CHICAGO IL: Hari Om Mandir, Medinah in Chicagoland kicked off the New Year celebrations on January 1 with a bang with a gathering of a large number of devotees coming to pray for a healthy, wealthy and prosperous year ahead.
Unlike its past tradition conducting only Akhand Ramayan Path, the Mandir management this year, had also organized “Sunderkand Path” with singers from India reciting the Path that mesmerized the congregation with soulful singing. The combination was hugely appreciated by Mandir devotees
Despite the frigid cold weather, severe wind chills, negative temperatures, over 500 devotees attended the program. The Hall was full to capacity and people waited patiently in long lines, to offer flowers at the lotus feet of Hanuman Ji and seek his blessings on this very first day of the New Year.
Pandit Raghuvir Ji welcomed everyone with the auspicious Tilak on the forehead, Hanuman Ji sash around the neck and handed over the Holy Path Book to sing along. The two Boards – Executive Board (EB) and Board of Trustees (BOT) that run the show all year round were introduced to the general congregation.
For the 3rd consecutive year, Vipan Wadhera was re-elected as the President of the Executive Board. A plaque was awarded to the outgoing Member Anita Rawal, for her outstanding services as a Secretary on the Board. Amidst great applause and a warm welcome, the other board members were introduced: Ramesh Bhardwaj- Vice President, Indu Wadhwa- Secretary, A.G.Mohansunder-Treasurer, Ashok Sharma-Publication, Gopal Tiwari-Inside Property Management, Madhu Gupta- Outside Property Management, Dinesh Patel- Special Events and Shubh Sharma- Food and Prasad. Vipan Wadhera also gave a glimpse of the upcoming new programs for 2018. He appealed for more young volunteers to come forward and help in serving the community.
Plaques were also awarded to the outgoing members who had completed their term serving on the Board of Trustees. Citations in honor of their dedicated services were read out for Mahendera Thakkar, Naveen Paul, Ram Verma and Subhash Sharma. He introduced Brij Sharma as Vice Chairman and Mohan Karamchandani as Secretary along with Chandru Bhojwani, Dr. Anand Lal, Satish Chander, Krishan Tejpal and Upma Hardy as other board members. Ayodhia Salwan wished everyone a Happy New Year
A grand Lunch, sponsored by the Salwan Family/Star foods was served after the program. “Bhature Channa” – a sumptuous and appropriate hot North Indian meal on a cold day, along with hot Masala Tea, was welcomed by everybody. People exchanged greetings, good wishes, embraced each other, wishing for peace and wellbeing for all mankind.
Suresh Bodiwala
