Issue XII (CE 2017 Vikram 2074) 12th Annual Hindu Mandir

MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comParallel Workshops - (A, B, C, D)Session 8ASat8A.1Session 8BSat8B.1Session 8CSat8C.14:15 PM 5:30 PMSession 8DSat4:15 PM 5:30 PM4:15 PM 5:30 PM4:15 PM 5:30 PMSadhanaHindu Executive Leadership DevelopmentYouth Session: Digital Guide for MandirsWorkshopMadhu Sharma, SriMukthanandaBhakti Modi,Sohini SricarHMEC Interns:Shivani Bajpai,AmruthBairavasundaramWorkshop6:00 PM 10:00 PMFree time - NetworkingSATURDAY EVENINGGala Dinner Program6:00-6:30 PM6:30-6:45 PM6:45-7:00 PM7:00-7:55 PM7:55 PM –9:30 PMBus Transfer to HTCIWelcome by HTCIAartiDinnerEntertainment ProgramKshitija Dube7:55 PMInvocationVaruna Dhanabal8:00 PMWelcome by HTCI ChairmanAnil Bajpai8:05 PMWelcome by HTCI President8:10 PMIndiana Sec. of State WelcomeJay PandeySec. of StateConnie Lawson8:15 PMSanatana Dharma ScholarshipSanjay Mehta8:25 PMIndianapolis Mayor WelcomeMayor Joe Hogsett8:30-9:00 PM9:00-9:30 PM9:30 PM10:00 PMBhajans by Aks & LakshmiBhajans by Anita LercheBus Transfer to HotelArrive HotelSUNDAY MORNING PROGRAMSUNDAY September 17, 20176:00 AMYoga & MeditationPierre CouvillionDhyan - MeditationDr. Yogi DevarajYogaMealVijay Reddy, RamuYeleti, Jatin ShahWorkshop5:30 PM –6:00 PMMealTemple By Laws and the Legal ImplicationsChandra ReddyWorkshop8D.1Session 9SatDeveloping Common and Simplified TempleResourcesWorkshop7:00 AMBreakfast7

MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comSession 10Sun8:00 AM 9:00 AM10.1Political engagement for promoting Hindu interestsoutside of India10.2Speaking with One Voice10.310.4Session 11Sun11.111.211.3Hindu Activism9:00 AM 10:00 AMSocial Media StrategyWhat You Do About Mistakes in Western EducationAbout HinduismQ&AIndic Faith Session: Promoting Solidarity of AllDharmic faithsSikhJainBuddhist11.4HinduDarshan SoniRajaKrishnamoorthi,US CongressmanPadma KuppaAditya LingampallyParth PariharSwamiParmeshanandaBaljit Singh OberoiSuvarna VinzeBetty KleinSri NandanandanaDasaQ&ARelaxation10:00 AM 10:15 AMBreakSession 12Sun10:15 AM 11:15 AMParallel Track Summary and SolutionsIntegrationHMEC Intern12.1Summary and Lessons Learned: Sessions 6A-7A-8AHMEC Intern12.2Summary and Lessons Learned: Sessions 6B-7B-8BHMEC Intern12.3Summary and Lessons Learned: Sessions 6C-7C-8CHMEC Intern12.4Summary and Lessons Learned: Sessions 6D-7D-8DHMEC InternHMEC 2017 Closure SessionVipul PatelSession 13Sun11:15 AM 12:15 PM13.1Immigration UpdateShrinarayanChandak, SudhirPai, Chitti babuPacharu13.2Closing RemarksChandra Reddy13.3Action Items and Resolutions13.4Blessings13.5Announcements & ThanksMeal12:15 PMLunchEnd of HMEC 201712:45 PM8Guided Tour of Indy 500 Race TrackVipul PatelSwamiParameshanandaKumar Dave &Hansa Dave

MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comVishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Inc.(World Hindu Council of America)PRESIDENT’S MESSAGESeptember 15, 2017Namaste HMEC DelegatesIt is a privilege to welcome you to the 12th Hindu Mandir executives’ Conference(HMEC) in Indianapolis. The community response to HMEC conferences has beentremendous. From the first conference in Atlanta in 2006, it has grown to be the largestannual conference for Hindu Institutions and Temples in North America. This ten-year long journey isthe result of persistence and commitment of the HMEC guiding team and the team of volunteers fromhost Mandirs across North America and the Caribbean. Only through their effort, Hindu priests, scholars,sadhus, professors, youth and other intellectuals actively participate in the HMEC conferences to discussand provide guidance and interpretation of the Hindu philosophical thought.Mandirs in Americas and other countries outside India must once again become the centers of teachingand learning of Hindu philosophy, traditions, culture and art. The Mandir leaders who seek to transformthe role of mandirs into such broader institutions face numerous challenges. The HMEC continues toprovide a platform for the mandir executives to share their knowledge and best practices and to build oneach other’s experiences in order to grow as a community. The conferees explore avenues of expandinginstitutional roles in meeting the everchanging needs of Hindus and to ensure the sustainability of Dharmaby enhancing the role of Hindu youth.Our conference theme this year is “Hindu Temples and Institutions: Challenges of the 21st Century.”Hindu temples and institutions are facing challenges around the globe as technology and social changesaffect traditional beliefs and practices. The 12th annual HMEC conference will enable Hindu leaders tolook at these trends affecting their institutions and rise to the challenges presented by the digital age in theareas of temple management, religious programs, youth engagement, serving the seniors and the society.The Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) journey has resulted in a strong network of Mandirsin North America. It has been successful in engaging the Hindu youth organizations such as Coalitionof Hindu Youth (CHY) and Hindu Students Council (HSC) in the conferences and participate in themandir management. Going forward, there are immense possibilities to build incredible programs onthe foundation of this network. This year the Indianapolis mandirs have shouldered the responsibility ofhosting the 12th HMEC. This shows a sign of great unity with an eagerness to serve the community in anoble way. We sincerely thank all of them for being wonderful hosts and demonstrating a way to unite forsustenance of Hindu Dharma.Abhaya Asthana9

MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comHindu Mandir Executives’ Conference 2017Dear HMEC Delegates:On behalf of the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana (HTCI) and all Hoosiers, I am pleased to welcome allof the delegates and attendees of the 12th Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference. This annual conferenceis the most important meeting of Temple executives, board members, devotees, and Swamis in the UnitedStates. The need for unity has never been greater than it is today and hopefully, during this conference,we can tackle the issues that face Temples across the country and create a dialogue that will raise all of ourfortunes.The theme for this year’s conference is Challenges of the 21st Century. As a relatively young temple, thisis an issue for which the HTCI has sought answers. We are hoping that we can gain the knowledge andguidance of our sister Temples and that we may be able to help those organizations that may benefit fromour experience as well. Most importantly, conferences such as these strengthen the bonds of Hindus acrossthe country and create a platform for all of us to speak in one singular voice.Over the next few days, the city of Indianapolis will be your home. The HTCI has received incrediblesupport from the leadership of this city and we are thankful to be part of this vibrant community. We havealso forged strong relationships with our state and federal officeholders. We are grateful for leadership thatrecognizes the importance of religious freedom and has done so much to support this conference.Finally, as is the case with everything we do, we will embrace each other in the spirit of love that only Godcan provide. We are all brothers and sisters in this common process. All that is good in this world is due toGod and this conference will be our way of expressing our gratitude.Once again, on behalf of the HTCI team, Indianapolis, and Indiana, welcome to the Hoosier State andplease enjoy your stay in the Circle City.Vijayapal ReddyConvener, HMEC 2017317-331-0387Vijayapalr@gmail.com10

MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comHINDU TEMPLE OF CENTRAL INDIANA (HTCI)3350 North German Church RoadIndianapolis, IN 46235317-891-9199 www.htci.org seva@htci.orgDear Delegates,On behalf of the Organizing Committee, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and thevolunteers of our majestic Hindu Temple of Central Indiana (HTCI) it is my privilege and honor towelcome you to the beautiful city of Indianapolis. It is with immense pride that we are hosting the12th Annual Hindu Mandir Executive Conference here at HTCI on September 15-17, 2017.By joining us through this spiritual and educational weekend, you are continuing to prove yourdedication and commitment to maintaining our heritage and preparing the next generation tolead their lives based on our Hindu values. We have crossed many bridges and travelled a toughpath together so that our children can learn the values of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam here inAmerica. It makes us all feel proud that our youth are becoming the torch bearers in presentingthe essence of Hinduism to the forefront and establishing their traditions in the western society.In fact, this is a valuable journey for all of us. I am thankful to the vision of VHPA and to thecommitment of its volunteers to guide us in this direction. With the spirit of being united andimpactful in this cause, HMEC is finally coming to the Crossroads of America.Once again, I would like to avail this opportunity to welcome all of you to our wonderful city.Please have a safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling visit.May God bless us all.Sincerely,Anil BajpaiChairman, Board of Trustees HTCIIndianapolis, IN11

MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comA Message fromParamacharya Sadasivanathaswami, HawaiiAs Hinduism steadily gains strength in Mother India andabroad, HMEC continues to pioneer its presence in America.Only Hari-Hara knows why this small group rose, like purecow’s cream, to the top, to become arguably the singlemost effective US-based organization promoting dharmahere. Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami sends his choicestblessings from Hawaii, and all of the monks of Kauai’s HinduMonastery join him in wishing you the most productivedays in Indianapolis.EditorHinduism TodayRudraksha Forest, Kauai12Banyan Tree with statue, Kauai

