Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North Ameri

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1 BRAHMA BHARATI A Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America A Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America Volume 14 Number 3 Editor: Anjana Bhargava September 2012 BSNA Organization Chart President Dr. Om Sharma (hmosharma@gmail.com) Executive Vice President Mr. Bharat Mohla (mohla01@aol.com) Vice President Mrs. Mamta Tiwari (mamtat@gmail.com) Vice President Mr. Naren Misra (naren_misra@hotmail.com) General Secretary Mr. Pardeep Sharma (hum5@msn.com) Treasurer Mr. Hari S. Sharma (sharmafam@optonline.net) Assistant Treasurer & Editor, Brahmakulum Dr. Vinay Sharma (vinaysharmamd@yahoo.com) Editor, Brahma Vani & Brahma Bharati Mrs. Anjana Bhargava (bharfam4@sbcglobal.net) Editor, Web Site Mr. Vijay Bhargava (bharfam4@sbcglobal.net) Coordinator, Interactive Forum Ms. Aradhna Sharma (asharma21@msn.com) Board of Trustees Mr. Mahendra Pal Misra - Chairman (mahendramisra@hotmail.com) Dr. Lakshmi Shanker Dube (DubeLS@yahoo.com) Mr. Upendra Chivukula (dchivukula@comcast.net) Dr. Shri Kant Mishra (shrimishra@msn.com) Mr. Sunil Pathak (spathak9@yahoo.com) Dr. Rudra Prakash (rudraprakash1@yahoo.com) Dr. Lok N. Shandilya (shandilya.lok@gmail.com) Mr. Jagar Sharma (jagarsharma@hotmail.com) Mr. Purushottam Sharma (psharmafamily@gmail.com) Dr. Keshav Shukla (kpshukla@netzero.net) Dr. Rajesh Shukla (shukla_rajesh@hotmail.com) Dr. (Mani) S. Yegnasubramanian (yegnam@yahoo.com) Dear BSNA Family and Friends President Message I am glad to report that the World Brahman Convention jointly organized by BSNA and GBC was a grand success on all accounts. It was very well attended by delegates from India, UK, Uganda, Canada and USA representing 20 different Brahman Organizations world-wide. The convention was opened in Vedic Parampara by chanting Veda mantras by Sanatan Dharma Priests. The attendees represented and communicated in different languages such as English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Kannad, Bengali, Gujarati, etc. This is the first time in BSNA's history that so many languages were used for communicating with each other, truly representing a cross section of united Global Brahman community. Clearly it indicates the commitment of Brahmans in a united forum to preserve, practice and promote Sanatan Sanskriti/Vedic Dharma. We were delighted to have a large attendance of youth group who prepared and presented fabulous programs. Different groups of Brahman Organizations such as Youth Group President of WBF India, Women's Group President of WBF India among others presented their views and activities in their respective organizations which are commendable. Excellent food, hotel arrangements and unique entertainment provided by professional artist, Sa Re Ga Ma famous Mr. Shamit Tyagi kept the audience spellbound for 5 hrs every day on Friday and Saturday nights. Most of the attendees danced for hours on his music. Of course our own artists from all the representing countries provided wonderful entertainment. There were a lot of hidden stars who came up to light (or to the stage) during the event. There were talks/discussions/interactive sessions on various topics such as scriptures, entrepreneurship, health care, finance, youth issues, networking, social issues, religion, multilingual interactions, etc. There were several resolutions passed after long and serious discussion which I believe will be very meaningful steps in the direction of serving our global community. My heartfelt congratulations and appreciations to the local and International Convention Organizing Committee who did such a wonderful job in organizing the convention and making our guests feel at home during the convention. I am also thankful to my dear friends and stalwart Brahman Leaders such as Pt. Mange Ram Sharma, Chairman, WBF India, Shri R.D. Dixit, President, All Indian Brahman Samaj, and several others who could not attend the convention but their love, commitment to serve the Brahman community and guidance was with us all the time. Finally and most important thanks to all the attendees without whom the convention would not have been such a fulfilling and pleasant experience to all of us volunteers. We are thankful to TV Asia and other media channels/press who covered the event in electronic or print media form. It s my pleasure to report that BSNA Elections of the President and Executive Committee for the term have been concluded. The NEC has recommended Dr. Shri Kant Mishra as elected president for the next term. The term of new EC will commence from January Detailed information regarding the plans of the new EC and their profile is provided in this issue and at BSNA website at BSNA.org.

