Pitri Paksh - 9/5/09 - 9/18/09

Hindus globally will be observing the period of Pitri Paksh from 9/5/09 to 9/18/09. In the Hindu calender, this period is set aside to offer prayers and charity in the name of our Pitris (Ancestors). We offer prayers on behalf of our ancestors' souls. We donate charity in their names.

In Hinduism, we believe that the soul (Jiva Atma) is eternal and all-pervading. It is a spark of the God we worship. The soul never dies. As Lord Krishna states in Bhagavad Gita: "No weapon can cut It, no fire can burn It, no wind can dry It, no water can drench It." (Ch 2; V3).

Great blessing is derived from observing Pitri Paksh. I urge all my Hindu sisters and brothers to offer prayers in their Ancestors' names.

Below are some very old photos of some of our ancestors who came to British Guiana. May God bless their souls.

Family pose ...


Ancestors cutting cane ...


Ancestors eating ...


Ancestors waiting in line ...


Beautiful Indian girl all decked out...

(Photos taken from Guyanaundersiege.com and other websites).

Interview with Swami NirliptanandaJi

I visited the American Seva Ashram, located in Jamaica, Queens and met Swami NirliptanandaJi, who was visiting from England. SwamiJi had just concluded 3 sessions of Bhagavat Gita Yajna at the Prem Bhakti Mandir in Jamaica.

SwamiJi is Guyanese by birth, but has been living in England for many, many years. I've great respect and admiration for anyone who decided to walk the path of spirituality. By talking to SwamiJi, I could feel the great love and devotion he has for his Creator.

SwamiJi is an extremely Godly person, and so very humble. He has done a great deal for the upliftment of his fellow man.

SwamiJi has done an excellent job to help Hindus in England have a voice. And, he continues to work tirelessly, effortlessly and dedicatedly to uplift his sisters and brothers. SwamiJi has sucessfully started the OM DAY and the OM GAYATRI YAJNA celebration in England and is working to have these two celebrations done on a global basis. Both these events are very great success stories and should be patterned in countries where Hindus are.

Keep up the great work SwamiJi and Gob bless you abundantly.

SwamiJi was making an important point ..

Shot of the J Train at 111st Street on Jamaica Ave

I thought this shot looks geometrically or even mathematically beautiful. It was taken at the 111st subway where the "J" line operates on Jamaica Ave.

Filming of Dr. Yesu Persaud at Crown Plaza & Shots of Convention

This morning I was priviledged to have an interview with Dr. Yesu Persaud for the documentary at the Crown Plaza Hotel. I really appreciate him taking time off from his busy schedule to be filmed at such a short notice. He actually came for the GOPIO convention and I asked him if he wouldn't mind setting aside a some time for Project History.

My first impression of him was: What an amazingly humble person he is. I'm always blown over by people's humility. His ancestors' stories are very interesting and like all our ancestors, they too had to sacrifice so much for the betterment of their children.

I didn't quite finish the filming with him, since he had a flight to catch. Will continue it when we meet again. Safe journey home and thanks for agreeing to be part of Project History, Dr. Persaud.

1. Dr. Persaud and myself 2. Mr. Basdeo Pandey and Nohar Singh

3. Mr. C Bhat from India & another gentleman from Holland
(Sorry, I couldn't find the card with the name)

Photos of Ramayan in the Park in Richmond Hill, Queens

1. Organizers consulting 2. Lovely Parveen from Sanatan Dharma Mandir

3. Dr. Dhanpaul in discussion 4. Devotees sitting