ಚ ನ ನ ಡ. VSNA 39 TH ANNUAL CONVENTION 2016 H o s t e d b y M a r y l a n d C h a p t e r

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1 Page : 1 H o s t e d b y M a r y l a n d C h a p t e r H I G H L I G H T S Prologue By Convention Chair Entertainment highlights Editorial Registration Program Schedule Anubhava Goshti Food Sharana Philosophy Philanthropic activities of Shri Baba Kalyani ನಮ ಮ ಶರಣರ ಆಗಮ ನದ ಮ ನ Dr. G Jagadeesh Convention Chair The VSNA Convention baton was transferred to MD Chapter, one of the prominent chapters in the VSNA, after a successful Convention last year by the NJ-NY team. In science, the rule of thumb is without a plan, there can be no experiment and no publication. Imagination is more important than knowledge and it embraces the entire world. This concept was applied to our convention planning, which started nearly 15 months ago with the confirmation of our venue, Turf Valley, a beautiful golf resort touting a serene atmosphere. This gorgeous location has attracted so many of our members that registrations have skyrocketed beyond our expectations (see page 6 for registration details). Sharanas have not only taken over the entire Turf Valley resort, but are also overflowing into the two satellite hotels that are connected to the venue by frequent super-shuttle services running around the clock. We are sure delegates will not miss anything, as we have crafted a relaxed program schedule for both days, plus a preconvention welcome day (see page 7 for Program details). You said it and we have heard it. A large number of people including those at the BOD meeting asked us to have a special audience with Parama Poojya Shri Siddeshwara Swamji, of Jnana Yogashrama, Vijayapura. Thus, we have introduced a preconvention day, July 1 (Friday), to accommodate golf and a greater Washington, DC youth tour followed by evening pravachana (discourse) by Swamiji. The program ends with a beautiful dance performance (by Smt. Uma Ettigi group) from the Basava period. The convention will be formally inaugurated on the morning of July 2 in the presence of Parama Poojya Shri Siddeshwara Swamiji, His Holiness Jagadguru Shri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji of Suttur mutt, His Holiness Shri Siddalinga Swamiji of Siddaganga Gurukula, Shri Babasaheb Kalyani (Chairman and MD, Bharat Forge Ltd., Pune) and Dr. Shivananda Jaamdar, IAS (Former Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Karnataka). Biographic sketches of all (Continued on page 2)

2 Page : 2 P R O L O G U E (Continued from page 1) dignitaries are in the Convention newsletter chennudi, which is uploaded on the Convention website ( This will be followed by Anubhava goshti on the five cardinal principles Immaculate Body, Mind, Thoughts, Deeds and Words. Our actions should mirror our words. We have chosen this revolutionary thinking that emanates from the treasures of vachanas as our Convention theme. We will hold competitions in coloring, vachana recital, singing, and dance (classical and non-classical) for children and youth on the first day of the Convention. A number of workshops (Path to College, Business, Self-management) have been organized for the youth. Quizzes on Veerashaiva Philosophy and Vachana literature for youth will be held in the evening followed by entertainment. Sharanu Sharanaarthi, a drama portraying Basavanna s principle of equality for all, and the price he paid to establish it, will be the star attraction for that night. The second day begins with Anubhava goshti, part 2 on the contribution of Vachanas to World literature. This will be followed by organizational meetings, and a number of workshops including health, nutrition, business and finance. Adults are welcome to participate in rangoli and vegetable carving competitions. Youth will be doing kayaka at the nearby JSS spiritual mission that includes yoga, linga pooja, speaking of sharanas and anubhava goshti. For the evening, we have vachana anthaakshari followed by sharana dampathigalu contest. The grand finale is an orchestra performance of Vachanas and Kannada folk songs by awardwinning singer, Smt. M.D. Pallavi and her group. A convention of this size could not have been possible without the team efforts of dozens of people with a variety of experience and talents coming together, pitching in their time and sharing their knowledge. All committees have pulled the Convention chariot forward. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Likewise, Basavanna said in the 12 th century that it is the collective knowledge of individuals that enriches each one of us and awakens us toward societal needs and the well-being of others. sàqû E èzà qàªà Á ÀAiÀiÁå PÀPÀÌAiÀÄå À ªÀÄ ÉAiÀÄ èæ ÉÃrzÉ, ZÉ ÀßAiÀÄå À ªÀÄ ÉAiÀÄ èæ ÉÃrzÉ, zá ÀAiÀÄå À ªÀÄ ÉAiÀÄ èæ ÉÃrzÉ, J è ÀÅgÁvÀgÀÄ ÉgÉzÀÄ sàqû üpàëªà QÌzÀqÉ J Àß ÁvÉæ vàäa vàäû PÀÆqÀ ÀAUÀªÀÄzÉêÁ. It s great to have VSNA on your side. sharanu sharnarthi. G. Jagadeesh Chair, 2016 VSNA Convention nadeyolage nuditumbi, nudiyolage nadetumbi, nadenudi eradu parinámadalli tumbi, limgava kodaballátane sharana nðda akhamdeshwara.