2 Page 2 President s Message Delivered by Dr. Om Sharma, BSNA President, on July 6, 2012 in LA, CA, USA Namaskaar! This is the 150 th anniversary of the birth of our revered saint Swami Vivekanand. This year we all are celebrating his birth anniversary and I convey my greetings to all on this occasion. It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you, a galaxy of learned Brahmans from all over the world, who have gathered here in Los Angeles to attend the World Brahman Convention. We are honored to have a lot of you representing different Brahman organizations around the world. This convention is jointly being organized by BSNA and the Global Brahman Confederation (GBC). BSNA is celebrating its 17 th annual convention and GBC its inaugural. Congratulations to the convention Director, Mr. Ajoy Dube, GBC President, Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, and the Organizing Committee whose tireless work has resulted in to such a wonderful program. There are several reasons to organize these conventions but the most important one is to promulgate Vedic Sanskriti/Sanatan Dharma (or Hindu Dharma) among Hindus as well as mainstream society. The best way to accomplish this objective is to exchange ideas and learn from authorities in the field, as well as from each other. Conventions provide this opportunity for learning. In order to strengthen our Hindu society which is somewhat fragmented at this juncture it is important to recognize the power of Vedic Sanskriti. However, first we have to know what Vedic Sanskriti is? Actually Vedic Sanskriti is a dharma, a vision, a culture, and a philosophy that is universal and saswat (eternal, timeless) that keeps us together and works for the welfare of the entire universe. In pursuit of propagating Sanatan Dharma a few years ago I initiated a movement called jnan yajna from the platform of BSNA. In our scriptures jnan (knowledge) is considered a light that dispels the darkness of ignorance. As it is stated in Gita Api cedasi papebhyah sarvebhyah papakrttamah, sarvam jnanaplavenaiva vrjinamsantarisyasi (Gita 4.36) Means, even if you were the most sinful of all sinners, the knowledge alone would carry you, like a raft, across all your sins. Gita further states that - BRAHMA BHARATI yathaidhamsi samiddhoagnisbhasmasatkurutearjuna, jnanagnih sarvakarmani bhasmasatkurute tatha (Gita 4.37) As a blazing fire reduces the fuel to ashes, similarly the fire of knowledge turns all actions to ashes. Therefore, Na hi jnanena sadrsam pavitramiha vidyate, tatsvayam yogasamsiddhah kalenatmani vindati (Gita 4.38) There is nothing as great purifier as knowledge in this world. In reference to this year s convention theme The Relevance of Brahmanic Values in a Global Perspective - we are living in an era when Brahmanic values are more relevant for the welfare of mankind than ever. In order to practice Brahmanic values it is important to understand what those values are and how they are different from other values. In this reference a question often arises who is a Brahmana? What are the specific traits of a Brahmana? Vedic scriptures have a number of references to the attributes of a Brahmana, I am going to mention a few of them here - The natural traits of a Brahmana are described as serenity, self-control, austerity, purity, forgiveness, uprightness, knowledge (wisdom), realization and faith in God, samo damastapah saucam ksantirarjavameva ca, jnanam vijnanmastikyam brahmakarma svabhavajam (Gita 18.42). These are the duties of a Brahmana born of his/her nature. Similar natural attributes of a Brahmana are described in Shrimad Bhagvatam as well as in other Vedic scriptures. samo damastapah saucam santosah kshantirarjavam, jnanam dayachutatatmtvam satyam ca Brahmlakshnam as well as in other scriptures. Six duties are ascribed to Brahmana in Manusmriti (1.90) adhyapanam-adhyayanam yajanam yaajanam tatha, daanam pratigraham chaiva braahmanaanaamkalpayat I will discuss a bit more about Brhamana in my talk on the Vedic system of Varnashrama later on this morning. Continued on Page 3

3 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 3 From page 2.. BSNA has been spreading the message of Vedic Sanskriti to mainstream communities in order to dispel the aberrations that are not consistent with our scriptural teachings. I believe that practicing eternal principles of Sanatan Dharma will help to protect and withhold the Hindu society together in a harmonious way. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of BSNA for their faith in me to lead the organization for the last 3 years. My dedicated services to BSNA activities would not have been possible without unconditional, encouraging and continuous support of my loving wife, Manju ji and our dear son, Himanshu, over the last 10 years. Due to his Medical School related activities Himanshu could not attend the convention this year. Thanks to a thoughtful, critical and supportive Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and a number of senior leaders worldwide who supported me in fulfilling my commitment to serve the Brahman community through BSNA. My sincere thanks are to Mrs. Anjana Bhargava and Mr. Vijay Bhargava for putting together another excellent issue of Brahma Vani. Thank you for coming and enjoy the convention! ACCOUNT SHEET BSNA CONVENTION (6, 7, 8 th July 2012), LOS ANGELES Revenue (Income): Registrations & Donations: 49, BSNA Members/Life Members: 1, Net Revenue for Convention 47, Expenses: Hotel: 16, Food: 8, Cultural Programs: Publicity: Publication (Brahma Vani) 2, Registration: Badge, Tags, T-Shirts, Mugs 1, Plaques: Decoration, Misc: Air Mail/Postage Total Expenses 35, ब र ह मण जफ हभ ह अऩन ऩहच न नह त ज लरभ द ननम व र हभ क म ऩहच न ब र गम ह हभ य भहत व क म ह अऩन ध म न कयत ह ज न अनज न ब तय क छ औय, फ हय क छ औय रगत ह र ग सभझत ह हभ फ ग न बगव न न अकर द ह, ददभ ग ब इस त भ र कयन ब र गम ह ददव न स ख नह लभर कय ज न हभन भ यत ह अऩन ब ई क ह त न झगड यह ह आऩस भ बफन क यण रग ह एक द सय क धज ज म उड न अफ त द ननम व र ब ऩ छत नह ऩहच नत नह क म नम क म ऩ य न कफ खत भ ह ग कह न गय फ ब र ह भण क जफ ब र ह भण सभझ र ग असर भ न ब र ह भण क घय जन भ र न ह क प नह कभम कयक ह ऩड ग फपयस न भ कभ न स खन ह त म ऩ क म दव स स ख एकत फड त कतव य ह कह गम सम न अफ ब भ क ह सभझ ज ओ ब र हभण क म रग ह द ननम क तभ श ददख न नतरक शभ म Income $47, Expenses $35, Net Income (Balance) $11, *Receivable: Some more donation may come. Submitted by Ajoy Dube Convention Director 2012

