The ancient Rishis' ability to systematically analyze every sphere of life was not mere intellectual speculation. It stemmed from a unique worldview that treated the human mind as a laboratory and consciousness as the ultimate tool for observation. Through a blend of rigorous inner technology, empirical study, and an integrated philosophy, the Rishis accessed knowledge through distinct methodologies: By treating inner consciousness as the primary organ of discovery and combining it with empirical observation and rigorous language, the Rishis built a self-sustaining system of knowledge that could map both the subatomic realm and the vastness of human experience. That ancient lineage highlights a profound tradition of knowledge, spiritual inquiry, and self-realization that has shaped Indian philosophy, science, art, and daily life for millennia. The insights of the ancient Rishis—from the profound metaphysical truths of the Upanishads to advances in astronomy, medicine, and linguistics—continue to offer a timeless framework for understanding the universe and human consciousness. What did the present generation inherit from Sanatana Dharma ideals? Scientifically, its contribution is unparalleled – zero, infinity, the value of pi, Decimal system, Concept of gravity, anatomy, astronomy, mathematics, algebra, trigonometry, Calculus, quantum physics, gravity, theory of the atom, Heliocentric theory, plastic surgery, cataract surgery, dentistry, pregnancy, human anatomy, metallurgy, etc. Hinduism is never afraid of science. Hindus believe that science will prove their theories. Science & Hinduism never collide. transmission of Sanatana Dharma ideals across generations is a continuous, living process, not a static inheritance. Because Sanatana Dharma is a comprehensive, eternal framework for living in harmony with nature and society, its core principles—such as Satya (truth), Ahimsa (non-violence), Seva (selfless service), and Karma (action and responsibility)—are passed down through a multi-layered ecosystem. How important is it for Hindus to preserve, protect, and practice the Sanatana Dharma ideals passed down through time immemorial? Preserving, protecting, and actively practicing Sanatana Dharma ideals is foundational for Hindus—not merely a duty to the past, but a framework for living today and sustaining an ancient civilizational identity. By actively practicing, protecting, and passing down Sanatana Dharma, Hindus ensure that this timeless wisdom continues to serve as a practical, living guide for individual realization and global harmony. What makes Sanatana Dharma so great? Why should the Hindus shoulder the responsibility to protect it? Sanatana Dharma is unique and enduring because it is a living, evolving framework for understanding truth, human consciousness, and cosmic order. Hindus feel responsible for protecting and preserving this heritage because of the timeless principles it offers individuals and the world. Sanatana Dharma represents one of the world's few surviving ancient civilizations with an unbroken lineage of philosophical, scientific, artistic, and spiritual traditions. Safeguarding sacred texts, languages like Sanskrit, classical arts, and traditional knowledge systems ensures that this millennia-old reservoir of wisdom is not lost to future generations. Because Sanatana Dharma naturally celebrates intellectual diversity, protecting it helps safeguard an open, non-dogmatic worldview. Preserving this tradition ensures that humanity retains a global model for spiritual freedom, philosophical debate, and peaceful coexistence among different paths. By actively practicing its values, protecting its institutions, and passing its insights to upcoming generations, Hindus ensure that Sanatana Dharma continues to exist not as a museum piece of history, but as a vibrant, living guide for humanity. Chanting of Vedas Priests' chanting of the Vedas is considered the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma. For thousands of years, this tradition has preserved not just the religious texts, but the foundational spiritual, philosophical, and acoustic blueprint of Hindu culture. Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, UNESCO inscribed the tradition of Vedic chanting on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2008. If this chanting is done orally by rote memory, chapter by chapter, all the Vedas and Upanishads will continue; Sanatana Dharma will be indestructible. Even if the manuscripts rot, burn, or are destroyed by foreigners, chanting will keep the Sanatana Dharma alive forever. What kind of legacy do we want to transmit to the next generation in Sanatana Dharma? Passing on the legacy of Sanatana Dharma (the eternal way/order) to the next generation is less about preserving rigid dogma and more about transmitting a living, adaptable, and deeply experiential framework for human flourishing. To ensure the next generation embraces and embodies Sanatana Dharma, the legacy we transmit should focus on several foundational pillars. Dharma as a Moral & Ethical Compass Intellectual Freedom & Inquiry Living Philosophy & Daily Discipline (Sadhana) Ecological Consciousness & Cosmic Harmony  Cultural Pride & Inclusivity   Many Western Scholars and Intellectuals were drawn to Hindu scriptures. What made the scriptures attractive to them The attraction of Western scholars, philosophers, and scientists—from Arthur