Andhra University Alumni Association of North America celebrated Andhra University's 100th anniversary, 1926 to 2026, on October 10 in Houston, Texas. It was a rare occasion to meet a galaxy of people with different skills who achieved great success in their fields in the USA. The theme of the Centennial Celebration is “A Century of Excellence, paving the path forward.” As part of these Centenary Celebrations, AU alumni in North America proposed recognizing and honoring alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and made significant contributions to society and Andhra University. The university recognized more than 25 alumni for their contributions in Science and Technology, Engineering, Technology leadership, Academic Excellence, Science Research, Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership, Management, Telugu literature, institutional leadership, philanthropy, and service to society.  Dr. Prakasarao Velagapudi received the “Distinguished Alumni” Award for his service to society from Andhra University Vice-Chancellor Sai Rachakonda, who came from India for the occasion, along with Ravindranath Duggirala and Phaneendra Kondapi. A Call for Nominations and Recognition Pinnamaneni Srinivas and Sai Rachakonda submitted the recognition application. Based on the information submitted to the Alumni Committee, the Committee presented the award. Dr. Prakasarao Velagapudi attended Hindu College and National College in Machilipatnam and received his MA in Rural Development and Economics at Andhra University in 1963. Then, he worked at the Center for the Study of Developing Societies in New Delhi from 1964-65. Then, he came to the USA in 1965, completed his PhD, and worked in academia for 36 years before retiring in 2006. He was fortunate enough to get involved in various religious and spiritual activities over the last 45 years. He was a founding member of the Hindu Temple Society of Mississippi (HTSM) and served as its President from 1986 to 1991. During this period, a 7000 square feet Hindu Temple was built and consecrated in 1990 with Lord Venkateshwara as the Moola (Main) Murthi, and he served as Chairman of Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco, TX Datta Yoga Center: In 1990, he had the honor of meeting Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji of Avadhuta Datta Peetham, which led to the beginning of his spiritual journey. In 1993, he was appointed as Chairman of Datta Yoga Center (DYC), USA, responsible for coordinating all the activities of Datta Temple and Hall of Trinity, Baton Rouge, LA; Datta Retreat Center in Pennsylvania; and 24 Satsang groups in the USA. At the direction of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, he moved to Frisco, TX, in May 2009 to help coordinate the planning and Construction of a 32,000-square-foot Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple on a ten-acre lot. He conducted several tours and lectured on various aspects of Hinduism to Americans, high school students, and college students who visited the Temple. He served as Chairman of Datta Yoga Center for about 30 years from 1993 until April 2022. GHHF: In 2006, the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) was started by a group of highly professional people in the USA with the sole objective of freeing the Hindu Temples from government control and protecting Hinduism in India. The GLOBAL Hindu Heritage Foundation is organizing 16 projects at the ground level in Villages in 9 States in Bharat, such as Grama devata renovations, Bala Samskar Kendras to educate children, sponsoring a Priest, trained priests for rural villages; tailoring training for Hindu women; vegetable cart distribution; distribution of Mic sets; Annadanam; flood relief; regular Gau Puja; Pada Puja for parents; etc. Operating 175 Bala Samskar Kendras, teaching the essence of Sanatana Dharma to about 4500 students in nine different states; building or renovating about 65 temples in villages; and engaging in other activities. TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam) and Hindu Temples: Relentlessly working to protect the sanctity of Hindu Temples and TTD.  Awards Received: Received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Honorable President Joe Biden in 2022. Other awards include: Vishwa Hindu, Visha Ratna, Swami Vivekananda Excellence Award, Distinguished Service Award, Dharma Premika, Spiritual Seva Leader, Hero Award, and the Life-long Selfless Award. Letter from AU Alumni Association Congratulations on being selected for the Andhra University Alumnus Honors and Recognition!  On behalf of the Andhra University Alumni Association of North America, we are honored to present you with this Distinguished Alumni Honors and Recognition. This honor celebrates your outstanding professional achievements, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, all of which bring immense pride to our Alma Mater. An official letter of this recognition is attached.  We also sincerely appreciate your nominator, Sai Rachakonda, whose thoughtful submission highlighted your remarkable contributions and ensured this well-deserved recognition. Your journey continues to inspire the global Andhra University community.  Thank you for carrying forward our university's legacy with such distinction.  See the attached letter of appreciation.   With best regards,  Phaneendra Kondapi On behalf of the AU Alumni Association of North America   {{album_1673}}

Our vast maritime coastline is not merely a geographical edge; it represents the sovereign nation’s frontline defense shield. History has delivered an unforgiving lesson—it was across the open sea that terrorists infiltrated our soil to unleash the gruesome 26/11 Mumbai carnage. When sensitive coastal fishing hamlets fall prey to predatory conversions engineered by external forces, it is not merely cultural erosion; it presents a grave vulnerability to India’s national security. Recognizing this critical imperative, the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) dedicated the fourth and fifth days of its 8-day grassroots tour to fortifying the strategic maritime corridor spanning from Tuni (Kakinada district) to the coastal borders of Srikakulam. GHHF National General Secretary Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla, alongside North Andhra In-charge Sri Surya Ramakrishna Thota, traversed these coastal belts to assess ground-level subversion firsthand, formulating a specialized institutional action plan and raising a dedicated cadre drawn directly from local fishing communities. The high-voltage tour commenced at Sri Kumarapuram village near Tuni, where a vital congregation was convened inside the village temple. Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla inspired the assembly with the vision of a "Complete Hindu Village" (Sampoorna Hindu Gramam), emphasizing local self-reliance and cultural unity to withstand outside incursions. Electrified by this nationalistic clarity, a dedicated contingent of local youths formally enlisted as GHHF ground volunteers to stand guard over the coast. Following a visit to inspect the village Goshala to reinforce indigenous cow protection, the delegation embarked on a relentless multi-hundred-kilometer push toward the maritime hamlets of Srikakulam without a moment of respite. Arriving at Sunkarapalem village in Gara Mandal of Srikakulam district, the leadership was greeted with vibrant enthusiasm. A traditional community Bhajan was held, followed by an exhaustive high-level strategy conclave comprising district coordinators Sri Trinadha Rao and Sri Satyanarayana, along with Sri Vasupalli Police Babu, MPTC Sri Srinivasarao, Sarpanch Sri Ramamohan, and frontline karyakarthas. The discussions hammered out concrete operational countermeasures against predatory religious poaching, establishing Sunkarapalem as the strategic focal point to coordinate grassroots defense across coastal hamlets. After sharing a warm fellowship meal with the community, the delegation rushed to the neighboring hamlet of Lingalavalasa. In Lingalavalasa, an emotionally stirring ceremony unfolded as the GHHF Bala Samskara Kendra orchestrated a mass Pada Puja, where little children washed and reverently worshipped the feet of their parents. Guided by the core vision of "Cultured Childhood for an Unshakable Future," seeing tiny hands tenderly wash their parents' feet moved mothers and fathers to tears of joy and pride. This profound moment demonstrated that infusing veneration for parents and Sanatana values in tender minds is the ultimate antidote against external alienation. Uniting national security consciousness, coastal vigil, Gomata preservation, village leadership, and timeless parental reverence across Tuni and Srikakulam, these two decisive days forged an impregnable wall of Dharmic resilience along the Bay of Bengal coastline.  Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979  {{album_1672}}

Serving Sanatana Dharma is not about delivering comfortable speeches from air-conditioned auditoriums; it demands raw grit, tireless stamina, and running non-stop across dusty grassroots terrains to stand as an unbreakable rock for society. The sheer magnitude of Day 3 of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation’s (GHHF) 8-day tour was nothing short of an intense, breathtaking crusade. In a span of barely fourteen hours, the team traversed two districts, covered five distinct destinations, held back-to-back karyakartha conventions, inspected vocational centers, inaugurated new education hubs, inspected community-driven temple reconstruction, and reviewed children's centers. Led by GHHF National General Secretary Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla and North Andhra In-charge Sri Surya Ramakrishna Thota, the day bore witness to zero fatigue and an absolute, unyielding fire for Dharma. The whirlwind day began at 9:00 AM at the sacred Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Veereswara Swamy Temple in Pedamadi village of Konaseema district. Imbibing spiritual vigor from the Vedic blessings of the Ghanapati Archakas, the team rushed without a moment’s delay to the Sri Sudhamayi Kanakadurga Ammavari Temple premises. Organized by district stalwarts Sri B. Kanaka Rao and Sri B. Lakshminarayana, the karyakartha conclave witnessed a fiery, soul-stirring address by Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla: "Society is like a human body. When an ailment strikes, we don't sit idly at home—we treat it. To eradicate the cancer of illegal conversions, we must carry the divine name and Sanatana values to every single rural doorstep." His words electrified the cadre, while Sri Surya Ramakrishna Thota called for embracing and bringing back estranged families into the Sanatana fold. Without stopping for rest, the delegation braved the scorching midday sun and raced toward Rajahmundry in East Godavari district. Arriving at Mahadeva VAMBAY Colony (Ward 16), Sri Rajesh directly inspected the GHHF Free Tailoring Training Center at Sri Rama Temple, interacting with 30 women striving for self-reliance. He inspired them to become spiritual pillars of their families while achieving economic independence. On the very same premises, without a minute's breather, he formally inaugurated a new Bala Samskara Kendra to instill timeless virtues in underprivileged children and planted saplings to mark the milestone. Yet, the clock was ticking, and the mission pushed forward. Tearing through traffic, the team dashed to Krishnapuram Peta in Innespeta (Ward 27), where the sacred Sri Venugopala Swamy (Sri Krishna) Temple had been languishing in heartbreaking ruin for over 20 years. When the shrine lay abandoned, it was our GHHF pracharaks who stepped forward, ignited dharmic consciousness among local residents, united community elders, and initiated its grand reconstruction with GHHF’s full institutional support. Sri Rajesh reviewed the brisk ongoing construction work and infused immense confidence into the local temple committee. Even as night fell and physical exhaustion mounted, Sri Rajesh headed straight to Morampudi Hanuman Nagar (Ward 10) to inspect another flourishing Bala Samskara Kendra. Watching young children effortlessly chant Bhagavad Gita shlokas under teacher Smt. Sandhya, and seeing the pride in their parents' eyes, washed away all the day's physical sweat in an instant. Supported relentlessly on the ground by district pracharaks Sri Rayudu Raghava Rao and Sri Singavarapu Ramakrishna, this breathless, high-voltage third day stands as living proof of what true devotion and relentless sweat for Dharma look like!  Your donations are appreciated;  By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979   {{album_1671}}

True defense of Sanatana Dharma goes far beyond mere words; it lies in standing steadfastly as a shield for marginalized Hindu families enduring injustice on the ground. The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) demonstrated this commitment during the second day of its comprehensive 8-day field tour. GHHF National General Secretary Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla, alongside North Andhra In-charge Sri Surya Ramakrishna Thota, toured extensively across Eluru and West Godavari districts. The visit laid bare ground realities that shatter the misleading narrative that Hindus oppress Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. In truth, it is the brazen high-handedness of predatory church pastors and illegal prayer halls that subjects impoverished SC families to relentless hardship. During the morning hours in Buttayagudem village of Eluru district, Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla visited the home of Smt. Gunde Manemma, an elderly woman from the SC community who has endured severe harassment for over a decade due to an unauthorized church erected right beside her house. Blaring high-decibel loudspeakers without respite and hurling derogatory abuses at Hindu deities, the church turned her family’s daily life into an ordeal. When Smt. Manemma dared to question this blatant illegality, she was subjected to physical violence by the perpetrators. Listening closely to her traumatic ordeal, Sri Rajesh formally took charge of the legal documentation under GHHF’s