A Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America · Volume 14 Number 3 Page 3 BSNA has been spreading the message of Vedic San-skriti to mainstream communities in order to

Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America

Volume 14 Number 3 Editor: Anjana Bhargava September 2012

A Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America

BSNA Organization Chart

President Dr. Om Sharma 908.359.3348 ([email protected])

Executive Vice President Mr. Bharat Mohla 916.933.6339 ([email protected])

Vice President Mrs. Mamta Tiwari 301.774.6365 ([email protected])

Vice President Mr. Naren Misra 905.680.5407([email protected])

General Secretary Mr. Pardeep Sharma 530.792.7191 ([email protected])

Treasurer Mr. Hari S. Sharma 732.409.3523([email protected])

Assistant Treasurer & Editor, Brahmakulum Dr. Vinay Sharma 954.562.7365 ([email protected])

Editor, Brahma Vani & Brahma Bharati Mrs. Anjana Bhargava 916.939.9233([email protected])

Editor, Web Site Mr. Vijay Bhargava 916.322.7148 ([email protected])

Coordinator, Interactive Forum Ms. Aradhna Sharma 530.792.7191 ([email protected])

Board of Trustees Mr. Mahendra Pal Misra - Chairman 610.539.6073([email protected]) Dr. Lakshmi Shanker Dube 514.685.4278([email protected]) Mr. Upendra Chivukula 732.247.3999 ([email protected]) Dr. Shri Kant Mishra 818. 981.9659 ([email protected]) Mr. Sunil Pathak 909.622.5775([email protected]) Dr. Rudra Prakash 615.377. 0535([email protected]) Dr. Lok N. Shandilya 804.530.8854 ([email protected]) Mr. Jagar Sharma 516.503.0871 ([email protected]) Mr. Purushottam Sharma 248.853.4076 ([email protected]) Dr. Keshav Shukla 281.599.9791 ([email protected]) Dr. Rajesh Shukla 201.941.7704 ([email protected]) Dr. (Mani) S. Yegnasubramanian 908.281.0607([email protected])

President Message

BRAHMA BHARATI BRAHMA BHARATI A Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America

Dear BSNA Family and Friends

I am glad to report that the World Brahman Convention - 2012 jointly organized by BSNA

and GBC was a grand success on all accounts. It was very well attended by delegates from

India, UK, Uganda, Canada and USA representing 20 different Brahman Organizations

world-wide. The convention was opened in Vedic Parampara by chanting Veda mantras by

Sanatan Dharma Priests. The attendees represented and communicated in different languages

such as English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Kannad, Bengali, Gujarati, etc. This is the

first time in BSNA's history that so many languages were used for communicating with each

other, truly representing a cross section of united Global Brahman community. Clearly it

indicates the commitment of Brahmans in a united forum to preserve, practice and promote

Sanatan Sanskriti/Vedic Dharma.

We were delighted to have a large attendance of youth group who prepared and presented

fabulous programs. Different groups of Brahman Organizations such as Youth Group Presi-

dent of WBF India, Women's Group President of WBF India among others presented their

views and activities in their respective organizations which are commendable. Excellent

food, hotel arrangements and unique entertainment provided by professional artist, Sa Re Ga

Ma famous Mr. Shamit Tyagi kept the audience spellbound for 5 hrs every day on Friday

and Saturday nights. Most of the attendees danced for hours on his music. Of course our own

artists from all the representing countries provided wonderful entertainment. There were a

lot of hidden stars who came up to light (or to the stage) during the event.

There were talks/discussions/interactive sessions on various topics such as scriptures, entre-

preneurship, health care, finance, youth issues, networking, social issues, religion, multilin-

gual interactions, etc. There were several resolutions passed after long and serious discussion

which I believe will be very meaningful steps in the direction of serving our global commu-

nity.

My heartfelt congratulations and appreciations to the local and International Convention

Organizing Committee who did such a wonderful job in organizing the convention and mak-

ing our guests feel at home during the convention. I am also thankful to my dear friends and

stalwart Brahman Leaders such as Pt. Mange Ram Sharma, Chairman, WBF India, Shri R.D.

Dixit, President, All Indian Brahman Samaj, and several others who could not attend the

convention but their love, commitment to serve the Brahman community and guidance was

with us all the time.

Finally and most important thanks to all the attendees without whom the convention

would not have been such a fulfilling and pleasant experience to all of us volunteers.

We are thankful to TV Asia and other media channels/press who covered the event in elec-

tronic or print media form.

It’s my pleasure to report that BSNA Elections of the President and Executive Committee

for the term 2013-2015 have been concluded. The NEC has recommended Dr. Shri Kant

Mishra as elected president for the next term. The term of new EC will commence from

January 2013. Detailed information regarding the plans of the new EC and their profile is

provided in this issue and at BSNA website at BSNA.org.

Page 2 BRAHMA BHARATI

President’s Message Delivered by Dr. Om Sharma, BSNA President,

on July 6, 2012 in LA, CA, USA

Namaskaar! This is the 150th anniver-

sary of the birth of our revered saint

Swami Vivekanand. This year we all

are celebrating his birth anniversary

and I convey my greetings to all on

this occasion.

It gives me immense pleasure to wel-

come you, a galaxy of learned Brahmans from all over the

world, who have gathered here in Los Angeles to attend

the World Brahman Convention. We are honored to have

a lot of you representing different Brahman organizations

around the world. This convention is jointly being orga-

nized by BSNA and the Global Brahman Confederation

(GBC). BSNA is celebrating its 17th annual convention

and GBC its inaugural. Congratulations to the convention

Director, Mr. Ajoy Dube, GBC President, Dr. Shri Kant

Mishra, and the Organizing Committee whose tireless

work has resulted in to such a wonderful program.

There are several reasons to organize these conventions

but the most important one is to promulgate Vedic San-

skriti/Sanatan Dharma (or Hindu Dharma) among Hin-

dus as well as mainstream society. The best way to ac-

complish this objective is to exchange ideas and learn

from authorities in the field, as well as from each other.

Conventions provide this opportunity for learning.

In order to strengthen our Hindu society which is

somewhat fragmented at this juncture it is important

to recognize the power of Vedic Sanskriti. However,

first we have to know what Vedic Sanskriti is?