Schopenhauer and Ralph Waldo Emerson to Erwin Schrödinger and J. Robert Oppenheimer—to Hindu scriptures was not a mere trend; it was a profound intellectual and spiritual recognition. Nearly 30 Nobel laureates acknowledge our ancient scriptures as a source of success in life – especially the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. In them, they found a middle path that bridged philosophy, human experience, and scientific inquiry. Our Hindu scriptures were not viewed as rigid religious handbooks, but as a vast, living science of consciousness, ethics, and reality—one that speaks universally to any inquiring human mind, regardless of geography or era. When Western scholars, mathematicians, and 20th-century physicists began examining ancient Indian texts, they were frequently astonished to find that many discoveries claimed by the modern West had been conceptualized, calculated, and practiced in India centuries—and in some cases millennia—earlier. Imagine a world without the influence of Sanatana Dharma, without fundamental concepts of human thought, science, surgery, mathematics, ethics, philosophy, and spirituality spread across global civilization. Because the ideals of Sanatana Dharma—such as Dharma (cosmic ethics), Karma, Ahimsa (non-violence), Maya (the relative nature of perception), and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family)—have quietly woven themselves into the global fabric over thousands of years, their absence would have radically altered human development. Peace will be lost; the world is one family will vanish; scientific knowledge will be stunted; religious dogma will reign supreme; intellectual rigidity will take root; and spirituality may become extinct, and freedom may vanish. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. Call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

“Make no mistake: from it she will inevitably wither, as a tree torn out from its place… India’s roots are struck, and torn from that she will inevitably wither, as a tree torn out from its place… And if Hindus do not maintain Hinduism, who shall save it? If India’s own children do not cling to her faith, who shall guard it? India alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.” Annie Besant Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is pleased to inform you that the overwhelming majority of Bala Samskar Kendras remembered the great social reformer and scholar who left Britain and joined the Independence movement, joined the Congress Party, spoke at National Congress meetings, and wrote extensively about the richness and greatness of Sanatana Dharma.  Annie Besant made herself able to recognize the divinity in everyone. She was drawn to Hindu traditions and philosophy in India and considered India her motherland, even though it was a foreign country. Born in London to an Irish mother and a British father, she embodies courageous intelligence and can change the world's thinking. Father died at the age of Raised by mother. As a child, she was enthusiastic and enjoyed studying, playing cricket, music, horse riding, and learning to sew, and she enjoyed nature. Superstition and piety were verystrong, and she read the Bible every day and prayed daily. At the age of 20, the heresy reached such a level that he decided to give his life to the Church. In 1847, she got married to Reverend Frank Centu and had a son and a daughter. For some time, the daughter suffered from illness, and her mother's death led to her losing faith in God and becoming an atheist. Encouraged by an atheist named Charles Brada, she wrote many works under the pen name Ajax and sent them to journals. At 46, Besant vowed to devote the rest of her life to India, leaving her young son and daughter at home. She became determined to accentuate Hindu spiritualism, its citadel Bharat, its society, culture, and entailing dimensions. She sailed to Bharat from America with Colonel Olcott and moved across the country to get acquainted with people & the land. The Theosophical Society (Divya Gnana Samaj), founded in 1875, attracted Annie Besant. Annie Besant’s life turned around after reading The Secret Doctrine by Blavatsky. Became a member of the Theosophical Society in 1889. In 1907, she became the president of the Divya Jnana Samaj. Attracted to the philosophy of Vedanta in the East, he studied India and settled in Varanasi from 1895. It is believed that India has no future if spirituality is abandoned. Annie Besant yearned to revive piety and patriotism among the Indian people, who were forgetting their religion and traditions in the craze of Western culture. It promoted itself using indigenous products. In 1894, he addressed the Indian National Congress for the first time. The Home Rule Movement started in 1916. Leaders who did not cooperate with her at first eventually joined her. In 1917, she presided over the Calcutta Congress sessions, held the first public mass meetings, and mobilized more women to participate in politics. She had lofty ideas about the country's future. She wanted the country to gain independence so that all Indians could enjoy freedom. She liked Indian people so much. She wrote that she wrote: “I love the Indian people as I love none other, and… my heart and my mind… have long been laid on the altar of the Motherland.” While in India, she established the All-India Home Rule League in Chennai in 1916, while the world