4 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 4 17th Annual World Brahman Convention Bhartti Kumar, Special to India West India West July 13, 2012 LOS ANGELES, United States Seen at the World Brahman Convention (l-r) are Om Sharma, Ajoy Dube, and Shri Kant Mishra. (Bhartti Kumar photos) Brahmans from Canada, the U.K., Uganda and India as well as from around the United States gathered at the 17th Annual World Brahman Convention 2012 here to deliberate on such contemporary topics as Brahmanical values, Dharma and various issues facing the community, including those concerning youth.under the theme of Relevance of Brahmanic Values in Global Perspective, the three-day event, held July 6-8, was jointly sponsored by the Brahman Samaj of North America and the Global Brahman Confederation.Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, a renowned professor of neurology, delivered the keynote address in which he highlighted the need to preserve, protect and promote Brahmanical values to humankind to create a better world. Mishra said that Brahman is one who has knowledge of God and gave details on the lineage of various communities, adding that the members needed to translate Brahmanic literature in other languages.mishra, president of GBC, told India-West, This event is honestly by far the most organized session in terms of content, speeches, food, and cultural presentations. Our goal is not just to promote Brahmanic values but also to preserve them. That is why it is fulfilling to see the youth involvement. Dr. Diwaker Shukl, a psychologist from the U.K., spoke on The Opportunities and Challenges for Brahmans A Way Forward, explaining that the duty of a Brahman is to obtain the grace of God. Dr. Om Sharma, president of the Brahman Samaj of North America, spoke on the Varana system, commonly distorted as the caste system, from a scientific and philosophical perspective. A historian focusing on ancient India, he explained the untranslatable concept of Dharma and Dharmic traditions. Youth Group Among the various issues facing the Brahman community, the most glaring is the legally imposed reverse discrimination against Brahmans in India in education and employment, it was brought out at the convention.a resolution to immediately stop reverse discrimination that has economically deprived Brahmans and pushed them into poverty was overwhelmingly supported by the convention delegates. The occasion was marked by a presentation on the battle for justice for the Ayodhyamovement by Indian Supreme Court lawyer K.N. Bhatt, who spoke on the judicial underpinnings of a judgment that is likely to lead to construction of a temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama.Presentations were also made on sleep disorders, women s health, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems, along with yoga sessions. In the evening was a cultural program that included an evening of melodies of yesteryears by the upcoming young singer Shamit Tyagi as well as a Kavi Sammelan and general body meeting. The BSNA has more than 1,100 member families and has been holding its annual conventions since 1995 in different parts of North America. Ajoy Dube, convention director, told India-West, Each segment of this convention has been just great.

5 Page 5 BRAHMA BHARATI BSNA/GBC CONVENTION 2012 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA JULT 6-8, 2012 ENTERTAINMENT Forgion Delegates Award Ceremony YOUTH GROUP

6 Volume 14 Number 3 Page BSNA Presidential Election July 14, 2012 Dear BSNA Family, As it was announced on July 8, 2012 during the World Brahman Convention (BSNA Annual Convention), a Nomination and Election Committee (NEC) has been appointed per BSNA constitution Article XII, Section 1. iv., effective immediately. According to BSNA Constitution Article XII, Section 1.i., the purpose of NEC is to seek out highly qualified and dedicated members to fill various vacancies occurring due to expiration of term, resignation or creation of a new office. The NEC makes recommendations to the President and the EC. The membership of the newly appointed NEC is as following: Dr. Shiva Bajpai Chair hchis006@csun.edu Mr. Purushottam Sharma psharmafamily@gmail.com Dr. Sen Pathak (replacement for Mr. Jagar Sharma) spathak@mdanderson.org All these members are highly qualified, well respected, and have been associated with the Association since its inception. Each of them has made numerous significant contributions to the Association and has served BSNA in various leadership positions. BSNA ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT BALANCE AS OF 1/1/2011 BALANCE AS OF 12/31/2011 NET 2011 Gain Breakdown of Revenue and Expenses Revenue: $79,696 $79,876 $180 Annual Phoenix Convention 9/2011 (Registration, Donations) $13,911 Membership dues Investment income (Interest) Misc. Revenue (Donations, income from Trust Funds etc.) Total 2011 Revenue Expenses: $70 $166 $2,120 $16,267 The current term of the BSNA Executive Committee will be expiring on December 31, The NEC will prepare the guidelines and timelines for inviting nominations and conducting elections, if needed, and will submit to EC for approval. Subsequently, the NEC Chair will announce guidelines and timelines in the next issue of Brahma Bharati, and BSNA website (BSNA Constitution Article XII, Section 1.ii.) inviting nominations. Dr. Om Sharma President, Brahman Samaj of North America Phoenix Convention (includes cost of BV publication) Quarterly BB publication, postage and shipping Professional Fees Website Maintenance Total 2011 Expenses Net income 2011 Submitted by: Hari Sharma -BSNA Treasurer $14,355 $957 $775 $16,087 $180 August 9, 2012 From: Shiva G. Bajpai, Chair, NEC-BSNA Subject: Nomination Petition for the Office of the BSNA President Dear BSNA Members: This is just a reminder regarding the nomination. In order to be valid, a Nomination Petition for the BSNA President, must comply fully with the requirements as stated in the already distributed NEC Guidelines and procedures. If you have any difficulty following the provisions contained therein, please get in touch with Prof. Shiva G. Bajpai, Chair,NEC ( ph ; (cell), Shri Purushttam Sharma or Dr Sen Pathak as soon as possible before the deadline of August 15, 2012.

