERENCE ON INDIAN ASTROLOGY : December 19, 20 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009 at 10:00am
Consulate General of India, New York celebrated Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, October 2, 2009 at 10:00am at Union Square Park, (West Side) on 14th Street, Manhattan, (Near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi). The Program included garlanding of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, speech by consul general Mr. Prabhu Dayal & Dr. Jayaraman, and singing of Gandhiji's favourite bhajans (hymns) by Sanjukta Sen of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan USA and her the students.
Thursday October 3, 2009
With deep regrets we say that our former Director, Mr. Prakash Parekh, a veteran publisher and editor of NY-based Gujarat Times has passed peacefully in to eternity on Thursday October 1. May God rest his soul in peace. The Bhavan joins Mr. Parekh's family in their moments of grief.
He was 65. He was suffering from ill health for over a year and had undergone a heart transplant surgery in May.
He was the legal advisor and the Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA.
A well-known figure in the Indian-American community, Mr. Parekh served on the board of directors of various organizations. He also served as a legal adviser to several cultural, religious, business and political organizations
He is survived by his wife Sudha, son Neil, daughter-in law Pamela, daughter Amy and son-in-law Rajiv Mehta
Wednesday September 9, 2009 NYC
New York City that bans the use of term “oriental”
On Wednesday September 9, 2009 Governor of the State of New York David Paterson signed Bill No. A7698 into law at his executive office in New York City that bans the use of term “oriental” in documents used by state agencies, public authorities and municipalities when referring to persons of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage.
The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Grace Meng and Senator Craig Johnson and it passed both houses of the State of New York unanimously. Governor Paterson said that New York State champions the rights of immigrants and “I wonder why it was not passed earlier”. Assemblywoman Grace Meng said the word “oriental” is derogatory and offensive in the category of race. No state agency, public authority or municipality shall use the term “oriental” to identify or denote persons of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage.
The word oriental has been used with negative connotations. New World College Dictionary says that when used to describe a person as “oriental” it denotes a sense of disparagement.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA’s Director, Dr. Parveen Chopra, who was invited by Governor Paterson to witness the signing of this bill indicated that it will remove another way of expressing bias or prejudice in government establishments and records and will help Asian-Americans to live bias free fuller life like all other Americans. There must be equity and balance in justice system for all Americans. Eliminating the use of word “oriental” in criminal justice services will free the system of its bias. Dr. Parveen Chopra served as a Commissioner of Human Rights for two decades and currently serves on the New York Civil Liberties Board. He is also currently the President and founder of Asian American Coalition USA Inc. that was founded in 1988 and has leaders from fourteen Asian countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan in USA.
November 2008 at Romanti Auditorium
Smt Pushpa Bharati recited poems of Dr. Dharmavir Bharati and Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan. She narrated the background of each poem and highlighted some memorable moments of both the poet's life. The event was very well attended.
October 31 2008 at Romanti Auditorium
Bhairav se Bhairavi - Indian classical ragas and popular Hindi songs based on classical raga were presented by Niche Entertainment d directed by Miland Oak before almost full house audience. This unique musical evening was highly appreciated and enjoyed by the audience. Narrated by Miland Oak, vocal by Duttaprasad Ranade, Anuradha Kuber and Pt. Vijay Koparkar and accompanied by Prasad Joshi on Tabla, Ashish Mujumdar on Harmonium and Rajendra Bhave on Violin.
August 2 & 3, 2008 at FIT, NYC
Photo album - Two day International Gita Conference organized by Bhavan USA and International Gita Foundation Trust, Bangalore, India June 21, 2008 at Romanti Auditorium
Pt. Ganapati Bhatt rendered Classical Ragas and Bhajan in an evening of music at Bhavan's Romanti auditorium. Pt. Bhatt's melodious voice and his music impressed all the listeners. Gopal Krishna Hegde accompanied on tabla and Sripad Hegde on harmonium.
May 25, 2008 - Washington DC
Sanjukta Sen, Bhavan's music teacher was invited to perform Hindustani classical vocal music by a music group in Washington DC area on May 25th 2008. She was accompanied on tabla by Debu Nayak and Dr. Mita Kundu on harmonium. Shruti Sen provided vocal support. Sanjukta presented Thumri, Chaiti, Hori and Kajri. Audience was very appreciative of her music.
May 9, 2008
Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Grammy Award Winner and creator of Mohan Veena, presented his music that enthralled and captivated the audience on May 9, 2008 at Bhavan's Romanti Auditorium. Pandit Vishwa Mohan not only presented his guitar performance but also narrated the beauty of Indian Music as well as supported his instrumental music with vocal music. Shubhen Chatterjee accompanied him on tabla.
Northeast Theatre at Scranton, PA on May 10, 2008
Bhavan's music teacher, Sanjukta Sen, performed at the Northeast Theatre, Scranton, PA on May 10, 2008 . She was accompanied on tabla by Tapan Modak and Madhu Vohra on harmonium. Sanjukta presented Indian classical vocal music with special emphasis to the compositions from Benaras Gharana.
Prof. Robert F. Goheen
With deep regrets we say that our Past Chairman Prof. Robert F. Goheen has passed peacefully in to eternity on Monday in Princeton , N.J. He was 88. May God rest his soul in peace. The Bhavan joins Prof. Goheen's family in their moments of grief.
He was the Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA since 1983 till October 2nd , 2005. He took personal interest in the institute for more then two decades. . His dedicated efforts in the growth of the Bhavan are unparalleled. We are sure that his blessings will always remain with us."