Actually Vedic Sanskriti is a dharma, a vision, a culture,

and a philosophy that is universal and saswat (eternal,

timeless) that keeps us together and works for the welfare

of the entire universe. In pursuit of propagating Sanatan

Dharma a few years ago I initiated a movement called

“jnan yajna” from the platform of BSNA. In our scrip-

tures jnan (knowledge) is considered a light that dispels

the darkness of ignorance. As it is stated in Gita

“Api cedasi papebhyah sarvebhyah papakrttamah, sar-

vam jnanaplavenaiva vrjinamsantarisyasi” (Gita 4.36)

Means, even if you were the most sinful of all sinners, the

knowledge alone would carry you, like a raft, across all

your sins. Gita further states that -

“yathaidhamsi samiddhoagnisbhasmasatkurutearjuna,

jnanagnih sarvakarmani bhasmasatkurute tatha” (Gita

4.37)

As a blazing fire reduces the fuel to ashes, similarly the

fire of knowledge turns all actions to ashes. Therefore,

“Na hi jnanena sadrsam pavitramiha vidyate, tatsvayam

yogasamsiddhah kalenatmani vindati‖ (Gita 4.38)

There is nothing as great purifier as knowledge in this

world.

In reference to this year’s convention theme “The Rele-

vance of Brahmanic Values in a Global Perspective” -

we are living in an era when Brahmanic values are more

relevant for the welfare of mankind than ever. In order to

practice Brahmanic values it is important to understand

what those values are and how they are different from

other values. In this reference a question often arises

―who is a Brahmana?‖ ―What are the specific traits of a

Brahmana?‖ Vedic scriptures have a number of refer-

ences to the attributes of a Brahmana, I am going to

mention a few of them here -

The natural traits of a Brahmana are described as sereni-

ty, self-control, austerity, purity, forgiveness, upright-

ness, knowledge (wisdom), realization and faith in God,

―samo damastapah saucam ksantirarjavameva ca,

jnanam vijnanmastikyam brahmakarma

svabhavajam” (Gita 18.42).

These are the duties of a Brahmana born of his/her na-

ture. Similar natural attributes of a Brahmana are de-

scribed in Shrimad Bhagvatam 7.11.21 as well as in oth-

er Vedic scriptures.

“samo damastapah saucam santosah kshantirarjavam,

jnanam dayachutatatmtvam satyam ca Brahmlaksh-

nam” as well as in other scriptures.

Six duties are ascribed to Brahmana in Manusmriti

(1.90) – adhyapanam-adhyayanam yajanam yaajanam

tatha, daanam pratigraham chaiva braahmanaa-

naamkalpayat

I will discuss a bit more about Brhamana in my talk on

the ―Vedic system of Varnashrama‖ later on this morn-

ing. Continued on Page 3

Volume 14 Number 3 Page 3

BSNA has been spreading the message of Vedic San-

skriti to mainstream communities in order to dispel the

aberrations that are not consistent with our scriptural

teachings. I believe that practicing eternal principles of

Sanatan Dharma will help to protect and withhold the

Hindu society together in a harmonious way.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the mem-

bers of BSNA for their faith in me to lead the organization

for the last 3 years. My dedicated services to BSNA activi-

ties would not have been possible without unconditional,

encouraging and continuous support of my loving wife,

Manju ji and our dear son, Himanshu, over the last 10

years. Due to his Medical School related activities

Himanshu could not attend the convention this year. Thanks

to a thoughtful, critical and supportive Executive Commit-

tee, Board of Trustees, and a number of senior leaders

worldwide who supported me in fulfilling my commitment

to serve the Brahman community through BSNA. My sin-

cere thanks are to Mrs. Anjana Bhargava and Mr. Vijay

Bhargava for putting together another excellent issue of

Brahma Vani.

Thank you for coming and enjoy the convention!

Submitted by Ajoy Dube Convention Director – 2012

From page 2 ..

ACCOUNT SHEET

BSNA CONVENTION (6, 7, 8th July 2012), LOS ANGELES

Revenue (Income):

Registrations & Donations: 49,344.00

BSNA Members/Life Members: 1,890.00

Net Revenue for Convention 47,454.00

Expenses:

Hotel: 16,043.26

Food: 8,675.00

Cultural Programs: 5200.00

Publicity: 321.92

Publication (Brahma Vani) 2,522.36

Registration:

Badge, Tags, T-Shirts, Mugs 1,558.24

Plaques: 700.00

Decoration, Misc: 164.07

Air Mail/Postage 518.93

Total Expenses 35,703.78

Income $47,454.00

Expenses $35,703.78

Net Income (Balance) $11,750.22

*Receivable: Some more donation may come.

ब्राह्मण

जफ हभें ही अऩनी ऩहचान नहीीं तो जालरभ दनुनमा वारे हभें क्मा ऩहचाने बूर गमे हैं हभाया भहत्व क्मा है अऩना ध्मान कयते हैं जाने अनजाने

बीतय कुछ औय, फाहय कुछ औय रगता है रोग सभझते हैं हभें फेगाने बगवान ने अकर दी है, ददभाग बी इस्तेभार कयना बूर गमे हैं ददवाने

सीखा नहीीं लभर कय जीना हभने भायते हैं अऩने बाई को ही ताने झगड यहे हैं आऩस भें बफना कायण रगे हैं एक दसूये की धज्जीमाीं उडाने

अफ तो दनुनमा वारे बी ऩूछते नहीीं ऩहचानते नहीीं क्मा नमे क्मा ऩुयाने कफ खत्भ होगी कहानी गयीफ ब्राह्भण की जफ ब्राह्भण सभझ रेगा असरी भाने

ब्राह्भण के घय जन्भ रेना ही कापी नहीीं कभम कयके ही ऩडेंगे फपयसे नाभ कभाने सीखना है तो मू ऩी के मादवों से सीखो एकता फडी ताकतवाय है कह गमे समाने

अफ बी भौका है सभझ जाओ ब्राहभणो क्मों रगे हो दनुनमा को तभाशा ददखाने नतरक शभाम


LOS ANGELES, United States

Brahmans from Canada, the U.K., Uganda and India as well as from

around the United States gathered at the 17th Annual World Brahman

Convention 2012 here to deliberate on such contemporary topics as

Brahmanical values, Dharma and various issues facing the communi-

ty, including those concerning youth.Under the theme of ―Relevance

of Brahmanic Values in Global Perspective,‖ the three-day event,

held July 6-8, was jointly sponsored by the Brahman Samaj of North

America and the Global Brahman Confederation.Dr. Shri Kant Mish-

ra, a renowned professor of neurology, delivered the keynote address

in which he highlighted the need to preserve, protect and promote

Brahmanical values to humankind to create a better world. Mishra

said that Brahman is one who has knowledge of God and gave details

on the lineage of various communities, adding that the members

needed to translate Brahmanic literature in other languages.Mishra,

president of GBC, told India-West, ―This event is honestly by far the

most organized session in terms of content, speeches, food, and cultur-

al presentations. Our goal is not just to promote Brahmanic values but

also to preserve them. That is why it is fulfilling to see the youth in-

volvement.‖Dr. Diwaker Shukl, a psychologist from the U.K., spoke on ―The Opportunities and Challenges for Brah-

mans – A Way Forward,‖ explaining that the duty of a Brahman is to obtain the grace of God.

