This section was last updated on 
Monday, April 25th, 2005

Your source for all the community happenings in the Carolinas.  Click on the links to access the Index, jump to a certain section or you can also scroll through the section as well.
      In addition, please don't forget to read about some of the exciting upcoming and past events within various communities in the Community Focus section below ...

                  Index Of Organizations
                           

AID Charlotte welcomes individuals interested in joining the volunteer base, and who would like to contribute time, skills, or ideas.  Info: (704)-599-3090.  Email: charlotte@aidindia.org
Website: www.aidindia.org/charlotte

Belmont Asian-Indian Fellowship
Dr. Samuel Prabodh Talluri invites all Asian Indians living in the Gaston county and surrounding areas to participated in "fellowship" every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Center at the Catawba Heights Baptist Church, 311 Belmont Road, Belmont, North Carolina 28012, followed by refreshments after the service.  Contact: Dr. Talluri at (704)-573-8688 (Home) or (704)-575-7038 (Cell) or (704)-827-8474. 

Biz-net-ref of metro Charlotte, NC
This metro Charlotte, NC group meets twice a month for the purpose of business growth through referrals and networking.  New members are always welcome, call  Sunil Nagpal at 704-248-3226 to join.  Info: Nonit Nanda at (704)-906-5273, Bipin Parekh at (704)-841-9318 and Niranjan Godiwala at (704)-362-7017.

Carolina Asian Indian Business Association (CAIBA):
CAIBA offers meetings and a chance to network with many of the Asian Indian Business owners in and around the Charlotte, North Carolina area.  CAIBA traditionally meets 1st Tuesday at the Holiday Inn (soon to be RAMADA PLAZA) at Woodlawn Rd.  Info: J. D. Deva @ (704)-674-9099 or Hemant Patel @ (704)-398-9601.

Charlotte Indian Christian Fellowship
The group meets every third Saturday of the month for Bible Study and Fellowship. Contact David at 704-841-7060 for time, venue and additional Information. E-mail: hadhopper@hotmail.com 

Charlotte Islamic School (CIS):
Charlotte Islamic School has been serving the community for the past seven years and is now enrolling for grades PK through 10th.   Pre-registration for 2005-2006 school year begins March 1st 2005, reasonable tuition and financial assistance is available.  Teachers are also being hired for the next year --- info: (704)-333-4160. 

Carolina Sanskrutic Marathi Mandal:
For info, send E-mail: csmm1@hotmail.com 

Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group
Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, an Art of Living.  The Charlotte Vipassana Meditation Group holds weekly group sits and monthly all day sits for old students (those who have taken at least one ten day course from S. N. Goenka or one of his assistant teachers).  Ten-day courses are also available for new and old students. There is never a charge for a course.  
Info: Rashmi Desai (704)-544-0790, rbddesai@yahoo.com
David Spranger (704)-563-5440, dspranger@earthlink.net
Website: www.puremind.org

Classical Music Association of Charlotte (CMAC):
CMAC is a non-profit organization relying entirely on the support of its patrons and membership forms are available at concerts.  Upcoming event:  Sun May 22 @ 10:00 a.m. 6th annual "Thyagaraja Aradhana" --- please see "Events & Shows" for additional details.
Website: geocities.com/cmacmusic
Email: cmacmusic@yahoo.com 
Info: Rama Rachakonda: 704-541-3361, rrachak@bellsouth.net       
Lakshmi Muthukrishnan: 704-814-9355, lakshmi7778@yahoo.com

Dada Bhagwan Group:  "Satsang" is conducted every Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Hindu Center in Charlotte, and there is also a Satsang every Thursday --- call 704-287-3133 for the location.  In addition, watch Satsang from Friday to Tuesday at 7 a.m. on TV Asia. The present topics are "Pati-Patni ka Divya Vyahvar" and "Chovis Tirthankar."  The group has recently opened a library for spiritual books, audios and videos. Visit www.dadabhagwan.org for daily Satsang and spiritual inspiration.     

Datta Yoga Center - Charlotte Chapter :
Satsang group mission --- "Dedicated for the service of "SadGuru Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji" through 'SadGuru Seva', 'Yoga' and 'Satsang' (Singing the glory of God).   Regular Activities: Satsang every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, from 4:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. Bhajans composed by "Sri Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji" are chanted and occasionally, video programs are viewed --- they are produced by Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore India (videos include Sri Swamiji's visit to Manasa Sarovaram, Music for Meditation and healing concerts by Sri Swamiji, Sri Swamiji's lectures etc).  Info: Ravi Anupindi at 704-839-3256.
For further information about Sri Swamiji, visit http://www.dattapeetham.com and http://www.dycusa.org

