Prerana Varsha Pratipada 2023 Issue13

PRERANA 

A N I N S P I R A T I O N T O H I N D U W O M E N 

e-zine 

HAPPY UGADI 

ISSUE 13 - 2023

Ugadi 2023 - Issue 13 

PRERANA 

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE 

We, as women, are always busy with personal and 

professional commitments. Our day mostly begins with 

household chores and continues until late evening, 

doing a number of routine jobs for our family and 

people around us. At times, it seems that we are 

working like machines, going on without rest. And then, 

without realizing, disappointment, despair, and 

loneliness seep in and we begin to question: 'Why am I 

doing all this, and for whom?' This is the time, we need 

to reflect and introspect. This is the time we need to as 

catch up with other women around us and ask, ‘How 

are we all doing?' 

This magazine, ‘Prerana’ is an attempt to reconnect 

women with each other and with our own self to find 

our inner ‘Prerana’, the motivation to continue working 

ceaselessly, but with clarity and a vision that we are 

moving on together to build a strong Hindu society, 

brick by brick, with our collective efforts, with love and 

enthusiasm. Let us bring out the beauty in each other, 

support each other, and thrive together! 

WRITE TO PRERANA 

Have something to share? You can write about your experiences in HSS, art and craft projects, book reviews, 

recipes, or about any topic that appeals to you. 

 

Not sure what to write? Each issue has articles under the titles 'American Women I admire', 'Hindu women from 

History', 'What inspires me', 'The book that changed my life', 'I want to share' and many others. Hope this gives you 

Prerana to write to us. Send in your articles, questions and comments to: prerana.feedback@gmail.com 

DISCLAIMER 

The views and opinions expressed in "Prerana" are those of 

the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or 

position of the publisher or any member(s) of the Prerana 

editorial team. 

PREVIOUS ISSUES 

Check out all the previous issues of Prerana here: 

https://www.hssus.org/prerana-e-zine 

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh 

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) USA is a 

voluntary, non-profit, socio-cultural organization. It 

aims to organize the Hindu community in order to 

preserve, practice and promote Hindu ideals and 

values. 

HSS conducts structured programs of regular 

athletic and academic activities to develop strong 

character and leadership skills in its members, and 

encourage maintaining Hindu cultural identity in 

harmony with the larger community. 

2 

Visit www.hssus.org for more information

www.hssus.org 

Vaikhari 

Dear reader, 

(वैखरी) 

EDITORIAL 

I was waiting for my turn to reach the billing counter. Suddenly, my eyes met with an old friend. She had draped a traditional 

block print cotton saree. Casually I said, ‘Hi, looking beautiful!’ She seemed to be overjoyed. “You made my day! It’s my birthday 

and I wanted to hear only good from others.” Her smile left me in awe at the idea that I could change what she felt for the rest of 

her entire day by uttering a few words. I could not stop thinking about the significance of our speech. If we look around, the 

entire world is a manifestation of sounds we create while speaking. It is the medium of sharing knowledge, messages, news, 

collaborations, and arguments. 

Vedic tradition has recognized four types of speech which goes from the 

most gross to the most subtle. The first one is the ‘Vaikari’ vani, generated 

from the throat, in which we speak and write. The ‘Madhyama’ is a higher 

level of speech, denoting those words which are in mind but that are not 

expressed in the outer world. Then comes ‘Pashyanti’ which goes beyond 

words or thoughts when one is thinking in flashes. The last form of speech is 

the ‘Para; vani in which one gets knowledge from insight. It is the ultimate 

and divine revelation. 

Vaikari is at the gross level of communication and the least powerful, but we 

humans interact only in it. Bhartrihari, an ancient Hindu philosopher, poet, 

and a grammarian says that our Vaikari vani is our karmendriya. How we 

speak and what we speak is also getting logged as our ‘karma’ for this life. Speech is a representation of our mind and heart. 

Each word we utter, based on its quality, is being deposited in our bank of deeds. 

Words have the ability of influencing the results that we are getting in life. Words can connect hearts or destroy relationships, 

start and end wars, and can marginalize or liberate communities. Have you ever thought how heavily loaded these words are - 

‘moksha’ ‘love’ ‘black’, ‘nuclear bomb’, ‘tsunami’, or for that matter even an empty word like ‘abracadabra’. You might be 

surprised to know that ‘abracadabra’ means, ‘What I speak, is what I create!’ Truly, what we speak is what we create. We 

interpret the meaning of each word based on our own sanskaras and experiences. 

There is science behind this Vedic division of speech; sounds create energy. We don't even realize how much positive energy 

we invite into our life by simply uttering good words that create good energy, and when you say them, your own body is the first 

to listen. You affect your own body with the right vibration you generate. That is why chanting is said to have the ability to lead 

us to revelation. Geeta says, “satyam, priyam, hitam jayatu” (17.15). Our speech should be truthful, pleasing, and beneficial. 

Austerity of speech consists in speaking truthfully and beneficially and in avoiding speech that offends. 

In opposition, social media today is coaxing you to create noise. ‘Status’, ‘story’, ‘reel’, ‘be real,’ or ‘comment’- it keeps titillating 

you to say something. Consequently, the cacophony of words that many of us are always busy creating to get a grip on other’s 

attention, creates a thick mental fog for our own selves. The wise people talk only when necessary. It was quite insightful of 

Plato when he said: “Wise men speak because they have something to say and fools because they have to say something.” 

Be conscious of your vaikari vani. Are your words creative or destructive? Are they uplifting or demoralizing? Are they 

positive or negative? Energizing or depleting? Check. Check. Preserve your energy and enhance your clairvoyance. It is only 

when one goes higher and higher on the path of Yogic perfection that one shall be able to hear the sounds Pasyanti, Madhyama 

and Para, the three hidden inside our spiritual self, yet to be revealed. Who knows, maybe this little choice of words is the only 

obstacle we have in becoming the best version of ourselves! 

Richa Yadav, Ph.D 

Shakha: Sankar Shakha, Flower Mount, TX 

Hobbies: Loves reading and cooking 

3


CONTENTS 

ह 

नव वष 

तपदा 

4 

2 About The Magazine 

- HSS 

3 Editorial - Vaikhari 

- Richa Yadav, Ph.D 

4 Contents 

5 Contents 

6 AyurvedA 

Pathya 

- Riya Rahul Sarolkar 

7 Snakes in the Ganga 

Book Review 

- Bindoo Talati 

8 Home Away from Home 

- Nivedita Iyeanger 

9 My Art 

Homemade Dhoop sticks 

- Vasantha Vennela 

PRERANA TEAM 

NATIONAL COORDINATORS 

EDITORS 

DESIGN 

ANJALI PATEL 

SUVIDHYA RANE 

SHRUTI PANT 

CHITRA JAVDEKAR, PH.D 

KANAKA TIRUMALE 

RICHA YADAV, PH.D 

DIPTI NAGRAJ 

ANJALI DESAI 

PRITI GADGIL 

DNYANADA PAWAR

www.hssus.org 

CONTENTS 

Cont'd ... 

10 Sewa community outreach 

- Harshada Sowani 

11 ON The cover - Ugadi 

- Ashwini Sandeep Bhalerao 

12 What I have learnt from my child 

- Shailja Shukla 

13 Shloka I grew up with - पता माता बंधू 

- Shweta Harankhedkar 

14 AUM School 

Early childhood education with Dharmic values 

- Manisha Kand 

15 PRASAD 

- Anjali Patel 

16 Yoga 

India's wonderful gift to mankind 

- Manasi Palkar 

17 Hindu women from history 

Sant Kanhopatra 

- Shubhada Rampure 

1 8 Brown girl skin - Book Review 

- Manisha Patil 

19 Eye of Asia: Maharashtra 

- Devshree Devidas Bhale 

20 Fight against climate change 

- Mounika Kalagatla 

21 Kids Zone - Story 

- Aadya Jain 

22 A Lesson From Hindu Scholars and My Arabic class 

- Arushi Tiwari 

23 American Women I Admire - Simone Biles 

- Sravanthi Polisetty 

5

AYURVEDA 

Pathya (प य) 


W R I T T E N B Y : R I Y A R A H U L S A R O L K A R 

Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that has been 

practiced for over 5000 years. It is based on the belief that 

health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between 

the mind, body, and spirit. The aim of Ayurvedic medicine is 

to prevent disease, maintain health, and treat illness using 

natural remedies and lifestyle practices. ‘Pathya’ is a unique 

concept in Ayurveda that is focused on identifying and 

following an individualized set of dietary and lifestyle 

guidelines to promote healing and maintain balance in the 

body. 