Dr. Om Sharma, president of the Brahman Samaj of North America, spoke on the ―Varana‖ system, commonly dis-

torted as the caste system, from a scientific and philosophical perspective. A historian focusing on ancient India, he

explained the ―untranslatable concept of Dharma‖ and Dharmic traditions.

Among the various issues facing the Brahman community, the most glaring is the

legally imposed reverse discrimination against Brahmans in India in education and

employment, it was brought out at the convention.A resolution to immediately

stop reverse discrimination that has economically deprived Brahmans and pushed

them into poverty was overwhelmingly supported by the convention delegates.

The occasion was marked by a presentation on the battle for justice for the

Ayodhyamovement by Indian Supreme Court lawyer K.N. Bhatt, who spoke on

the judicial underpinnings of a judgment that is likely to lead to construction of a

temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama.Presentations were also made on sleep dis-

orders, women’s health, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems, along with

yoga sessions. In the evening was a cultural program that included an evening of

melodies of yesteryears by the upcoming young singer Shamit Tyagi as well as a

Kavi Sammelan and general body meeting.

The BSNA has more than 1,100 member families and has been holding its annual conventions since 1995 in different

parts of North America. Ajoy Dube, convention director, told India-West, ―Each segment of this convention has been

just great.‖

17th Annual World Brahman Convention—Bhartti Kumar, Special to India West

India West –July 13, 2012

Seen at the World Brahman Convention (l-r) are Om

Sharma, Ajoy Dube, and Shri Kant Mishra. (Bhartti

Kumar photos)

Youth Group

http://www.indiawest.com/authorprofile/53-186-author.html


BSNA/GBC CONVENTION 2012—LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA –JULT 6-8, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

Forgion Delegates

Award Ceremony

YOUTH GROUP


July 14, 2012 Dear BSNA Family,

As it was announced on July 8, 2012 during the World Brah-

man Convention (BSNA Annual Convention), a Nomination

and Election Committee (NEC) has been appointed per

BSNA constitution Article XII, Section 1. iv., effective im-

mediately. According to BSNA Constitution Article XII,

Section 1.i., the purpose of NEC is to seek out highly quali-

fied and dedicated members to fill various vacancies occur-

ring due to expiration of term, resignation or creation of a

new office. The NEC makes recommendations to the Presi-

dent and the EC.

The membership of the newly appointed NEC is as follow-

ing:

Dr. Shiva Bajpai – Chair

E-mail: [email protected]

Mr. Purushottam Sharma


Dr. Sen Pathak (replacement for Mr. Jagar Sharma)


All these members are highly qualified, well respected, and

have been associated with the Association since its incep-

tion. Each of them has made numerous significant contribu-

tions to the Association and has served BSNA in various

leadership positions.

The current term of the BSNA Executive Committee will be

expiring on December 31, 2012. The NEC will prepare the

guidelines and timelines for inviting nominations and con-

ducting elections, if needed, and will submit to EC for ap-

proval. Subsequently, the NEC Chair will announce guide-

lines and timelines in the next issue of Brahma Bharati, and

BSNA website (BSNA Constitution Article XII, Section

1.ii.) inviting nominations.

Dr. Om Sharma President, Brahman Samaj of North America

August 9, 2012

From: Shiva G. Bajpai, Chair, NEC-BSNA

Subject: Nomination Petition for the Office of the BSNA President

Dear BSNA Members:

This is just a reminder regarding the nomination. In order to be valid, a Nomination Petition for the BSNA Presi-

dent, 2013-2015 must comply fully with the requirements as stated in the already distributed NEC Guidelines

and procedures. If you have any difficulty following the provisions contained therein, please get in touch with

Prof. Shiva G. Bajpai, Chair,NEC ( ph. 310-454-3826; 310-367-3098 (cell), Shri Purushttam Sharma or Dr Sen

Pathak as soon as possible before the deadline of August 15, 2012.

2013-2015 BSNA Presidential Election

BSNA ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT -

2011

BALANCE AS OF 1/1/2011 $79,696

BALANCE AS OF 12/31/2011 $79,876

NET 2011 Gain $180

Breakdown of Revenue and Expenses

Revenue:

Annual Phoenix Convention

9/2011 (Registration, Donations) $13,911

Membership dues $70

Investment income (Interest) $166

Misc. Revenue

(Donations, income from Trust Funds etc.) $2,120

Total 2011 Revenue $16,267

Expenses:

Phoenix Convention (includes cost of BV publication) $14,355

Quarterly BB publication, postage and shipping $957

Professional Fees Website Maintenance $775

Total 2011 Expenses $16,087

Net income 2011 $180

Submitted by: Hari Sharma -BSNA Treasurer

mailto:[email protected]




GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING ELECTION OF

BSNA OFFICERS

I. PURPOSE

The Nominations & Election Committee (NEC) seeks nomi-

nations and conducts elections, if and when necessary, for

the seven positions that make up the core Executive Com-

mittee (EC) as prescribed in the BSNA constitution. The

seven elected positions are:

President

Executive Vice President

Vice President (2 positions)

General Secretary

Treasurer

Assistant Treasurer

II. GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATIONS

Any member of the General Body (GB) in good standing

may nominate another member in good standing as a candi-

date for the position of President. A member in 'good stand-

ing' means a current annual member, a life member or

his/her spouse as of July 31st of the year the election is be-

ing conducted. Another GB member must second the nomi-

nation.

It is expected that the nominee for President is a respected

member of BSNA who has made outstanding contributions

for the enhancement of the organization. The candidate for

the office of the President must be able to find eligible

BSNA members from all over North America to fill other

six positions in EC. The candidate for the president must be

a team player and works effectively with other EC members

and the members of the BSNA. It is required that the candi-

dates to fill EC positions must not be concentrated in one

state, and at least one member of the EC should be from

Canada.

The nominations must be sent in writing on a prescribed

form to the NEC Chair via US mail or E-mail, and should

include the contact information (e-mail, phone numbers,

home address) of the nominee, nominator and the seconded.

Additionally, the NEC members may seek out potential can-

didates and invite them to seek election provided they fulfill

the criteria set out earlier for president and other EC mem-

bers.

III. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Any GB member in good standing who is willing to accept

the position of the BSNA's President and discharge all du-

ties of the office as prescribed in the BSNA constitution

is eligible to seek election.

The following information must be submitted to the

NEC and necessary actions must be completed by the

candidate, by the deadline provided in this document.