Develop In Peace:
Develop In Peace is a Carolina-based non-profit organization that seeks to promote global thinking, multi-cultural exchange and international cooperation by participating or initiating academic seminars, contributing content to the media and by hosting community events.   Regular events include Networking of South Asian Unity forums, South Asian Review monthly e-magazine seminars with opinion leaders, law-makers, scholars and activists exchanging ideas on juggling peace, development & security.  Annual events: Peace Walk (Commemorating the victims of 9/11) and the “Youth Peace Scholarship Award”.   
Info: developinpeace@yahoo.com

Gastonia Asian-Indian Fellowship
Mr. Jaya Prasad Talluri invites all Asian-Indians living in the Gastonia, NC and surrounding areas to participate in  "fellowship" every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence, which is located at 516 Basswood Way, Gastonia, NC 28052.  Refreshments are served after the service.  Info: Mr. Talluri at (704)-865-1428.   

Hindu Center of Charlotte:
"Appreciation of Classical Indian Music" classes - Ms. Sarla Kumar, a Hindustani Vocalist, will be presenting a session on "Appreciation of Classical Indian Music" on every second Sunday of the month at 2:30 pm - it will be held in the basement of the Church Hall (Gandhi Bhavan).  
Info: sksangeet@carolina.rr.com
"CROP" (Childrens Religious Outreach Program): educates children between the ages of 5 and 13 about the Hindu  religion --- it meets twice a month on Sundays.  Info:  Thakor Topiwala at 704-541-5755 or Rashmi Pershad at 704-847-8862.
Ganatra Family Foundation Scholarship Program: Scholarships are available for children of members of the Hindu Center of Charlotte, NC.  Info: Yogen Kakad at (704)-568-4542, kakad@uncc.edu or 
Ravi Patel at (704)-752-0924, ravi@sree.com
Please visit the "Events & Shows" page for additional details.
Senior Citizens Group meets on the 1st Sunday of every month at 4:00 p.m., followed by Satyanarayan Katha at 5:00 p.m. - at the Satyanarayan Katha, birthday gifts are given for the Seniors Birthdays falling on the respective months.  Future plans include a trip to Chicago, Ill. to visit the new Swaminarayan Temple, sightseeing, etc.  In addition, a cruise to Alaska is being planned for summer of 2005.  Info: Gobind Bhojwani at (704)-334-2462.
Sloka Class: teaches children between the  ages of 4 and 13 different Hindu Hymns, their meaning and significance. The class meets every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  Info: Lakshmi Muthukrishnan at 704-814-9355.
Social Welfare Committee would like to extend moral support to people who are hospitalized for serious surgery or illnesses.  Info: Narain Amar at (704)-372-1265, Dhinakaran Pillai at (704)-948-5609 or Devendra Patel at (704)-829-0225.
South Indian classes: every Sunday at 12:30 p.m. 
Info: Laxmi Muthukrishnan at (704)-814-9355.
Youth Group is being organized to bring together teenagers/youth to get involved in Cultural and Social activities in the community, it will meet on the 1st and 3rd sunday of every month.  Info: Madhavi Parikh at 704-543-1767.
Yoga classes: free of charge --- held every week at 
9:00 a.m.  Info: Pradip Bulsara (704) 864-8212.  Email: pradip_bulsara@hotmail.com
Upcoming events:
Sat May 7: Mahaprabhuji Patotsav celebration.  Info: Champak Shah at (704)-553-1003.

General Information: Bharatbhai Patel (President) at (704)-549-1954, Religious activities: Dilip Gore at (704)-394-9211.  The Center is located at 7400 City View Drive.  Temple phone: (704)-535-3440.  

Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte (IPAAC) 
IPAAC (Indian Performing Arts Association of Charlotte) is a non-profit organization that promotes classical Hindustani music by inviting well-known artists from India.   Visit the website http://ipaac.tripod.com for more information about membership and upcoming concerts.  Upcoming event:  Sun May 15 @ 4:00 p.m. --- Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt on Mohan Veena (Slide Guitar) with Tabla Maestro Subhen Chatterjee.  Venue: Barnes Recital Hall, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC.  General Admission: $35, 
VIP Seating: $50, Students: $15 (with valid I.D.), IPAAC Members: Free.  Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt is the foremost disciple of Pt. Ravi Shankar and he is the creator of  Mohan Veena.  He has won many prestigious awards including the Grammy Award, Academy Award, Sangeet Natak and Padma Shree.  Info: Sarla Kumar at (704)-846-4423 or Rama Rachakonda at (704)-541-3361.  
E-mail: ipaac2004@yahoo.com, sksangeet@carolina.rr.com 

Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte:
The mosque is located at 7025 The Plaza Road in Charlotte.  A regular prayer session is held on Fridays at 1:30 p.m.  "Tafseer-E-Quran" is held every other Saturday from 7 pm-8 pm at Masjid Al-Mustafa.  Info: Shahid Khan at (704)-573-8813 or mosque phone number: (704)-536-2016.  E-mail: ISGCIslam@aol.com
Website: www.tripod.com/~I_S_G_C

Jain Study Group:
Regular activities: Jain Swadhyay is held on the second Sunday of every month at the Hindu Center at 10:30 a.m.  Monthly meetings of the group are held on the fourth Sunday of every month at the Hindu Center at 4:00 p.m.   The program starts with Stavan and Dhun followed by reading religious literature and group discussion and concluding with Aarti and Mangal Deevo.  Info: Vibhakar & Anita Modi at (704)-548-0680 or Vijay Shah at (704)-503-5063.

