Riddle

Throwing colors
Spraying water
Sitting by the fire
Guess what it is?
Here is a hint:
It is the best time of the
year!
Answer: HOLI
By Ankur (4th Grade)

Riddle
In the early morning I get up, I
get ready
To go to Balavihar & guess
what it is next Sunday
By Atharva (2nd Grade)

Poem
I run to Balavihar
As fast as I can
I learn as much as my
teacher teaches me
And I recite my shlokas
We do so many fun things
That one hour passes so
quickly
So I think only a few
minutes have gone by.
By Shreya Shankar (3rd
Grade)

Poem
I go to Balavihar on Sunday
morning
To learn about the Hindu
festivals & Gods
I learn the Hindi alphabets
And learn the names of all the
Lords
By Shilpa Saravanan (3rd
Grade)

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

10th Anniversary Celebrations of

Sri Omkarnath Temple

May 20th 2006

Riddle
It is a day of colors,
We put colored powder &
squirt water on others;
We light a bonfire
To throw bad thoughts away;
Can you guess what this day
is?
HOLI!
By Avni Bodwadkar (2nd
Grade)

Poem
Balavihar is the best place to be,
Especially when you want to learn
& see
In Balavihar we learn about our
culture & country
We learn how to respect our
teachers & others
Just come to Balavihar & you will
see
That you will be happy to just be
me!
By Shonali Duttagupta (6th Grade)

23,300 State Hwy. 6 South

Navasota, Texas 77868
(936) 825-8088
http://www.hsbv.org/

Congratulations

Congratulations and Best Wishes

To

and
Best Wishes

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

On its 10th Anniversary

to

Hindu Society of Brazos

Valley
from

College Station Medical

Center
1604 Rock Prairie
College Station, Texas 77845
Phone: (979) 764-5100
2

27

Cultural Program 5.30-8.15 PM

1. Invocation by Dr. Rao
2. Temple History Video and Continuation of the
Invocation Ceremony
3. Mahabharata Video Play
4. Childrens Theatre Performance
5. Childrens Pushpanjali Dance
6. Prakriti Group (Maine Kaha Phulon Se)/(I told
the flowers..)
7. Prakriti Group (In Pankshiyon ko Dekhar)/(On
seeing the birds..)
8. Speech by Dr. Tripathy
Break

9. TAMU Dhwani Musical Performance

10. Prakriti Group (Bhumro Bhumro Sham Rang)
11. Children Violin Performances
12. Mithwah
13. Prakriti Group (Dhol Baje Dhol Baje)/(The
beating drums..)
14. Portrait of the Indian Tradition
15. Vote of Thanks

Coupon Expires 06-31-2006

26

Congratulations and Best Wishes

To

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

On its 10th Anniversary

25

History of HSBV
It all started in 1989. With the desire of a few members
of Texas A&M University, the Hindu Society of Texas
A&M University was formed. The first puja celebrated
was the Saraswati Puja (Basant Panchami) of 1990 in
College Main apartments in front of a large enthusiastic
gathering of many families of the area. Subsequently
many pujas, weekly meeting, and Balavihar classes were
organized. Since most of the attendees were family
members, a Hindu society outside the campus was more
appropriate and Hindu Society of Brazos Valley (HSBV)
came into existence.
HSBV picked up steam with well attended Balavihar
classes. Recitation of Geeta and Ramayan were made
occasionally. During this period pujas were organized in
a rented (Uniterian) hall.
As pujas became more and more popular, the need for a
temple building was realized and a serious search for a
suitable land was launched. After looking at various
locations, the present site (5 acres) was selected. After
acquiring this land the constitution of the society was
rewritten. The Society and its property including the
temple are administered by a Board of Directors and the
day-to-day affairs of the temple and its activities are
managed by an executive committee headed by a
President elected every year.
The accounts are
managed by a Treasurer who is also the Secretary of the
Board.
The temple building came into existence in 1996.
Subsequent development included building a parking lot,
construction of Saraswati Kalamandir and the purchasing
two lots adjacent to the temple. All this is the result of
hard work and dedication of members, including the
Presidents of the Society, many volunteers, and every
one of you

24

Congratulations and Best Wishes

Congratulations and Best Wishes

To

To

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

th

On its 10 Anniversary

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

On its 10th Anniversary

On behalf of

SWAN STONARTS INC.

23

Congratulations and Best Wishes

To

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

On its 10th Anniversary

Hinduism
We are the followers of Sanatana Dharma. In Sanskrit
Sanatana means eternal and the Sanskrit word Dharma
can be loosely translated as religion. We are also
Vedantins, implying that we are followers of Vedanta. Vid
means to know and ananta means infinite. These
scriptures are either given directly to man by the almighty
GOD or revealed to the sages. One of the most sacred
texts the Bhagvad Gita is over five thousand years old
and the Vedas predates the Bhagvad Gita.
Hinduism is a monotheistic religion. By definition, we
believe in one God that is Brahman and deny the
existence of other Gods. We are not polytheistic,
pantheistic or henotheistic as often described in the
West. In order to realize God or attain moksha one has
to seek Brahman. The Brahman has three
manifestations, Brahma the creator, Vishnu the
preserver, and Shiva the destroyer. The lord Shiva
destroys our ignorance and signifies change.
The law of both Karma and Punarjanma are the
foundations of our faith. The law of karma means cause
and effect. We reap as we sow. The human body is
subject to the laws of nature. When the human body
ceases to serve its purpose, the soul discards the body
like a worn out garment. This is the concept of life and
death according to Hinduism.
In order for us to reach moksha from the present state we
need some vehicles. Among them the most important is
Guru. The word Guru in Sanskrit (Gu+ru) means one who
destroys (Ru) ignorance (Gu). We Hindus believe in the
sanctity of life. Life is sacred, taking ones own life or
another persons life including those of unborn is
prohibited. The authority for such actions rests only with
the God.