was. Annie Besant did not formally convert to Hinduism, clarifying that she was a Hindu from birth and had accepted Bharat as her motherland. She used to wear a ‘rudraksha’ necklace over a white gown and often a ‘saree’ in the Tamilian style. Once, Kanchi Shankaracharya was reluctant to share the dais with her (maybe because of her white skin). Besant started her lecture reciting ‘Shiva Stuti’. Listening to her lecture, Shankaracharya exclaimed, “You are the exact incarnation of Mother Saraswati,” during World War I. She stated that “India is the mother of religion. In her are combined science and religion in perfect harmony, and that is the Hindu religion, and it is India that shall be again the spiritual mother of the world.” "Among the priceless teachings that may be found in the great Indian epic Mahabharata, there is none so rare and priceless as the Gita... This is the India of which I speak–the India which, as I said, is to me the Holy Land.” Annie Besant In July 1898, along with Dr. Arthur Richards, Besant founded the Central Hindu School. It’s located in the holy Hindu city of Varanasi. The school's motto was “Knowledge is vitality.” She dreamed of creating of a school that gave a “sound secular education, combined with moral and religious instruction, based on the fundamental tenets of Hinduism.” The school is directly affiliated with Banaras Hindu University. At the time of the school’s founding, there were over 2,000 students. Today, India has schools in Kolkata, Meerut, Delhi, and Indore that bear Besant’s name. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. Call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation celebrated 20 years of achievements and accomplishments, with well-wishers attending the function on September 20 at Meridian Venue. GHHF appreciated the financial donors who have supported and sustained it over the last 20 years.   * Started with lighting a lamp to start the program.   * National anthems were sung – USA and India * Two Kuchipudi dances by the students of Smt. Padma Sonti * Patriotic Songs by three youngsters. * Bhagavad Gita Chanting by a youngster. * 19-Minute documentary of the activities of GHHF in all nine States in Bharat and Bangladesh. It was produced by Suchetan Enterprises. Suchetan Swaroop Vaidyanathan and his father, Sri Vaidyanathan, spent countless hours producing two documentaries, appreciated by everyone with thunderous applause. His passion and dedication in producing these two documentaries are exemplary. * Pinnamaneni Srinivas, who is a member of the Board of Directors and who came from India, spoke about the insights into the activities being conducted at the ground level in villages – briefly touching on the activities related to Gahr Waapasi, Bal Samskar Kendras, construction of new Temples, training of priests for the village temples, Bhajan programs, tailoring program for the ladies, and others. * Acknowledge the services of Rajesh Thunuguntla, who manages the Guntur office and coordinates many activities and travels to different States. * Prasad Yalamanchi, the Chairman of GHHF, documented some of the activities of GHHF since 2006. He recalled the two pada yatras conducted in 2007 and 2008 in Andhra Pradesh to highlight the discrimination of the State government against Hindu Temples, and a project organized in Chicago during Chief Minister Raja Sekhara Reddy’s visit to Chicago in 2007, Article 25, and how Temple funds and land are being abused by the state governments. * Motivational speech by Akash Vukoti, a prodigy, TV personality, and public speaker, spoke about the richness of Sanatana Dharma, drawing from the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures. He is known for his record-breaking six appearances at the Scripps National Spelling Bee and for becoming the first-ever first-grader to compete in 2016. * Purushottam Tandu, who runs a Gaushala in Memphis with more than 300 cows on a 200-acre lot. He spoke about his association with Prakasarao for nearly 20 years. * Dr. Nick Shroff and Sri Gurrapu, along with their team, presented a remarkable yoga session * Sashi Kant, who is one of the major donors, spoke about the need to contribute to GHHF to continue its activities in Bharat and Bangladesh. He appealed to the gathering to come forward and make a pledge. Several people came forward and opened up their wallets and hearts. * Prakasarao recalled the passionate service being provided by Sri Pinnamaneni, Chandra Movva, Prashant Nanganuru, Chandra Kant Reddy, Deevi Kishore, and others. * The media team has done an exemplary job in coordinating audio and video components. * Prakasarao informed and thanked Hari for providing the venue and sumptuous snacks and dinner free of cost, recognizing the work GHHF has been doing for two decades. * We also thanked Sirisha Garu, who masterfully served as Mistress of Ceremony for the event. * Pratap Velagapudi thanked all the volunteers for their selfless service to the cause and the event. * The event was closed with the singing of Vande Mataram. Jai Sri Ram Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979   {{album_1665}}