What is Pathya? 

प यं पथोऽनपेतं य ो ं मनसः यं। 

य ा यमप यं च नयतं त ल येतं ।। 45।। 

(Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 25/45) 

6 

The term ‘Pathya’ is derived from two Sanskrit words, 

"Patha," which means various channels in the body, and 

"Anapetam," which means not harmful to the human body. 

Therefore, Pathya refers to any food that is not harmful to the 

body and is instead soothing for the body and mind. Pathya 

foods are beneficial for all channels in the body; they help 

with healing, and are easy to digest. Consuming Pathya 

foods can leave you feeling content, happy, and satisfied. 

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of wholesome food 

(pathya ahaar) by stating that if a patient follows a pathya 

diet, there may be no need for medicine for her. Conversely, 

even the best medicine may not be effective if the patient is 

not consuming the right wholesome food. 

वना प भैषजे: ा ध: प यादेव नवतते। 

प येऽस त गदात य कमौषध नषेवणम्॥ 

Anupaan (Adjuvant), ahaar(diet) and vihara(physical 

movements) are three important aspects of Ayurveda. They 

all are explained as Pathya Kalpana(concept). 

Many of us have likely experienced this in our lives. When we 

get sick, the first thing our mothers and grandmothers often 

do is change our diet to something simple like moong dal and 

rice or khichadi with some ghee. These simple, nourishing 

foods not only make us feel better but also help us recover 

more quickly. 

According to Ayurveda, food has a significant impact on both 

the mind and body, and the concept of "Digestive Fire" or 

"Metabolic Fire" is central to the Ayurvedic understanding of 

health. Digestive Fire refers to the body's ability to properly 

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/ayurveda-approved-tips-for-betterrecovery-post-covid/articleshow/83779236.cms 

digest and absorb the nutrients in the food we eat. A strong 

Digestive Fire is seen as essential for good health, as it helps 

to maintain balance in the body, supports the immune 

system, and prevents the accumulation of toxins. 

This approach involves consuming a balanced diet that is 

appropriate for an individual's unique constitution and state of 

health. This includes using specific foods and spices to 

enhance digestion and metabolism, support the immune 

system, and restore balance to the body's doshas (bodily 

humors). 

Pathya recommendations also vary according to an 

individual's age, geographic location, and season. For 

example, a child with kidney disease will be advised a 

different diet than an adult with the same condition. Ayurvedic 

experts recommend wholesome diets that are helpful for 

specific conditions and diseases. Following a pathya diet is 

not only beneficial for recovering from illness but can also 

help maintain overall health. We can certainly follow that 

according to our constitution. 

In the upcoming series of articles, we will explore the concept 

of wholesome diets in relation to the three doshas - Vata, 

Pitta, and Kapha. 

Riya Rahul Sarolkar 

Satsang Shakha, Greater Boston Vibhag 

Hobbies: Want to speak in Sanskrit

www.hssus.org 

BOOK REVIEW 

Snakes in the Ganga 

- By Rajiv Malhotra Vijaya Vishwanathan 

W R I T T E N B Y : B I N D O O T A L A T I 

Out of the numerous books I have read this year, I believe that “Snakes in 

the Ganga 2.0” by Rajiv Malhotra and Vijaya Viswanathan, must be read 

by every patriotic Indian. This book has many different parts, each one 

containing a variety of issues India is facing with her western counterparts. 

I will focus only on how the prestigious Harvard university in the United 

States has entered India's different sectors like an epidemic and we, as 

common Indians, have no solution. Indian billionaires such as Anand 

Mahindra, Laxmi Mittal, the Piramals, and many more have provided funds 

to start scholarships in the Harvard business school and Harvard Kennedy 

school but never bothered to check how they use these funds. 

Basking in the glory of American academic institutions, these billionaires 

have established centers named after themselves at Harvard. This has 

helped Harvard gain access to several sectors of India like government 

policy, digital infrastructure, public health, higher education, media, and 

culture. In this manner, Harvard is gaining access to Indian data, Indian 

government organizations, and even fundraising from the Indian public. 

They create and own Archives of Indian history, culture, and public health, 

building libraries of translated works of Indian literature. They collect data 

on large scale events like the "Kumbh Mela", often using such data to train young Indians to become activists to 

'break' India is taking place at Harvard and has penetrated Indian society to its very core. It is a shocking truth how 

the university wants to dismantle our civilization’s heritage. 

As the author mentions in his first book Snakes in the Ganga 1.0, a method of disorganizing the country is like a 

coin with two faces. One side of the coin is how Western missionaries, NGO, and Hardcore Marxists convert poor 

and rural Indians to Christianity. The other side of the coin is the direct targeting of India’s urban elite at the highest 

level of social, political, economic, and government institutions to dismantle Indian society. The funds coming from 

Indian billionaires, therefore, end up playing a very vital role. Many Indian elites are hosting Harvard as the “Vishwa 

Guru with their money and family names.” In other parts of the book, the author talks about Yale, MIT, and other Ivy 

League schools partaking in similar practices. 

So a burning question arises: Is India up for sale? 

Just like our Indian kings and “zamindars“ had worked for the British in exchange for status, Indian billionaires are 

doing the same to gain recognition and approval from larger American and Western institutions. India, in fact, is a 

thriving young mind in the setting of archaic thoughts of the past. We must open our eyes and see the snakes in 

the Ganga, and protect India from any further manipulation and mistreatment. 

Rajiv and Vijaya do a marvelous job in explaining the subtle attacks and challenges our country faces, and is 

certainly a game changing novel in our continuously modernizing world. 

Source: Life of Pi (Paperback) - Walmart.com 

Bindoo Talati 

Shakha: Springfield, IL, Midwest 

Hobbies: dance, cook yummy food, and read 

7

HOME AWAY FROM HOME 

"Vistarakship" 


W R I T T E N B Y : N I V E D I T A I Y E A N G A R 

I first met a Vistarika when I was ten. It was my birthday, and a few Shakha families were over, celebrating with me. 

That night, I saw one person who I’d never met before in Shakha, or anywhere else, yet here she was at my 

birthday. As a kid, I thought it was strange that a complete stranger was mingling with everyone there, singing 

"janma dinam idam" to me. I later learned that she was a Vistarika and remember being awed by the concept. 

When it came time to graduate high school, the idea of going as a Vistarika came up. There are a lot of people 

because of whom I ultimately decided to go, and I am extremely grateful to them all. However, above all, while I 

was contemplating, I kept remembering meeting this Vistarika, and how cool I thought it was as a kid. Ever since I’d 

seen her, I wanted to try being like her one day, and although it was a short three weeks, I’m so glad I got to go. 

My Vistarakship took place in the Central Jersey Vibhag from July 17th to August 8th, 2022 (23 days), mainly in the 

cities of Edison, Iselin, and Woodbridge. The people I met and the experiences I had were extremely impactful. 

Over the three weeks, I visited a total of 15 families, of which, I stayed with nine families. 