22

Best Wishes for the Tenth Anniversary

of our Sri Omkarnath Temple
from
Dr. Venkata Thadareddy, Lakshmi
Thadareddy, and Dr. Anupma
Thadareddy
College Station, Texas 77845

21

Balavihar

Jai Swami-Narayan
Congratulations
on the
Tenth Anniversary of
Sri Omkarnath Temple
With Best Wishes for
Continued Success
OB GYN Pediatric Associates
Sudhir Patel
Anila S. Patel

20

If there is one success we can point to at HSBV, it is the

Balavihar classes conducted every Sunday. It started
from small and humble classes to the Saraswati
Kalamandir today. The success of these classes is a
tribute to the teachers who spent countless hours
preparing and tirelessly teaching the children and the
children who attend them. Following are some quotes
from some of the teachers and students of Balavihar.
Why do I teach Balavihar?
"It is a great privilege for me to share my faith with a
younger generation and to further my own." Dr. N.K.
Anand
Growing up in Banaras, I absorbed Hinduism not so
much a body of knowledge to be learned but as a feeling
and a way of life. Values and ideas such as respect for
life were communicated not through words but through
actions. Being a city where people often came to die, or
to be cremated, made death an integral part of life. I
believe knowledge of these values has helped me
through my life and I want our children, growing up in
very different circumstances, to have not just a glimpse
but a real feeling for what our religion is all about.
Balavihar has allowed me that opportunity. The middle
school and high school children in my class have amazed
me with the sophistication of their thinking and the
genuineness of their quest. It has been a great journey! Radhika Viruru
Balavihar gives our children the opportunity to find out
more about their culture, heritage and above all the Hindu
religion. It gives them a sense of belonging. It is my
pleasure to help our children discover themselves and
their great heritage. - Asha Girimaji

Congratulations

Best Wishes

and

for the

Best Wishes

Tenth Anniversary of

to

Sri Omkarnath Temple

Hindu Society of Brazos

Valley

from

from

Heart of Texas AUTO

AUCTION

Kumud Tripathy
Suman Tripathy
Anju Tripathy
Rajeew Tripathy
Alka Tripathy

P.O. Box 23404

Waco, Texas 76702
Phone: (254) 755-7713
10

19

Best Wishes

Congratulations and Best Wishes

To

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

From

On its 10th Anniversary

Vinay D. Kotak

A.V. Diamonds Inc.

7500 Bellaire, # 333
Houston, Texas 77036

18

11

Balavihar to me is a wonderful learning experience. I

enjoy the interaction with the enthusiastic children, who
are so eager to share and know more about their heritage
and culture. I sincerely hope this quest for learning
continues for these kids and me too. Thank you parents
for encouraging your children to come to Balavihar.
Shilpa Amin.
During the high school years, a still forming adolescent
acquires a personality, firms up his character and above
all, develops a value system as he/she transitions into
adulthood. These monumental changes happen rather
imperceptibly and are influenced by individuals and
events around that person at home, in the society and all
the things that he is exposed to at the school. During this
critical phase, I try to expose them to the timeless values
of Hindu religion, philosophy and culture as contained in
texts like Geeta and Ramayana, hoping these will
become a part of their value system which will help them
become a successful individual and a useful member of
the society. This is why I teach Balavihar! - Kumud S.
Tripathy.

Congratulations and Best Wishes

To

Hindu Society of Brazos Valley

On its 10th Anniversary

On behalf of

Why do I like Balavihar?

I began to see the utility of Balavihar and our
discussions of the Gita only when I entered high school. I
would like to summarize how coming to these classes
has helped me through my B.S. and M.S. degrees. In
Balavihar, I learned that I should not to be attached to the
fruits of my actions, but rather focus on the action itself.
As events in life occur, I should take them as they come.
If I receive an award for something I've done, I should
look upon it just as if I were chastised for it.

VIGNA PROPERTIES
L.L.C.

I chose to become a geologist, much to the shock of,

well, everyone. I have never regretted that decision, and
I've had my parents' full support. In the final course I took
for my B.S., I went on a giant six week field trip.