By Rajesh Thunuguntla National General Secretary, GHHF  – Bharat Member, Board of Directors, GHHF – USA As the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation completes twenty years of its journey, I have been reflecting not only on the two decades behind us, but also on what I personally witnessed during the past year. For me, this was not simply another year of programs and activities. It was a year in which the work of GHHF became more deeply rooted in villages, families, temples, children, and communities. Over the past year, I traveled extensively across different parts of the country, meeting our Karyakartas, visiting Bal Samskar Kendras, interacting with children and parents, meeting teachers and local leaders, visiting temples, and listening to communities. Wherever I went, I found the same spirit of commitment, but also different local realities and needs. These experiences strengthened my belief that meaningful work at the grassroots cannot be built through occasional programs alone. It requires continuous presence, dedicated Karyakartas, local leadership, and a genuine relationship with the community. One of the most important changes during this year was the strengthening of our grassroots structure. In several regions, we began developing village-level committees so that local Karyakartas could continue the work throughout the month rather than depending entirely on periodic visits from outside. New full-time Karyakartas were appointed in approximately eight districts, and our work expanded into two new states. Today, approximately 40 full-time Karyakartas are working at the grassroots, supported by local Karyakartas and volunteers. During the year, more than 500 meetings were conducted across different regions. For me, however, the real significance of these numbers is what they represent. A meeting creates an opportunity to listen. A Karyakarta creates continuity. A village committee creates local responsibility. And local leadership creates the possibility of an institution that can sustain itself for years to come. This became particularly visible through our Bal Samskar Kendras. More than 200 centers are now functioning, reaching over 4,000 children. During my visits, I made it a point not only to meet the children but also to speak with their parents. Many parents shared the changes they had observed in their children—their discipline, behavior, respect for elders, values, and spiritual awareness. These conversations stayed with me because they showed that Samskara does not remain inside a classroom. When it reaches a child, it gradually enters the home. That is why I consider the Bal Samskar Kendra work one of the most important investments we are making for the future. We are not merely conducting classes; we are helping families nurture the next generation with a connection to Dharma, culture, and values. Our work during the year also strengthened Hindu temples and the community life surrounding them. More than 50 temples received microphone sets, while GHHF also supported deity installations, temple renovation and repair, Bhajan Mandaps, and musical instruments for Bhajan groups. In many places, I saw how such practical support encouraged temple activities and brought people together. A temple is not simply a building. It is a place where worship, tradition, culture, and community relationships come together. Supporting a temple therefore means strengthening an important part of community life. At the same time, our work expanded into very different parts of the country. We traveled to fishing villages around Puri and Konark in Odisha, worked with communities in Karnataka, conducted cultural and devotional programs in Assam, visited Hindu refugee families from Pakistan in and around Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, and reached remote tribal villages in the forest regions of Andhra Pradesh. In Assam, programs included Pada Puja, Bhajan Sammelans, Matru Murti Sammelans, cultural activities, and community meetings. In Rajasthan, we inspected water tanks supported by GHHF and supervised a Bal Samskar Kendra. In tribal areas, we distributed clothing, blankets, and essential items, supported tribal temples with microphone sets, and identified villages where there were no temples and where future work may be required. These journeys reminded me that the needs of one community cannot simply be assumed to be the needs of another. Grassroots work requires us to listen first. It requires us to understand local circumstances, work with people already serving there, and develop solutions that can continue locally. Our Dharma-related and community efforts also continued alongside this field expansion. The Chintada Anand matter involved significant legal and administrative developments, including proceedings at the Supreme Court stage and the subsequent cancellation of his SC certificate through the relevant process. At Kothapalem village in Bapatla district, GHHF organized the installation of an idol of Lord Anjaneya at a location where an attempt had been made to construct a church. For us, these experiences demonstrated the importance of legal awareness, community organization, and constructive religious activity working together. The year also saw a strong emphasis on Seva. GHHF continued activities such as Chalivendras, water troughs for animals, Gau Gras, Annadanam, medical camps, distribution of clothing and essential items, temple service, Gramadevata programs, and support for families in need. In the field, I have increasingly felt that Seva is not something separate from Dharma. It is one of the ways Dharma becomes visible in our daily lives. We also continued to focus on economic