By nature, I am an introverted person, and usually the listener, not the talker. It definitely wasn’t easy, and there 

were awkward conversations and silences. But despite this, it was a great learning experience. Cooking with the 

Taruns or drinking chai was a great way to connect. With Kishores, going out, taking them to eat, and simply being 

myself was lots of fun. Balas were the easiest, because all I had to do was ask them to teach me basketball or 

roblox or build legos with them, and they’d naturally open up. The hardest group by far was probably the 

grandparents. Several homes had their grandparents visiting from India. Often during the day, it would just be me 

and them at home, and our language wasn’t common either. It was really interesting to work through this language 

barrier using google translate, hand gestures, and broken bits and pieces of English. But beyond this, it ended up 

being more about the actions than the talking. Going with them on their evening walk and making sure to walk at 

their pace, having them braid my hair, waiting for them to eat lunch, it was the small things that made us close, 

even without speaking. I could learn from every single person in the family regardless of their age or how much we 

interacted. 

This Vistarikship felt like I was dropped into a big pot of Shudh Satvik 

Prem. It felt more like becoming a part of families rather than visiting. 

We’re so used to being trained to treat everyone that comes home as 

an Atithi (guest). What I realized as I went to each home though, was 

that freedom is what makes you feel more welcome. Some families 

just let me make my own breakfast, do my thing. It was surprising at 

first, but when I thought about it, it said a lot about how they saw me. 

Not as an Atithi, but as a family member. When I went to a puja with 

a family, there was absolutely no hesitation in them telling me to 

come up with them for aarti. When a family was having their game 

night, I was so naturally included. Another family welcomed me into 

their home with aarti and tilak, because they wanted to welcome me 

as they would any family member after a long time. Every single 

family had its own nuanced way of showing me the true meaning of 

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, something I’ve always known to believe, 

but never truly knew how. 

8 

The family I gained in just three weeks, the meaning of family that I 

understood, the friends, the homes, and the lessons were all 

immense. There were a lot of people that worked much harder to 

have me as a Vistarika in their Vibhag than I had to. I’m extremely

www.hssus.org 

grateful to all of the families and mentors who put in so 

much work and effort, as well as those who convinced 

and inspired me to do this. This Vistarakship was a 

very short three weeks, and I hope that in the future, 

I’m able to give more time. But, until then and beyond 

that, I hope to inculcate the values I’ve learned into my 

thoughts and actions every single day. 

Nivedita Iyeanger 

UIUC Yuva Shakha 

Hobbies: Enjoy Dancing Bharatantyam 

About Vistarikaship 

One of the many ways you 

can contribute to society is 

by being a HSS 

Vistarak/Vistarika. Students 

live in other volunteers' 

home (Shakha Parivar) and 

participate in the local 

Shakha outreach activities. 

MY ART 

Homemade Dhoop sticks 

W R I T T E N B Y : V A S A N T H A V E N N E L A 

We use heaps of fresh flowers to decorate the Sanghastan during any Shakha utsav. After the utsav, we generally throw these 

used flowers or bring them home to put them in a bowl of water along with tealight candles. For Gurudakshina utsav last year, I 

collected the used flowers after the samarpan and made DIY dhoop sticks at home. Here is the process of making dhoop sticks 

from flowers. 

Preparation: 

Separate all flower petals. Clean petals if there is any other residue and spread them on a clean cloth or paper, and let them air 

dry. When crushed between fingertips, you should not see any moisture, and petals need to feel brittle to touch. At this stage, 

we are ready to make our dhoop sticks. 

 

Making dhoop sticks: 

Add these dried petals to a mixer (blender) jar, add two or three teaspoons full of ‘guggul’ powder or Loban (called as Sambrani 

in Telugu) powder, three to four camphor tablets, and 3-4 edible camphor pieces. Make a fine powder. Next, add two teaspoons 

full of ghee and two teaspoons of water to the fine powder. Knead it like chapati dough. Now take small portions and make 

them into a small cone shape. If you wish, you can replace ghee with any essential oil you like. Sun dry them completely. Enjoy 

the nice fragrance when ready!! 

Vasantha Vennela 

Shakha: Veer Savarkar Shakha, Oak Park, CA 

Hobbies: arts, crafts and mainly DIY projects 

9

SEWA COMMUNITY OUTREACH 


WRITTEN BY : HARSHADA SOWANI 

 

Being born in a Sangha family, I grew up immersed in 

Sangha work and Sewa activities. I used to participate in 

local events and have heard extraordinary stories that were 

not often reported in the news. I also had the opportunity to 

engage in deep conversations with Pracharaks who would 

come to our home and have witnessed their unwavering 

dedication to the Sangha cause. These experiences have 

made a profound impression on my mind, and I have been 

inspired by the self-sacrificing stories of Sangha workers. 

10 

In my experience, I have found the Sewa activities of 

Sangha's sister organization, 'Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram', to be 

the most fascinating and full of inspiring stories. Growing up 

in Pune city, I had never witnessed the reality of life in rural 

areas or the real problems faced by Adiwasi (indigenous) 

tribes in India. However, after completing my engineering, I 

had the opportunity to volunteer for the Talasari Prakalpa 

project for 20 days, which was recommended to me by a 

Pracharak uncle. This experience was truly soul-touching. 

The Talasari Prakalpa project is located in Thane District, 

Maharashtra, just 120 kms away from the riches, glitter, and 

glamor of Mumbai. However, the tribes living here are 

steeped in abysmal poverty, deprivation, and suffering. The 

Vanavasi Kalyan Kendra was established in 1967 to cater to 

the teeming Vanavasi population of over 300,000 people. 

Talasari Prakalpa is a multi-field project that focuses on the 

overall development of the Adiwasi tribal community. The 

project includes initiatives such as education for tribal 

children, building hostels, providing sports and technical 

training facilities, mobile dispensaries for tribal health, selfhelp 

groups for women, child and reproductive health 

programs, a dairy farm with over 70 cows, social issue 

awareness campaigns, and creating business and agriculture 

opportunities. 

When I visited Talasari Prakalpa in 2010, there were no 

roads connecting the Adiwasi tribal homes, and they lacked 

access to electricity. The homes (Pade) were built of soil 

mud, tree branches, bamboos, and grass, and they were 

situated in the middle of dense forest. The tribal people found 

food from the forest and struggled to feed their children. They 

spoke their own tribal language, which varied from one tribe 

to another, even though they were located in the same Thane 

district. 

During my visit, it felt like I was on a different planet as they 

were unaware of city advancements, mobile phones, and 

even my jeans were foreign to the girls there. They were 

illiterate, deceived for land, and faced childbirth and 

women-hygiene issues. However, Talasari Kalyan Ashram 

has built education and medical facilities, hostels, farms, 

libraries, and has become a great source of development for 

the tribes. At that time, the Kendra was managed by Mr. 

Vivek ji Vaidya, a Swayamsevak who grew up in the city, got 

married, had a 5-year-old son, and decided to dedicate his 

entire life to Sewa work. He moved with his entire family to 

Talasari Kendra and directed and managed the entire 

project. His son learned in the school with other tribal kids, 

and his wife taught and helped tribal girls at the hostel. 

When I visited the center to volunteer my time, I returned with 

lessons that no one could have taught me. I witnessed selfsacrifice, 

service above self, dedication, sewa, and what 

Sangha truly means. It was an unforgettable experience that 

left a deep impression on me. 

Later in my life, I pursued a master's degree in the United 

States, but the questions I had about Sewa and my role in 

society continued to occupy my thoughts. That's when I 

discovered the extended HSS family and learned about the 

Sewa International organization. I got involved with the 

Boston chapter and learned about their various Sewa 

projects. I actively participated in several programs like 'Feed 

the Hungry' and 'Mass Serve', which were organized I also 

volunteered a couple of times at Lawrence on Saturdays. I 

also volunteered a couple of times at Lawrence shelter, 

where we served food to the homeless and the needy. Sewa 

volunteers cook and serve food at the Cor Unum center on 

every third Saturday of the month as well. These experiences 

have given me a sense of fulfillment that is unlike any other 

activity I do here. Serving food has shown me that there are 

so many different kinds of people in this world who come to 

America with the hope of achieving the American dream, but 

unfortunately face some tragedies and end up in homeless 

shelters. It has opened my eyes to the realities of life, that

www.hssus.org 

one can be on any side of the fence due to their fate, due to 

some mistakes, or some wrong decisions. I met some 

homeless people who had served in the military, who had big 

homes, and who could read. Some even guessed that I was 

Indian and thanked me for what I was doing. 