3 Page : 3 E N T E R T A I N M E N T E V E N I N G E N T E R T A I N M E N T G R O U P S (JU L Y 2 A N D 3, ) Smt. M.D. Pallavi, an accomplished playback singer, has consented to stage live music orchestra (vachanas and folk songs) with her group of 3 accompanists on one of the two evenings of the Convention. A professional drama troupe from Bengaluru is scheduled to entertain the attendees with an historic drama, sharanu sharanarthi (kalyana kranthi) on another evening of the Convention (pending visa approval).

4 Page : 4 E D I T O R I A L (ಸ ಪ ದಕ ಯ) ಶಶ ಕಲ ನ ಬ ಳ (Continued on page 5)

5 Page : 5 E D I T O R I A L (ಸ ಪ ದಕ ಯ) (Continued from page 4) ChennuDi is published monthly, starting from January 2016, by the 2016 VSNA Convention Souvenir and Newsletter committee consisting of Shashikala Nimbal, Shashikala Chandrashekhar, Jayashree Jagadeesh, Sulochana Guggari, Mruthyunjaya Gonchigar and Uday Dessai. Vijay Guggari (Graphics design and Web committee) designed and formatted the Newsletter.

6 Page : 6 R E G I S T R AT I O N D ATA R E G I S T R A T I O N U P D A T E A S O F J U N E 5, Attendees by Chapter Chapter Attendees Registrations Maryland New York DC & Virginia New England Number of attendees: 630 Adults: 457 Children 1-13 : 97 Youth (14-24): 76 Chicago Pittsburg Connecticut 15 6 Florida 15 6 Texas (North) 13 4 California (North) 9 3 Detroit 9 5 North Carolina 8 4 Georgia 7 3 Attendees by State California (South) 6 2 Tennessee 4 3 Texas (South) 4 1 Colorado 3 1 Ohio 2 1 Toronto, Canada 4 1 UK 2 1