self-reliance. Two free tailoring training centers were established for Hindu women, while support was provided through push carts, sewing machines, and financial assistance for small businesses. The purpose is not simply to provide temporary help, but to give people the ability to build sustainable livelihoods. Helping someone stand on their own feet is, in my view, one of the most meaningful forms of Seva. Another initiative that has reached more than 500 villages is our effort to place sacred names of Bhagavan on Hindu homes. On the surface, it may appear to be a simple activity, but its purpose is deeper—to bring spiritual consciousness into everyday family life and encourage people to reconnect with their religious identity. Our Ghar Wapsi initiatives also continued during the year, with more than 300 families returning to the Hindu fold. Behind every family is a personal story and a journey of reconnecting with spiritual and cultural roots. For the people involved, these are not numbers. They are families and individual lives. As our field activities expanded, we also recognized the need to invest in the people carrying this work forward. A five-day intensive training program was conducted at the GHHF National Office in Guntur for our full-time Karyakartas. The training focused on grassroots methodology, community interaction, organization, communication, village-level structures, and the larger purpose behind our work. I have had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Velagapudi Prakash Rao Garu throughout this journey. One of the things I have learned from him is that an organization becomes strong not merely because it conducts successful programs, but because it develops people who can carry its mission forward. His vision, discipline, patience, and commitment to grassroots institution-building have influenced the way I understand my own responsibility. The establishment and development of the GHHF National Office in Guntur under his guidance was another important step in strengthening our ability to coordinate and support the growing field network. When I look back at this past year, what gives me the greatest satisfaction is not simply that the number of programs has increased. I see a deeper transformation taking place. More Karyakartas are becoming active. Village committees are being formed. Programs are becoming more continuous. Bal Samskar Kendras are expanding. Parents are seeing changes in their children. Temples are receiving support. New regions are developing local leadership. Seva is reaching more communities. This, to me, is what grassroots institution-building means. It is not only about how many programs we conduct. It is about how many people become connected, how many Karyakartas take responsibility, how many local leaders emerge, and how deeply the work becomes rooted in the community. As I think about the twentieth anniversary, I am reminded that an anniversary is not merely a celebration of the past. It is also a moment of responsibility. Twenty years have given GHHF experience, relationships, Karyakartas, lessons, and a strong foundation. The next twenty years must build upon that foundation. We must continue working toward Dharma consciousness in every village, Samskara in every child and home, strong spiritual and cultural life around our temples, dedicated Karyakartas, greater economic self-reliance, stronger local leadership, and meaningful Seva wherever communities need us. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Velagapudi Prakash Rao Garu for his vision, leadership, and guidance. I am equally grateful to every full-time Karyakarta, local Karyakarta, volunteer, Bal Samskar Kendra teacher, family, supporter, and well-wisher who has contributed to this journey. When I remember this past year, I do not first remember the numbers. I remember the villages. I remember the children. I remember the parents who spoke about their children’s transformation. I remember Karyakartas traveling from place to place, teachers continuing their work, temples being strengthened, families receiving Seva, and communities welcoming us. That is what makes this journey meaningful. The first twenty years have given us a foundation. The next twenty years call us to take that foundation deeper into the grassroots and farther across the country. For me, the journey is not complete. It continues—with greater responsibility, greater commitment, and an even deeper spirit of Dharma, Samskara, and Seva. Twenty years behind us. A new chapter before us. And the journey continues.

I am happy to know that GHHF is celebrating its 20 years of service to the Hindu community, mainly by propagating Sanatana Dharma and creating a mass movement to secure Hindu temples from the depredatory clutches  of a secular government. If minorities can have exclusive control of their churches and mosques, then why, it may be asked,  the same privilege is denied to the majority HIndu community? This question reverberates all across Bharat demanding an immediate answer. The democratic government of Bharat, responding to the will and sentiment of the majority,  should bring a legislation to that effect and give back Hindus their God given right to manage their temples and places of worship. I pray that GHHF becomes successful in their mission and  make Hindus proud inheritors and sole custodians of their temples and traditions.  HARI OM TAT SAT.