wing, reassuring her of complete institutional and legal support until justice is served. Later in the afternoon, the delegation met with another victim, Sri Gulla Ramu, to hear his harrowing experience. A local church pastor unlawfully encroached upon Sri Ramu’s private land to build an unauthorized church. When the rightful owner demanded his property back, the pastor used his influence to frame Sri Ramu and his wife in a fabricated "Attempt to Murder" case. Consequently, an innocent husband spent three months behind bars, while his wife was incarcerated for 50 days. Having lost so much to this vindictive conspiracy, the distressed family found solid backing as GHHF officially took over their case files and court proceedings, resolving to fight on their behalf and reclaim the encroached land through lawful means. Following these critical field visits, the evening concluded with a gathering of key karyakarthas at Thokkathippa village in Bhimavaram Mandal of West Godavari district. Facilitated by district coordinators Sri Nagavardhi Raju and Sri Balasubrahmanyam, the session focused on expanding village-level initiatives, strengthening Bala Samskara Kendras, and mounting lawful resistance against illegal religious structures. To empower the grassroots leadership, Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla distributed organizational literature to the volunteers. By giving a resolute voice to oppressed Hindu households and igniting fresh determination among the cadre, the second day of the tour ended on an inspiring and purposeful note.  Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

Guru Govind Singh was born in Patna on December 22, 1666. His father was Guru Tegh Bahadur, and his mother was Mata Gujri. From childhood, young Govind was trained not only in religious studies but also in languages, literature, horse riding, archery, and swordsmanship. As he grew up, wisdom, devotion, and courage became integral to his character. During the reign of Aurangzeb, religious pressure on Hindus intensified; in particular, there were attempts to forcibly convert Kashmiri Hindus to Islam. Seeking to preserve their faith, Kashmiri Pandits turned to Guru Tegh Bahadur for help. They recounted their plight and implored him to protect them from forced conversions. Moved by their situation, Guru Tegh Bahadur resolved to take a stand. He determined that faith could not be imposed by force and that an individual's right to practice their beliefs according to their own will must be upheld. He prepared to go to Delhi personally to confront this injustice. Before setting out, he appointed his nine-year-old son, Govind Rai, as Guru. While traveling towards Delhi, Guru Tegh Bahadur was taken prisoner by Mughal officials. His disciples—Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Dayal Das, and Bhai Sati Das—were also captured. They were detained and subjected to torture. After being held in the Sirhind region for some time, they were taken to Delhi. There, Guru Tegh Bahadur was presented with two choices: embrace Islam or face death. Guru Tegh Bahadur refused to abandon his faith. His accompanying disciples were also subjected to horrific torture; Bhai Mati Das was sawn alive, Bhai Dayal Das was killed by being immersed in boiling water, and Bhai Sati Das was burned alive. Yet, they did not renounce their faith. Guru Tegh Bahadur, too, remained unyielding until the very end. Ultimately, he was publicly beheaded in Delhi. The sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur stands as a monumental chapter in the history of defending “Dharma” in India. For this reason, he is revered as "Hind di Chadar"—a protective shield for India. Bhai Jaita, risking his own life, brought the Guru's severed head to Anandpur. Witnessing his father's sacrifice at such a tender age left an indelible mark on Govind Rai's life. Following his father's sacrifice, Govind Rai assumed the mantle of Guruship at the young age of nine. Despite his youth, he did not falter. He believed that upholding Dharma required not only devotion but also knowledge, courage, discipline, and the ability to use force when necessary. Over time, Guru Govind Singh emerged as a great spiritual teacher, poet, writer, and warrior. His mission was to dispel fear among the people and instill self-confidence. He sought to build a society that would not remain silent in the face of injustice but would stand up for righteousness (Dharma). In 1699, on the occasion of Baisakhi at Anandpur Sahib, Guru Govind Singh took a historic decision: he founded the Khalsa Panth. He created a community that transcended distinctions of caste, social status, and wealth, fostering a way of life rooted in courage, discipline, service, and adherence to righteousness. He championed the ideal of the "Sant-Sipahi" (Saint-Soldier), embodying a blend of spiritual devotion and martial strength. Protecting the weak, confronting injustice, and remaining ever ready to uphold righteousness became the core responsibilities of the Khalsa way of life. During this period, Guru Govind Singh's family life also became intertwined with the cause of upholding righteousness (Dharma). He had four sons: Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh. Their grandmother was Mata Gujri. From a young age, these children were instilled with the values of courage, devotion, and a commitment to righteousness. Later, the pressure from Mughal forces on Anandpur Sahib intensified. Eventually, Guru Govind Singh was compelled to leave Anandpur with his followers. During the journey, the family became separated. Guru Govind Singh reached Chamkaur accompanied by his two eldest sons, Ajit Singh and Jujhar Singh. A fierce battle with the Mughal army ensued. Ajit Singh was about 17 years old, while Jujhar Singh was around 13. Both entered the battlefield in their father's presence. Despite the overwhelming enemy numbers, they did not retreat; they fought valiantly and attained martyrdom. At this time, the younger sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, became separated from the rest of the group along with their grandmother, Mata Gujri. Officials in Sirhind took them into custody. Pressure was exerted on the young boys to abandon their faith and embrace Islam. Although they were offered wealth, comforts, and honor, they refused. Despite their tender age, their devotion to their faith stood as steadfast as a mountain. Ultimately, the young Sahibzadas were executed by being bricked up alive within a wall. Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh made this supreme sacrifice at approximately eight and five, respectively. Upon hearing this news, Mata Gujri also breathed her last. The anguish Guru Govind Singh endured as a father was immense. He lost his father and all four of his sons; one by one, he lost his most beloved family members for the sake of Dharma (righteousness). Yet, he never lost his courage. Personal grief did not weaken him; instead, it made him stand even more steadfast for the cause of Dharma. That is why he is revered as "Sarbans Dani"—the noble soul who sacrificed his all. Later, Guru Gobind Singh wrote a famous letter to Aurangzeb known as the Zafarnama. In it, he questioned Aurangzeb about breaking promises made in battle, violating oaths, and his unjust conduct. Through his words, he made it clear that no matter how great power might be, it does not surpass Dharma and justice. Eventually, Guru Govind Singh arrived at Nanded. Realizing that defeating Guru Govind Singh in open combat was impossible, two Muslim fanatics—Jamshed Khan and Wasil Beg—infiltrated his camp in disguise. Pretending to be disciples, they waited for a vulnerable moment and treacherously stabbed him with a sword. Guru Govind Singh was critically injured; although the wound appeared to heal initially, it later worsened, and he passed away on October 7, 1708. Yet, even in his final days, Guru Govind Singh made a momentous decision. Instead of appointing another individual as his successor, he declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. In doing so, he paved the way for the Guru's teachings, wisdom, and message of righteousness to endure. Guru Govind Singh’s life was not merely a saga of the tragedies a single family faced. His father sacrificed his life for righteousness (Dharma), a responsibility a nine-year-old boy then shouldered. As he reached adulthood, he united society. His four sons laid down their lives for righteousness, yet he never wavered from his chosen path. In our times, we may not need to sacrifice our lives. However, we can embody the courage he demonstrated in our own lives. We can understand our Dharma, learn about our culture, and teach it to our children. We can protect temples and religious traditions, serve society, and dedicate our time, knowledge, energy, and abilities to the cause of Dharma. The life of Guru Govind Singh teaches us that age is no barrier to standing up for Dharma; it shows that a person possessing courage, steadfastness, and a spirit of sacrifice can transform their very life into a powerful message. Certainly. In keeping with the narrative, I have structured this according to the predetermined three-part 'Teacher Task' format: five questions and answers for the "Post-Story Discussion," a section for children to express their own thoughts under "Self-Expression," and a truly actionable activity for the "Practical Task." Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1669}}

With the preservation of Sanatana Dharma as its lifeblood and the cultural empowerment of future generations as its driving mission, the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) has kicked off its comprehensive 8-day grassroots field tour with great momentum across the sacred soil of Eluru. Led by GHHF National General Secretary Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla alongside North Andhra In-charge Sri Surya Ramakrishna Thota, the tour’s very first day infused fresh vigor and confidence into the local Hindu community through a seamless integration of spiritual outreach, cultural preservation, and lawful activism. The journey commenced in Gollagudem village of Eluru district, where an intimate gathering of Hindu karyakarthas took place at the sacred Sri Rama Temple. Organized under the leadership of district coordinators Sri P. Venkateswara Rao and Smt. G. Manjusri, the meeting served as an important platform to review the organizational expansion and evaluate the progress of Bala Samskara Kendras—initiatives committed to nurturing timeless spiritual and cultural values in young children—while laying down clear strategic milestones for future work. Following this, the delegation visited Thirumalampalem village, where local villagers expressed an ardent desire to revitalize community Bhajan traditions across village shrines and requested essential musical instruments, including cymbals (Taalams) and traditional percussion (Dappu). Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla promptly assured them that GHHF would wholeheartedly support every effort to reawaken spiritual consciousness in rural temples and arrange the necessary musical paraphernalia without delay. By evening, the GHHF delegation arrived in Kadiyadda village of Tadepalligudem Mandal, West Godavari district, receiving a resolute welcome from local residents. Kadiyadda stands as a testament to unflinching grassroots perseverance: an unauthorized "Bible Mission Church" had operated there without lawful permits for over 16 years, causing sustained distress to local households. GHHF provided steadfast legal stewardship and institutional backing to frontline local fighters Sri Attuluri Rajesh and Sri Annem Satyanarayana throughout a rigorous four-year legal struggle, culminating in a historic breakthrough when authorities officially sealed the illegal premises pursuant to High Court directives. Interacting with the villagers, Sri Rajesh Thunuguntla emphatically declared that putting a seal on the building is merely an initial milestone, not the end of the road. Reaffirming GHHF's unyielding stance, he stressed that the fight will continue unabated until the illegal structure on 240 square yards of government assigned land is completely demolished in accordance with the Tahsildar’s official resumption orders. Assuring the village youth and community elders of ongoing legal interventions against administrative inertia, GHHF reiterated its pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with rural Hindus until absolute justice prevails. With this blend of spiritual awakening, institutional solidarity, and steadfast resistance to illegal incursions, the opening day of the field tour concluded on a triumphant note. Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979   {{album_1668}}

GHHF - Oct 5 on “Islam, Democracy and Hindu Ideals: Is Bharat Ready to Protect Hindus?” English: https://youtu.be/UQQfZofYxSg Telugu: https://youtu.be/OocZHz7xIks Hindi: https://youtu.be/xi5A6PPrZ70 Punjabi: https://youtu.be/Gex5Jtdj65k Bengali: https://youtu.be/9uhdkn2uqWE Paula and Clara Jobs adopted Steve Jobs. His father, a machinist and mechanic, influenced him. He used to work at a workbench, taking apart and rebuilding electronics, thereby developing an appreciation for craftsmanship, mechanical precision, and good design. He enrolled in Reed College and dropped out. He said, “I didn't have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends' rooms; I returned Coke bottles for the 5¢ deposits to buy food; and I walked the 7 miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it.” Two Books Influenced him Steve Jobs came across Ram Dass’s “Be Here Now” during his first semester at Reed College in late 1972. After reading Harvard professor Ram Das’s “Be Here Now” and Paramahamsa Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”, Steve Jobs traveled to India in 1974 with a friend, Dan Kottke, who later became Apple’s first employee. His trip to India was disappointing and revelatory at once, as he himself realized and recounted: “We weren’t going to find a place where we could go for a month to be enlightened.” Yet in a far more important sense, during his short fling into various Indian āshrams, Steve picked up the importance of cultivating inner centeredness