1. A list of running mates and their acceptance to serve

with him/her as members of the EC in the positions of

the Executive Vice President, two Vice Presidents, Gen-

eral Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.

2. A position paper and bio-data of the candidate for

President for publication in Brahma Bharati, or other

venues chosen by NEC for disseminating information

about the candidates. The one-page position paper

should describe the candidate's qualifications for the

position and his/her vision and plans for BSNA during

his/her term.

3. Each person included in the EC list must confirm in-

dividually and directly to the NEC Chair in writing via

regular mail or e-mail explicitly expressing his/her will-

ingness to be a candidate for the office proposed by the

candidate for the president.

4. The candidate for president must have leadership

skills and communication skills

5. The candidate for president must have interpersonal

skills and work as a team player and puts organization

above his personal ideas/interests

IV. THE COMMITTEE'S ROLE

NEC publicizes the guidelines and deadlines for the

election schedule by all feasible and effective means

available. If no nominations are received by the dead-

line date then NEC proposes a candidate who they think

could best serve BSNA as President. If the NEC re-

ceives several nominations, the NEC members would

discuss with the nominees their vision and plans for

BSNA and will also make an effort to build a consensus

for a single candidate. If the NEC succeeds, then all

nominees, except one, withdraw their nominations in

favor of the one for whom the consensus was reached.

No ballots are prepared/ mailed, the election process is

considered completed and the NEC announces the re-

sults if:

1. The consensus is reached in support of one candidate.

2. Only one candidate completes all requirements by the

deadline.

Continued on page 8


If no consensus is reached, then the NEC will advise

those candidates, who still want to contest the election, to

submit their slates of proposed EC members. The proposed

slate, in NEC’s opinion, should have a broad based repre-

sentation of BSNA membership, have the potential of unit-

ing BSNA, and have the best vision and plans for the en-

hancement, strengthening and expansion of BSNA.

The NEC makes plans for conducting election in the fol-

lowing manner:

1. The NEC advises the candidates if a proposed running

mate has given consents to be included in the slates of

more than one candidate which would disqualify both

slates. To avoid such disqualification, the running mate

must inform the NEC immediately of his/her choice of the

presidential candidate on whose EC team he/she is willing

to be placed.

2. The NEC verifies that all candidates are members of

BSNA in good standing as defined above.

3. The NEC informs the presidential candidates who are

disqualified because they were unable to submit certain

documents or their documents were found inadequate by

the proposed deadline.

4. The names of the nominees and their running mates (the

team making up the full EC) will be published in a special

edition of Brahma Bharati or announced via e-mail to all

current officers of BSNA (EC), the BSNA Board of Trus-

tees, and all BSNA chapter presidents for disseminating

information about the candidates to the BSNA members.

The names will also be posted on the BSNA Web Site.

5. NEC will prepare ballots to be mailed out according to

schedule provided in this document to all current members

in BSNA database as of July 31st of the election year. For

this purpose first class US mail will be used.

6. Members will be given at least 3 weeks (from the date

of mailing the ballots) to return the ballot to the NEC Chair

via first class mail. NO E-MAIL OR FAX WILL BE AC-

CEPTED FOR VOTING PURPOSES.

7. NEC Chair will count the ballots, and will have it veri-

fied by another member. The exact procedure will be

worked out based on logistical convenience.

8. After the counts have been verified, and certified by the

NEC Chair, the results will be conveyed to the candidates

via phone. The results will be posted on the BSNA Web

Site and published in the following issue of Brahma

Bharati.

9. The entire election process described above is ex-

pected to be completed by mid-November.

10. The newly elected EC's term starts from the 1st Jan-

uary following the election year (January 01, 2013).

11. The incoming President and outgoing President are

expected to work together for a smooth transition.

V. TIMELINES

July 1-31, 2012 the election announcement, call for

nominations, and the guidelines publicized to all mem-

bers

August 15, 2012 Deadline for submitting nominations

to NEC

August 27, 2012 Deadline for the candidates seeking

office to complete all nomination requirements

September 10, 2012 Ballots mailed out to all current

members

October 5, 2012 Deadline for receipt of votes (ballot)

by NEC. Any ballot received after this date will be con-

sidered void, and will not be counted. Exception will be

made if the ballots are post marked no later than Sep-

tember 27 for US mail or September 21 for Canadian

mail, and are received before the counting is completed

and verified.

October 31, 2012 Counting of votes completed and ver-

ified

November 16, 2012 Results to be announced to the can-

didates and the General Body .

The Nominations & Election Committee (2012)

1. Dr. Shiva Bajpai - Chairman

670 Wildomar Street

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Tel: 310-454-3826


2. Mr. Purushottam Sharma, Detroit, MI;


3. Dr. Sen Pathak, Houston, TX;


From page 7 ..


BSNA President Election 2013-2015 (The Election procedure Summary)

As per BSNA constitution, Nomination and Election Com-

mittee (NEC) conducts the Election of BSNA President ac-

cording to NEC Guidelines. NEC Guidelines used in the

election-2012 were the same as used during the 2009 elec-

tion. The only valid Guidelines for 2012 election were

communicated to all BSNA members in July 2012 before

the election process started. Originally the Guidelines were

developed a number of years ago when Dr. Shyam Shukla

was President but they are not valid for election in 2012

(this information is for historical reference only).

NEC is constituted of a Chairperson and two members. The

current Chair is Professor Dr. Shiva Bajpai, and the mem-

bers are Mr. Purushottam Sharma, past President, and Dr.

Sen Pathak, past member of Board of Trustees. All three

members are highly respected and experienced, and have

been associated with the organization for a long period of

time.

According to NEC Guidelines a nominee has to qualify as

a ―candidate‖ before he/she can contest the election of

BSNA President. Selection of a “Candidate” for BSNA

President is a two-step process:

Step 1: Nomination:

Any BSNA member in good standing can be nominated

provided one member nominates and other member seconds

him/her. Under this step there were two nominees, Mrs.

Nirmala Shukla and Dr. Shri Kant Mishra.

Step 2: Declaration as a Candidate:

Eligibility Requirements for a nominee to be considered a

―candidate‖ for BSNA President are enumerated under

NEC Guidelines Section II, Section III.4 and III.5; They

are; Outstanding contribution to BSNA, Leadership Quali-

ties, Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skill, Team Play-

er, and puts Organization above Personal Ideas/Interests,

etc.

NEC Guidelines Section III.3. Eligibility Requirements,

further states that each person included in the EC list must

confirm individually and directly to the NEC Chair in writ-

ing via regular mail or e-mail explicitly expressing his/her

willingness to be a candidate for the office proposed by the

candidate for the president.