Cooking for these programs is also a great learning 

experience. We never cook for 50+ people on a regular 

basis, so there is much to learn and much to gain. These 

programs have taught me that just by our small acts, we can 

bring joy and smiles on so many faces even though we don’t 

know them or we might not see them again. There are no 

expectations, rules, or judgments – just a simple act of give 

and take. I feel that we take more than we give, and the 

satisfaction just by being a medium in the Sewa act is 

immense. We go with the intention of giving or doing 

volunteer work, but we end up getting so much more back as 

a reward later. I feel that these experiences have to be 

personally experienced, as it is very hard to put and share in 

words. 

Sewa International also undertakes various other community 

service projects, and we can choose to participate in any 

program based on our interests. As someone with a 

background in IT, I helped with some IT-related work for the 

Boston and Seattle chapters, such as managing email and 

social media accounts. In addition, there are local events like 

Holi and International Yoga Day that bring the community 

together and promote the organization's message of service. 

Through my involvement with Sewa International, I have 

learned that service is not just about giving, but also about 

learning and growing. 

It has given me the opportunity to meet people from different 

walks of life and learn about their struggles and triumphs. 

Moreover, it has helped me develop a sense of gratitude for 

the opportunities and privileges I have been blessed with and 

has inspired me to do my part in making this world a better 

place. Organizing or participating in events such as the Holi, 

Diwali, the International Yoga Day, Nrityameva Jayate, the 

marathon run, or getting involved in projects such as ‘Clean 

the highway’ or ‘Clean the trails’, where you can participate 

with your family and friends, you get to learn skills such as 

planning, communication, and organizing. 

Sewa has taught me the concept of "Service above self", 

which means there is always more to offer, more to do, and 

more to share until we achieve a state where the entire world 

is happy, peaceful, healthy, and united. 

ॐ सव भव तु सु खनः। 

सव स तु नरामयाः। 

सव भ ा ण प य तु। 

मा क त् ःख भा भवेत्॥ 

ॐ शा तः शा तः शा तः ॥ 

Harshada Sowani 

Shakha: Seattle Yuva Shakha 

Hobbies: Traveling & exploring, Painting, Hiking 

ON THE COVER -UGADI 

The Ugadi Cover design is a drawing made with color pencils using a combination of organic 

and line drawing styles. In this drawing, Ashwini Sandeep Bhalerao, from Swami 

Vivekananad Shakha, Kent, WA, has drawn how four Indian states celebrate the Hindu New 

Year. She has depicted four different States' New Year namely Gudhi Padwa from 

Maharashtra, Ugadi from several Southern states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and 

Telangana. Baisakhi from Punjab and Bihu from Assam. 

Ashwini ji's hobbies include drawing and cooking. 

11


What I have learnt from my child 

W R I T T E N B Y : S H A I L J A S H U K L A 

We all know that parents are kids’ first and the most influential teachers. However, while spending time with my two-year-old 

daughter, I realized that we can also learn a lot from our kids. I am sharing a few such examples. 

BEING A CURIOUS GEORGE 

Kids are naturally inquisitive and exploratory. When my daughter sees new people or even new objects, she 

asks, “yeh kaun hai?” (Who is this?). I find that very cute and adorable. More than just a verbal answer, she 

wants to touch and feel these objects herself. While she may initially hesitate to go to a new person, she 

remains curious as to who they are and remembers them. A child’s curiosity is not just intellectual but involves all senses. 

A SOCIAL BUTTERFLY 

When my daughter sees other kids, she always wants to hug and play with them. However, this feeling is not always 

reciprocated by others. Thankfully though, my daughter got a chance to spend three months in Bharat. While there, 

she got attached to my parents, relatives, neighbors, our family helper, and her kids. She connects with nearly everyone she 

meets because she values unconditional love and not how much money or status one has. We too, must sustain human 

connection in an increasingly monetized world. 

SMALL THINGS CAN MAKE ME HAPPY 

My daughter likes to use the broom to get a ball under the table, whether it is actually needed or not. She sometimes 

moves the apples from one container to another and puts them back. She even likes to put my socks on my feet even 

though she is too small to do it properly. Such actions may be deemed as insignificant to us. However, if one examines 

these further, it shows that children can find joy in so many small things. Let us also learn to appreciate the small things in life. 

DUMP THE RULES AND CHILL OUT 

My daughter does not always sleep “on time.” This is an even bigger challenge when there are friends or 

extended family members around because my daughter wants to interact with them. I prefer to let her 

socialize more rather than enforcing the usual routine. Some people feel that one should insist on kids 

sitting in one place while eating. However, our elders in Bharat happily feed kids while they play or move around. Though 

instilling good values are important, I feel that setting too many rules often results in more stress and resentment in the 

long run. 

BEING A HANUMAN TO FIND YOUR SHRI RAM 

12 

I see my daughter casually humming various shlokas and bhajans while playing. Apart from offering flowers to 

deities, she even wants to say “shubh ratri” to some of the murtis or hug them. My husband and I were amazed 

to see tears in my daughter’s eyes on multiple occasions during Hanuman Chalisa paath in the mandir. These 

were definitely a different kind of tears than when a child is sleepy, hungry, or hurt. It is inspiring to see how my daughter 

(and likely many other kids) connects to the spiritual energy that emerges from our mantras, shlokas, and bhajans.

www.hssus.org 

BEING A KEEN OBSERVER 

During our Bharat trip, my daughter observed my parents putting tilak on the deities and started doing the 

same. She is also able to identify the illustrations of some of our famous Hindu heroes like Chhatrapati Shivaji 

and Swami Vivekananda. In fact, she often copies Swami Vivekananda’s pose of crossing the arms or Shri 

Krishna’s pose of standing cross legged with the flute! Lately, I have found that my daughter easily notices if I get upset. 

She will then say “mumma gussa!” (Mom is angry). Yet, if I smile or do something pleasant, she will say “mumma gussa 

nahin hai! Mumma happy!” Thus, her observations are not just an academic exercise but a reflection of a deeper 

connection. 

In conclusion, kids create very special memories and I really want to cherish each and every moment of my daughter’s 

childhood. At the same time, we as parents have to learn from both the wonderful moments as well as those moments that test 

our patience. 

Shailja Shukla 

Parashuram Shakha, Los Angeles, CA 

Hobbies: Photography 

Shloka I grew up with 

पता माता बंधू 

W R I T T E N B Y : 

S H W E T A H A R A N K H E D K A R 

When the evening diya is lit in front of the 

pooja ghar at home, the prayers begins by 

“शुभम करो त क याणम, आरो यम धनस दा”. It i the 

quintessential beginner shlok which is 

probably recited in every Marathi household. 

Another shlok that was recited in my home 

was “सदा सवदा योग तुझा घडावा'' an abhang by 

Sant Ramdas. 

पता माता बंधु तुज वण असे कोण मजला । 

Only you are my father, my mother, my siblings 

ब मी अ यायी प र सकळ ह लाज तुजला ।। 

You accept me for whatever I am 

न जाणे मी कांही जप तप पुजा साधन रती । 

I know nothing of jaap-tapas-pooja 

कृ पा ी पाहे शरण तुज आलो गणपती ।। 

Continue to have your watchful eyes on me. I surrender to you, oh almighty! 

And, then there was this third one “ पता माता बंधू”. A very simple prayer in Marathi which my father would chant loud and clear and 

with firm conviction! My father was a banker and that meant so many transfers, change of cities, and schools for us. He must 

have picked up this shlok during his stay in Shegaon, the abode of Sant Gajanan Maharaj. This shloka is always recited at the 

Gajanan Maharaj temple. I was four years old and didn't know what these prayers meant, but like a parrot, I would recite them. 