7 Page 7 GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING ELECTION OF BSNA OFFICERS I. PURPOSE The Nominations & Election Committee (NEC) seeks nominations and conducts elections, if and when necessary, for the seven positions that make up the core Executive Committee (EC) as prescribed in the BSNA constitution. The seven elected positions are: President Executive Vice President Vice President (2 positions) General Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer II. GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATIONS Any member of the General Body (GB) in good standing may nominate another member in good standing as a candidate for the position of President. A member in 'good standing' means a current annual member, a life member or his/her spouse as of July 31st of the year the election is being conducted. Another GB member must second the nomination. It is expected that the nominee for President is a respected member of BSNA who has made outstanding contributions for the enhancement of the organization. The candidate for the office of the President must be able to find eligible BSNA members from all over North America to fill other six positions in EC. The candidate for the president must be a team player and works effectively with other EC members and the members of the BSNA. It is required that the candidates to fill EC positions must not be concentrated in one state, and at least one member of the EC should be from Canada. The nominations must be sent in writing on a prescribed form to the NEC Chair via US mail or , and should include the contact information ( , phone numbers, home address) of the nominee, nominator and the seconded. Additionally, the NEC members may seek out potential candidates and invite them to seek election provided they fulfill the criteria set out earlier for president and other EC members. III. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS BRAHMA BHARATI Any GB member in good standing who is willing to accept the position of the BSNA's President and discharge all duties of the office as prescribed in the BSNA constitution is eligible to seek election. The following information must be submitted to the NEC and necessary actions must be completed by the candidate, by the deadline provided in this document. 1. A list of running mates and their acceptance to serve with him/her as members of the EC in the positions of the Executive Vice President, two Vice Presidents, General Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. 2. A position paper and bio-data of the candidate for President for publication in Brahma Bharati, or other venues chosen by NEC for disseminating information about the candidates. The one-page position paper should describe the candidate's qualifications for the position and his/her vision and plans for BSNA during his/her term. 3. Each person included in the EC list must confirm individually and directly to the NEC Chair in writing via regular mail or explicitly expressing his/her willingness to be a candidate for the office proposed by the candidate for the president. 4. The candidate for president must have leadership skills and communication skills 5. The candidate for president must have interpersonal skills and work as a team player and puts organization above his personal ideas/interests IV. THE COMMITTEE'S ROLE NEC publicizes the guidelines and deadlines for the election schedule by all feasible and effective means available. If no nominations are received by the deadline date then NEC proposes a candidate who they think could best serve BSNA as President. If the NEC receives several nominations, the NEC members would discuss with the nominees their vision and plans for BSNA and will also make an effort to build a consensus for a single candidate. If the NEC succeeds, then all nominees, except one, withdraw their nominations in favor of the one for whom the consensus was reached. No ballots are prepared/ mailed, the election process is considered completed and the NEC announces the results if: 1. The consensus is reached in support of one candidate. 2. Only one candidate completes all requirements by the deadline. Continued on page 8

8 Page 8 From page 7.. If no consensus is reached, then the NEC will advise those candidates, who still want to contest the election, to submit their slates of proposed EC members. The proposed slate, in NEC s opinion, should have a broad based representation of BSNA membership, have the potential of uniting BSNA, and have the best vision and plans for the enhancement, strengthening and expansion of BSNA. The NEC makes plans for conducting election in the following manner: 1. The NEC advises the candidates if a proposed running mate has given consents to be included in the slates of more than one candidate which would disqualify both slates. To avoid such disqualification, the running mate must inform the NEC immediately of his/her choice of the presidential candidate on whose EC team he/she is willing to be placed. 2. The NEC verifies that all candidates are members of BSNA in good standing as defined above. 3. The NEC informs the presidential candidates who are disqualified because they were unable to submit certain documents or their documents were found inadequate by the proposed deadline. 4. The names of the nominees and their running mates (the team making up the full EC) will be published in a special edition of Brahma Bharati or announced via to all current officers of BSNA (EC), the BSNA Board of Trustees, and all BSNA chapter presidents for disseminating information about the candidates to the BSNA members. The names will also be posted on the BSNA Web Site. 5. NEC will prepare ballots to be mailed out according to schedule provided in this document to all current members in BSNA database as of July 31st of the election year. For this purpose first class US mail will be used. 6. Members will be given at least 3 weeks (from the date of mailing the ballots) to return the ballot to the NEC Chair via first class mail. NO OR FAX WILL BE AC- CEPTED FOR VOTING PURPOSES. 7. NEC Chair will count the ballots, and will have it verified by another member. The exact procedure will be worked out based on logistical convenience. 8. After the counts have been verified, and certified by the NEC Chair, the results will be conveyed to the candidates BRAHMA BHARATI via phone. The results will be posted on the BSNA Web Site and published in the following issue of Brahma Bharati. 9. The entire election process described above is expected to be completed by mid-november. 10. The newly elected EC's term starts from the 1st January following the election year (January 01, 2013). 11. The incoming President and outgoing President are expected to work together for a smooth transition. V. TIMELINES July 1-31, 2012 the election announcement, call for nominations, and the guidelines publicized to all members August 15, 2012 Deadline for submitting nominations to NEC August 27, 2012 Deadline for the candidates seeking office to complete all nomination requirements September 10, 2012 Ballots mailed out to all current members October 5, 2012 Deadline for receipt of votes (ballot) by NEC. Any ballot received after this date will be considered void, and will not be counted. Exception will be made if the ballots are post marked no later than September 27 for US mail or September 21 for Canadian mail, and are received before the counting is completed and verified. October 31, 2012 Counting of votes completed and verified November 16, 2012 Results to be announced to the candidates and the General Body. The Nominations & Election Committee (2012) 1. Dr. Shiva Bajpai - Chairman 670 Wildomar Street Pacific Palisades, CA Tel: bajpai.shiva@gmail.com 2. Mr. Purushottam Sharma, Detroit, MI; psharmafamily@gmail.com 3. Dr. Sen Pathak, Houston, TX; spathak@mdanderson.org