NEC Chair Dr. Bajpai sent a letter to both nominees asking

them to submit records/documentations by certain date to

NEC in order to determine their Eligibility for a ―candidate‖

for the BSNA President election.

Based on the information provided by Mrs. Nirmala

Shukla, NEC determined that she did not meet the re-

quirements under the Section II, and Section III.3, III.4

and III.5 as described above. As a result NEC decided

to disqualify her as a ―candidate” for election of

BSNA President 2013-2015. The other nominee, Dr.

Shri Kant Mishra, fully met the eligibility requirements,

including the proposed EC members communicating

their consent and willingness to serve with him, directly

to the NEC Chair by the due date. Since Dr. Shri Kant

Mishra was the only other nominee who fulfilled all the

eligibility requirements for a ―candidate‖ for BSNA

President’s election, NEC declared him President Elect

for 2013-2015.

Derogatory remarks about NEC Chair and others have

been made in e-mails. Such e-mails are tarnishing the

image of BSNA and turning off members. NEC scrupu-

lously executed its assignment by meticulously follow-

ing the NEC Guidelines with the procedural integrity,

decision-making objectivity, and fairness to the nomi-

nees. I hope the information provided here will help

you to understand the BSNA election process clearly.

Dr. Om Sharma

President, Brahman Samaj of North America

BSNA is Service to All and Disservice to None

Pictures from BSNA/GBC Convention 2012


In ancient Vedic culture, woman had a special place

in the family. She was cosidered as Lakshmi of the

house and is properly taken care of. The festival of

Karva Chauth is reciprocation between wife and hus-

band. Wife shows her unflagging loyalty towards her

husband and husband promises her to protect

throughout life. Wife fast whole day till spotting of

the moon in the evening. She performs all the ritualis-

tic ceremonies to the moon god and prays for longev-

ity, prosperity and well-being of her husband with

full faith and sobriety.

November 11 – Dhan Teras

Dhanteras falls on

the thirteenth day of

the month of ashwin.

The word "Dhan"

means wealth. As

such this day of the

five-day Diwali festival has a great importance

for the rich mercantile community of western

India. Houses and business premises are renovat-

ed and decorated. Entrances are made colorful

with lovely traditional motifs of rangoli designs

to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperi-

ty. On this auspicious day women purchase some

gold or silver or at least one or two new utensils.

November 13 – Deepawali

Leading us into

Truth and Light,

Diwali is celebrat-

ed on a nation-wide

scale on the dawn

of Amavasya dur-

ing the Hindu

month of Kartik every year. It symbolizes the

age-old culture of our country which teaches us

to vanquish ignorance that subdues humanity and

to drive away darkness that engulfs the light of

knowledge. Diwali, the festival of lights and

teaches us to uphold the true values of life. Lord

Ram returned to Ayodhya on this auspicious day

and the Ayoudhya was decorated with lighted

earthern lamps, flowers, etc.

FESTIVALS

October 16 – 23 Shardiye Navratri

The festival of Navratri begins

on the first day of Ashwin of

the bright fortnight. Navratri is

the sacred and joyous festival

of the Hindu community of

India. Observed over a period

of nine nights, the festival is

famous almost throughout the

country for its religious and social importance. It is devoted

to the worship of the divine Mother in various forms under

different names by different people.

October 24 - Vijayadashmi (Dassehra)

Vijayadashami is also known as Dasara, Dashahara. It is

celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin from the Shukla

Paksha Pratipada (the next of the New moon day of

Bhadrapada) to the Dashami, or the tenth day of Ashwin. In

India, the harvest season begins at this time On the day of

Dasha-Hara, statues of the Goddess Durga are submerged in

the waters of the river. According to popular belief, Dusseh-

ra celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the wicked

demon Mahishasura who, according to legend, belonged to

Mysore. It is also believed that the festival actually com-

memorates the killing of the great demon king of Lanka,

Ravan, by Lord Rama. Both Mahishasura and Ravan are

demons and their execution is a symbol of the destruction

of the evil that resides within our mind.

November 2 – Karva Chauth

Karva Chauth is observed on the 4th day (chauth) of wan-

ing moon fortnight in the month of Kartik. It falls nine days

before Diwali.


and rangoli. Lighting the small earthen lamps also

welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and pros-

perity.

This festival is celebrated on a grand scale in almost

all the regions of India and is looked upon in some

parts of India as the beginning of New Calendar or

Financial Year. For those who believe Diwali begins

a new financial year tidy up their accounts and are

much more apt to hold grand pujas and devotional

displays for Goddess Lakshmi. As such the blessings

of Lakshmi, the celestial consort of Lord Vishnu are

invoked with prayers.

November 14 – Govardhan Puja/Annakoot

Govardhana Puja is the festival cel-

ebrating Sri Krishna’s pastime of

lifting Govardhana Hill to protect

the residents of Vrindavan from the

wrath of Lord Indra’s storm. Devo-

tees around the world celebrate this

festival by building a replica of

Govardhan built with prasadam,

and a murti of Lord Krishna is

placed atop for the devotees to cir-

cumambulate and offer kirtana. All

Govardhan replicas are at least par-

tially made of foodstuff for offering to the Lord then

distributing as prasad. Some, however, are construct-

ed as earthworks or with painted rocks, shaped cow

dung, flowers, etc.

November 15 – Bhai Dooj/Bhaiya Dooj

Bhai Dooj falls on the two

day after Diwali and is cele-

brated all over the country.

Sisters decorate their puja

thali with mithai, batashas,

roli and rice along with the

coconut. The sister applies

tika on the forehead of the

brother. After applying tikka, she gives him a few of

From page 13 .. A letter from Dr. Shri Kant Mishra -

BSNA President Elect

My Dear Members of BSNA, Member of EC, BOT BSNA,

Chapter Presidents and Youth Group:

Please find announcement of my presidency of BSNA by

Dr. Om Sharma, President of BSNA, based on the recom-

mendation of NEC under the chairmanship of Professor

Shiva Bajpai.

“It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Shri Kant

Mishra has been declared elected president of BSNA

for the term 2013-2015. Nomination and Election

Committee (NEC) has carried out the election pro-

cess per BSNA Constitution and NEC Guidelines.

Subsequently, the NEC Chair, Professor Dr. Shiva

Bajpai, has informed me of the Committee’s recom-

mendations declaring Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, as elect-

ed president of BSNA for the term 2013-2015”.