Prof. Goheen is survived by his wife of 66 years, Margaret; his daughters Anne Goheen Crane of Ridgewood , N.J.; Trudi Goheen Swain of Amherst, Mass .; Megan Goheen Lower of Baltimore ; and Elizabeth Goheen of Princeton ; his sons Stephen, of Corvallis, Mont ., and Charley, of Wellesley, Mass .;18 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Burial will be private. A service of remembrance and celebration will take place at a later date in the university chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Princeton University 's Annual Giving program.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
"With deep regret we say that our trustee Shree Rajendra Shukla has attained 'Nirvana'. May god rest his soul in peace. Bhavan joins the Shukla family in their moments of grief. He was a community man to the core and he will be remembered forever. We are sure that his blessings will always remain with us."
"nainam chindanti shastrani, nainam dahati pavakah
na chainam kledayanty apo na sosayati marutah"
An evening of Classical Music and Patriotic songs by Bhavan's Student on December 18, 2007
On December 16, 2007, students of Hindustani vocal music presented an evening of Classical Music and Patriotic songs to commemorate 60 th anniversary of the India's Independence. Sanjukta Sen, the music teacher of Bhavan, directed the program. In the first half of the event, each group of students presented different raga and the audience enjoyed the flavors of several ragas. Sanjukta Sen presented a thumri on raag Gauri.
In the second half, all the students joined to present patriotic songs. Tabla support was provided by Tapan Modak and Madhu Vohra accompanied on harmonium. Siddharth joined on guitar in the second half.
Dev Anand's autobiography released BY consul generel Smt. Neelam Dev on October 20, 2007AT Bhavan USA
Dev Anand's autobiography released in New York Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan by consul generel Smt. Neelam Dev on October 20, 2007. Function was organised by Bharatiya VidyaBhavan, USA in association with ITV and TV Asia.
Ex president of India Dr. A.P.J Abdul kalam conveyed his good wishes to Shri Dev Anand .
Bhavan USA organised a divine musical evening with Smt. Savita Devi on October 26, 2007
Bhavan USA organised a divine musical evening with Smt. Savita Devi on October 26, 2007. Dr Jayaraman welcomed all the artists and introduced them in a scholarly way as only he can. Dr. Navin Mehta presented the bouquets to Smt. Savita Devi, Shri Kedar Naphade (Harmonium) and Shri Nitin Mitta (Tabla). After invoking lord Ganesha, Smt Savita Devi ji started the Sharad Purnima evening with a beautiful thumri which she had learned from her illustrious mother Smt. Siddheshwari Devi. Along with her 'sur' the 'Mahol' built up. As the Moon started taking full shape thumris and bhajans enthralled the audience.
BACHCHAN SANDHYA, Aug 18, 2007
Some pictures of Gandhiji's punya tithi events. The event was jointly organised by Bhavan, Indian Consulate and Multy faith Forum at Indian consulate on January 30th 2007 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Dr. Jayaramanji receiving the Pravasi Sammaan Award 2007 at the hands of the President of India.
Dr. Navin Mehta, chairman Bhavan USA, was honored by " The New York Eye and Ear Infermary". He was conferred " The 2006 John Kearney Rodgers Physician of the Year Award".
(Photos: courtsy Trupti Banker-Indian Era)
Bhajan Sandhya presented by Mrs Malini Nambiar accompanied by Pandit Ramesh Misra and Jay Dave on 18th Nov. 2006 at Bhavan's auditirium.
His Excellency Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, President of India honored Dr. P. Jayaraman with "Padmabhushan Dr. Moturi Satyanarayana Award"
His Excellency Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, President of India honored Dr. P. Jayaraman with "Padmabhushan Dr. Moturi Satyanarayana Award" for his outstanding services for the promotion of Hindi language and literature abroad. The Award was presented on September 14, 2006 at a grand function organised at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhiby the central Hindi Educational Board and the central ministry of Human Resources Development, Govt. of India. The Cultural Minister for Human Resources Development Shri Arjun Singh was present.
This award was instituted in 2002 in honor of Dr. Moture Satyanarayana who was instrumental for the propagation of Hindi in Southern India and other non-Hindi speaking states. having been influenced by Mahatma Gandhi.
Dr. Jayaraman was awarded for the year 2003. The first award was given to Shri Harishankar 'Adesh' for 2002
A tribute to Smt. Rukmini Devi
A tribute to Smt. Rukmini Devi, an evening in memory of a legend on March 11 th at Bhavan’s Romanti Auditorium was a grand success. The lecture by Padma Shri Dr. Sunil Kothari was well carved out to inspire the young generation Indians residing in New York. Sumptuous slides & Video clipping enhanced Dr Sunil Kothari lecture on Rukimini Devi Arundale.
Dr. Jayraman welcomed the guest and artists and Vice-chairman Dr. Navin Mehta introduced Dr. Sunil Kothari. V Gayathri - a senior & Direct deciple of Smt Rukmini Devi Arundale and Bhavan USA’s Bharat Natyam teacher spoke a few words and presented dance excerpts from "Krishna Karnamrutham" a Sloka and "Natabairavi" Thillana composed as a tribute to Smt Rukmini Devi. Students of Gayathriji presented the Hasta Bedas , Allaripu & Thillana . it was a real spectacle to watch the gurushishya Parampara flow eternally. In the end Dr. Navin Mehta honored Dr. Sunil Kothari and Smt. V. Gayathri with flower bouquets.
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| Dr. Sunil Kothari, V Gayatri and Bhavan's students |