12

17

Only one of its kind in Brazos Valley

for Authentic Indian Food

Spice Bowl Indian Restaurant

2501 Texas Avenue South, Suite C111
College Station, Texas 77840
Telephone: (979) 764-7288

Jai Shri Krishna

Best Wishes for the Tenth
Anniversary of our Sri Omkarnath
Temple.
Sudhaben, Anup, Shilpa, Kovid, and
Kanika Amin

16

However, on the first day of my field trip, I watched

helplessly, with my fellow students, as our professor and
another classmate passed away in a horrific accident on
I-10 in West Texas. In my case, what I learned in
Balavihar helped me get past the events which
transpired. I will never forget what happened, and I will
always wear my seat belt because of it, but for whatever
reason, "stuff" happens, and it is up to me to learn from
my experiences and move on. I am, by no means,
detached from the situation, but I cannot focus on the end
result. Doesn't Hinduism teach us that it is not an ending,
but rather just another part of the cycle? Upon what part
of the action should we focus? My application of my
Balavihar lessons is part of what lead me to be so
passionate about what I do as a geologist.
Balavihar was useful to me in that it kept me on track,
whereas I could have fallen quite far, as some of my
classmates did. It is something that is keeping me
excited as I finish my M.S. and prepare for my PhD. I
plan on having a great time getting wherever it is that I'll
happen to be, and I would like to say to the next
generation of youth... you would be surprised at how you
will find use for that which you learn in a mobile home (or
wherever classes are held). Alka Tripathy
If there's one thing I remember about Hindu Society
growing up, it was that we had great teachers like my
mom and Kumud uncle. I also enjoyed learning about the
different ways we worship God (karma yoga, jnana yoga,
and bhakti yoga) and the three gunas, among many other
lessons. I enjoyed growing up with my friends and
gaining valuable knowledge through Balavihar, pujas,
and other festivals. - Natraj Shanmugam
For the last 8 years in Balavihar I have been taught by
Anu Aunty, Anand Uncle, Vanita Aunty, and Kumud
Uncle. I have learnt a good deal about Hindu culture,
including the significance of various holidays. I have

13

spent hours contemplating of Hindu philosophy in Omkar

Prabha and Saraswati Kalamandir. I am left with a
notebook of scattered thoughts and impressions, a binder
of homework, Gita passages, my prayers, and a hazy
idea of the elastic nature of Hinduism. Alka Menon
I like Balavihar a lot. I love learning about Gods &
goddesses like Shiva & Parvati. I love it when Balavihar
starts. Vishnu
Hari Om! At Balavihar, I learn Shlokas & Hindi letters.
We read Bala Bhagavatam. We learn about Hindu
festivals. I like coming to Balavihar. I meet my Indian
friends there. Thank you Shilpa aunty for teaching us. Shlok Mohanty (2nd grade)
Balavihar is a great place to learn about the Indian
culture. The teachers teach & help us understand about
Hinduism. I love to meet my friends. I thank my
teachers. - Karna Venkatraj (3rd grade)
Coming to temple on Sunday is a wonderful opportunity
to pray to God. We also learn good things in Balavihar. I
love to learn Shlokas & religious things. I want to thank
Dr. Anand for teaching us all. - Ketaki Kulkarni (6th grade)
Hari Om! I go to Balavihar on Sundays. I like it. I like
doing crafts. We learn about Gods & shlokas. We meet
friends. I like going to my friends house after that.
Thank you Asha aunty for teaching us. - By Avha
Mohanty
Every Sunday I go to Balavihar I learn slokas. Every
time I go to Balavihar I do yoga. We do craft. I have
been going to Balavihar for three years. I learned
Dasavathars last year. I learned Ramayana this year
written by Valmiki.
This is all about god Rama
(incarnation of Vishnu). Asha aunty is a nice teacher.

14

She always tells stories very interestingly. Nikitha

Kodetham (1st grade)
Every Sunday I go to tampul. I go to a class it is cald
Balavihar. At Balavihar we lurn shloca and we lurn abut
India. My mom is my Balavihar thechur. We do arts and
cravs there. My mom reads us a story. We are doing a
pupit show it is Ramayana by Walmiky. Aftur or class we
do arthy then we go home. I have a secret in Balavihar.
We do dansis at the tampal. I have fun at the tampul. Do
you? Maya Girimaji
I go to the temple every Sunday. Shilpa aunty teaches
us shlokas and about culture. She is a really nice
teacher. My favorite festival is Holi. You can put colors
on other people and spray them with water guns. Then
after that there is a bonfire. If there isnt a festival after
Balavihar we will do the aarthi. After we do the aarthi we
have prasadam. Mostly we have oreas and grapes.
Then we go home. And that is my day at the temple.
Diya Girimaji
Other HSBV Activities
Over the past few years HSBV has coordinated various
activities. These have included hosting Guest speakers
like
Swami
Tejomayananda
in
1998,
Swami
Sharanananda in 1999 and Acharya Gaurangabhai in
1999 and 2000, Swami Ishwarananda in 2001 and
Swami Sharanananda in 2003.
HSBV also participated in some outreach activities over
the years. We have donated in 2000 for cyclone victims
in Orissa, in 2001 for the victims of Gujarat earthquake,
and in 2002 for the families of the NY fire fighters. We
also provided, emotional, material, and financial support
to some students involved in a serious auto accident. We
have also be volunteering at the Twin City Mission in
Bryan during the thanksgiving lunch.

15