9 Page 9 BSNA President Election (The Election procedure Summary) As per BSNA constitution, Nomination and Election Committee (NEC) conducts the Election of BSNA President according to NEC Guidelines. NEC Guidelines used in the election-2012 were the same as used during the 2009 election. The only valid Guidelines for 2012 election were communicated to all BSNA members in July 2012 before the election process started. Originally the Guidelines were developed a number of years ago when Dr. Shyam Shukla was President but they are not valid for election in 2012 (this information is for historical reference only). NEC is constituted of a Chairperson and two members. The current Chair is Professor Dr. Shiva Bajpai, and the members are Mr. Purushottam Sharma, past President, and Dr. Sen Pathak, past member of Board of Trustees. All three members are highly respected and experienced, and have been associated with the organization for a long period of time. According to NEC Guidelines a nominee has to qualify as a candidate before he/she can contest the election of BSNA President. Selection of a Candidate for BSNA President is a two-step process: Step 1: Nomination: BRAHMA BHARATI Based on the information provided by Mrs. Nirmala Shukla, NEC determined that she did not meet the requirements under the Section II, and Section III.3, III.4 and III.5 as described above. As a result NEC decided to disqualify her as a candidate for election of BSNA President The other nominee, Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, fully met the eligibility requirements, including the proposed EC members communicating their consent and willingness to serve with him, directly to the NEC Chair by the due date. Since Dr. Shri Kant Mishra was the only other nominee who fulfilled all the eligibility requirements for a candidate for BSNA President s election, NEC declared him President Elect for Derogatory remarks about NEC Chair and others have been made in s. Such s are tarnishing the image of BSNA and turning off members. NEC scrupulously executed its assignment by meticulously following the NEC Guidelines with the procedural integrity, decision-making objectivity, and fairness to the nominees. I hope the information provided here will help you to understand the BSNA election process clearly. Dr. Om Sharma President, Brahman Samaj of North America BSNA is Service to All and Disservice to None Any BSNA member in good standing can be nominated provided one member nominates and other member seconds him/her. Under this step there were two nominees, Mrs. Nirmala Shukla and Dr. Shri Kant Mishra. Step 2: Declaration as a Candidate: Eligibility Requirements for a nominee to be considered a candidate for BSNA President are enumerated under NEC Guidelines Section II, Section III.4 and III.5; They are; Outstanding contribution to BSNA, Leadership Qualities, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skill, Team Player, and puts Organization above Personal Ideas/Interests, etc. NEC Guidelines Section III.3. Eligibility Requirements, further states that each person included in the EC list must confirm individually and directly to the NEC Chair in writing via regular mail or explicitly expressing his/her willingness to be a candidate for the office proposed by the candidate for the president. NEC Chair Dr. Bajpai sent a letter to both nominees asking them to submit records/documentations by certain date to NEC in order to determine their Eligibility for a candidate for the BSNA President election. Pictures from BSNA/GBC Convention 2012

10 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 10 FESTIVALS October Shardiye Navratri The festival of Navratri begins on the first day of Ashwin of the bright fortnight. Navratri is the sacred and joyous festival of the Hindu community of India. Observed over a period of nine nights, the festival is famous almost throughout the country for its religious and social importance. It is devoted to the worship of the divine Mother in various forms under different names by different people. October 24 - Vijayadashmi (Dassehra) Vijayadashami is also known as Dasara, Dashahara. It is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin from the Shukla Paksha Pratipada (the next of the New moon day of Bhadrapada) to the Dashami, or the tenth day of Ashwin. In India, the harvest season begins at this time On the day of Dasha-Hara, statues of the Goddess Durga are submerged in the waters of the river. According to popular belief, Dussehra celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the wicked demon Mahishasura who, according to legend, belonged to Mysore. It is also believed that the festival actually commemorates the killing of the great demon king of Lanka, Ravan, by Lord Rama. Both Mahishasura and Ravan are demons and their execution is a symbol of the destruction of the evil that resides within our mind. November 2 Karva Chauth Karva Chauth is observed on the 4th day (chauth) of waning moon fortnight in the month of Kartik. It falls nine days before Diwali. In ancient Vedic culture, woman had a special place in the family. She was cosidered as Lakshmi of the house and is properly taken care of. The festival of Karva Chauth is reciprocation between wife and husband. Wife shows her unflagging loyalty towards her husband and husband promises her to protect throughout life. Wife fast whole day till spotting of the moon in the evening. She performs all the ritualistic ceremonies to the moon god and prays for longevity, prosperity and well-being of her husband with full faith and sobriety. November 11 Dhan Teras Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the month of ashwin. The word "Dhan" means wealth. As such this day of the five-day Diwali festival has a great importance for the rich mercantile community of western India. Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of rangoli designs to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity. On this auspicious day women purchase some gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils. November 13 Deepawali Leading us into Truth and Light, Diwali is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on the dawn of Amavasya during the Hindu month of Kartik every year. It symbolizes the age-old culture of our country which teaches us to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights and teaches us to uphold the true values of life. Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya on this auspicious day and the Ayoudhya was decorated with lighted earthern lamps, flowers, etc.