But this third shloka has somehow always stayed with me. 

In this prayer, the devotee conveys his feelings in very simple words. He tells Gajanan Maharaj, who is his God, that he is the 

only one in the entire world who is always there for the devotee. The devotee further states that knowingly and unknowingly, he 

has made many mistakes, done wrong deeds, been hurtful to others, but Maharaj is not ashamed of him. In other words, God 

forgives all the wrongdoings of his devotees. He also conveys to Maharaj that he knows nothing of how to perform a systematic 

pooja, or to chant mantras or traditions. He has no means to offer flowers or prasad but he only has his sincere devotion to offer. 

In the final line, the devotee tells Maharaj to continue to bestow his mercy on him as he completely surrenders to him. 

These are four uncomplicated lines with a deep profound meaning. 

Shweta Harankhedkar 

Shakha: Abhimanyu, Schaumburg Chicago Sambhag MidWest 

Hobbies: read, dance and travel. 

13


EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 

WITH DHARMIC VALUES 

W R I T T E N B Y : 

M A N I S H A K A N D 

Q:What is Aum School? 

Aum School is a Sangh initiative that is focused on providing an education that incorporates Hindu values and an academic 

curriculum for PreK-5 children. Aum is a non-profit organization. 

Q: How does Aum School work to instill an appreciation of dharmic values in children? 

It takes a village to raise a child. In Bharat, such a village is provided to children through their extended families and 

communities. In the USA, parents have to consciously create that village. The Aum School is a village where children learn the 

samskaras and dharmic values through our curriculum and activities. 

Q: How does the Aum School curriculum help children develop an understanding and practical application of dharma 

in their life in America? 

Aum school curriculum includes Yoga, Sanskrit, Dharma, and Heritage as our core subjects. It also includes electives such as 

Marathi, Hindi, and Vedic mathematics. The language focus is to expose children to rich literature in the local and regional 

languages. The outcome of learning the core and elective courses is that children find meaning in their Hindu identity. 

Q: Can you elaborate more on the Aum School curriculum? 

The Aum school curriculum is unique in a way that preschool and prekindergarten students will learn social, physical, cognitive 

skills, and academic courses with an embedded Hindu Value based curriculum. For example, they will learn “A for apple” but 

along with that they will also learn A for Aum. For KG to Grade 5 students, we have Yoga (theory and practice), Dharma, 

Heritage, and Sanskrit (written and spoken) along with other mentioned electives. 

Q: How does Aum School connect the stories of gods and goddesses to the bigger principles of dharma? 

The Hindu culture has a great heritage and legacy of stories. We integrate stories of our 

deities, itihasas (Ramayana, Mahabharata), and Panchatantra to highlight the importance of moral values. Hindus believe in 

universal principles such as ‘Vasudhaiva kutumbakam’, ‘Sewa paramo dharma’, ‘divinity is all-encompassing’, and respect for all 

living beings. We teach these principles to our students through an abundance of stories. 

Q: U.S. schools teach, starting at the kindergarten level; human values such as liberty, justice,equality, and empathy. 

Does Aum School teach these concepts? 

The Aum school has developed a structured syllabus focusing on the above human values. We 

teach these principles through discussions, stories, hands-on activities, and enactments. 

Q: What was the inspiration behind starting this school? 

There are many faith-based schools in the USA, but very few Hindu schools. Even those few schools are predominantly Sunday 

schools where students are exposed to Hindu culture and values. The Aum School recognized that we needed a mainstream 

school that can deliver academics along with dharmic values integrated into the curriculum. 

14

www.hssus.org 

Q: Is Aum School only a virtual School? 

No. Aum School was able to adapt and continue its academic programs and summer camps virtually during the pandemic to 

ensure the safety of its community. The school received nearly 700 student registrations during that time.Things are back to 

normal post-pandemic and that the school has moved to an in-person and after school model for its programs. Aum School is 

expanding its reach and will be starting two additional schools in fall 2023, in addition to the first school in San Antonio. 

Manisha Kand 

Shakha: Evergreen Shakha – Evergreen, CA 

Hobbies: DIY Home renovation 

PRASAD 

W R I T T E N B Y : A N J A L I P A T E L 

I have heard this from many of my friends and relatives and I also feel the same way: Halwa, when made for prasad, always 

comes out perfect, but if one follows the same recipe on a normal day, it never comes out the same. 

What is so special about prasad? 

I remember all those times when we had pooja at home and 

days on which prasad was made with extra care. Only my 

mother and grandmother used to make food; all the food was 

made immediately after taking a shower. The most important 

thing was that it had to be distributed to everyone. People were 

invited over for prasad. If they could not come, prasad was sent 

to them. One of the most important questions after puja was, 

“Did we miss anyone for prasad?” 

If someone came from any big famous temple (tirthkshetra), 

such as Kashi, Pandharpur, Kolhapur, or other places, they 

would send over some prasad, and everyone would have it with 

full devotion. 

What a wonderful thing this prasad is! 

I had heard somewhere, with prasad, there is no ‘vishad’ (pain or sadness). Prasad is something we eat after offering it to 

Bhagwan. The same halwa becomes prasad after pooja and offering. Then that becomes so valuable. 

For prasad, it is said that one should not just eat alone, but distribute it. When someone gives us prasad, we get the blessings 

from the Paramatma. The giver and receiver get the same benefit. The more you distribute it, the better it is for you. 

When my grandmother used to do pooja, there was prasad every day - either some sweet, nuts, sugar cubes, or fruit but it was 

important that we got the prasad, and that was the best feeling. Blessed are all those families who do naivedyam and share 

prasad every day. 

I’m thinking and asking myself if I can do more today? Making ‘naivedyam’ and giving prasad may add some positivity to the 

atmosphere. 

Anjali Patel 

Shakha: Azad Shakha MA 

Hobbies: baking, gardening, and reading 

15

YOGA 

INDIA'S WONDERFUL GIFT TO MANKIND 


W R I T T E N B Y : M A N A S I P A L K A R 

Yoga is one of India’s wonderful gifts to mankind. One of its valuable qualities is that Yoga builds up physical health through the 

practice of a system of exercises called the ‘asanas’ that keep our bodies cleansed and fit. Yoga believes that exercise is 

essential for speedy removal of toxins and for smooth functioning of the body. 

Though the physical benefits of yoga are probably the most well-known, yoga is equally important and effective in the subtler 

aspects of the brain and mind. Here different breathing exercises or techniques quieten the psyche, offering inner peace, and 

an ability to face upheavals and to deal with problems in life. 

Uniting both these aspects is the philosophy of yoga which has stood the test of time, bidding us to review own thinking and 

conduct, and to turn away from violence, dishonesty, and greed – a review of life much needed in the present day. Yoga 

therefore has a role both in everyday practical life, as well as in the more thoughtful and idealistic scheme of things. Knowledge 

of Yoga is incomplete unless you experience practicing it. In this regard, I wish to share a few of my personal experiences. 

I remember in 1999 the first time our school in Navi Mumbai introduced an optional ‘Yoga’ program for teachers. I remember 

that only 6 out of a total of 100 teachers came to the session after school but in those 15 days, we all shared the same feeling of 

rejuvenation! We were less anxious and became calm in the daily routine of teaching and managing home with school going 

kids. I also remember very clearly that one needs to focus and hold asana pose or breathing functions for an amount of time to 

succeed. 

Another memory I have is my first winter with heavy snow in the USA. I enjoyed playing in the snow, making snow angels, and 

feeling very cold! Something clicked and I did Surya namaskars again and again, and still remember vividly the energy flowing 

in. When I decided to continue with the teaching profession, I was re-connected by ‘Breath For Change’ developed around 

empowering teachers in 2018. It was a 200 hours intense program and I was the only Bhartiya student out of the sixty who 

attended. 