https://bharatobserver.in/should-tirumala-tirupati-and-tiruchanur-become-a-unified-holy-city/ For millions of Hindus, a visit to Tirumala is far more than a journey to a famous temple. It is a pilgrimage shaped by faith, devotion and centuries of spiritual tradition. Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur together form one of India’s most important Hindu pilgrimage landscapes. Every year, millions of devotees travel to the region to seek darshan and participate in a spiritual tradition that has continued across generations. But as the region grows, an important question is increasingly being raised: How can modern development take place while preserving the sacred character of one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage destinations? The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) has proposed one possible answer—a unified recognition of Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur as a holy city and pilgrimage region, with special measures to protect their religious and cultural character. More Than a Temple For a pilgrim, the experience of Tirumala does not necessarily begin at the temple entrance. The journey through Tirupati, the visit to Tiruchanur, the surrounding temples, rituals and traditions, and finally the ascent to Tirumala are all connected in the minds of devotees. Tirumala is revered as the abode of Lord Venkateswara, while Tiruchanur is associated with Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. Together with Tirupati, the three locations form an interconnected pilgrimage circuit. This raises a larger question about how such a landscape should be planned and governed. Should it be treated primarily as a growing urban and tourist center, or should its unique religious character be reflected more strongly in its planning and administration? A Proposal for Sacred Status A recent roundtable conference in Hyderabad brought this question into focus. Organized under the auspices of GHHF, the meeting brought together representatives of more than 25 organizations, intellectuals and members of different Hindu communities. The gathering called for Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur to be recognized as a unified holy city and pilgrimage region. The proposal is based on the belief that a destination of such exceptional religious importance deserves a framework that gives greater consideration to its spiritual identity. Supporters have pointed to internationally known religious destinations such as Mecca and Vatican City as examples of places where religious significance is closely reflected in the character and administration of the destination. The circumstances of each place are obviously different, but the comparison raises an interesting principle: can India’s most important pilgrimage destinations have frameworks specifically designed to protect their sacred character? Extending the Sacred Environment One of the principal demands discussed at the conference was extending the restrictions on liquor and meat that exist in Tirumala to Tirupati and Tiruchanur. Supporters argue that the environment surrounding a major pilgrimage center should be consistent with the expectations of devotees and the religious nature of the destination. For many pilgrims, travelling to Tirumala is a deeply personal spiritual experience. They may travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometres, often as part of a family tradition that has continued for generations. The atmosphere surrounding the pilgrimage therefore matters. The proposal is not simply about commercial regulation. It is about asking what kind of environment a major sacred destination should provide to those who come there for worship. Protecting Religious Heritage The conference also discussed concerns about religious activities and forms of religious persuasion around the pilgrimage region that participants believe could affect its religious character or hurt the sentiments of devotees. GHHF has called for greater attention to such activities and for measures that protect the identity of the region as a major Hindu pilgrimage center. At the same time, any such measures would have to function within India’s constitutional framework and existing laws. That makes the issue more complex than simply declaring an area sacred. It requires a careful conversation about heritage, religious freedom, local communities, administration, development and the rights of millions of pilgrims. Why Tiruchanur Is an Important Part of the Pilgrimage Tiruchanur occupies an important place in the religious geography of the region. The temple of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru attracts devotees as part of their wider pilgrimage associated with Tirumala and Lord Venkateswara. For many visitors, therefore, Tiruchanur is not a separate destination but an integral part of the spiritual journey. Recognizing Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur as a connected pilgrimage region could encourage authorities to consider their shared religious and cultural significance when planning infrastructure and development. Development Without Losing the Soul of the Place Tirupati has grown substantially over the years. The growth has brought roads, hotels, transportation facilities, commercial establishments and other infrastructure needed to accommodate the enormous number of pilgrims visiting the region. Modern facilities are essential. But rapid development also creates a familiar challenge for pilgrimage destinations around the world: how do you accommodate millions of visitors without allowing commercialization to overwhelm the character of the sacred place? The answer does not necessarily lie in preventing development. Rather, development can be guided by the identity of the destination itself. Roads, accommodation, sanitation, public spaces, transportation and other facilities can all be designed around the needs of pilgrims while respecting the heritage and traditions of the region. Learning From Major Pilgrimage Destinations Across the world, some of the most significant religious destinations have distinctive systems for managing their unique character. Mecca has a special religious and administrative framework reflecting its importance in Islam. Vatican City has a unique status as the center of the Catholic Church. India’s religious traditions and constitutional structure are different, and no foreign model can simply be transferred to the Tirumala region. Nevertheless, these examples demonstrate that the religious identity of a major pilgrimage destination can influence how the area is planned and protected. The discussion around Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur asks whether India should consider a similarly distinctive approach for one of its most important Hindu sacred landscapes. A Question for Policymakers and Devotees Any decision concerning the status of Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur would involve multiple stakeholders. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the Andhra Pradesh government, local authorities, residents, religious organizations, heritage experts and devotees would all have an important role to play. There would inevitably be different perspectives on how such a proposal should be implemented. But the underlying question is worth discussing seriously: What should a modern Indian pilgrimage city look like when millions of people come not merely to visit, but to worship? Preserving a Living Tradition Tirumala is not simply an archaeological or historical site. It is a living center of Hindu worship. Every day, thousands of devotees arrive with prayers, offerings and personal hopes. Families pass down the tradition of visiting Tirumala from one generation to another. That living connection is what makes preservation particularly important. Protecting the region does not mean freezing it in time. It means allowing it to develop while ensuring that development does not gradually erase the qualities that make the place sacred. The Larger Meaning of the Proposal The call for a unified holy city encompassing Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur is ultimately part of a broader conversation about India’s religious heritage. It asks whether sacred landscapes deserve a distinct approach to planning, whether commercial activity should be regulated in accordance with their religious character, and how modern infrastructure can coexist with centuries-old traditions. GHHF’s proposal has brought these questions into the public discussion through its roundtable and its call for greater protection of the region’s spiritual identity. Whether or not the proposed framework is ultimately adopted, the conversation itself highlights an important reality: India’s pilgrimage centers are not merely places people travel to. They are places that carry the faith, memories and traditions of generations. As Tirumala, Tirupati and Tiruchanur continue to evolve, the challenge will be to ensure that progress and preservation move together.   Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

The Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) has undertaken a wide range of initiatives to protect, preserve, promote, and revive Hindu temples, cultural traditions, and grassroots religious life across India and beyond. •    Founded in 2006 in the United States under the leadership of Shri Dr. Prakasha Rao Velagapudi, the organization committed itself to protecting Hindu temples, safeguarding Sanatana Dharma, and promoting Hindu culture globally. •    Between 2006 and 2007, GHHF launched global advocacy efforts, including demonstrations and awareness programs highlighting concerns about state control over Hindu temples. From 2007 to 2009, the organization undertook large-scale Maha Padayatras across hundreds of villages in multiple districts, which played a major role in awakening rural Hindu society to the importance of temple autonomy and cultural self-respect. •    From 2010 to 2014, the Foundation focused on preventing encroachment and illegal occupation of temple lands. During this period, sacred sites were protected from illegal takeover, unauthorized constructions were stopped, and neglected temples were brought back into public focus. This phase marked a strong emphasis on legal and ground-level intervention to safeguard temple properties. •    From 2012 onwards, GHHF significantly expanded its cultural outreach. It organized international symposiums, film festivals, children’s drawing competitions, and river-based devotional initiatives such as Godavari Aarti and Krishna Aarti. Many of these initiatives gained official recognition and helped revive public engagement with Hindu traditions. •    Between 2015 and 2019, the Foundation strengthened its grassroots presence by expanding Bala Samskara Kendras, restoring Grama Devata temples, and reviving daily dharmic practices in rural communities. These efforts helped reconnect younger generations with Hindu scriptures, values, and cultural identity while restoring temple-centered village life. •    From 2020-21 during the COVID-19 pandemic, GHHF provided large-scale humanitarian support. Annadanam was distributed to more than two lakh people, priests received dry rations and financial assistance, and hospitals received essential medical equipment, including oxygen generators and ventilators, during the crisis. •    Between 2022 and 2025, the Foundation intensified its efforts to protect the sanctity of major pilgrimage centers, particularly Tirumala, Tirupati, and Tiruchanur. It exposed irregularities, submitted official representations to authorities, and increased public awareness about preserving these sacred spaces. GHHF campaigned extensively to have Tirumala, Tirupati, and Tiruchanur declared Punya Kshetras. The organization further expanded its advocacy through press conferences, public awareness campaigns, protest rallies, international outreach, and initiatives highlighting issues concerning persecuted Hindu communities, including those in Bangladesh. •    Currently, GHHF operates across ten states in Bharat and runs sixteen ongoing grassroots activities. These include Ghar Wapasi initiatives supported by more than thirty full-time Pracharaks, who work to prevent forced conversions and assist individuals wishing to return voluntarily to Hindu Dharma. •    The organization also operates nearly 200 Bala Samskara Kendras, which collectively educate more than 4,500 children in Sanatana values, scriptures, cultural traditions, and spiritual heritage. Your donations are appreciated; By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