NetIP Charlotte:  
This organization serves as a key resource for those new to Charlotte as well as those already established, NetIP Charlotte provides a forum for on-going and annual networking activities.  
E-mail: info@netipcharlotte.org
Website: www.netipcharlotte.org.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS):
Regularly scheduled activities include a daily Aarti at 6:30 am and 7 pm.  Darshan: Mon-Fri 6:30 am-12:30 pm & 4 pm-8:30 pm, Sat/Sun 6:30 am-8:30 pm.  Gujarati classes are held every Sunday from 3 pm-4 pm and Satsang Sabha" is held every Sunday at 4:30 p.m.  Swaminarayan info: www.swaminarayan.org
The Swaminarayan Temple is located at 4100 Margaret Wallace Road in Charlotte, N.C.   
Telephone: (704)-573-0805.  Fax: (704)-573-0820.  

Shri Rang Avadhut Parivar [Parspar Devo Bhav]
Soul devotees of guru Dattatraya Rang Avadhut and shri Prem Avadhut meet every Thursday in Charlotte, NC from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM for reciting "Datta-Bavani", singing devotional Dattatraya bhajans and reading "Guru-Lilamrut".  Detailed information about Charlotte meetings, literature, videos, Nareshwar ashram and Shri Avadhut's life is available.  Info: Piyush Gokli at (704)-454-7671.

Sikh Heritage Society:
The Sikh Heritage Society strives to unite and enrich the lives of the Sikh & Punjabi communities of Charlotte and surrounding areas.   "New Gurdwara" address: 1760 Stoney Creek Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262.  Info: Roshan Attrey @ (704)-948-7664 or rattrey@aol.com, Sajjan Dhaliwal @ (704)-541-0350 or sajjan@carolina.rr.com, Inderjeet Rajpal @ (704)-948-8091 or irajpal@aol.com
Website: www.gurdwaracharlotte.com

Tamil Catholics of Charlotte, NC --- Tamil Catholics residing in the Charlotte area and vicinity can attend a monthly Catholic Mass celebrated in Tamil language.  Contact: Fr. Swami Appavoo at (704)-564-4407 or (704)-708-6980.  E-mail: pravcat@hotmail.com

Other activities and organizations in Charlotte:

--- Mecklenburg County Cricket Club (MCC) is a non-profit organization, established in the summer of 1996 and is established in Charlotte. Under the guise of various forerunners, Mecklenburg Cricket Club has been involved in Mid-Atlantic cricket conference for several years. Under the various names that the seminal clubs competed under, the club has provided a friendly environment for playing cricket and received wide support from local residents. MCC strives hard to spread the camaraderie of the game of Cricket, by competing in various cricket tournaments and by teaching it to people who are interested to learn, play and practice the game. This club exists to provide to whom over that may be interested in the sport of cricket, an opportunity to be a part of its full fledged implementation, and derive the immense pleasure of playing, watching, and even just being a part of this game. The mission of the club is to continue doing this successfully in the seasons to come.  Website: www.mecklenburgcc.com

--- 11th Annual Festival Of India: Preparations for the Eleventh Annual Festival of India are under way --- it will be held at Wachovia Atrium, Uptown Charlotte, on two consecutive days, April 30 (Saturday) and May 1 (Sunday).  The program will include performances by artists from the Indian community, Indian food, exhibits of crafts and artifacts from different states of India, and much more.  This event is organized to showcase Indian culture and heritage in a most festive spirit.   Info -- Cultural program: Kathleen Desai at (704)-643-5142 or Hina Patel (704)-545-8053.  State/regional display booths: Kokila Kaul at  (704)-367-0692.  Sari, mehndi, music, arts/crafts display etc.: Samiksha Bose at 704-321-1964.  Booth for selling Indian food - call Toni Sawhney at (704)-604-2133.  Vendor stall to sell Indian things: Ranjit Rawlley at (704)-334-1282 or Narain Amar at (704)-372-1265.  Miscellaneous Volunteering: Suraj Puri, 704-549-1465.  The organizing committee is actively seeking people who can help with exhibits and/or who are interested in new ideas for special exhibits --- call A. K. Dayal at (704)-708-9433 or Kalindi Naik at (704)-341-2320.  General Info: Vikram Kumar at (704)-343-0026 or Lal Vishin at (704)-545-3727.  
Website: www.festivalindia.org

--- Radhika Unnithan and her students will be presenting "A Classical and Folk Dance Recital" in aid of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on May 28 (Saturday) at 4:00 p.m.  Venue: Dana Auditorium, Queens University of Charlotte.  Tickets/Info: Radhika Unnithan at (704)-548-8225.

