GIBV Leaves no Stone Unturned for Getting Modi Elected
HOUSTON: NRIs, under the aegis of GIBV (Global Indians for Bharat Vikas), have embarked on a multi-pronged initiative to support the National Democratic Alliance’s quest under Narendra Modi to form the next Government of India. To this end, a Loka Kshema Homam was performed at the Shiv Shakti Mandir in Houston, on Saturday, April 26. Pandit Udaykumar conducted the function in a traditional manner, accompanied by Vedic chants. He was ably assisted by GIBV volunteers Viswasankaran Kartick and Vivek Natarajan, who served as co-officiating priests.
The function began promptly at 9:30 AM in a makeshift Yaaga Shaaala just outside the Mandir. It started with a Mahasankalpam, which stated the purpose of the Homam and the time-space coordinates in which it is performed. The purpose of the Homam was clearly articulated as Loka Kshema, which means “Benefit of the world”. The belief of all attendees of the function was that “A prosperous India will result in a prosperous world and Narendra Modi is the best person to lead the country”.
The Mahasankalpam was followed by a ritual chanting of mantras and culminated in a Poorna Ahuthi, which is an offering to Agni, who is the messenger to the Gods. Amidst enthusiastic participation by nearly 100 people, the Homam concluded at around 1 PM. This was followed by the chanting of 108 names of Shiva and an Aarthi inside the temple. Lunch was served for all guests, courtesy Dr. Bimal Talati. Post lunch, GIBV volunteers participated in a Geetanjali Radio program hosted by Shobha Joshi, where they shared their perspectives on the ongoing elections in India.
Apart from offering prayers, the GIBV volunteers are making innumerable phone calls to their friends and relatives in support of NDA and also calling specific swing constituencies. Some volunteers are on ground in India to campaign.
Gujarat: A group of dedicated GIBV volunteers from Houston and other parts of the US have parachuted into the battleground states of Anand and Khera. Gujarat needs no introduction to Narendrabhai, but the volunteers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a high voter turnout on election day.
South India: GIBV volunteers are busy campaigning in the politically crucial state of Andhra Pradesh, where elections are held in two phases. The volunteers are campaigning in both Seemandhra and Telangana states, each of which has its own political dynamics. Their on-the-field efforts are complemented by the reference calling efforts of hundreds of volunteers in the US and around the world.