As a true believer but not yet a rigorous follower, yoga has an important part in my 

life.I do stretching and asanas while getting up from bed and at night while going to 

bed. It helps me in my posture correction, back pain, leg pain, and my eyes feel 

relaxed. A few suggestions: 

‘Balasan’ or Child pose - extend by pulling down your hands upwards and 

buttocks downwards.Lying on back and raising legs 90 degrees with support of 

hands behind knees. Hold to count 100 to 200 . Also hold knees folded close to 

chest.turn to your right and left in the same position twisting waist. 

Cat Cow pose, as they are popularly called, are good for middle back and neck 

Virabhadrasana helps in cracking the back too. 

My female readers, have you heard about the Chandra namaskar or Moon 

salutation? The Sun is considered masculine and full of Yang energy. The Moon, 

on the contrary, with feminine characteristics, represents the Yin energy. Practicing Moon salutation or Chandra Namaskar 

calms and cools the mind and body bringing balance. On the other hand, the practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) 

generates heat and energy in the body. 

Chandra Namaskar practice is inclined towards retreat against action in Surya Namaskar. Chandra Namaskar can be a journey 

to descend deeper inwards and discover the path of enlightenment. While doing Chandra Namaskar, start connecting with the 

breathing process, going slowly and deeply into each pose, and holding the pose for a minimum of six breaths. Doing these nine 

key yoga poses on both sides in haste can defeat the purpose of calming and cooling. Chandra namaskar benefits women 

during their moon cycle days, women undergoing menopause. It helps to tone the body, stimulate the reproductive organs, and 

balance hormones. 

Try to practice Yoga daily and see how it benefits you in everyday life. 

16 

References: 

How to use Yoga by Mira Mehta & ChandraNamaskar at Tummee.com 

Manasi Palkar 

Subramanya Bharathi Shakha, Sammamish,WA 

Hobbies: Gardening,Writing,Telling stories

www.hssus.org 

HINDU WOMEN FROM HISTORY 

Sant Kanhopatra 

W R I T T E N B Y : S H U B H A D A R A M P U R E 

Sant Kanhopatra is a highly venerated poet-saints of the Varkari sect of 

Maharashtra. The Varkari sect in Maharashtra believes in Bhakti Yog 

which means pure devotion to Lord Vitthala to attain liberation. 

Kanhopatra was born in the 15th century to a beautiful and wealthy 

courtesan named Shyama in a village named Mangalvedha near 

Pandharpur. She was trained in music and dance to follow in her mother’s 

footsteps. As time passed, Kanhopatra grew into a beautiful woman. Her 

beauty was compared to the celestial maidens of Indralok. 

There are a few stories about how Kanhopatra turned to the path of 

devotion. Shyama wanted her to find a wealthy man who would adorn her 

with ornaments and gifts, but she refused to be a courtesan. 

Then one day, Kanhopatra saw a varkari procession heading towards 

Pandharpur. The varkaris explained to her the glories and past of the Lord 

Vitthala (a form of Lord Vishnu) who is all knower, compassionate, 

beautiful, and omnipresent. 

https://www.bookganga.com/eBooks/Books/Details/5630126639392133236 

Kanhopatra asked if the Lord would accept her as a devotee as she was a courtesan. Those days courtesans were 

considered of a lowly status in society. The Varkaris assured her that Vitthala is all loving and did not discriminate. This 

assurance strengthened her resolve to go to Pandharpur. Both Hausa, her older companion, and Kanhopatra left their 

materialistic life to serve Lord Vitthala in Pandharpur.According to another version, the Badshah of Bidar was enthralled 

by her beauty and wanted her to be his concubine. He decided to forcefully take her away at the behest of Sadashiv 

Malgujar, who according to some historians was Kanhopatra’s father. She wanted to meet Lord Vitthala in the temple of 

Pandharpur as her last request. When the Badshah’s soldiers tried to take her away, she fell at the feet of Vithoba where 

she breathed her last and became one with him. Legend says that a tree rose from the spot where she was buried. Her 

Samadhi is the only one that is within the precincts of Pandharpur temple, 

As with most abhangas and ovees of those times, Kanhopatra’s compositions were not in written form. Only thirty of her 

abhangas are available today in Marathi, of which twenty-three are included in the anthology of varkari saints called Sakal 

Sant-Gatha. Her poetic style is described as easy to understand and simple in nature. The central theme of her abhangas 

is about love and devotion to Lord Vitthala. Her abhangas also reflect upon upliftment of downtrodden and touches on 

gender equality. 

In his abhanga, Saint Tukaram used Kanhopatra as an example to reiterate that caste and social hierarchy plays no role 

in devotional service to God to achieve liberation. In her last abhanga, “Nako Devaraya anta aata pahu”, Kanhopatra 

implored Vithhala to end her persecution by society. 

She was unable to bear the thought of separation from him. Her love and devotion to Vitthala had reached the highest 

level. It is rare for anyone to attain sainthood when they do not belong to a certain tradition, lineage, or have a guru. 

Kanhopatra is one such unique example who attained sainthood based on intense devotion to Lord Vitthala. 

Shubhada Rampure 

Shri Ram Shakha, Roseville, CA 

Hobbies: Reading inspirational books and traveling 

17


BOOK REVIEW 

"BROWN GIRL SKIN" By Mytrae Meliana 

W R I T T E N B Y : M A N I S H A P A T I L 

Brown Skin Girl is an inspiring, lyrically written memoir that will transport you from the 

traditional sights and sounds of India to the dreams of freedom in America. Mytrae Meliana 

repeatedly challenges beliefs that don’t align with her heart and soul, and courageously frees 

herself from generations of unquestioned loyalty to the past to create a life of her own. 

When sixteen-year-old Mytrae Meliana and her family emigrate from India to the U.S., she is 

determined to avoid the arranged marriage her family expects her to have, and to create her 

own destiny. But when she falls in love with an American man, her family drags the talented 

graduate student back to India and keeps her hostage. Mytrae suddenly finds herself 

heartbroken and trapped in her homeland, where women’s fates are decided for them. But that 

isn’t her only challenge. She must decide - live a lie and keep the secret she’d rather forget or 

dare to break with centuries-old tradition and forge a path of her own. 

This multicultural inspirational memoir is about how family loves and wounds each other, about 

how immigrants are torn between cultures, and about leaving everything to find yourself. At 

times heartbreaking, at times triumphant, Brown Skin Girl is a testament to freedom, love, and 

the magic that finds you when you follow your heart. 

When I first started reading Mytrae Meliana’s “Brown Skin Girl,” I thought it would be just another love story about an Indian-born 

girl who falls in love with a white, American boy against her parents’ wishes. Instead, this autobiographical novel captivated me 

as not only a story above love, but also as one of heartbreak, faith, immigration, tradition, culture, self-realization, trauma, 

identity, and resilience. The book explores Meliana’s gut-wrenching, raw and jaw-dropping navigation through abortion, 

multiculturalism, coping with sexual abuse, social stigma, and breaking away from oppressive cultural traditions, all with the 

solace of her one true passion: music. 

In addition to Meliana, the characters that take center stage in this tale are Meliana’s love interest, Evan, Meliana’s parents, 

Amma and Naina, and most surprisingly, Chinmayananda. Evan is a breath of fresh air who allows Meliana to realize her 

musical potential and gain confidence as a first-generation immigrant in a predominantly white community in North Carolina. Of 

course, their happy days are short-lived. Like a scene out of a Bollywood movie, my heart warmed when Evan and Meliana were 

able to reunite, but again, not without facing difficulties along the way. Amma and Naina exhibit the stubbornness, blind following 

of traditional values, and (unintentional) emotional abuse that many South Asian parents dole out to their children, but to a 

higher degree. The way Meliana described their cold and seemingly incomprehensible behavior towards the author, including 

the imposition of their faith in Chinmayananda onto Meliana, could make even the most unemotional individual soften with 

sympathy. While the writing style may be too melodramatic at times and Meliana’s accounts of her interactions with the “divine” 

may face the skepticism of non-believers, what is so poignant about Meliana’s tale is that, despite the harrowing, difficult and 

painful details about violence, ostracism, and abuse, it nonetheless is a tale about identity that many Brown Girls and their 

families may relate to or have experienced. One passage from the novel describing Meliana’s feeling of “un-belonging” as a new 

immigrant stands out in particular: 

“Suddenly I want to cover up my brown skin, as centuries of British rule rises in my throat. The way Indians bow and 

scrape before foreigners, my culture’s fever for fair skin, British and “foreign” accents, education and things. In this 

sea of white, my brownness brands me inferior. Second class. I can never be their equal.” 