7 Page : 7 P R O G R A M S C H E D U L E July 1 st Time Event 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Valley 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM Youth (Y) 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM REFRESHMENTS 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM Shri Siddeshwara Swamji Pravachana Cultural Program 1 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM DINNER July 2 nd Time 6:00 AM to 6:45 AM 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12 PM to 1:30 PM 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM Event Yoga (Willows - Lower Level) Linga Pooje BREAKFAST Poster Setup (Y) (Cooridor) Inaugural Function LUNCH Anubhava Goshti 1 (Amphitheater) Discussion w/ Keynote Speakers (Y) Vachana Competition (Merriweather) Jeopardy Selection (Y) Dance (classical and nonclassical) Competition Singles meet (Sangama) (Waverly) BOD & BOR Meetings (Amphitheater) Time 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM July 3 rd Time 6:00 AM to 6:45 AM 7:00 AM to 7:45 AM 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Event Path to College / Business Workshop (Y) Singing (Nonclassical) Competition (Merriweather) REFRESHMENTS (Cameo/Wedgewood) Jeopardy Cultural Program 2 DINNER (Cameo/Wedgewood) Cultural Program 3 Event Yoga (Willows - Lower Level) Linga Pooje BREAKFAST Seva Day Mission (offsite) Sharan Dampathigalu Prelim. Selection Business & Finance (Amphitheater) Cultural Program 4 Video Presentation LUNCH Time 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM Legend Event Anubhava Goshti2 Vegetable Carving / Rangoli (Merriweather) Health & Nutrition (Amphitheater) Coloring Competition (Cameo/Wedgewod Ballroom) Anubhava Goshti (Y) Storytelling (Merriweather) Discussion w/ Swamijis (Y) Voice of Chapters & General Body Meeting Speaking of Sharanas (Merriweather) Self Management (Y) REFRESHMENTS Vachana Anthakshari Sharana Dampathigalu Cultural Program 5 DINNER Cultural Program 6 All Ages Workshops Youth < 14 Youth 14+ Youth-All Ages

8 Page : 8 A N U B H AVA G O S H T I ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS Megha Guggari One of the main themes of this year s VSNA Convention regards speaking kindly and always following through with what you preach. As this is a prominent theme, we see this message spread through multiple vachanas including vachanas by Guru Basavanna and Akkamahadevi. The first vachana reads, nudidade muttina haradantirabeku. nudidade manikyada diptiyantirabeku. nudidade sphatikada salákeyantirabeku. nudidade linga mechi `ahudahudenabeku. nudi yolagági nadeyadiddade, kudala-samgama- devanentolivanayyá? In this first vachana, Guru Basavanna expresses that one can only receive blessings from God if one speaks truthfully and kindly, and always follows through with one s words. One s words should be as delicate and beautiful as pearls strung on a thread, and should stand out and shine like sapphires. Every time we speak, we have two choices: we can either speak kindly, or we can lash out on others and speak harshly. Basavanna was a strong believer in kind speech and greatly emphasized that no matter how difficult the situation, it is important to always speak with gentle words. Every day, we have the chance to interact with numerous people and when we have this interaction, we can apply this simple, yet very important, principle to ensure that we remember to always speak in a way that will make us proud in the future. Furthermore, in this vachana, Basavanna notes that speech is useless without the corresponding actions to back up the speech. As the saying goes, Actions speak louder than words. It is quite easy to speak about completing good deeds but if this talk is never followed through with the corresponding actions, the great words are quickly put to waste. For example, if an individual constantly preaches about saving the environment to others, the individual will come off as an aware and responsible person. But if the individual does not even recycle or make attempts to save electricity, the individual is labeled as a hypocrite and his/her great words are instantly meaningless. Realizing this, Basavanna noted that Kudalasangama cannot care for anyone whose deeds do not match their words. In the next vachana, Akkamahadevi mentions the traits that correspond with a nearly perfect individual: nadeshuchi, nudishuchi, tanushuchi, manashuchi, bhávashuchi inti panca teerthamgaóla-nnólakomndu martyadalli ninda nimma sharanara tori ennanuluhikoóllaá chenna-mallikárjuná? Akkamahadevi expresses that the five holy traits are purity in deeds, words, body, mind, and thought. She questions whether there is any Sharana on the mortal Earth who perfectly represents purity in all five traits. This vachana again emphasizes our convention s theme that every individual must strive for purity in body and mind. Without purity in mind and thoughts, one cannot be respected. Both Basaveshwara and Akkamahadevi s vachanas express that in order to be respected by others and God, an individual must have purity in their mind and body; they must always speak kindly and must always follow through with their words. As we wake up every day, we must remember these vachanas to strive to accomplish all of our goals. Only when this is accomplished can an individual lead a great and respected life. We will be discussing these and many more vachanans as part of Anubhava goshti at the 39 th Annual Convention. Megha Guggari MD Youth Member 2016 VSNA Convention