11 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 11 From page 13.. and rangoli. Lighting the small earthen lamps also welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost all the regions of India and is looked upon in some parts of India as the beginning of New Calendar or Financial Year. For those who believe Diwali begins a new financial year tidy up their accounts and are much more apt to hold grand pujas and devotional displays for Goddess Lakshmi. As such the blessings of Lakshmi, the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu are invoked with prayers. November 14 Govardhan Puja/Annakoot Govardhana Puja is the festival celebrating Sri Krishna s pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Lord Indra s storm. Devotees around the world celebrate this festival by building a replica of Govardhan built with prasadam, and a murti of Lord Krishna is placed atop for the devotees to circumambulate and offer kirtana. All Govardhan replicas are at least partially made of foodstuff for offering to the Lord then distributing as prasad. Some, however, are constructed as earthworks or with painted rocks, shaped cow dung, flowers, etc. November 15 Bhai Dooj/Bhaiya Dooj Bhai Dooj falls on the two day after Diwali and is celebrated all over the country. Sisters decorate their puja thali with mithai, batashas, roli and rice along with the coconut. The sister applies tika on the forehead of the brother. After applying tikka, she gives him a few of A letter from Dr. Shri Kant Mishra - BSNA President Elect My Dear Members of BSNA, Member of EC, BOT BSNA, Chapter Presidents and Youth Group: Please find announcement of my presidency of BSNA by Dr. Om Sharma, President of BSNA, based on the recommendation of NEC under the chairmanship of Professor Shiva Bajpai. It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Shri Kant Mishra has been declared elected president of BSNA for the term Nomination and Election Committee (NEC) has carried out the election process per BSNA Constitution and NEC Guidelines. Subsequently, the NEC Chair, Professor Dr. Shiva Bajpai, has informed me of the Committee s recommendations declaring Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, as elected president of BSNA for the term I accept the presidency of BSNA along with a very learned, experienced, and dedicated Executive Committee Members committed to help me in fulfilling the stated objectives. My Executive Team includes: Myself as President Shri Jagar Sharma, Executive Vice President Dr Lakshami Shanker Dubey, Vice President Canada Dr Keshav Shukla, Vice President USA Shri Nalin Shanker Mishra, Secretary Shri Ajoy Dube, Treasurer Shri Ram Mishra, Assistant Treasurer We accept this honor with utmost humility and we promise you that we will work our best in selfless manner to strengthen the status of BSNA. We plan to provide leadership based on principles of the strategic organization improvement Under my leadership we plan to strengthen BSNA by incorporating Brahmans originating in different parts of India, speaking different languages, etc.; continue initiating new chapters in different regions/states; all Brahmans in North America; revive the dormant chapters; bring various Brahman groups from Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of India and U.S.A under the BSNA; establish leadership programs for the youth; develop interactive social networks (mentorship) for youth and adult Brahmans; revamp organizational infrastructure at local, regional, state and National level; continue supporting disadvantaged Brahman students through Brahman scholarship programs; and raising funds. We will stratify the goals in short term and long term periods with your active support.

12 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 12 President Brief Biographic Data of Executive Committee Brahman Samaj of North America (BSNA) Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, ABMS Gold Medalist (BHU), M.D, MSc, MS, (Administrative Medicine), FAAN, FIAA Education: Graduated Ayurvedacharya, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (ABMS) Summa cum laude, from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India; MSc (Anatomy) Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; M.D. (Honors) from University of Toronto, Canada; and Masters in Administrative Medicine from University of Wisconsin, USA. He completed internship in internal medicine at South western Medical School Dallas.Texas; Residency in Neurology UCLA and Fellowship in Neuromuscular disorders at Washington University Saint Luis, Missouri and Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota. Shrikant Mishra is a Saryuparin Brahman and Gautam Gotra. Professional Profile: Dr Mishra is currently serving as a Neurologist with special interest in Neuro-muscular disorders specifically in myotonic muscular dystrophy research. He is Professor of Neurology at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California and at David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA. He serves as the Director of Neuromuscular Programs at VA Greater LA Health Care System and Olive View UCLA Medical Center. He is also a Visiting Professor of Neurology at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute Lucknow, Sree Chitra Neurological institute, Trivendrum, India. He is Serving as a member of Educational Committee of World Federation of Neurology. He has served as Associate Dean at Keck School of Medicine Medical Director of VA and Chief of Neurology and Co-Chair of Neurology, University of Mississippi. In addition, He is member of many prestigious Neuroscience and Integrative Medicine Societies such as the World Federation of Neurology. He has been chair of study section and national advisor of NCCAM 2 (NIH) and Chief Medical Officer and member of the board for Health World Online. He has served on various intramural and extramural committees in Neuroscience and Integrative medicine in USA and abroad. He is part of multiple editorial boards of neurological and integrative medicine journals. He has published more than 250 papers, abstracts and book chapters published in peer review publication. In addition to Neurology, he is an evidence based Ayurvedist. He served as president of American Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine AAAM. Awards and Honors: He is recipient of various academic and community awards and honors. He has been honored with the Outstanding Physician Award by the Indian Medical Association of Southern California, Best Teacher of Department of Neurology Award multiple times (2007, 2009, 2010, and 20012) by David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA, Most Distinguished Physician Award by American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and the Life Time Achievement Award from AINA/American Academy of Neurology for my service to Indian neurologists in North America and India. He was distinguished professor of Rajasthan Ayurveda University Jodhpur Rajasthan India and was awarded as a distinguished alumnus of Banaras Hindu University. He is chair of Global Medicine Association of Indian Physician in America (AAPI). BSNA has conferred upon him its Brahm Alankar, its highest award Brahmshiromani Award and most recently Aajeevan Seva Puraskar. And was Key note speaker BSNA WBC Community Service and Organizational Leadership Positions He served as a President Indian Association of Queens University Kingston, Ontario in 1968, President Indian Association of Mississippi ; Secretary, VP and President of Indian Medical Association of Southern California He