and composure and looking at the world from the inside out. This orientation seemed to have served him well throughout his life as a leader of Apple. Larry Brilliant, a lifelong friend of Steve Jobs, said, “He was searching for the same thing all of us search for, what we’re still searching for, the meaning of life, why we live, how we can do anything good in our lifetimes.” He was also searching for raw food, as Brilliant puts it — “Where the hell am I going to get a good salad?” “Be Here Now” was the book about Neem Karoli Baba. Then Robert Friedland told us about the Kumbh Mela in Hardwar/Rishikesh in the summer of 1974, which became the springboard for deciding to go. Steve Jobs and his friend Kottke went to India, wore khaki kurtas and lungis, trying to blend in. Then they went to Kainchi near Neem Karoli’s ashram. They tried smoking hemp. But as they say, “But really it was the books that had the most interest for us. I remember carrying around the Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa, The Book and The Way of Zen by Alan Watts, the Diamond Sutra, and the Dharma Bums by (Jack) Kerouac.” How did the trip to India influence them? Kottke said, “I think the trip influenced us both in a general sense of broadening our experience of life on earth and putting our lives in the US in a wider perspective.” Both were sick, suffering from diarrhea and fatigue. But those seven months influenced those seeking spiritual enlightenment, deepening their lifelong interest in Eastern philosophy and minimalism. His biographer, Walter Isaacson, wrote that the greatest influence on Steve Jobs, however, was the book Autobiography of a Yogi— “the guide to meditation and spirituality that he had first read as a teenager,” “then re-read in India and had read once a year ever since.” Isaacson mentions it was the only book Steve downloaded on his personal iPad2. Steve’s credo, “Actualize yourself,” seems to come directly from Yogananda’s philosophy of Self-realization. (realize, portray, objectify yourself). Jobs found himself deeply influenced by a variety of books on spirituality and enlightenment, most notably “Be Here Now,” a guide to meditation and the wonders of psychedelic drugs by Baba Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert. “It was profound,” Jobs said. “It transformed me and many of my friends.” Steve Jobs learned important lessons from the book: the importance of holy curiosity and a sense of wonder, self-effort, self-realization, and, above all, fearlessness in facing life and death.  Jobs, who in his 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech memorably described death as “very likely the single best invention of life,” departed from this world exclaiming: “Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow.” In the same speech, signaling the importance of loving what we do, he noted, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” To conclude, we would highlight a few points from his lifestyle: he was a vegetarian, practiced yoga routinely, and was known for his strong love and compassion for animals. These seem so connected to Hinduism, don’t they? Intuition Marc Benioff, Salesforce CEO, said Steve Jobs’s keys to success were the spiritual qualities he developed. “He went to India,” said Benioff, “And he had this incredible realization that his intuition was his greatest gift, and that he needed to look at the world from the inside out.” "I look at Steve as a very spiritual person," he added. "[Steve] had this incredible realization--that his intuition was his greatest gift and he needed to look at the world from the inside out." He deeply valued and trusted intuition. He used to say, don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” Benioff even stated that, "If you look back at the history of Steve and that early trip to India...he had this incredible realization that his intuition was his greatest gift." "He needed to look at the world from the inside out...his message was to look inside yourself and realize yourself." "Yogananda...had this book on self-realization.... [Steve's] last message to us was that here is Yogananda's book.... Actualize yourself. Stanford University Speech Steve Jobs delivered a motivating speech at Stanford University about simple living and high thinking, which became a sensation. While addressing Stanford University graduates, he shared three life-changing stories that really moved them. The first story was about connecting the dots, the second about love and loss, and the third about his belief in Karma. “Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust everything: your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in life”. Last gift – Autobiography of a Yogi When he came to know that he had cancer and might not live long, he carefully planned his funeral, prepared the list of guests to be invited to the funeral, and the kind of gift he wanted to give. Hundreds of influential leaders in business, politics, and popular culture were introduced to Paramahamsa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi at the 2011 memorial service for Steve Jobs, at the express wish of the late business visionary and founder of Apple Computer, who passed away on October 5, 2011. Benioff told his story of attending the memorial service following Jobs’ death, where the attendees were handed a small brown box on their way out. ‘This is going to be good,’ he thought. ‘I knew that this was a decision he made, and whatever it was, it was the last thing he wanted us all to think about.’ “The box contained a copy of Paramahamsa Yogananda’s book, Autobiography of a Yogi. It was a spiritual book that inspired Jobs throughout his life.  First published in 1946, the book espouses ‘self-realization’ and the practice of Kriya Yoga meditation. “We need to all be working on actualizing ourselves,” Benioff added. “If you want to understand Steve, it’s a good idea to dig into it [Autobiography of a Yogi]. He was not afraid to take that key journey.” Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

On September 30th, a Muslim copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the Flydubai plane and kill all 174 passengers and 6 crew. According to Israeli officials, the first officer, an Omani national, stabbed captain Smit Machchhar (from Mumbai, India) and tried to sabotage the aircraft’s systems. Witnesses said the plane entered a tailspin and began to dive. Passengers and crew entered the cockpit, restrained the attacker, and enabled a second pair of Flydubai pilots on board to land the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. It is not an isolated incident. These incidents will be flooding across the globe, bleeding humanity. Hindus have not learned from history about the untold cruelty, relentless terrorism, repeated attacks on Hindu Temples, continuous raping of Hindu women, constant insults to Hindu Gods, incessant noise pollution through Azaan, and the transmission of Hindu hatred through madrasas, inflicted on Hindus for more than seven hundred years. Hindus are more responsible for allowing them to wage war against Hindus. The stupidity of Hindus is endless. They still support politicians who are openly supporting Pakistan and Muslim terrorists for their selfish interests.  