Press Release
June 07, 2004

GITA DAY

Bhagavad-Gita has a universal message. It transcends all boundaries, all religions and all beliefs. The messages are delivered in simple conversational language and are applicable in our daily lives. Bhagavad-Gita forms the core strength of ancient India. It defines a fine balance between materialism and spiritualism, between war and peace and between karma yoga, gyan yoga and bhakti yoga.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and Gita Foundation have, therefore, jointly organized GITA DAY on the eve of Independence Day of India on Saturday, August 14, 2004 ; 10 a.m. at Haft Auditorium, Fashion Institute of Technology, 7th Avenue at 27th Street, New York City. This event is intended to reach the universal message of devotion, duty and commitment to service to the community, Indian and non-Indian, children, youth and adults alike. The theme of the event is “Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam” (Yoga means working efficiently or Efficient working is Yoga).

Swami Dayananda Saraswati - an authority on Bhagavad Gita and Indian scriptures and Founder of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in USA and India - will be the keynote speaker on the occasion. There will be speeches on different aspects of Gita by scholars, like Guru Ma, Swami Nikhilananda, Dr.Satya Prakash Agarwal and Mr.Ashwath. There will also be a musical presentation of Gita verses by well-known singers.

There will also be essay and recitation competitions for children. The winners will be given cash prizes. Children, 12 to 18 years of age can participate in the essay competition. They should write an essay in English of up to 3 pages on “The Message of the Bhagavad-Gita”. The essays should reach Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 305 7th Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001 on or before August 5, 2004.

As regards the recitation competition, the children will be divided into 2 categories – children of 7 to 11 years of age and 12 to 18 years of age. The first group should recite by heart the first ten verses and, the second group all 20 verses, from Chapter 12 of the Gita . The children who are desirous of participating in the competition should contact the Bhavan at (212)989-8383 .

Boxed lunch will be provided for all on the occasion.

For details, please call the Bhavan at (212)989-8383 or Dr. Krishna Bhatta at 207-474-5456

--Dr.P.Jayaraman and Dr. Krishna Bhatta