From left to right: Avani Shah, Padmini Makam, Amala Reddy, Dr. Harish Shah, Dr Bharat Barai, Suchita Shah
MERRILLVILLE: The Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center known as Merrillville Bharatiya Temple was chosen by the Landscape & Architectural Committee of The Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce as a Landmark in Northwest Indiana. The beautifully decorated temple was selected for its intricacy, fine-looking Murti (statue of a god) and its architect.
The Award was presented by Brian P. Popp, Chairman of the Chamber to Dr. Bharat Barai who accepted on behalf of Dr Panna Barai as she could not make it to the function because of illness. Others accepting the award on behalf of the Temple committee were activists Dr. Harish Shah, Padmini Makam, Suchita Shah and Amala. While the credit for the setting up of the beautifully done temple should go to all the members of the Indian community in the area, the main architects where Dr Panna Barai (who was the chairman of the Board of Trustees for Northwest Indiana Hindu Religious Center and Chairman of the Temple Construction committee) and Sucheta Shah (President of NW Indiana Hindu Religious Center).
Both held offices in 2008, 2009 and continued their mission till the Temple and the Hall opened in June, 2010. They both traveled to many places and temples, including two trips to India for Murtis and all kinds of materials for the Temple.
Bharatiya Temple and Indian Cultural Center are built on approximately 14 acres of land and are a beautiful blend of the traditional Hindu Temple architecture and contemporary architecture elements. It is crowned with Shikhar (Steeple) and decorated with architectural columns and railings, while the Indian American Cultural Center is stuffed with all modern amenities, all the altars are decorated with carved Burma Teak wood arches imported from Ahmedabad, India. All the deities are carved by artisans from Jaipur, India, and then imported to the United States.
The inauguration of the Temple and newly expanded/renovated community hall took place on June 2009.
The annual awards luncheon was a great gathering where everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch, an award presentation and an installation ceremony.
Asian Media, USA