13 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 13 served as a VP cultural affairs FIA of Southern California 1988 and President and Chair of the Board FIA of Southern California , President Indian Medical Association of greater Los Angeles , Member of the Board People assisting the homeless (PATH) Service to Brahman Groups, BSNA, WBO and GBC He is a Life Member of BSNA since 1995; served as a Regional Director Pacific region BSNA , President BSNA Southern California Chapter , Member NEC Committee, Valley Forge, PA , Member NEC 2004, Chair of NEC He has been Chair of the BOT BSNA , Member BOT BSNA 2010 present, Member of BOT WBO , Chair of BOT of WBO , President Global Brahman Confederation 2011-present. He is organizer of BSNA/ GBC convention July 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. He was a Key Note Speaker at BSNA/GBC Convention July 2012 in Los Angeles, CA. Other Activities Related to BSNA, WBO and GBC He Provided Strategic planning for BSNA to Nirmal Choubey, President BSNA, coordinated Educational Program for youth at BSNA Convention 1996 Redding PA under the convention chair Prof Satish Tripathi Ji. 3 He coordinated as Co-chair of Kavi Sammelan with Pandit Jagar Sharma ji in every convention of BSNA, coordinated health care issues amongst Brahmans in most of the conventions. He attended, particularly , 2008, and 2012 BSNA conventions, provided strategic adaptation of WBO in 2005 to Dr. Shyam Shukla. As a chair of Board of Trustee of WBO he enhanced the stature of WBO. He worked to find the candidate Dr Sangam Mishra and worked to have successful GBC Convention in 2011 by making many trips to India, which was unfortunately cancelled. He is a founding president of GBC 2011, had very successful meeting in New Delhi in Dec 2011 attended by many Brahmans to Promote, Protect and Preserve Brahmanic values. He helped in organizing the most successful BSNA convention in LA July He has performed many more services to BSNA and Global Brahman organizations. Executive Vice President Shri Jagar Sharma Shri Jagar Nath Sharma was born in the Purohit Kul, Bhardwaj Gotra in village Nagta of District Kangra, in the State of Himachal Pradesh on February 7, Graduated in Economics and Political Science, passed UPSC examination and started working for Ministry of Health Government of India in 1963 at Bombay. He is a founding President of Tarun Social Club, that was established in 1964 in Santacruz, Bombay. He changed job to the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. and moved to New Delhi. While in New Delhi for 11 years he started and/or held various positions in several organizations and finally occupied the following position of President, Sri Durga Saving Society; President, Srinagar Welfare Association; Secretary, All India Petroleum Workers Union; Secretary, Kangra Sabha, Delhi now it has 15 regional offices. He promoted Kangra Adarsh Group Housing Society Ltd. which has 300 houses at Vikaspuri, Delhi. Kangra Co-operative Bank now has nine branch offices in New Delhi and Himachal. All these organizations are still in existence and have become very large organizations. He Migrated to USA, completed MBA with double majors in Accounting and Finance from New York Institute of Technology. He worked as Export Manager for a Corporation and Health Care 4 Investigator for NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation before becoming Controller for a Corporation in NYC. In 1988 he joined The State of New York, Department of Financial Services as a Bank Examiner. Later he was promoted to Senior Bank Examiner position and has been examining financial institutions for the past 24 years all over the country and enforcing laws and regulations.

14 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 14 He joined BSNA in 1995 as Life Member and occupied the following positions of Chapter President; Regional President; Executive Vice President; and finally President. In addition, he become Member of Board of Trustee three times; Member BSNA Constitution Committee; Member Operating Guidelines Committee; and Director - First World Brahman Convention 2000, the biggest convention of BSNA ever which will never be surpassed by any convention in terms of total number of families, total number of attendees, total revenue, and total donations. He organized biggest picnics, biggest Diwali and other Hindu festivals, and attended 14 BSNA conventions. He is Trustee World Branham Organization. In addition, he is also Trustee of the Hindu Center, Inc. (Hindu Temple) Flushing, New York incorporated in 1966, and Trustee Global Brahman Confederation. Vice President Canada Dr. Lakshmi Shankar Dubey Dr. Lakshmi Shankar Dubey of Montreal, Quebec, Canada is a life member of BSNA since its inception. He has served as a Chapter President of BSNA in Quebec where his greatest contribution has been to keep the Quebec network strong. Dr. Dubey also served as a member of the BOT of BSNA many times in the past and is currently a member as well. Dr. Dube is a scientist and is recognized in the Montreal community for his deep knowledge of the Hindu scriptures. Dr. Dubey was born in village Tilthi, Mirzapur, U.P. He obtained his BSc degree from K.N. Govt. College, Gyanpur; MSc (Math) from Banaras Hindu University; MSc (Math) from Memorial University, Newfoundland; and PhD (Math) from Carleton University, Ottawa. Dr. Dubey has published many research papers, refereed various research papers and written many reviews of 5 research papers in reputed Math journals including the American Mathematical Society, and Zentralblatt MATH. Dr. Dube is married to Urmila Devi; they have four children and seven grand children. He is a Professor of Math at Vanier College, and also teaches part-time at Concordia University, Montreal. Dr. Dube is an active member of his community and has received many academic and community awards. Throughout the years, Dr. Dube has arranged BSNA meetings and activities (Quebec Chapter) with special emphasis on passing Brahmanic values to younger generations. Dr. Dube has been actively involved in the Quebec Hindu Mandir (Montreal) and has been giving regular discourses on Ramayan and Bhagvad Gita. Vice President USA Dr Keshav Shukla Dr. Shukla and his wife Mrs. Shanti Shukla hail from Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, India and are settled in Houston for over 24 years. They are blessed with two children and two grandchildren from older son, all living in Houston. He is a Saryuparin Brahman, Garg Gotra. One of his nephews is settled in Silicon Valley, CA. Dr. Shukla is a Ph.D. in Physics from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. After his Ph.D., he joined as a Faculty at Duisburg University, West Germany, in 1981, and migrated to USA at Clemson University in 1986 before moving to Rice University (Houston) in He has enjoyed a distinguished career as Professor of Thermodynamics for several years while also serving as a Technical Advisor to oil and gas industry. Currently, he is affiliated with a major International Oil and Gas Company in Houston as Global Senior Manager/Technical Director. He is associat-

