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Palatine, IL: Sikh Religious Society (SRS) of Palatine Illinois held a Neighborhood Community Interfaith Candle Light Vigil and prayers on December 19, to honor the 20 first grade children and 6 adults killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut on December 14 2012. The vigil was arranged to share the grief and in conjunction with funerals of the child victims that had begun to take place in Newtown CT that week. The terrible tragedy took place when a 20 year old Adam Lanza forced his way into the elementary school with his assault weapons and started shooting to kill children and teachers. Heroic teachers like Victoria Soto, 27, gave her life to save the lives of her class whom she hid in the closets and bath room. The school principal and psychologist jumped on the gunman to stop him and sacrificed their own lives. More than a hundred community members and neighbors assembled in the Palatine Gurdwara compound, chanted prayers, and lit candles in memory of the deceased. A special prayer “Ardaas” was supplicated by Bhai Gurjant Singh to pray for the departed souls and their families, and to seek peace, harmony, and love in this world which […]

Chino Hills LA: Calling it a tribute to the community, Assemblyman Curt Hagman along with Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami (Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami) – one of the most senior Swami of BAPS, State Senator Bob Huff, Mayor Peter Rogers, Councilmember Art Bennett and Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, the head of Kauai’s Hindu Monastery and publisher of Hinduism Today magazine, inaugurated the majestic traditional stone and marble BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills (Los Angeles), California on December 23, 2012. After six years of unflinching dedication and thousands of hours of volunteer work, the Mandir stood glistening under the sun as the much anticipated inauguration ceremony started on the morning of December 23rd. Sadguru Pujya Kothari Swami (Pujya Bhaktipriya Swami) performed the consecration ceremony in accordance with Hindu vedic rituals to infuse divinity into the sacred images inside the Mandir in the presence of devotees and well-wishers from across North America and various countries around the world. Those who could not make it to the event saw the live webcast. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Rogers said “The Mandir is a beautiful testament to the hard work of your congregation who has spent several years to build this place of worship.” He […]

The holiday season, the time of year for giving has always been held dear by Medstar Laboratory, Inc. Even in these tough economic times, when smaller companies are struggling to survive, Medstar looks to partner up with different communities in which they do business and try to shine a light on the holiday of some of the families who reside in them. Medstar Laboratory believes in giving back to the community. Each year they pick a variety of Non Profit Organizations and staff members of Medstar including Owner Naren Patel and Vice-Presidents Neal and Raj Patel attend these events every year. Medstar Laboratory’s CEO, Mr. Naren Patel said that he loves to see the sparkle in children’s eyes and excitement when they receive a gift with their name on it. This year Medstar Laboratory partnered with Father Pflager and St. Sabina Church in Englewood, Mayor Larry Dominick and the Town of Cicero and Dr. Aliaga in the Little Village neighborhood. St. Sabina Church and Father Pflager, who is known for helping reduce the violence in the Englewood neighborhood, have an annual Christmas dinner in which they celebrate with the youth, those they help stay off the streets, and their families. […]

Chicago, IL: From the Mahatma to Modi, Gujarat has seen it all. One of India’s fastest growing economies, Gujarat plays an integral part in the very existence of India. Every Gujarati who lives in the Land of Liberty thinks and feel proud about his or her home state. Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA (VGS USA) Board of Directors & President Naren Patel Celebrated Diwali on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at India House Banquet, 1500 Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL. The event was also attended by VGS members, [the event was complementary to the paid members] invited guests, friends and family. The extravagant celebration began at 5 pm. The celebration was held with much pomp and pleasure of cultural program and Bollywood music. Attendance was house full. Coordinated by Naren Patel, Vishwa Gujarati Samaj USA President, the moment was also precious as two young entrepreneurs Neal and Raj Patel who are known for their sharp business acumen, a distant vision, sound capital and an ability to bounce back, have actively contributed much for the success of program. Though born and grown in United States , these young honchos are more Indian, who believe in upholding Indian culture and traditions. Beena Patel (Associate Clerk, […]

Chicago IL: Chicago took the initiative to fight against hunger in our Chicago community by supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository through the JK YOG Food Drive. The food Drive was inaugurated by our Respected Dear Swami Mukundananda Ji on Oct 20, 2012 during Chicago Spiritual Retreat, Rolling Meadows, IL. We had set up a Target of 10,000 Meals during this holiday season. In 15 days we were able to exceed our target. It wasn’t fate, and it wasn’t an accident – it was each of the devotees coming forward to fight the cause and taking responsibility to give it back to the community. It is indeed a great effort and It is the clearest proof yet that, we can achieve, what we put our mind and effort into. We thank Swami Ji for showing us the direction and thank each and every devotee who walked the path. We have a great partnership with Chicago Food Depository and we look forward to t he future. About J K Yog: J K Yog is a part of the worldwide mission of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and managed by Swami Mukundanand Ji and has been established to serve humankind with the true […]

Chicago, IL: Harish Bhatt, President of AIPHA presented the unique amalgamation of celebration, business and entertainment at the Association of Indian Pharmacists in America’s (AIPhA) 25th Annual Diwali Gala on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at the Meadows Club. At the gala, AIPhA also took the opportunity to discuss the progress and outlook of the pivotal group to the 500 guests in attendance. This organization has been around over 25 years, and Harish Bhatt has proven to be one of it’s great communicators and leaders. The gala boasted the largest crowd that I have ever seen for this organization, and this is due to his leadership and communication with the members. This event is a cause for everyone to get together to learn what is going in the pharmaceutical industry and to enjoy a memorable show. Similar sentiments were echoed by first time attendee and pharmacy student from Chicago State University, Aarti Shah, who said, “This is a great event and we, the students are very happy to be invited to help celebrate Diwali and contribute to AIPhA.” The evening started with a social hour featuring some tasty appetizers and premium drinks. Masters of Ceremonies for the occasion Pratik Shah and […]

Hoffman Estates, IL: Shri Jalaram Mandir located at 425, Illinois Blvd , Hoffman Estates , IL , celebrated 3rd Volunteer Appreciation Day with Bollywood music on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 6:00 pm. A sentimental evening “Sur Sandhya” was performed by “Suranjali” in filmy style with old and new songs, which made the whole atmosphere joyful. More than 225 volunteers enjoyed the special evening. Shree Jalaram Mandir was inaugurated on the March 8th, 2008. It was a dream of many devotees and followers of Jalaram Bapa to establish Jalaram Mandir. With a determination to realize that dream, Jalaram Organization was established in December 2006. With the help of Generous Donations from many Donors and Volunteers $1.25 Million Dollars worth property was purchased. Saturday, December 15, 2012, was a day to appreciate every single person who had devoted their time towards the Mandir’s progress. In honor of such commitment, Jalaram Mandir Board decided to have a beautiful way to say thanks to all the volunteers with a Musical night and splendid dinner. At present, Mandir has team of approximately 235 volunteers, who are involved in various activities and perform duties with all their heart. Prior to Musical program, delicious Gujarati dinner […]