I accept the presidency of BSNA along with a very learned,

experienced, and dedicated Executive Committee Members

committed to help me in fulfilling the stated objectives. My

Executive Team includes:

Myself as President

Shri Jagar Sharma, Executive Vice President

Dr Lakshami Shanker Dubey, Vice President Canada

Dr Keshav Shukla, Vice President USA

Shri Nalin Shanker Mishra, Secretary

Shri Ajoy Dube, Treasurer

Shri Ram Mishra, Assistant Treasurer

We accept this honor with utmost humility and we promise

you that we will work our best in selfless manner to

strengthen the status of BSNA. We plan to provide leader-

ship based on principles of the strategic organization im-

provement

Under my leadership we plan to strengthen BSNA by incorpo-

rating Brahmans originating in different parts of India, speaking

different languages, etc.; continue initiating new chapters in

different regions/states; all Brahmans in North America; revive

the dormant chapters; bring various Brahman groups from

Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western parts of India and

U.S.A under the BSNA; establish leadership programs for the

youth; develop interactive social networks (mentorship) for

youth and adult Brahmans; revamp organizational infrastruc-

ture at local, regional, state and National level; continue sup-

porting disadvantaged Brahman students through Brahman

scholarship programs; and raising funds. We will stratify the

goals in short term and long term periods with your active sup-

port.


Brief Biographic Data of Executive Committee

Brahman Samaj of North America (BSNA) 2013-2015

President

Dr. Shri Kant Mishra, ABMS Gold Medalist (BHU), M.D, MSc, MS, (Administrative

Medicine), FAAN, FIAA

Education: Graduated Ayurvedacharya, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (ABMS) Summa cum laude, from Ba-

naras Hindu University, Varanasi, India; MSc (Anatomy) Queens Universi-

ty, Kingston, Ontario, Canada; M.D. (Honors) from University of Toronto,

Canada; and Masters in Administrative Medicine from University of Wis-

consin, USA. He completed internship in internal medicine at South western

Medical School Dallas.Texas; Residency in Neurology UCLA and Fellow-

ship in Neuromuscular disorders at Washington University Saint Luis, Mis-

souri and Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota. Shrikant Mishra is a Saryupar-

in Brahman and Gautam Gotra.

Professional Profile: Dr Mishra is currently serving as a Neurologist with

special interest in Neuro-muscular disorders specifically in myotonic muscu-

lar dystrophy research. He is Professor of Neurology at Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern Califor-

nia and at David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA. He serves as the Director of Neuromuscular Programs at VA

Greater LA Health Care System and Olive View UCLA Medical Center. He is also a Visiting Professor of Neurolo-

gy at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute Lucknow, Sree Chitra Neurological institute, Trivendrum, India. He is

Serving as a member of Educational Committee of World Federation of Neurology.

He has served as Associate Dean at Keck School of Medicine Medical Director of VA and Chief of Neurology and

Co-Chair of Neurology, University of Mississippi. In addition, He is member of many prestigious Neuroscience and

Integrative Medicine Societies such as the World Federation of Neurology. He has been chair of study section and

national advisor of NCCAM 2 (NIH) and Chief Medical Officer and member of the board for Health World Online.

He has served on various intramural and extramural committees in Neuroscience and Integrative medicine in USA

and abroad. He is part of multiple editorial boards of neurological and integrative medicine journals. He has pub-

lished more than 250 papers, abstracts and book chapters published in peer review publication. In addition to Neu-

rology, he is an evidence based Ayurvedist. He served as president of American Academy of Ayurvedic Medicine

AAAM.

Awards and Honors: He is recipient of various academic and community awards and honors. He has been hon-

ored with the Outstanding Physician Award by the Indian Medical Association of Southern California, Best Teach-

er of Department of Neurology Award multiple times (2007, 2009, 2010, and 20012) by David Geffen School of

Medicine UCLA, Most Distinguished Physician Award by American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin and

the Life Time Achievement Award from AINA/American Academy of Neurology for my service to Indian neurolo-

gists in North America and India. He was distinguished professor of Rajasthan Ayurveda University Jodhpur Raja-

sthan India and was awarded as a distinguished alumnus of Banaras Hindu University. He is chair of Global Medi-

cine Association of Indian Physician in America (AAPI). BSNA has conferred upon him its Brahm Alankar, its

highest award ―Brahmshiromani Award‖ and most recently ―Aajeevan Seva Puraskar.‖ And was Key note speaker

BSNA WBC 2012.

Community Service and Organizational Leadership Positions

He served as a President Indian Association of Queens University Kingston, Ontario in 1968, President Indian Association of

Mississippi 1978-1985; Secretary, VP and President of Indian Medical Association of Southern California 1988-1991. He


served as a VP cultural affairs FIA of Southern California 1988 and President and Chair of the Board FIA of

Southern California 1992-1994, President Indian Medical Association of greater Los Angeles 2004-2007, Mem-

ber of the Board People assisting the homeless (PATH) 2004-2007.

Service to Brahman Groups, BSNA, WBO and GBC

He is a Life Member of BSNA since 1995; served as a Regional Director Pacific region BSNA 1995—1997,

President BSNA Southern California Chapter 1998-1999, Member NEC Committee, Valley Forge, PA 2000-

2001, Member NEC 2004, Chair of NEC 2009- 2010. He has been Chair of the BOT BSNA 2003—2006, Mem-

ber BOT BSNA 2010—present, Member of BOT WBO 2005—2007, Chair of BOT of WBO 2005—2010, Presi-

dent Global Brahman Confederation 2011-present. He is organizer of BSNA/ GBC convention July 2012 in Los

Angeles, CA. He was a Key Note Speaker at BSNA/GBC Convention July 2012 in Los Angeles, CA.

Other Activities Related to BSNA, WBO and GBC He Provided Strategic planning for BSNA 1995 –1996 to

Nirmal Choubey, President BSNA, coordinated Educational Program for youth at BSNA Convention 1996 Red-

ding PA under the convention chair Prof Satish Tripathi Ji. 3 He coordinated as Co-chair of Kavi Sammelan with

Pandit Jagar Sharma ji in every convention of BSNA, coordinated health care issues amongst Brahmans in most

of the conventions. He attended, particularly 2005-2007, 2008, 20011 and 2012 BSNA conventions, provided

strategic adaptation of WBO in 2005 to Dr. Shyam Shukla. As a chair of Board of Trustee of WBO 2006- 2010 he

enhanced the stature of WBO. He worked to find the candidate Dr Sangam Mishra and worked to have successful

GBC Convention in 2011 by making many trips to India, which was unfortunately cancelled. He is a founding

president of GBC 2011, had very successful meeting in New Delhi in Dec 2011 attended by many Brahmans to

Promote, Protect and Preserve Brahmanic values. He helped in organizing the most successful BSNA convention

in LA July 2012. He has performed many more services to BSNA and Global Brahman organizations.