Muslims are taking advantage of these politicians’ weakness and dismantling the richness of Hindu civilization.  Pahalgam terrorism is only the tip of the iceberg. They have plans to make Bharat an Islamic country. Almost every day, these Muslim leaders openly talk about conquering India. The People's Federation of India has a plan to take over India by 2047 by equipping every house with guns, rifles, rocks, wooden sticks, and materials to make bombs. Muslim leaders repeatedly and openly announce that they will take over Bharat by 2047. Will Durant describes the Islamic rule in India as a tumultuous period marked by significant violence and cultural transformation. He characterizes the Muslim conquests, particularly from the 10th to the 13th centuries, as some of the bloodiest events in history, leading to profound changes in Indian society and governance. Will Durant, the famous historian, summed it up like this: "The Islamic conquest of India is probably the bloodiest story in history. It is a discouraging tale, for its evident moral is that civilization is a precious good, whose delicate complex of order and freedom, culture and peace, can at any moment be overthrown by barbarians invading from without or multiplying within." Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam, Jama Masjid, Delhi, says, “Muslims have become the majority in Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Kerala, Hyderabad, and Assam in India. According to Islam, the presence of non-Muslims in Muslim-dominated areas is forbidden. Therefore, Hindus should vacate these areas; otherwise, we will do the same to them as we did to Hindus in Kashmir.” Abdulla Zuber “ Jihad will continue until all the Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Atheists are killed. Your secularism and tolerance cannot change our ideology. Quran does NOT permit survival of Non-Muslims.” It is time for Hindus to wake up and support the efforts of Prime Minister Modi to eliminate terrorists in Pakistan and all around the world, wherever they may be. The Prime Minister should also concentrate on the internal enemies of Bharat and eliminate the terrorists who are planning to destabilize Bharat. Let us look at what the experts in Islam said about their philosophy, their cruelty, terrorism, and plans to dominate India and the world.  Before India’s Independence, Mohammad Jinnah said, “Hindu and Muslim cultures constitute two distinct, and frequently antagonistic, ways of life, and therefore they cannot coexist in one nation.” On 6 December 1945, in a statement to the British Government, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the Muslim League, called for the creation of an independent Muslim state, Pakistan. He explained that Muslims would never be able to live in peace if they were in the minority alongside a Hindu majority and emphasized that the two societies could not coexist within a single nation. Islamic rule in India as a "colonial experiment" was "extremely violent", and "the Muslims could not rule the country except by systematic terror. Cruelty was the norm - burnings, summary executions, crucifixions or impalements, inventive tortures. Hindu temples were destroyed to make way for mosques. On occasion, there were forced conversions …. If ever there were an uprising, it was instantly and savagely repressed: houses were burned, the countryside was laid waste, men were slaughtered, and women were taken as slaves." (Fernand Braudel: A History of Civilization) “The Democratic system that is predominant in the world is not a suitable system for the peoples of our region.... The system of free elections is not suitable for our country. King Fahd of Saudi Arabia At least King Fahd has had the honesty to admit the incompatibility of Islam and democracy. Meanwhile, Western Islamic apologists and modernizing Muslims continue to look for democratic principles in Islam and Islamic history. Asghar Ali Engineer asked, “Is Islam compatible with secularism?”  He said that  “Both non-Muslims and orthodox Muslims feel that Islam is not compatible with secularism. Fundamentalist Muslims totally reject secularism as anti-Islamic and haram. Maulana Maududi, founder of Jamat-e-Islami-e-Hind, had said, while leaving for Pakistan in 1948, that those who participated in secular politics were raising the flag of revolt against Allah and His Messenger. The Saudi 'Ulama, too, denounce secularism as strictly prohibited in Islamic tradition.” That means Islam is incompatible with democracy.  Even if one goes by religious text, the Qur’an emphasizes what it calls shura’ (consultation) (3:159, 42:38). Even the messenger of Allah is required to consult his people in worldly matters, and Muslims are required to consult each other in their secular affairs. We Hindus must recognize that Islam and Hinduism are incompatible in their ideologies, values, practices, human rights, inclusiveness, women’s rights, tolerance toward each other, marriage customs, and democratic principles.   Hindus must realize the gravity of the precarious situation the majority of Hindus are facing at the hands of Muslim minorities who are using every means to create fear among Hindus and drive them from their villages.  It should be pointed out that in the very near future, the Hindus are going to be cornered, and another carnage of Hindus similar to the carnage during the Independence time will occur, not too far in the future. It is a matter of years, not decades. Muslims stayed back only to recapture India through violent means. Their loyalty is not to India but to global dominance and supremacy over all religions. They are in India not to integrate, not to accommodate, not to adjust, and not to assimilate into the mainstream of India but to dominate, subjugate, subdue, control, and suppress Hindus through Islamic justice, which allows them to dispose of all Hindus at their will, reminiscent of Islamic brutal, barbaric, and ruthless dominance of Hindu India for eight centuries. After visiting India, Tarek Fatah rightly observed, “As a Muslim, I found it fascinating that this is the only place in the world where Muslims exert influence without fear. Muslims are better equipped in India than in Pakistan and Bangladesh.” By avoiding an open discussion about the impending takeover of India by Muslims in less than a decade, Hindu politicians, Hindu organizations, and the government are going to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of Muslims to convert the country into an Islamic State. How long will Bharat allow Muslims to dominate, dictate, and decimate Bharat? It is time to reflect on the mission of Islam and protect Bharata from cruelty, torture, rapes, killings, attacks on Temples, cow slaughter, love jihad, and terrorism. Reflect on all major attacks Muslims have inflicted on Bharat over the last eight centuries and protect Sanatana Dharma and Bharat. It is time to take any and every option into consideration before we are subjected to the cruelty our forefathers experienced.