Ultimately, Meliana, as the protagonist “Brown Skin Girl,” helps us realize that we are meant to love the brown skin we are born 

in. “Brown Skin Girl” is a heroic triumph for the human – no – the brown girl experience. 

It is honest and touching and vocalizes themes and messages that many of us may have difficulty expressing. It is the type of 

thought-provoking content that the brown, and all other communities, need more of. 

18 

Manisha Patil 

Shakha: Panchajanya- Buffalo Grove -IL 

Hobbies: Dancing, Hiking

www.hssus.org 

Eye of Asia: Maharashtra 

W R I T T E N B Y : D E V S H R E E D E V I D A S B H A L E 

After my marriage, I moved from Maharashtra, India to California, United States. I was trying to 

get acquainted with the whole new change in my life. On Christmas Eve, I went to downtown 

San Jose to watch the Christmas festivities and visited a cotton candy shop. The seller greeted 

me with a "Namaste" and asked me which state I belonged to. I said that I was from 

Maharashtra, and even before I completed my introduction, he again greeted me with a “Jay 

Maharashtra!!” It was a pleasant surprise that people know about Maharashtra. 

Maharashtra is known as the Gateway of India as it is one of the largest commercial and 

industrial hubs in India. Maharashtra is also known for its culture and beauty. Maharashtra is 

the third-largest state in India by area and the second-largest state by population. Maharashtra 

is located in western India and on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Six other Indian states share a 

border with Maharashtra. 

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Maharashtra 

The main rivers of Maharashtra are Krishna and Godavari. Many big cities in Maharashtra include Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, 

Nagpur, Nashik etc. Gateway of India It is a landmark of Maharashtra. It was built in early 1924. It is a must visit place in 

Mumbai. UNESCO has announced the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra as heritage sites. We can find a hundred caves 

and every cave tells its own story. The Siddhivinayak Temple is a renowned temple of Lord Ganesha, famous among devotees 

across the country. Pratapgarh Fort: This fort was won in the 17th century. Kolhapur, very well known for its Mahalakshmi 

temple, was built in the 12th century and is famous for its architecture. Lonar Sarovar (lake) is famous for its less-known saline 

water and is in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra. 

Maharashtra has always been a land of warriors. When we see the history of Maharashtra, we cannot ignore the famous hero of 

Maharashtra. Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaj was a warrior and is an idol of the Marathas. The Marathas consider Chhatrapati 

Shivaji maharaj as the leader who established and brought fame to the Maratha Empire when he was ruling. 

Ramdas Swami and Sant Tukaram are the spiritual leaders of Maharashtra and fought against the orthodox mentality in society. 

In sports, cricket has a unique spot. Maharashtra has produced many cricketers and some of the noted ones are Sachin 

Tendulkar, Ravi Shastri, and Sunil Gavaskar. 

Maharashtra has well-developed social, physical, and industrial infrastructure. The major industries are manufacturing, 

automobile, textile, media, and telecom. Others of importance are agriculture, banking, services, and insurance (BFSI), 

biotechnology, fashion, tourism, and most importantly, the film industry. 

In Maharashtra, people celebrate different types of festivals like Gudi padwa, Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Utsav, Every festival has its 

own different story and also its own different culture to celebrate the festivals. 

Maharashtra is an integral part of India. It is among the most developed states of India and has many tourist attractions and 

religious places. Economically, Maharashtra is very privileged. Maharashtra is a must-visit state. 

Image Sources: 

Gateway of India: https://www.nplusonemag.com/online-only/online-only/how-bombay-became-mumbai/ 

Ajanta temples:https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/maharashtra-ajanta-caves-water-supply-disconnected-since-20199 

Shivaji Maharaj: https://sahasa.in/2021/05/28/chhatrapati-shivaji-maharajs-adventures-after-his-daring-escape-from-captivity/ 

Ganesh Chaturthi: https://www.subbuskitchen.com/vinayakar-chaturthi-ganesh/ 

Devshree Devidas Bhale 

Shakha: Shaurya Yuva Shakha, Sunnyvale , CA 

Hobbies: Arts and craft, drawing 

19


FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE 

W R I T T E N B Y : M O U N I K A K A L A G A T L A 

In today's rapidly changing world, positive news has 

become more crucial than ever. With the increasing 

influence of social media, negativity/negative news 

tends to spread like wildfire. It's vital that we focus on 

the good things happening in the world to shift our 

perspective and create a more positive and inclusive 

environment. Positive news not only provides a 

refreshing change of pace, but it also has a profound 

impact on our outlook on life. 

One of the most significant positive news stories in 

recent years is the progress made in the fight against 

climate change. 

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing 

the world today. Rising global temperatures, melting 

polar ice caps, and increasingly severe weather 

patterns are just some of the impacts that humans are 

experiencing as a result of our changing climate. Still, 

there is reason for hope. The fight against climate 

change is a global effort that is gaining momentum 

every day, with individuals, businesses, and 

governments all taking action to reduce their carbon 

footprint and protect our planet. 

 

To date, over 190 countries have ratified the 

agreement, committing to take action to reduce their 

greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of 

climate change. The European Union, for example, has 

set a target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, 

while countries like Costa Rica and Sweden have 

already taken steps to transition to a 100% renewable 

energy economy. 

In 2021, the world saw the launch of several 

groundbreaking initiatives to promote sustainability and 

protect the planet, such as the European Green Deal 

and the US's reentry into the Paris Agreement. 

Despite these efforts, there is still much work to be 

done in 

the fight against climate change. Yet, we know that 

we have the capacity to make a difference gleaning 

from the recent progress in renewable energy 

technologies and the increasing public awareness of 

the need to act on climate change. The transition to a 

low-carbon economy will not be easy, but by working 

together, we can protect our planet and ensure a 

brighter future for generations to come. 

The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, is a landmark 

global accord that aims to limit the increase in global 

temperatures to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to 

pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

In conclusion, the fight against climate change is a 

global effort that requires the participation of 

individuals, businesses, and governments. From the 

transition to a low-carbon economy to the development 

of clean energy technologies, there are many ways we 

can all make a difference. The challenge is daunting, 

but with the right policies and investments, we can 

ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all. 

20 

Mounika Kalagatla 

Shakha: Gauri, Tracy, CA 

Hobbies: Cooking, Ping pong

www.hssus.org 

KIDS ZONE 

Story 

W R I T T E N B Y : A A D Y A J A I N 

There once was a unicorn. Her name was Uni-panda. She was born on an island named Panda Island. She was very colorful. 

She was not like all the other pandas. The other pandas were black and white. But, Uni-panda was not. Growing up, her parents 

were very concerned about her, because she was very colorful, and had a horn. All the other pandas did not have that. 

One day, they decided to take Uni-panda to the doctor’s office. There, the doctor examined her. After examining her, the doctor 

said that she was a Unicorn-panda. Half Unicorn, half panda. Uni-panda’s mom and dad still loved her even though she was half 

unicorn and half panda. When they came back to the island, all of the other kid pandas made fun of Uni-panda, but the mommy 

pandas didn’t make fun of Uni-panda, because they thought she was unique. 

Then, a few years passed. Uni-panda was now 14 years old. She had to pick a power she wanted to have. The power she 

chose was that she wanted to help save the world. She wanted to be a superhero. Her parents were fine with her being a 

superhero. 

One day in town, a kidnapper came and kidnapped all the kids. But the kidnappers did not kidnap Uni-panda. Uni-panda used 

her superpowers and rescued all the kids. All the kids were thankful to have someone like Uni-panda who was there to save 

them. Now they all became friends. 