9 Page : 9 S AV I Y I R O S A M M E L A N A DA R U C H I YA N U ಸ ವ ಯ ರ ಸ ಮ ಮ ಳ ನ ದ ರನ ಚ ಯ ನ ನ ಈ ಸಮ ಮ ಳನ ವ ಆಹ ದ ರಕದ ರನಚ ಯ ಸವ ಯಲನ ಆಹ ಈ ಮ ಲನ ವ ನ ವರಸಗಳ ಉಣಬಡ ಸಲನ ಸ ಹದ ದ ಡಗ ಡ ದ ನ ಮ ಮ ನ ಳಪ ಕವ ದನ ದನಡ ವ ಜನ ರನ ಬ ಡನವ ನ ಲ ಲ ತ ರ ವ ಬನತ ತ ಯ ಬಲನ ರನಚ ಬ ರ ತನ ಉ ಡರ ಅಧ ಕವ ಗನವ ಸರಳ ಸ ಹದ ವ ರಳ ರನಚ ಇದನ ತರಹ ತರಹದ ಚ ತ ನ ಮ ಮ ರ ಲ ಯ ಡ ಲ ಲ ಉ ಡವನ ಜ ಣ ದ ವಣಗ ರ ಬ ಣ ದ ಸ ಸಮ ಮ ಳನ ದಲ ಲ ತ ತನ ಆಸ ಉತ ರ ಕನ ಟಕದ ರ ಟ ಟ ಕ ಳ ಕ ಪ ಚಟ ಟ ತ ತ ದವನ ಗಟ ಟ ಯ ಳ ಎಣ ಯ ಬದನ, ಸ ಗ ದ ಚಟ ಟ, ಮ ಡ ವ ಜ ಳದ ರ ಟ ಟ ಯ ಗ ಳ ತನ ತನಪಪದಲ ಲ ಅದ ದ ಹ ಳ ಗ ಗ ದ ಮ ವ ನ ಕ ಯ ಯ ಸ ಕರಣ ಬ ರಳ ಚ ಪ ಉ ಡ ಮ ನ ಕ ಬದನಕನ ಲ ಲ ಬಲನ ಅಭ ರನಚ ಬ ಸ ಬ ಸ ಇರಲ ಲದ ನ ಮ ಮ ನ ಳಪ ಕ ದನ ದನ ವ ಸಗದ ಮ ಷ ನ ಈ ಬ ಸಯನ ಆರನವ ಮ ನನ ಎಲ ರ ಜ ತ ಗ ಡ ಹ ಚ ತ ತನ ನ ವ ಅನ ನಭವವ ನ ಮ ಮ ಮ ಹ ಸಮ ಮ ಳನ ಚ ದ ಶ ಖರ ನ ಬ ಳ Program Committee 2016 VSNA Convention * We acknowledge gratefully the original content of the lyrics from the Kannada movie Oggarane.

10 Page : 10 I N V I TAT I O N TO S O U V E N I R A R T I C L E S S O U V E NI R A DV E R T I S E ME N T S Back cover page, full, color $5,000 Inside back page, full, color $4,000 Inside front page, color $3,500 Full page inside, color $1,000 Half-page, inside, color $700 Full page inside, black and white $600 Half-page inside, black and white $500

