GRAYSLAKE, IL: Grand celebrations for the Republic Day of India at the Hindu Mandir of Lake County, Grayslake, were completed here with tremendous enthusiasm. About 70 people were expected by the organizers but over 100 turned up.
The three-hour program was packed with various types of activities: a dance Bum Bum Bole by Akshat Adsule, Raghav Verma, Keshav Shah, Shreyas Lyaga; another dance Des Rangeela by Ketana Gadde, Meghana Gadde, Saanvi Bibhuti, Riya Boratwar, Tejal Choudhari; and one Rang De Basanti by Riya Verma, Rishika Lyaga; singing of Sarey Jahan se Achha by Diya Koshti; a geet by Komal Taloo, and Neha Kulkarni; a medley of patriotic songs by Raviji; a song Ai Malik Tere Bandey Hum by Sangita Singh; a group song by Sheth, Gandhi and Dutta families and Vande Mataram by Kakoli Dutta, Dr Savita P. Joshi and party; and Maha Ganapati on a flute by Guruprasad Kathavate; Suryanamaskar by Guruprasad and a party of 14. On the harmonium was Kakoli Datta.
The program started with a procession. The new president of the Hindu Temple, Dr Yoginder Kumar offered the opening remarks and then introduced main speaker Prof. Prabhakar G. Joshi. Joshi started with how the Constitution of India was born in 1950 and then explained its importance. He did not forget to mention the uniqueness of this year’s celebrations in India due to US President Barack Obama’s presence as the Chief Guest at the Republic day celebrations in New Delhi.
The acoustic system which was profoundly useful was well managed by Manoj Bhatt; Office staff under Mannaji’s leadership assisted whenever needed. Dinner was cooked by Neelkantha Mishra, Kamal Gupta, the President and Savita Joshi. Kakoli Datta and Yashaswini Desai were the Masters of Ceremony and the food sponsors were Prof. Prabhakar G. and Savita P. Joshi and the Hindu Mandir.
In the morning Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Pooja were performed under the guidance of Pandit Ganesh Ji. There were about 40 children and their parents.
Prof. Prabhakar Joshi explained that Vasant means Spring is around the corner, environment is coming to new life and this festival has seasonal, economic and religious significance.
Joshi also explained that Goddess Saraswati was born on the 5th day of the month of Maagh and she is known for giving knowledge and wisdom. Therefore children worship her every year. He further mentioned that Saraswati is also known for valor and courage which is evident from her act of killing several demons including Shumbha and Nisumbha. Saraswati has precious books called Vedas in her hand and Veena i.e. a violin in the other two hands indicating that she is also in charge of art and music.
India Post News Service