Association for India’s Development (AID)- chapters of Research Triangle Park (RTP):
AID is a non-profit, voluntary organization with a mission to effect social change in India, by supporting projects with grassroots non-governmental organization in India in the areas of literacy, health care, rural credit, women's empowerment etc. AID has three chapters in the Triangle area in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.  Visit www.aidindia.org/rtp or e-mail to rtp@aidindia.org to find out more information about the chapter closest to you. 

Atlantic Coast Sikh Association
This is one of the oldest associations in the Southeastern USA.  It meets every Sunday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at its Gurdwara, which is located at 3108 Sparger Road, Durham, NC 27705.  Kirtan is done by Bhai Dyal Singh Jatha.  Classes for Punjabi and religious studies are held for children at the same time.  Info: Bhai Dyal Singh at (919) 309-1045 or Mrs. Raj Dhillon at (919) 467-4856.
Website: www.acsagurdwara.org
 
Bhartiya Senior Citizens of North Carolina (BSCNC):
The BSCNC meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Cary Senior Center in Bond Park, Cary, North Carolina.  Now that spring is around the corner, there are lots of activities like picnics, day trips and long and short tours for seniors in summer.  Info: Jitendrabhai Patel at (919) 388-1598.  On Feb 12, with the collaboration of Vaishnav Bhajan Grouo, there were had Bhajans and prayers for Peace to the departed souls in Tsunami Disaster.  On Mar 12, a sumptuous lunch to seniors was sponsored by Manubhai  Patel and Jayaben on the occasion of their son's wedding anniversary, and Harish and Ranjan Shah shared their joy  on becoming proud grand parents by providing sweet dishes to the group.  
On June 25 there will be a day trip to Wilmington, NC ---  the registration deadline is May 25.  On July 22-24, there will be a trip for 3 days/2 nights to Atlantic City, NJ and Vraj --- the registration deadline is June 15.  For August 2005, a trip of approximately 10 days to Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas is in the planning phase. 

Cary Art Circle:
A group formed the sole purpose of promoting and bringing special types of performing arts from the Indian Subcontinent to the Triangle area, and raise public interest in the unique cultural events. The CAC intends to stage a limited number of high quality programs by top notch artists.  General Info: (919)-434-6039 or (919)-414-2802.  E-mail: neil@tulipcom.com or shantanu@elixit-it.com

Hindi Vikas Mandal of NC:
Hindi Vikas Mandal (HVM) is a non-profit, voluntary organization based in the RTP area that promotes study and appreciation of Hindi language and strives to foster Indian culture and traditions through Hindi. HVM has a special focus on the youths for the preservation of Indian Culture and heritage.  Programs through out the year are conducted to attain above described goals.  Info: Saroj Sharma at (919)-851-0225 or Dr. Vinod Goel at 919-461-0001, vgoel2@nc.rr.com 
Website: www.hindivikas.org

Hindi-Urdu Course on Television:
NC State University offers a televised complete college-level Elementary Hindi-Urdu course, taught by Professor Afroz Taj.  The course airs in the Raleigh area Time-Warner Cable Channel 18 every Monday and Wednesday evening, 9:00 to 10:00 PM and every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Tune in to learn for fun, or if you want to earn university credit, contact Professor Taj at "taj@unity.ncsu.edu" or (919) 851-1119 or contact the NC State Distance Learning Program at (919) 515-2265. 

Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC):
The Hindu Society of North Carolina, located at 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, N.C. serves the Indian community in the Triangle area and its vicinity. Temple timings are: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sat. - Sun. 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Daily Aarti and Puja is also conducted by the Priest. Other regular religious and cultural programs: Monthly Vedic Havan, Tuesday Hauman Chalisa recitation, Sri Ramakrishna Study Group, Sri Sai Baba Group, Gita Study Group, Devi Puja, Vaishnav Bhajan Group, Akhand Ramayana Recitation, Weeklend Language and Spiritual Knowledge Classes, and Sloka classes for Children. Yoga classes are also offered twice a week (Sunday at 8:00 a.m.and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.) at the Cultural Hall. Priest services are available at your home and/or at the Temple at a nominal charge.  Info: Mrs. Saroj Sharma  (President) at 919-851-0225.  Website: www.hsncweb.org