On September 30th, a Muslim copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the Flydubai plane and kill all 174 passengers and 6 crew. Although Smit Machchhar (from Mumbai, India) was stabbed by a Muslim copilot and was lying on the floor with multiple wounds, his chanting of Hanuman Chalisa gave him the strength to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to overpower the copilot, stabilize the plane, and save all the passengers. Flydubai plane landed safely, and Smit is in the hospital recovering from the wounds. PM Modi called and told Machchhar that the entire country was praying for him and praised his bravery during the crisis. Machchhar also shared that whenever he finds himself in difficulty, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa. He said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during that difficult moment as well. “And I am just, in positivity, whenever I get a chance, I say only one thing: I say only Hanuman Chalisa. Even then, I used to say only Hanuman Chalisa. Now I know that he is not just God; he is my savior,” he said. In fact, his two-year-old child also recites Hanuman Chalisa. PM Modi also spoke about Machchhar's mother, Geeta Ben, and said she had raised him with the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Hanuman Temple in Frisco. The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple in Frisco changed the city's geography as thousands of Hindus moved there to experience Lord Hanuman's power, grace, blessings, and vibrations. Over the past ten years, the Hanuman Temple in Frisco has significantly contributed to the city's rapid growth, particularly within the Hindu community. This temple has become a central hub for worship and cultural activities, attracting many Indian immigrants to the area. Its contribution in terms of financial, spiritual, religious, philosophical, and peaceful coexistence is immeasurable. Power Of Hanuman Chalisa The chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa by Flydubai Airlines pilot Smit is believed to have saved the passenger's lives. The Hanuman Chalisa—a 40-verse devotional hymn composed by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century—holds a profound place in Hindu tradition. Rooted in scriptural lore, it is revered not merely as poetic praise but as a potent Stotra (a hymn invoking protection, courage, and divine grace) that taps into Lord Hanuman's extraordinary spiritual power (siddhi). It gives us inner strength and surrounds us with an invisible shield of divine protection during the most challenging times. Our faith keeps us grounded, fills us with courage, and inspires us to remain positive, fearless, and steadfast in the face of every challenge. Pilot Smit chanting the Hanuman Chalisa gave him strength, surrounded him with divine energy, and equipped him with courage when he needed it most. Tulsidas, who composed the Hanuman Chalisa, says in the Chalisa that whoever chants it with full devotion to Hanuman will have Hanuman's grace. Among Hindus in Northern India, it is widely believed that chanting the Hanuman Chalisa invokes Hanuman's divine intervention in grave problems, including those involving evil spirits, and this belief is based on the Chalisa's own claims. Key Spiritual Powers of the Hanuman Chalisa 1. Dispersion of Fear and Negative Energies Hindu texts describe Hanuman as the ultimate protector against fear, mental turmoil, and unseen negative forces. Verse 24 explicitly states: "Bhoot Pishach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahavir Jab Naam Sunave" (Ghosts, evil spirits, and negative energies cannot come near when the name of Mahavir Hanuman is invoked.) Reciting the Chalisa acts as spiritual armor (Kavach), helping ground the mind in high-stress or life-threatening crises. 2. Bestower of Eight Siddhis and Nine Nidhis According to the Ramcharitmanas and the Chalisa itself (Verse 31), Mata Sita granted Hanuman the rare boons of the Ashta Siddhi (eight supernatural powers) and Nava Niddhi (nine divine treasures): You are the giver of the eight mystic powers and nine wealths, as blessed by Mother Janaki. Because Hanuman possesses these supreme abilities—such as shrinking to an atom (Anima) or growing immensely (Mahima)—reciting his praise is believed to grant mental clarity, physical resilience, and extraordinary fortitude in adversity. 3. Eradication of Suffering and Obstacles (Sankat Mochan) In Hindu belief, Lord Hanuman is hailed as Sankat Mochan (the liberator from distress). Verse 36 highlights this healing power: All diseases are cured and all pains vanish when one continuously chants the name of the brave Hanuman. Scriptures state that whether facing physical pain, severe mental anxiety, or insurmountable worldly hurdles, chanting the Chalisa invokes Hanuman’s swift intervention to remove obstacles. 4. The Efficacy of Devotional Vibration (Mantra Shakti) In Sanatana Dharma, sound (Shabda) carries tangible energy. The Chalisa is structured in precise Chhandas (poetic meters—specifically Doha and Chaupai). When chanted with devotion (Bhakti) and focus, its rhythmic resonance calms the nervous system, instills immense willpower, and anchors consciousness even amid chaos. 5. Absolute Faith and Divine Protection (Sankalpa) The concluding verse guarantees the spiritual potency of the text: 6. Lord Shiva Himself stands as witness to this truth. Whoever recites this Hanuman Chalisa attains spiritual perfection and victory; The Ultimate Wish Fulfillment is found in Verse 39, which says, "Jo yeh padhe Hanuman Chalisa, hoye siddhi sakhi Gaurisa". Lord Shiva (Gaurisa) himself stands as a witness that whoever reads this prayer will attain success (siddhi) and fulfillment of their innermost wishes. Ultimately, the scripture emphasizes that the Chalisa's true power lies in pure, surrender-filled faith (Saranagati). By shifting one's focus from panic to Hanuman's divine attributes—unwavering devotion, infinite strength, and selfless service—the practitioner accesses inner reserves of courage to overcome seemingly impossible situations. Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979h ‎

