Suresh Bodiwala
CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir, Medinah, a Chicago Northside suburb witnessed huge crowds to seek blessings from God on this auspicious Tuesday – New Year Day – and pray for a healthy, wealthy and prosperous Year ahead.
Rama Kapoor and Subhash Sharma, along with their Bhajan Mandli, and Jignesh Pathak on the Dholak, recited the “Sunderkand Path” to seek blessings from Lord Hanuman for a blessed year 
ahead.
Nature too co-operated and the Sun shone brightly with moderate temperatures, as devotees in large numbers thronged the Mandir that was beautifully decorated with buntings, dazzling streamers, banners, flowers, bells etc to enhance the ambience for the celebrations. As the devotees walked in, they were welcomed with Hanuman Ji sash around the neck, and handed over the holy Sunderkand Path book to sing along.
In Hari Om Mandir, the 1st of January, is also a day of administrative activity. The two Boards – Executive Board (EB) and Board of Trustees (BOT) that run the show all year round, are introduced to the general congregation. It is time to honor and acknowledge the services of the outgoing Members who have completed their term, and welcome aboard New Members, who will be taking charge and serving the community in 2019.
Vipan Wadhera was re-elected as the President of the Executive Board for the next term of three years. This is for the first time that any President has been elected consecutively for two terms in a row. Wadhera thanked all his team Members for their continued support throughout the year. Plaques were also was awarded to the outgoing Members Mrs. Shubh Sharma and Ashok Sharma who had completed their terms.
The new Members on the Team were then introduced: Mrs. Pooja Sharma, the youngest addition to the EB, appointed as the Food & Prasad in charge in 2019, was welcomed amid clapping and cheers from the crowd. Mrs. Anita Rawal, appointed as the Secretary, was also given a warm welcome back.
Satpal Salwan, Chairman Board of Trustees, wished everybody a “Happy New Year” and congratulated the EB Team for a successful 2018, in which several programs had been organized. On this day, members from the Community/ Devotees/Volunteers who have served the Mandir in various ways, are also honored for their contributions. This year, Kalsi Builders, KrishanTejpal, Satpal Salwan & Madhu Gupta were chosen for their outstanding services to the HOM and the society at large. 
As Guardian of the Temple, Ayodhia Salwan also wished everyone a Happy New Year and prayed to God for the wellbeing of all the members. Vipan Wadhera gave a brief update on the upcoming construction projects and the religious programs in 2019. He invited everyone to join the “Pran Pratishtha Ceremony” of Baba Balak Nath Ji’s Murti on Basant Panchami, February10.
A renowned singer and Baba Ji’s Bhakt, Bunty Bawa from California would be singing the glory of Baba Balak Nath on that day. The Murti which has already been installed, will be unveiled after performing all the holy rituals. All the prestigious donors would be joining the pooja ceremony and be a part of this memorable event.
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 very welcome and relished by everybody. People exchanged greetings, good wishes, embraced each other, wishing for peace and well being of all mankind.