Hindu Students Council (HSC) - NC State University 
HSC-NCSU is a chapter of the national organization, which is called Hindu Students Council (HSC).  HSC-NCSU is a non-sectarian, non-ethnic, non-profit cultural & religious student organization.  It aims to provide opportunities to learn about Hindu philosophy, spirituality and cultural heritage through various activities, events and projects and is dedicated to provide "seva" (service) to the community ... visit the website for details of upcoming events.  Info: Mrinmoyee Sanyal at (919) 676-0298, email: msanyal@ncsu.edu
Website: http://www.hsc-ncsu.org
           
Human Kindness Foundation:
Monthly Kirtan and chanting is held at Human Kindness Foundation's farm/ashram 6 miles south of exit 154, Mebane-Oakes road, I-40. The HKF sponsors the Prison-Ashram project, which makes available a variety of spiritual teachings, meditation, & yoga for prisoners. The project was suggested by Ram Dass - (American disciple of Neem Karoli Baba) and organized by Bo and Sita Lozoff.  Info: 919-942-2540, 919-304-2220.

Ichamoti Bangladeshi Christian Organization of NC (BCONC):
An organization formed in Raleigh for the purposes of reflection, appreciation and preservation of Bangladeshi cultural heritage, and to espouse the rich culture and tradition to the upcoming generations.  A seven member leadership committee has been elected to communicate and execute the goals and objectives of the organization, whose focus is cultural awareness.  Many interesting activities are being planned for the near future, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.  Info: Reginald S. Gomes at (919) 876-6935.

Indian American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE):
There will be a two-day Indian Embassy VISA Camp sponsored by IAFPE on Sat Apr 30 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and Sun May 1 (9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.).  Venue: Country Inn Suites Raleigh, Raleigh/Durham Airport Area, 201 Airgate Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560, Take Exit 284 on I-40 for Raleigh-Durham Airport, at Thrifty car rental traffic light turn left on Peasant Grove church road, make Immediate left on to Airgate drive).  No checks will be accepted by the embassy, please bring cash.  For additional details, visit the "Events & Shows" page. 
Website: www.forumnc.org

Indian Classical Music & Dance Society (ICMDS):
ICMDS is a non-profit organization dedicated to the task of promoting Indian Classical Music & Dance in the triangle area. ICMDS invites the top artists from all over the world to perform in the triangle.  Sat Apr 30 @ 7:00 p.m. - Carnatic Vocal Concert by the Malladi Brothers.  Venue: Nelson Hall Auditorium, NC State University, Raleigh, NC.
Fri May 20 @ 8:00 p.m. - Hindustani Instrumental concert by Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Subhen Chatterjee (Mohana Veena/Tabla).  Venue: Griffith Auditorium, Duke University.  Website: www.icmds.org

Indus Foundation:
Indus Foundation is a non-partisan, secular organization based at the Research Triangle Park area.  Its goal is to service humanity.   It was formed by a group of highly educated professionals to integrate the people of Indian origin, regardless of their religion or rate and develop their recognition through performance of social and community services for people of all origins and races. Info: Dr. V. Goel at 919-461-0001, Professor R. Mathur at 919-460-7044, DR. V. Bapat (919-319-7294), or DR. M. Wani (919-489-2573)

INS Services Action Committee (INS-SAC)
INS-SAC was formed as a non-profit organization to address issues & problems associated with immigration and naturalization law.  The main objective is to create strategies to help make INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) a user-friendlier agency.  Recently, INS-SAC has elected some of the members of its Executive Committee, and more volunteers are needed to fill the remaining positions.  Info for INS-SAC: Amalendu Chatterjee (919) 674-2029.  Email: amalendu.chatterjee@eximsoft.com    

International Community Church:
ICC is a worship center for people from India and neighboring countries. The pastor is Joseph B. Jesudason and the church office is located at 215 Franklin Jones Rd # 204.  For details on regular worship services, Sunday school, Prayer fellowship and Bible study, please call (919) 233-2900.  Website: www.internationalcommunitychurch.org. 

International Hindi Association (Raleigh Chapter)
International Hindi Association (IHA) is a non-profit, voluntary organization that promotes Hindi language and literature and has chapters all over the United States. The Raleigh Chapter organizes Kavi Sammelans with local and indigenous talents periodically. If you are interested in listening to poetry or in reciting poetry, contact Sarojben Sharma at (919) 851-0225 or Sudha Dhingra at (919) 362-5244.  Website --- http://www.hindi.org

North Carolina Bengali Association:
The North Carolina Bengal Association (NCBA) seeks to promote the Bengali culture, including art, literature, music and language classes, within the state of North Carolina.  For information regarding activities, volunteering, etc. contact: Mithu Chaudhuri at (910)-485-8528, dpchaudhuri@earthlink.net or  Madhulavi Majumder at (919)-928-8442, madhulavi@hotmail.com.  Website:
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Garden/2504/