Judith Tyberg (1902–1980), also known by her spiritual name Jyotipriya, was an American orientalist, educator, Sanskrit scholar, and yogi. She played a pivotal role in bridging Eastern philosophy and Western understanding during the 20th century. Born at the Point Loma Theosophical Community in California, Tyberg studied classical languages, religion, and philosophy from an early age. She began formal Sanskrit studies in 1930 and eventually earned her Ph.D. in Sanskritic Studies from the Theosophical University. She wrote several books, including “Sanskrit Keys to the Wisdom Religion”; “Hymn to the Origin of the World from the Rig Veda”; “First Lessons in Sanskrit Grammar and Reading”; “The Language of the Gods: Sanskrit Keys to India's Wisdom”; and others Dr. Radhakrishna, Vice Chancellor of Benares Hindu University, awarded her a three-year scholarship to study in India. At BHU, she studied traditional Sanskrit and Indian philosophy, interacting with academic authorities, professors, and traditional Sanskrit scholars. She talked about the greatness of Sanskrit: "Sanskrit is one of the noblest languages that human genius has brought forth. Because of its grandeur, it is one of the most difficult to understand. Sanskrit is the pride of the people of India, and knowledge of it gives the key to their hearts. It is the learned language of India, the language of its cultured inhabitants" Tyberg’s view of Sanskrit’s importance was quoted by the Los Angeles Times: “Not only are the languages used on the European and American continents deficient in words dealing with spirit, but many of the English words that do have spiritual connotations are so weighty with false and dogmatic beliefs that it is difficult to convey an exact meaning to all ... while Sanskrit expresses the inner mysteries of the soul and spirit, the many after-death states, the origin and destiny of worlds and men and human psychology.” In her view, the very pronunciation and etymology of Sanskrit act as spiritual keys that unlock deep truths about the universe, human consciousness, and the inner workings of the soul. She taught that ancient seers consciously designed its structure and vocabulary to reflect divine realities and elevate human awareness toward higher states of spiritual realization. She spent two months in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Autumn 1947. On November 24, one of the four days each year when Sri Aurobindo broke his seclusion, Tyberg paid her reverence to Sri Aurobindo and his spiritual collaborator, Mirra Alfassa, a Frenchwoman known as “The Mother”. Tyberg’s diary recorded her experience: “I just felt God”, “electric forces”, “stretched out to infinity”, and “I really knew what my soul was”. In a private audience with The Mother, Judith Tyberg asked to receive a spiritual name, which Sri Aurobindo chose: “Jyotipriya, the lover of Light”. After spending three years in India, she founded the East-West Cultural Center in Los Angeles (later known as the Sri Aurobindo Center of Los Angeles). The center served as a hub for hosting Indian scholars, yogis, and spiritual teachers, making traditional Indian philosophy accessible to Western students. A passage from the book “Sanskrit Keys to the World Religion”, by Judith Tyberg Sanskrit is one of the noblest languages that human genius has brought forth. Because of its grandeur it is one of the most difficult to understand. Sanskrit is the pride of the people of India, and knowledge of it gives the key to their hearts. It is the learned language of India, the language of its cultured inhabitants, the language of its religion, philosophy, literature, and science, a language very much alive in the heart-life of its people. The Hindus are a nation of philosophers and mystics. Max Muller called them "the most highly gifted race of mankind." Almost every phase of philosophical thought in the West is represented in one form or another in Hindu philosophical works.” The India of old is constantly rising in estimation since the discovery of its grand achievements in language, literature, art and philosophy. It will be realized more and more that a knowledge of the culture of old India is essential to the foundation of a proper understanding of the origin and growth of Western civilization. Sanskrit is a language which, though possessing voluminous and valuable works in prose and verse, has but recently become known to Europe. Just as a botanist may estimate the age of a tree from the number of its branches and the circumference of its trunk, so in like manner, a linguist can estimate the age of a language from the number of its branch-dialects and the area of the country over which it is spoken. As there is no language so perfect in its forms and with so many branches and sub-branches as the Sanskrit, it must be regarded as the oldest of all the existing literary languages. Besides being the oldest of our literary languages it is also the most replete with knowledge concerning the wonderful and recondite potentialities of the human spirit. Jyotipriya left her body at 3:15 p.m. on the third of October 1980.  In her last testament she had written: “In the event of my death, I would like my body to be cremated and the ashes there from thrown among the flowers of a happy garden.  May any service that may be held be one of meditation, music and prayer for the speedy return of my soul to the Divine for new joy, power and wisdom, so I may return again to serve the Light.”  After a life where she sought “long service ... in search of truth, beauty and joy to share with all”, her final aspiration was “the speedy return of my soul to the Divine ... so I may return again to serve the Light”. She also met Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, V. K. Gokak, B. L. Atreya, Anandamayi Ma, Ramana Maharshi, Sri Ramdas, and Krishna Prem and others. Tyberg spent a week with the sage Ramana Maharshi at his Arunachala ashram where he told her “You’re already realized, you just don’t know it.” Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979