11 Page : 11 S H A R A N A P H I L O S O P H Y V A C H A N O P A N I S H A T H J. Kalmath A Vachana from Chennabasavanna: Meanings: Akasha:=Sky, Pata=kite, Moolasuthra= controlling string for flying, Kali=hero or warrior, kajja= duty, Bhoomi= earth, bandi=chariot or cart, anga=body, sanga=association. Philosophy: Spirituality is essential to all human beings. Human beings, being the most advanced living beings on this Earth have the sense of communication and understanding unlike any other living species. These God given superior qualities are not present in any other living beings. Athma (The Soul) being born as a human Being after several re-births, has this birth as the last stage of passage to merge with Paramathma (The Universal Soul). This human birth being the highest in the order of evolution, is supposed to be the last chance in the birth and death cycle for Salvation. Also this highest order of evolution comes after several rebirth cycles of 84 lakh types of living beings and finally to facilitate the union with the Universal Soul -Shiva (Paramathma). As per the philosophy of Indian religions (Hinduism) the good and the bad (Papa and Punya) done during this/ these lifetimes, Karma (fate) will dictate the rebirth of the Soul as, any other living being or human. Your action is judged in each and every action of good and the bad deeds, that you have done in the life, to achieve the Salvation or Mukthi. Hinduism believes in rebirth but Veerashaivism claims that there is no rebirth as a Veerashaiva, but the subtle catch mentioned in Vachana s is that you have to be a true Veerashaiva to escape this birth-death cycle. Because of the intellectual capacity in this human life, the Soul has to keep a constant touch with the Supreme Almighty. Thus comes the necessity for Spirituality. If this spiritual connection is not kept, the Athma has no direction to go and loses the focus which will result again into the Birth-death cycle. Analysis: As per the religious and spiritual practices of Veerashaivism and as per one of the Panchachara principles, Lingachara : it dictates that everyone should wear Istalinga on the body to achieve Anga-Linga Samyoga. The Anga-Linga Samyoga (the union of body and Soul) is like the relation of husband and wife. A true couple even though separate live and survive together. This Vachana describes with examples how important it is to achieve the Salvation by wearing Istalinga on the body and achieve Anga-Linga Samyoga. The Anga (body) and the Linga (symbol of Shiva) exist together and are inseparable in the path of Salvation. Just like A kite flying in the sky has to have the controlling thread (Moola suthra) to balance and fly high even in the presence of turbulence and drastic wind currents Anga-Linga have to keep the connection all the time to gain the balance. The analogy is that main suthra (the main string), if disconnected makes the kite to crash and will travel with no direction or focus. It is subjected in Toto to the entire external forces and loses the correct direction and the Soul, loses the focus of Salvation. Similarly, a trained warrior or a hero has to have a duty to keep up the trainings and refine the learning. The warrior has to have responsibility and duty to abide to discipline his life. If he has no duty to perform he has no goal and the training and life s goal is wasted. Here comes the principle of discipline and practice (Sadhane). Likewise for a cart or chariot, to roll smoothly has to have a solid smooth ground. The smoother the road to roll the travel becomes a pleasure. The cart loses control if there are ditches and potholes. The travel to the destination is easy on a smooth solid ground. Here comes the principle of dedicated practice. The Anga (body) should not be devoid of Linga (the Universal Symbol of Shiva) and the devotee s goal to Salvation is not achieved with a separation. Anga should never be in the state of Nissanga the state of disassociation. For a person in the path of Salvation, the devotee s search for Mukthi is in experiencing the Supreme. The Nissanga is not the way of pursuit to Salvation. So the Linga has to be on the body of a veerashaiva all the time. Jayaraj Kalmath

12 Page : 12 P H I L A N T H R O P I C A C T I V I T I E S OF S H R I B A B A K A L Y A N I Pratham Pune Education Foundation Bharat Forge supports Pratham, which works with an objective to develop the educational skills of the children belonging to the most underprivileged section of the community, to clear basic concepts of Maths, Science & Marathi to help them learn with fun and therefore motivate them for further education. Swachh Bharat: Swachh Vidyalay Drought free Maharashtra: 2019 By adopting a village in Khed Taluka, Pune where various water conservation activities like repairs, renovation and restoration of percolation tanks, minor irrigation tanks etc., are undertaken.