Nuv Yug:
A cultural organization to preserve and promote Indian culture by instilling a sense cultural heritage in young people.  General Info: (919) 412-7142.  E-mail: info@nuvyug.org
Website: www.nuvyug.org

Pakistani American Association (NCPAA):
The Pakistani-American Association (NCPAA) is a non-political, non-sectarian, cultural and social organization that promotes Pakistani culture to all the communities living in the Triangle Area of North Carolina.  Several events are presented during the year and all  events are open to all members and non-members.  A family dinner is held on the second Friday of every month.   Contact: Nauman Faridi - 
Email: payamber@ncpaa.org  
Website: http://ncpaa.org

Pratham:
Founded in 1994 as a UNICEF initiative, Pratham (www.pratham.org) is a grass-roots level non-profit organization that works towards universalizing primary education in India. With a goal of touching 20 million children, Pratham is one of the  largest NGOs in field of literacy movement in India.  Pratham continues to evolve and grow into a powerhouse that best meets the continually changing needs of the children it educates. Pratham’s North Carolina chapter actively aims to collaborate with individuals, local organizations and community associations and seeks ideas, volunteers and resources to deliver the vision of 'Every Child in School and Learning Well’. Make it a reality;  Become familiar with Pratham’s empowering work --- Volunteer in the US or India, and introduce friends and families to Pratham. Consider adopting a Pratham community project in India and supporting  Info: Ramesh at 919-678-0109 or chith_ramesh@hotmail.com

Ragasudha:
Ragasudha is an organization formed to promote local talented artists in music and dance, in the triangle area and also dedicated to present traditional and contemporary music and dance from India and the Indian sub-continent. Ragasudha plans to achieve this objective with unique combination and support from the local Indian community and the South Asian Student bodies of Duke, UNC and NCSU.  Info: Satish Garimella --- (919) 806-8515.

SAMPIGE – Triangle Kannada Association:
The Triangle Kannada Association is a cultural association for people residing in the Triangle area from Karnataka, India.  Sampige organizes Kannada (the language spoken in the Karnataka area) activities in music, dance and drama as well as social activities.   SAMPIGE is organizing the "Purandhara Dhasa Aradhana and Basava Jayanthi festival" on May 14 at the Hindu Bhavan, Morrisville, NC.
E-mail: sampigeeditor@yahoo.com or 
Website: www.sampige.org

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (BAPS) 
BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir invites everyone for the following special events:  Sat May 7 @ 4:30 p.m. - “English only” session for all ages – Art of living lecture series: "Bhakti/Devotion in the 21^st Century”.  Regular events:  Ravi sabha - every Sunday at 4:00pm to 6:00 pm followed by Aarti and Maha Prasad.  Mahapuja – every Purnima at 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  
For information including classes, timings and directions, visit http://www.swaminarayan.org/
globalnetwork/america/raleigh.htm
Fresh Indian snacks and sweets available at Shayona, Contact Hasmukh Patel (919)-271-8006.  Venue: 1020 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560.  Info: (919)-469-6605.

South Indian Fine Arts Academy (SIFAA)
SIFAA is a non-profit organization that works to arrange and promote concerts and performances in the Triangle and Triad areas, concentrating on Carnatic music for the present.  Info: Ramesh (919)-852-1756, rajaramramesh@yahoo.com

Sri Venkateswara Temple of North Carolina:
The temple is located at 9421 Chapel Hill Road Cary, NC, 27513. The temple is open weekdays from 9 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 9 pm & weekends from 9 am to 9 pm.  Temple info: (919)-468-0040.  Website: www.svtempleNC.org   

Tamil Cultural Association of North Carolina (TCA NC):
TCA NC is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of providing youth with exposure to Tamil culture.  Everyone is invited to join TCA and become part of a wonderful organization promoting Tamil culture in the Triangle area.  Info: Jayanthi Rao (919) 859-1275 or Ravi Raghavan (919) 859-9250 or send e-mail to tca_nc@yahoo.com.