Executive Vice President

Shri Jagar Sharma

Shri Jagar Nath Sharma was born in the Purohit Kul, Bhardwaj Gotra in

village Nagta of District Kangra, in the State of Himachal Pradesh on

February 7, 1942. Graduated in Economics and Political Science, passed

UPSC examination and started working for Ministry of Health Govern-

ment of India in 1963 at Bombay.

He is a founding President of Tarun Social Club, that was established in

1964 in Santacruz, Bombay. He changed job to the Indian Oil Corpora-

tion Ltd. and moved to New Delhi. While in New Delhi for 11 years he

started and/or held various positions in several organizations and finally

occupied the following position of President, Sri Durga Saving Society;

President, Srinagar Welfare Association; Secretary, All India Petroleum Workers Union; Secretary, Kangra Sa-

bha, Delhi – now it has 15 regional offices. He promoted Kangra Adarsh Group Housing Society Ltd. which has

300 houses at Vikaspuri, Delhi. Kangra Co-operative Bank now has nine branch offices in New Delhi and Hima-

chal. All these organizations are still in existence and have become very large organizations.

He Migrated to USA, completed MBA with double majors in Accounting and Finance from New York Institute

of Technology. He worked as Export Manager for a Corporation and Health Care 4 Investigator for NYC Health

and Hospitals Corporation before becoming Controller for a Corporation in NYC. In 1988 he joined The State of

New York, Department of Financial Services as a Bank Examiner. Later he was promoted to Senior Bank Exam-

iner position and has been examining financial institutions for the past 24 years all over the country and enforcing

laws and regulations.


He joined BSNA in 1995 as Life Member and occupied the following positions of Chapter President; Regional

President; Executive Vice President; and finally President. In addition, he become Member of Board of Trustee

three times; Member BSNA Constitution Committee; Member Operating Guidelines Committee; and Director -

First World Brahman Convention 2000, the biggest convention of BSNA ever which will never be surpassed by

any convention in terms of total number of families, total number of attendees, total revenue, and total donations.

He organized biggest picnics, biggest Diwali and other Hindu festivals, and attended 14 BSNA conventions. He is

Trustee World Branham Organization. In addition, he is also Trustee of the Hindu Center, Inc. (Hindu Temple)

Flushing, New York incorporated in 1966, and Trustee – Global Brahman Confederation.

Vice President Canada

Dr. Lakshmi Shankar Dubey

Dr. Lakshmi Shankar Dubey of Montreal, Quebec, Canada is a life member of BSNA

since its inception. He has served as a Chapter President of BSNA in Quebec where his

greatest contribution has been to keep the Quebec network strong. Dr. Dubey also

served as a member of the BOT of BSNA many times in the past and is currently a

member as well. Dr. Dube is a scientist and is recognized in the Montreal community

for his deep knowledge of the Hindu scriptures.

Dr. Dubey was born in village Tilthi, Mirzapur, U.P. He obtained his BSc degree from

K.N. Govt. College, Gyanpur; MSc (Math) from Banaras Hindu University; MSc

(Math) from Memorial University, Newfoundland; and PhD (Math) from Carleton Uni-

versity, Ottawa. Dr. Dubey has published many research papers, refereed various re-

search papers and written many reviews of 5 research papers in reputed Math journals

including the American Mathematical Society, and Zentralblatt MATH.

Dr. Dube is married to Urmila Devi; they have four children and seven grand children. He is a Professor of Math at

Vanier College, and also teaches part-time at Concordia University, Montreal.

Dr. Dube is an active member of his community and has received many academic and community awards.

Throughout the years, Dr. Dube has arranged BSNA meetings and activities (Quebec Chapter) with special empha-

sis on passing Brahmanic values to younger generations. Dr. Dube has been actively involved in the Quebec Hindu

Mandir (Montreal) and has been giving regular discourses on Ramayan and Bhagvad Gita.

Vice President USA

Dr Keshav Shukla

Dr. Shukla and his wife Mrs. Shanti Shukla hail from Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, India and are settled in Houston

for over 24 years. They are blessed with two children and two grandchildren from older son, all living in Houston.

He is a Saryuparin Brahman, Garg Gotra. One of his nephews is settled in Silicon Valley, CA.

Dr. Shukla is a Ph.D. in Physics from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. After his Ph.D., he joined as a Faculty

at Duisburg University, West Germany, in 1981, and migrated to USA at Clemson University in 1986 before mov-

ing to Rice University (Houston) in 1988. He has enjoyed a distinguished career as Professor of Thermodynamics

for several years while also serving as a Technical Advisor to oil and gas industry. Currently, he is affiliated with a

major International Oil and Gas Company in Houston as Global Senior Manager/Technical Director. He is associat-


ed with several international scientific organizations and has published numerous papers in

peer reviewed scientific journals of international repute, book chapters, presented papers at

professional meetings and chaired sessions. He has given several graduate seminars and

presentations, and spent sabbatical at several reputed institutions, such as Stanford and Yale

Universities, and oil/gas companies. Dr. Shukla has been involved in various social, reli-

gious and cultural non-profit organizations in Texas for the last several years. He is one of

the founding members of Hindus of Greater Houston, a social, religious and cultural organi-

zation serving Hindu community for over 22 years. Since its inception, he has been one of

the main coordinators of leading the annual community festivals, such as Janmashtami and

Ram Navami celebrations, with participation of about 8,000 people. He has been a Board

Member of a major Temple in Houston, and involved in several community services not

only in Greater Houston Area but also across USA via performing socio-religious activities/sacraments, and pro-

moting Vedic Culture and Values amongst Hindus as well as non-Hindu community, including VHP America and

Interfaith organizations. As a hobby, he has also received degree in religion from Department of Sanskrit, BHU. He

is an active life member and Board Member of BHU Alumni Association of America (BHUA) which was originally

established in Houston in 1981, was its President 2001-2004, plays active role in maintaining its website/directory

and sharing day-to-day responsibility with other life, board members, and executive committee. He has continued

involvement in supporting several other social and cultural organizations in USA such as Hindi Organization, Sana-

tan Hindu Center, etc.

Dr. Shukla has served BSNA after its inception in various positions and is a life member of BSNA. Currently, he is

a Member of BOT BSNA (2012-continue) and has also attended the most recent and successful annual BSNA/GBC

convention 2012 held in LA. He has been the President of BSNA Texas Chapter 1998-2008, later sharing responsi-

bility with other BSNA members locally. He has organized/coordinated several BSNA meetings in Texas, orga-

nized BSNA President’s meetings with Texas BSNA members and motivated several Brahmans to become BSNA

member and life member. He has been one of the vice presidents of WBO as well.