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MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comMESSAGEHindu Mandir Executives’ Conference: Hindi Temples and Institutions:Challenges of the 21stCentury. The name in itself seems reformatory as it not only proposes a new insight to thecurrent effectiveness of the temples but also gives all of us a chance to ponder upon the ancientperspectives on the functioning, utility and purposes of temples. As the theme elaborates itselfexpressing the purpose of discussions on sustaining dharma through Mandirs, it becomesimportant for us to clarify the understanding of Dharma and also the uniformity of thisunderstanding.My Gurudev Acharya Pt. Shriram Sharma Ji established more than 3500 centres whichwere later on named as ‘Shaktipeeths’. He used to say that temples need to be the place ofenlightenment, realization and service. They should be the places for spiritual, emotional andmental empowerment of an individual.Through his words, the upcoming challenges of the 21st Century were evident. The changingtrends of the society have somewhat challenged the roots of the idea that pompousestablishments alone are not going to be the medium to attain peace. Temples will have toregain their identity as the places for peacefulness outside and within. Another major challengeis and will be experienced in the future, is the level of integrity of those who contribute theirlives & resources to the temples. The Almighty, in all forms accept emotions and integrity asthe offerings from the devotees. The idea of a place representing the Almighty can only be thesource of virtues that prevail eternally. Temples can only be the source to enrich thesevirtues and thus will have to practice and promote integrity as the only outcome of any offeringmade to them. The temples have to be the place for piousness and the monks of the templeshave to represent this with their integrity.It is time when we revisit the purposes of temples and introduce a structure to evaluate theireffectiveness. With this conference, I believe, these thoughts would be pondered upon and somerequired outcomes would occur. I convey my heartfelt wishes for the success of this conferenceand to all those who would be attending it. Almighty prevails eternally.Dr. Chinmay PandyaPro Vice ChancellorDev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya14

MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comAmerican Institute of Vedic StudiesPO Box 8357, Santa Fe NM 87504, USAVoice: 1-505-983-9385Email: du temples have contributed greatly to America’s religious and cultural landscape,particularly over the last few decades, where they can now be found in most major citiesof the country.Hindus represent one of the most vibrant communities in the United States, HinduAmericans, whose achievements in education, business and social harmony are welldocumented and there for all to see.Hindu temples bring in the wisdom of the great Dharmic and Yogic traditions of India,which have also gained a wide acceptance in the American population today, among allgroups of the society, for health, happiness and higher consciousness.Hindu temples need to expand their educational outreach and develop stronger socialconnections to expand their work and their presence in the United States. Their benefitsand resources are of great value and benefit to all.We wish the Hindu Mandir Executive’s Conference all success in promoting their greatinstitutions and continuing their outstanding contributions to humanity.Dr. David Frawley and Yogini Shambhavi DeviFOUNDER & DIRECTORDr. David Frawley a.k.a AcharyaVamadeva Shastri is a recipientof the prestigious PadmaBhushan award, one of thehighest civilian awards grantedby the government of India, “fordistinguished service of a higherorder to the nation,”CO-DIRECTORYogini Shambhavi Devi is one ofthe most important and dynamicwomen teachers of the deeperaspects of Yoga coming out ofIndia today. Her teachings arerooted in the ancient teachingsand traditions of Bhakti Yoga,Shakti Sadhana, Jyotisha (VedicAstrology)15

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MANDIR VANIISSUE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.myhmec.comSTATE OF INDIANAOFFICE OF THE GOVERNORState House, Second FloorIndianapolis, Indiana 46204STATE OF INDIANAOFFICE OF THE GOVERNORState House, Second FloorIndianapolis, Indiana 46204Eric HolcombGovernorEric HolcombGovernorWelcome,On behalf of the state of Indiana and Hoosiers of all faiths, I am pleased tothWelcome, welcome you to Indianapolis for the 12 Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference. Iwould like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hindu Temple of CentralIndianafor ofhostingthisconference.On behalf ofthe stateIndianaandHoosiers of all faiths, I am pleased towelcome you to Indianapolis for the 12th Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference. Iis hometo countlessreligious institutionsand weare proud to count thewould like Indianato take thisopportunityto congratulateHindu Templeof Centralof Central Indiana amongst them. Hindus in Indiana and across thisIndiana forHinduhostingTemplethis conference.country represent the very of best of what it means to be faithful Americans. Ihave thesincere hopethat thisconferencemissionIndiana is hometo countlessreligiousinstitutionsandcanwe continueare proudthatto counttheand furtherstrengthenthe bondsHinduHindusTemplethe peopleit serves.Hindu Templeof CentralIndianabetweenamongstthethem.in andIndianaand acrossthiscountry represent the very of best of what it means to be faithful Americans. IOn behalfallthisHoosiers,I am canthrilledto sendbest wishesfor a successful andhave the d furtherth12 HMECconferenceandandwishall thebest in

Ganesh Temple of Nashville, TN. CO-HOSTS. Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati, OH . Gayatri Gyan Mandir, Chicago Maharasthra Mittra Mandal, Chicago . VHPA, Chicago Manav Seva Mandir, IL . Shree Jalaram Mandir, IL Bharatiya Temple, Detroit . Hindu Society of Minnesota Shri Yoga Vedanta Aashram, NJ. Durga Temple, VA Hindu Jain Temple, Pittsburgh