Tamil Sangam of North Carolina:
The Tamil Sangam is an organization that promotes understanding of Tamil culture and provides a medium for people of Tamil culture to get together.  The activities include music, drama, lectures, Tamil movies, etc.  Info: Dr. Sakthivel Karthikeyan (President) at (919)-468-3680.  Website:
http://members.fortunecity.com/tamilsangamofcarolina

Triangle Area Telugu Association (TATA):
The TATA is a non-profit organization that promotes the Telugu culture and language in the Triangle area. Regularly scheduled events include the Vishnu Sahasranam program and the Telugu Movie night. he Vishnu Sahasranam program is conducted at the Hindu Bhavan in Morrisville, N.C. on the third Friday of the month (but the date may be adjusted due to other events, etc). Devotees recite Vishnu Sahasranam, Hanuman Chalisa and offer prayers and Aarti to deities at the temple.  Contact: Dr. Suryanarayana Vulimiri (President) at (919) 481-6707 or suryvulimiri@hotmail.com
Website: www.tatanet.org 
E-mail: committee@tatanet.org 

Triangle Vegetarian Society (TVS):
The mission of TVS is to build a sense of community between current vegetarians and people who are interested in vegetarianism and have a forum for a discussion of issues.  
Sun May 1 @ 1:00 pm - Free Vegan Brunch, 1502 Crest Rd, Raleigh, NC.  
Sat May 7 @ 7:00 p.m. - Potluck dinner.  Venue TBD.
Sat Jun 4 @ 6:00 p.m. - Vegan Sushi-Making Party at Martin Blazevich's residence, 2023 Pershing Street, Durham, NC.
Info: Dilip Barman at barman@cs.unc.edu
Website: www.trianglevegsociety.org 

TiE-Carolinas Chapter:
TiE Carolinas’ three main objectives are to 1) facilitate networking among its members, 2) foster and nurture entrepreneurship and 3) help members integrate with the mainstream community.  Website: www.tie-carolinas.org  E-mail: info@tie-carolinas.org

Urdu Majlis:
Urdu Majlis is a literary organization for the promotion of Urdu language and literature. It has no political, national or religious affiliations. The group has regularly scheduled monthly meetings in which enthusiasts and scholars of Urdu literature meet to discuss the life and works of a selected literary figure.  
Info: Afroz Taj at (919)-515-9302.  
Website: www2.ncsu.edu/tsac/majlis.htm         

Other activities in the Triangle area:

--- Bone Marrow Drive for Rajan Vyas (6 years old) --- has leukemia and urgently needs a bone marrow donor.  Since bone marrow types are inherited in the same way as skin, eyes, and hair types, a match is most likely within the racial and ethnic group of the patient.  Sat Apr 30 at Country Inn and Suites Hotel, RDU Airport, 201 Airgate Drive, Morrisville, NC (919) 544-1010.  Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Requirements: Age 18 to 60 years, testing is free, you painlessly give a small amount of blood.  Info: Dr. Mahesh Varia (919) 929-6726.

--- Immigration Seminar --- Indian American Forum for Political Education (IAFPE) North Carolina Chapter, in partnership with Bharatiya Senior Citizens of Research Triangle area are pleased to sponsor an "Immigration Seminar" on Sat May 14 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center in Bond Park in Cary, NC, located at 120 Maury O'Dell Place, Cary, NC 27513 (Tel#: 919-469-4081).  The featured speakers are experienced Immigration attorneys from the law firm of Bashyam & Spiro LLC, including Mr. Murali Bashyam.  The topics covered will include employment- based immigration (H1B, Green card) and also family-based immigration. There will also be time for open questions from the floor. The seminar is free and available to the public and all are welcome.  Website: www.forumnc.org, or contact Dr. Lakshman Murthy at (919)-386-0249/Dr. Arvind Shah (919) 233-7677

--- Open House on Natural Path Meditation --- everyone is invited to explore the infinite potential of meditation, something that can be integrated into daily lives by regular practice.  It is simple and progressively leads to regulation of the mind, making it an instrument of change for both the individual and society, resulting in a balance between one's inner and outer world.  There is no charge.  Sat May 14, 2 p.m.- 3 p.m.  Venue: Richard B. Harrison Branch Library, 1313 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, North Carolina 27610.  Info: Alexey Lef, (919) 841-0035, alef@nc.rr.com

--- Kathak Dance Classes: New session will be ongoing until May 23 - Info: Hasita Oza at 846-6410 or tapadia@mindspring.com

--- HERITAGE INDIA FESTIVAL COMMITTEE: Heritage India Festival Committee proudly announces two events for the year 2005 and seeks everyone's participation. 

1. 2005 HERITAGE INDIA FESTIVAL.  Date and Venue TBD. Plans for 2005 Heritage India Festival celebration are underway. We invite community participation in all areas of the festival: Group performances in Folk and classical dances, Popular music and classical instrumental music, short skit, Costumes show, Essay Competition and Cultural arts such as Rangoli Demonstration, vendors and much more. Info: chander@bellsouth.net or call: 870-5222, 852-1694, 466-0046, 362-0520, 363-7339 or 467-2078. 

2. FIRST CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATION-2005:  Date and Venue TBD.  Join in celebrating First Children's Day this year in Indian tradition --- a program for the children and by the children.  Open to Kindergarten through 12 grade level children.  Looking forward to volunteering and participation by children and youth in a variety of cultural items from group folk dances to classical performances, from painting to cultural arts, and from face painting to costumes show.  Info - Managing Committee's youth members: Sonya Patel 854-1454, Kaushik Kommaraju 466-0046, Amrita Devalapalli 852-1694, Bindu Pamarthi 363-7339 or 870-5222, 852-1694, 466-0046, 362-0520, or 467-2078.