Secretary

Shri Nalin Shanker Mishra

Shri Nalin Shanker Mishra was born in the Gautam Gotra in District Gorakhpur, in the

State of Uttar Pradesh on September 25, 1974. He graduated in Science and MS from

University of Pune. He completed CNE from Novell and worked as Network Adminis-

trator for Novell and BUI 7 India and also taught at CDAC. He is currently working as

a Vice President Health care organization in Washington DC, USA.

He is founding President of Chahal Social Club, which was established in 1997 in Pu-

ne, India, changed job to the DC Health Care and moved to Washington DC, USA in

2001. He is pursuing MBA with double majors in International Business and Market-

ing from UMUC.

He Joined BSNA in 2001 and occupied the positions such as Youth President. He has

been Convention Coordinator for BSNA Convention in DC 2005, and Committee

Member for World Brahman Convention in VA, DC WBC 2007, and has been Chapter Youth President DC Chap-

ter. He has organized and held BSNA Convention in 2005 by overlooking all the committees. He organized picnics,

Diwali, Holi and other Hindu festivals and attended various BSNA chapter and conventions. The last but not the

least, he is a very active member of BSNA DC Chapter and volunteer at Hindu Temple and Shiva Vishnu Temple

in Maryland area. He is a team player, works with the organization and has great deal of experience and training in

human behavior Organizational improvement. He will bring all many skills to serve as Secretary of BSNA.


Treasurer

Shri Ajoy Dube

Shri Ajoy Dube has been serving the Indian community for a long time sincerely

and desires the upliftment of the BSNA community. Since his college days, he

was engaged with social and community activities. After migrating from India to

America, he was actively involved with the Indian Associations and Bengali As-

sociation at Houston, Texas. In California, he is still an active member of

Dakshini Bengali Association and from time he holds posts as executive member,

treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president. He has been involved with Fed-

eration of Indo-American Associations Southern California (FIA) which is an um-

brella organization of Indian associations. He has served FIA in various positions,

such as Cultural Vice President, Executive Vice President, President and Chair-

man. He is still active as Advisor to the Board, also serving NFIA (National Fed-

eration of Indian-American Associations, this is the biggest umbrella Indian Association of USA) as a Director At

Large. He holds the posts as Vice President, Secretary and Regional Director in NFIA. He has served BSNA after

its inception in various positions. He is a Life Member and two times Los Angeles Chapter President. He is the cur-

rent president of L.A. Chapter and did 2012 World Brahman Samaj Convention. As per the Brahman Bandhus

―this is one of best convention they have attended‖ He has selflessly served BSNA for many years and promises to

provide leadership. He is willing to supply the dedication that BSNA needs. The prosperity of Indian Americans

Brahman is indeed a joy for all of us. Our business is to realize ourselves first and to mold everything to the law of

Indian Brahman’s eternal life and nature. His aim will be to help in building up ―World Brahmans‖ for the sake of

humanity – this is the spirit of Brahmanlisam and nationalism which we profess and follow. He believes in togeth-

erness – ―less I, more WE.‖ He seeks everybody’s support and blessings as he can serve the BSNA community as

much as he can. On the basis of the basic principles and preamble of BSNA, he would like to emphasize upon to

represent the interests of the Indo-American Brahmans at large, and support the mission statement of BSNA Presi-

dent.

Assistant Treasurer

Shri Ram Krishna Misra

Shri Ram Krishna Misra was born in Buxar, Bihar on Aug. 12, 1952 to Shri Kun-

war Prasad and Tara Devi Misra of Agra, U.P. He is a Kanyakubj Brahmins of

Shandilya Gotra. He got married to Sushma Tiwari, daughter of Rameshwari &

Capt. Triloki Nath Tiwari of Gwalior on Feb 15, 1977. They have a daughter -

Shivani and a son - Nitin, both now gainfully employed in Private industry in

Southern California.

He graduated in Mechanical Engineering (B. Tech. Honors) from I.I.T., Kharag-

pur in 1974. After working for about five years in India, first at Abex, Denison,

Hyderabad and then at Hindustan Motors near Kolkata, he moved to the US in

1979. He went on to complete his MS in Manufacturing Engineering and Engi-

neering Management from Detroit, Michigan. In 1982, he moved to Southern California and has lived in Simi Val-

ley since Dec. of 1983. He and his wife are very active socially and belong to a number of local organizations,

among them: India Cultural Society (Simi & Conejo Valleys), BSNA, Valley Hindu Temple, Bhajan Mandlee of

Simi & Conejo Valleys, etc. He has held various positions in ICS, including those of General Secretary, Vice Presi-

dent and currently as member of Board. He has served in the executive committee of BSNA in the past and more

recently served as Associate Convention Director at the highly successful 2012 BSNA Annual Convention held in

Los Angeles


BSNA Scholarship for the High School Students

Who can apply? Any high school senior whose family is member of BSNA and has received admission to an undergraduate degree granting college within North America.

What is the scholarship amount? The Scholarship amount is $500. - The scholarships will be granted to high school graduates going to college based on: (a) Grades, (b) participation in extra

curricular activities, (c) participation in BSNA activities, (d) Needs, and any other criterion to be specified, and (e) an essay

submitted by the candidate.

-The scholarship winners will be announced during the Annual Convention, generally held around July 4th every year, and

their names and details will be published in Brahma Vani and Brahma Bharati.

Mahendra Misra, Chair Scholarship Committee Email Address: [email protected]

2012 BSNA SCHOLARSHIP FORM Name

Last First

Address

Email Address

Phone Number

Parents Address (If Different)

High School Name & Address

College Name &Address

Class Rank(If available) and GPA

Extra Curriculum Activities

List of BSNA Activities Participated

Attach Brief Bio Data with Photo

Attach Essay

Essay subject: "My Experiences of Keeping Brahman Values While

Growing in America"


FROM: BSNA

P.O. Box 716

Belle Mead, NJ 08502

http://www.bsna.org

Brahma Bharati is a publication of Brahman Samaj of North America (BSNA), a not-for-profit organization

registered in the state of New York. It is sent to its members free of charge. It is also posted on the BSNA homepage (http://www.bsna.org).

Members may send articles and/or comments for publication to

Mrs. Anjana Bhargava editor at: [email protected]

Please send change of address information to:

Dr. Vinay Sharma (Directory) editor

at: [email protected] (phone: 954-562-7365)

Other correspondence about BSNA should be sent to Dr. Om Sharma, President

at [email protected] (Phone: 908-359-3348) or

mailed to: BSNA, P.O. Box 716, Belle Mead, NJ 08502

http://www.bsna.org/

http://www.bsna.org/

Documents

A Quarterly Publication of Brahman Samaj of North America · Volume 14 Number 3 Page 3 BSNA has been spreading the message of Vedic San-skriti to mainstream communities in order to