15 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 15 ed with several international scientific organizations and has published numerous papers in peer reviewed scientific journals of international repute, book chapters, presented papers at professional meetings and chaired sessions. He has given several graduate seminars and presentations, and spent sabbatical at several reputed institutions, such as Stanford and Yale Universities, and oil/gas companies. Dr. Shukla has been involved in various social, religious and cultural non-profit organizations in Texas for the last several years. He is one of the founding members of Hindus of Greater Houston, a social, religious and cultural organization serving Hindu community for over 22 years. Since its inception, he has been one of the main coordinators of leading the annual community festivals, such as Janmashtami and Ram Navami celebrations, with participation of about 8,000 people. He has been a Board Member of a major Temple in Houston, and involved in several community services not only in Greater Houston Area but also across USA via performing socio-religious activities/sacraments, and promoting Vedic Culture and Values amongst Hindus as well as non-hindu community, including VHP America and Interfaith organizations. As a hobby, he has also received degree in religion from Department of Sanskrit, BHU. He is an active life member and Board Member of BHU Alumni Association of America (BHUA) which was originally established in Houston in 1981, was its President , plays active role in maintaining its website/directory and sharing day-to-day responsibility with other life, board members, and executive committee. He has continued involvement in supporting several other social and cultural organizations in USA such as Hindi Organization, Sanatan Hindu Center, etc. Dr. Shukla has served BSNA after its inception in various positions and is a life member of BSNA. Currently, he is a Member of BOT BSNA (2012-continue) and has also attended the most recent and successful annual BSNA/GBC convention 2012 held in LA. He has been the President of BSNA Texas Chapter , later sharing responsibility with other BSNA members locally. He has organized/coordinated several BSNA meetings in Texas, organized BSNA President s meetings with Texas BSNA members and motivated several Brahmans to become BSNA member and life member. He has been one of the vice presidents of WBO as well. Secretary Shri Nalin Shanker Mishra Shri Nalin Shanker Mishra was born in the Gautam Gotra in District Gorakhpur, in the State of Uttar Pradesh on September 25, He graduated in Science and MS from University of Pune. He completed CNE from Novell and worked as Network Administrator for Novell and BUI 7 India and also taught at CDAC. He is currently working as a Vice President Health care organization in Washington DC, USA. He is founding President of Chahal Social Club, which was established in 1997 in Pune, India, changed job to the DC Health Care and moved to Washington DC, USA in He is pursuing MBA with double majors in International Business and Marketing from UMUC. He Joined BSNA in 2001 and occupied the positions such as Youth President. He has been Convention Coordinator for BSNA Convention in DC 2005, and Committee Member for World Brahman Convention in VA, DC WBC 2007, and has been Chapter Youth President DC Chapter. He has organized and held BSNA Convention in 2005 by overlooking all the committees. He organized picnics, Diwali, Holi and other Hindu festivals and attended various BSNA chapter and conventions. The last but not the least, he is a very active member of BSNA DC Chapter and volunteer at Hindu Temple and Shiva Vishnu Temple in Maryland area. He is a team player, works with the organization and has great deal of experience and training in human behavior Organizational improvement. He will bring all many skills to serve as Secretary of BSNA.

16 Volume 14 Number 3 Page 16 Treasurer Shri Ajoy Dube Shri Ajoy Dube has been serving the Indian community for a long time sincerely and desires the upliftment of the BSNA community. Since his college days, he was engaged with social and community activities. After migrating from India to America, he was actively involved with the Indian Associations and Bengali Association at Houston, Texas. In California, he is still an active member of Dakshini Bengali Association and from time he holds posts as executive member, treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president. He has been involved with Federation of Indo-American Associations Southern California (FIA) which is an umbrella organization of Indian associations. He has served FIA in various positions, such as Cultural Vice President, Executive Vice President, President and Chairman. He is still active as Advisor to the Board, also serving NFIA (National Federation of Indian-American Associations, this is the biggest umbrella Indian Association of USA) as a Director At Large. He holds the posts as Vice President, Secretary and Regional Director in NFIA. He has served BSNA after its inception in various positions. He is a Life Member and two times Los Angeles Chapter President. He is the current president of L.A. Chapter and did 2012 World Brahman Samaj Convention. As per the Brahman Bandhus this is one of best convention they have attended He has selflessly served BSNA for many years and promises to provide leadership. He is willing to supply the dedication that BSNA needs. The prosperity of Indian Americans Brahman is indeed a joy for all of us. Our business is to realize ourselves first and to mold everything to the law of Indian Brahman s eternal life and nature. His aim will be to help in building up World Brahmans for the sake of humanity this is the spirit of Brahmanlisam and nationalism which we profess and follow. He believes in togetherness less I, more WE. He seeks everybody s support and blessings as he can serve the BSNA community as much as he can. On the basis of the basic principles and preamble of BSNA, he would like to emphasize upon to represent the interests of the Indo-American Brahmans at large, and support the mission statement of BSNA President. Assistant Treasurer Shri Ram Krishna Misra Shri Ram Krishna Misra was born in Buxar, Bihar on Aug. 12, 1952 to Shri Kunwar Prasad and Tara Devi Misra of Agra, U.P. He is a Kanyakubj Brahmins of Shandilya Gotra. He got married to Sushma Tiwari, daughter of Rameshwari & Capt. Triloki Nath Tiwari of Gwalior on Feb 15, They have a daughter - Shivani and a son - Nitin, both now gainfully employed in Private industry in Southern California. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering (B. Tech. Honors) from I.I.T., Kharagpur in After working for about five years in India, first at Abex, Denison, Hyderabad and then at Hindustan Motors near Kolkata, he moved to the US in He went on to complete his MS in Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management from Detroit, Michigan. In 1982, he moved to Southern California and has lived in Simi Valley since Dec. of He and his wife are very active socially and belong to a number of local organizations, among them: India Cultural Society (Simi & Conejo Valleys), BSNA, Valley Hindu Temple, Bhajan Mandlee of Simi & Conejo Valleys, etc. He has held various positions in ICS, including those of General Secretary, Vice President and currently as member of Board. He has served in the executive committee of BSNA in the past and more recently served as Associate Convention Director at the highly successful 2012 BSNA Annual Convention held in Los Angeles