--- Bhangra classes: Classes are in progress and registration for the next session is open for all age groups.  Classes are  held at Hindu temple in Morrisville, on Aviation Parkway and the timing is 4:00pm to 5:00pm every Sunday.  The rates will be $50.00 per month for learners and choreography services are also available.  You have a choice of selecting your own group or to be a member of existing group --- each group will have a minimum of 8 people.  Info: Parminder Singh at (919)-388-3850, (919)-465-2766 or E-mail: parmsandhar@hotmail.com 

--- Kannada Literature Club has recently been formed and it is planning to meet on the first Friday of every month and discuss/share literary work.  A "Kannada library" is also being planned.  The meeting place is:
102 Millers Creek Drive, Cary, NC 27519.  
General Info: Savitha Ravishankar @ 387-1316 or savitharavishankar@yahoo.com.
Library info: Sindhu Ravishankar @387-1316 or flutesindhu@yahoo.com

--- Syrian Orthodox Christians from Kerala have a Monthly Mass in Malayalam/English by Rev. Dr. M. K. Thomas at the Baptist Student Center, 2702 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC.  Info: Saju Joshua at (919)-461-1773

--- Tabla classes: With visiting master teacher, Naren Budhkar.  Attention will be given to finger techniques and hand positions. Students also will learn the concepts and approaches to accompanying and solo performance. Students are expected to bring their own tabla sets.  Info: Dr. Afroz Taj at 919-851-1119, taj@unity.ncsu.edu or Krishna Joshi at 919-465-9215, joshikrishna@yahoo.com

--- Tamil Language courses at local Triangle Universities:  The NC Center for South Asia Studies is happy to announce the continuation of its Tamil Language courses for the next three years on the campuses of NC State University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Students enrolled at these campuses can take Elementary Tamil (two semesters) and Intermediate Tamil (another two semesters).  The courses will count for satisfaction of the foreign language graduation requirements at each institution.  Each course is taught by a native speaker of Tamil and is designed to give the students a superior grounding in reading, writing, and speaking Tamil.  Courses will accommodate not only pure beginners, but students who have had some exposure to the language at home but don't know how to read and write.  For help and more information, please contact the Director of the Critical Languages Program, 
Dr. Dwight Stephens, 919-513-4195, dstephens@ncsu.edu

Greensboro Center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Barsana Dham:  A satsang (devotional meeting) is regularly held on Saturdays from 3:30 p.m.—5:00 p.m. at the home of Ashwatthama and Madhu Sharma, which includes prayer, chanting, meditation and lectures of Shree Kripalu Maharajji on the philosophy of Shrimad Bhagwatam.   The lectures of Jagatguru Shree Kripalu Maharajji are shown on the "International Channel Network" --- weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. and also on TV Asia --- weekdays at 8:00 am and 10:00 am on weekends.  If anybody would like to hold a 'Satsang' at their home, contact Ashwatthama and Madhu Sharma.  Telephone #: (336)-643-0578.
E-mail: krishndas59@yahoo.com
Websites: jkp.org OR http://www.isdl.org.

Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont (GCAP):  
The Gujarati Cultural Association of Piedmont is a non-profit organization that serves to introduce the Asian Indian culture to the greater piedmont community.
The GCAP is pleased to announce its new “Cultural Center” located on 127 Landmark Drive, Greensboro, NC near the PTI airport.  GCAP offers Volleyball every Friday evening at Barber Park, and Cricket is offered every Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Smith High School Baseball field --- contact Jagdishbhai Dhekar at (336)-272-0105.   Bhajans are held on every "Aghiyaras" in the Worship Hall an the GCAP Center.  Info: Sanjay Tarasaria at (336)-697-4000, Janak Patel at (919)-799-1603, Babubhai Patel at (336)-273-1983.

Hindu Society of North Carolina at Greensboro:
The HSNC at Greensboro, located at 2424 Huffine Mill Road, was formed in 1979. Its mission is to serve the Hindu Community and promote Hindu Culture through religious, social and educational activities. Regularly scheduled events include Puja, bhajans, children’s programs, celebration of holidays & community service.  Info: (336)-621-5848 or www.hsnc-triad.org

India Association of the Triad
The objective of the Association is to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of the Indian community and other residents of the Triad, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the Indian community.  Hindi Language classes (being taught by Mrs. Punjabi) for children of all ages are currently underway - they are being held every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at UNC-Greensboro, Petty Science Building (Physics Department), Room Number 107.  Mrs. Punjabi is also planning to conduct