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-07-26/simone-biles-career-timeline-gymnastics-titles-milestones 

Aadya Jain 

Shri Krishna Shakha Bothell,WA 

21

A Lesson From Hindu Scholars 

and My Arabic class 


W R I T T E N B Y : A R U S H I T I W A R I 

22 

Bhartṛhari was a Hindu scholar and philosopher in the 5th 

century, most famous for his contributions to linguistics. 

His research and theories became foundational for the 

works of several linguists over the centuries, including 

Ferdinand de Saussure, the father of modern linguistics 

and semiology. Saussure drew inspiration from 

Bhartṛhari's composition, Vākyapadīya ("treatise on words 

and sentences"), for his most notable contribution to 

linguistics. In Vākyapadīya, Bhartṛhari theorized that the 

act of speech constitutes three stages. First, the 

conceptualization of what the speaker wants to 

communicate. Second, the act of speaking itself. Finally, 

the comprehension of what has been spoken. He 

describes it as a sphoṭa (burst of a mental 

state/idea/imagery) in the speaker, the dhwani (sound) of 

speaking, followed by a sphoṭa in the listener. However, a 

word's vocalization may trigger a different sphoṭa for each 

listener. Hearing the word 'dog' may evoke happy ideas in 

a dog owner's mind. However, it can elicit a scary feeling 

in someone previously bitten by a dog. The psychological 

interpretation of a word is defined by our experiences. 

Here is a short story describing an important lesson I 

learned on how we subtly influence sphoṭa in others: 

I walked into my Arabic 101 class for the first time and 

was greeted by a loud, ringing voice, "Ahlan wa Sahlan!" 

Perplexed, I smiled and grabbed a seat close to the door. 

I had yet to learn what the phrase meant. Every 

subsequent student who entered the classroom was 

greeted the same way; a huge smile and an "Ahlan wa 

Sahlan!". Later, we learned it meant "Welcome!". The 

class was small and had around 20 students. A girl from 

Afghanistan occupied the seat next to me. The class 

began with our professor introducing herself. She was 

from Syria and had come to Iowa State University as a 

graduate student before joining full-time as an Assistant 

Professor. As she spoke of her home country, my mind 

drifted off toward the recent media posts I had seen on 

the Islamic State's brutality in Syria. It had been less than 

a year since Syria's independence from Daesh. This was 

the only context I had ever heard Syria mentioned in. If it 

were not for this class, it is probably the only thing I would 

have ever associated the dhwani, ‘Syria’, with. 

Every day throughout the semester, my professor would 

come in with the biggest smile and welcome us. She 

radiated positivity. She would wave her hands in 

excitement when we performed well and let out a hearty 

chuckle when we botched pronunciations. Her energy 

https://www.abebooks.com/9788120811980/Bhartrhari-Philosopher-Grammarian-Saroja-Bhate- 

8120811984/plp 

was contagious. We all left the class each day in a good 

mood. I bumped into her one day at a shop and found her 

chatting up the cashier with the same glow she carried 

into class. She also exposed us to Arabic and Syrian 

culture. She played Arabic music in class, attempted to 

teach us Dabke dance (we failed miserably), and brewed 

us Syrian coffee. Now, whenever I hear the word Syria, I 

remember my professor's warm smile and my fond 

experiences in the class, not just Daesh’s cruelty. 

Similarly, I became friends with the Afghan girl who sat 

next to me on the first day. We talked in Hindi, learned a 

lot about each other's countries, and had several 

discussions about our cultures. She would often talk 

about and show pictures of her life in Afghanistan. This 

included women in the traditional partug, kamiz, and 

waskat as compared to the now-mandated burqa. She 

painted a different picture of Afghanistan than what I had 

imagined. 

Both my Afghan friend and my Syrian professor chose to 

be friendly towards me and radiate a lively spirit. Their 

positive personalities and my interactions with them 

ultimately shifted the sphoṭa their identities created in my 

mind. My biggest takeaway from Arabic 101 was that we 

represent our identities daily. Our smallest gestures can 

create and change perceptions at subtle levels. While 

programs such as Universal Oneness Day effectively 

create good impressions, we should not disregard the 

importance of our small day-to-day interactions within our 

community. Our kindness and respect to our waiters, uber 

drivers, cashiers, colleagues, and neighbors go a long 

way. 

Arushi Tiwari 

Peoria, IL 

Hobbies: reading, art, languages and culture, badminton

www.hssus.org 

AMERICAN WOMEN I ADMIRE 

Simone Biles 

W R I T T E N B Y : S R A V A N T H I P O L I S E T T Y 

Simone Biles is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. 

Her incredible skill and athleticism have earned her numerous 

accolades and titles, including four Olympic gold medals, 14 World 

Championship medals, and 20 national titles. She has also broken 

several records and set new standards for excellence in the sport of 

gymnastics. 

Simone Biles was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1997. She had three 

other siblings. She faced many hardships from a young age. Her 

mom was an addict and after she went into rehab, Simone moved in 

with her grandfather. She began her gymnastics career at the age of 

six, and it quickly became clear that she had a natural talent for the 

sport. Despite her young age, she was able to perform complex 

maneuvers with ease and precision. Her coaches and fellow 

gymnasts quickly took notice of her abilities and began to train her at 

a more advanced level. 

https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/this-is-simone-biles/ 

As Simone Biles progressed through the ranks of gymnastics, she 

began to win more and more competitions. She was spending a lot of 

hours in training. She wanted to go to a public school and do all the things a normal teenager could think of but her training and 

the schedule did not suit her. She tried to do private school and when that didn't work out she went into Homeschooling. 

However, her professional career was tremendous. She quickly established herself as one of the top gymnasts in the country, 

and by the age of 16, she had won her first national title. This was just the beginning of her incredible career. 

In 2013, Simone Biles competed in her first World Championships and won a gold medal in the team event. She also earned 

silver medals on the beam and floor exercise, and a bronze medal on the vault. This was a historic achievement, as she 

became the first African-American woman to win a world gymnastics title. 

Simone Biles continued to dominate the sport of gymnastics in the years leading up to the 2016 Olympics. She won three 

consecutive all-around titles at the World Championships in 2013, 2014, and 2015, as well as numerous other medals in 

individual events. She was considered the clear favorite to win multiple medals at the Olympics, and she did not disappoint. 

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Simone Biles led the American gymnastics team to a gold medal in the team event. She 

also won individual gold medals in the all-around, 

vault, and floor exercise, and a bronze medal on the beam. 

Simone Biles success has been a result of her incredible skill, athleticism, and work ethic. Her gymnastics routines are known 

for their difficulty and complexity, and she has been credited with introducing new skills and elements to the sport. She is also 

known for her incredible power and explosiveness, which allows her to perform high-flying maneuvers with ease. She is also a 

strong advocate for mental health and has spoken openly about her own struggles with anxiety and depression. 

She continues to push the boundaries of what is 

possible in gymnastics, and she remains a fierce 

competitor on the international stage. Her legacy in the 

sport of gymnastics will be long lasting, and she will 

continue to be remembered as one of the greatest 

gymnasts of all time. 

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2021-07-26/simone-biles-career-timeline-gymnastics-titles-milestones 

Sravanthi Polisetty 

Durga Shakha, Temple City, CA 

Hobbies: Reading,Trying new recipes 

23

NORTH WEST 

CENTRAL PACIFIC 

MIDWEST 

NORTH EAST 

GREAT LAKES 

PACIFIC SOUTH WEST 

SOUTH WEST 

MID ATLANTIC 

SOUTH EAST 

PRERANA 

A N I N S P I R A T I O N T O H I N D U W O M E N 

e-zine 

“Purity of speech, of the mind, of the senses, and of a compassionate heart are 

needed by one who desires to rise to the divine platform.” 

By Chanakya 

www.hssus.org

Prerana Varsha Pratipada 2023 Issue13

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