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Southern California NRIs raised over $170,000 for Uttarkhand Flood Relief
(Major Contributors were Avdhesh and Uma Agarwal who donated $150,000)
Norwalk, CA. July 09, 2013
NRIpress.com/R. Srinivasan
Photo/Video-VP S. Natarajan
Karen/Ramesh-Admin
The Appeal made by Param Shakti Peeth of America and Sanatan Dharma Temple , Norwalk , to raise fund for Kedarnath – Uttarakhand unimaginable disaster was very well responded by the Indian American Community of Southern California on July 6th. In spite of many other prearranged programs in the county more than 200 people gathered in Sanatan Temple Hall to support the event of Humanity.
The program started at 5:30 pm with a light lit by volunteers as suggested by donors, followed by National Anthems of America and India followed by prayer by Priya, Zeal, and Khushbu.
Everybody stood up for 2 minutes to pay homage and to pray for internal peace for souls of those who have lost their lives in this disaster.
Mr. Natverbhai Patel, Trustee of Sanatan Dharm Temple welcomed the gathering and said, "It is my pleasure/ duty to welcome all of you for coming here for this program by avoiding your prior committed programs to support the right cause of humanity, show sympathy to those who have lost their lives and to help survivors in need." He also informed about forth coming event “LA Ganesh Fest 2013 " to be celebrated for 11 days from August 30th to September 9th, 2013.
Subhash Tolia sang a favorite bhajan of Mahatma Gandhi ' Vaishna jan…".
The audience was overwhelmed by watching tragic scenes of cloud burst rain flood disaster video clips presented by Mr. Ramesh Thalli.
Requesting for donation Mr. Ashok Patnaik, Commissioner of City of Cerritos said, " During our UFICA- FIA meeting yesterday when Prof. Keshav Patel requested us for donation I asked him whether all money donated will reach the right place and will be used for victims.? I was fully satisfied with answer he had given in meeting. That is why now I request you to donate to this organization as we don't have any doubt about proper use of our money."
Two girls Priya and Khushbu were directed to move in to audience with donation bags to collect funds.
Mr. Keshav Patel, President of Param Shakti Peeth of America, Los Angeles and one of organizer of this event while requesting for donations gave information about disaster as per media and personal information that over 100,000 people dead, 50,000 missing, 10000 houses were washed away , more than 150 villages vanished and much more.. We can't imagine.
"We are in touch with the actual happenings in Uttarakhand. The sheer magnitude of destruction and devastation in the holy Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is unimaginable. At this time of tragedy, it is our responsibility to extend our generous help in any manner we can. We have donated and raised funds for several noble causes now this is the time to show our compassion and empathy toward our fellow Indians. Let us show our spirit of humanity," he added. Several representatives of different temples and other organizations have expressed their views about their Temple activities for this cause..
Prof. Ram Singania, Dr. Ekshwaku Oza, Ramji Patel, Mohan Dadlani, Amrit Bhandari, Kewal Kanda and Abdul Gani were main speakers among them.
The fund raised during the event was $ 66,753 in addition to the amount sent to Uttarkhand before the event of $ 105,000. The total was $ 171,753.00. Indian Rupees Rs.1008 have been also received in bag.
Our Mandirs are now working as a team. They have very well responded the appeal for this disaster and started working for the Tsunami.
As per information, Gayatri Chetan Center, Anaheim has raised almost $ 90,000 and ….
- Jain Center of Southern California
- BAPS, Chino Hills
- Swaminarayan Mandir, Downey
- Swaminarayan Mandir,Norwalk
- Radha Krishna Vedic Temple, Placentia
- Lakshminarayan Mandir, Riverside
- Hindu Temple of Kern County
- The Muslim Association of Southern California
A wave of merciful humanity is spread among the community by Indian American Community of Southern California which will bring a good result for following time of need. Dr. Sadani, Subhash Tolia, Subhshbhai patel, were main singers. At the end of the event 'Vote of Thanks' Mr, K. V. Chkrapani, the the Public Relations Officer and Coordinater of VYASA-LA thanked all donors, singers, volunteers, and the audience for their attendance and cooperation, B.U.Patel, Natverbhai Patel of Sanatan Temple for providing facilities free for the event.
The organizers are thankful especially to Sri Avdhesh and Uma Agrawal for donating generously more than $ 150,000 for Uttarakhand disaster relief fund and to B. U. Patel for his generous donation and providing free facilities in Sanatan Dharma Temple to organize this event.
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