https://bharatobserver.in/global-hindu-heritage-foundation-celebrates-20-years-of-preserving-hindu-heritage/  by Sai Srinivas When the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) was established in 2006, its focus was centered on two broad objectives: advocating for greater autonomy for Hindu temples and working to preserve, protect, and promote Sanatana Dharma. Two decades later, the organization is marking its 20th anniversary with a look back at a wide range of activities carried out across India and among Hindu communities globally. Rather than being limited to one area of work, GHHF’s activities have gradually expanded into education, temple support, cultural preservation, community service, animal welfare and grassroots initiatives. From Temple Advocacy to Grassroots Work Temple preservation remains an important part of GHHF’s identity. Over the years, the organization has advocated on issues concerning temple administration, temple lands, heritage protection and the role of Hindu communities in managing their religious institutions. Its earlier activities included public forums, Pada Yatras and engagement with government officials on matters concerning Hindu temples. GHHF has also documented efforts involving neglected temples, sacred sites and temple-related properties, while organizing discussions and awareness programmes around the preservation of Hindu heritage. But its work has increasingly moved beyond advocacy and into direct community programmes. Taking Sanatana Dharma to the Next Generation One of the organization’s most visible initiatives today is the Bala Samskar Kendra network. These centres introduce children to Hindu traditions, festivals, Sanskrit verses, Bhagavad Gita teachings, yoga, stories of saints and national figures, and the values associated with Sanatana Dharma. According to GHHF’s recent updates, approximately 200 centres are now operating across several states in India and in Bangladesh. The programme is designed not simply to teach children prayers, but to give them a deeper understanding of their cultural and spiritual heritage. The emphasis on children reflects a broader idea behind cultural preservation: traditions remain alive when each generation understands and carries them forward. Serving Temples and Rural Communities GHHF’s grassroots activities also include practical assistance to village temples. The organization has supported temples with items needed for daily worship and devotional programmes, including pooja materials and sound systems for bhajans, satsangs and religious gatherings. It has also supported priests and participated in temple rituals and restoration-related activities, including Maha Kumbabhishekam, homas and yagas. In several rural communities, these initiatives are aimed at helping small temples continue functioning as places of worship and community gathering. Service Beyond the Temple The organization’s activities have also extended into areas of social and humanitarian service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GHHF undertook food distribution and assistance for priests and families facing economic hardship. More recently, its programmes have included women’s vocational training, animal welfare initiatives, support for gaushalas, and assistance to communities affected by emergencies. Its work in Bangladesh has included Bala Samskar Kendras, cultural programmes and community assistance, while volunteers have also undertaken relief activities during severe flooding. Another grassroots initiative, “Prathi Inta Bhagavan Namam,” has sought to bring devotional awareness directly into villages, with the organization reporting that the programme has reached 520 villages. Sixteen Areas of Grassroots Engagement For its 20th anniversary, GHHF is highlighting 16 ongoing grassroots initiatives across India, describing them as part of a broader effort to strengthen Sanatana Dharma through practical work at the community level. The range is notable. Some programmes focus on children and education. Others support temples, priests, women, villages, cows and other animals. Some are centered on cultural awareness, while others involve humanitarian assistance or advocacy. Together, they reflect an approach that sees heritage preservation as something broader than protecting historic buildings. It also means preserving traditions, supporting the people who maintain them and ensuring that younger generations remain connected to them. Two Decades and a Look Ahead The 20th anniversary has also brought recognition from a number of public figures, academics, entrepreneurs, spiritual and cultural personalities. Among those extending their wishes are Sri Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, Deputy Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly; Sri L. V. Gangadhara Sastry, Chairman of the Bhagavad Gita Foundation; Dr. H. R. Nagendra, Padma Shri awardee and yoga scientist; Dr. Manjunath Sharma, Chancellor of SVYSA University; entrepreneur Sanjeev Khanna; entrepreneur Lalit Sharma; and engineer, inventor and entrepreneur Sree Iyer, among others. A documentary produced by Suchetan Enterprises is also being presented as part of the anniversary celebrations, documenting aspects of GHHF’s work over the past two decades. Twenty years provides an opportunity not only to look back but also to ask what comes next. For GHHF, the answer appears to lie in expanding its grassroots presence—reaching more villages, supporting more temples, educating more children and encouraging communities to remain connected with their cultural and spiritual heritage. A Continuing Journey The story of an organization working in the field of heritage is ultimately about continuity. Temples can be preserved, but they need communities. Traditions can be documented, but they need people who practise them. Scriptures can be studied, but their values need to be transmitted to younger generations. That is the broader significance of GHHF’s two-decade journey. From temple advocacy and preservation to children’s education, community service, women’s empowerment, animal welfare and village-level initiatives, its work reflects an expanding effort to keep Hindu heritage connected to everyday life. Twenty years may mark an anniversary, but for any living tradition, the real measure of success is what is carried forward. Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. Call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

  A Congratulatory Message from Dr. L. V. Gangadhara Sastry Founder & Chairman, Bhagavad Gita Foundation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJvSZKry198 "मनुष्याणां सहस्रेषु कश्चिद्यतति सिद्धये । यततामपि सिद्धानां कश्चिन्मां वेत्ति तत्त्वतः ॥" (Among thousands of men, scarcely one strives for spiritual perfection, and among those who strive and succeed, scarcely one truly knows Me in truth. — Srimad Bhagavad Gita 7.3) As Lord Sri Krishna proclaimed in the Bhagavad Gita, among millions of human beings, barely one aspires for transcendental wisdom and higher truth. In the very same spirit, among millions, barely one rises to champion the cause of society and righteousness. Those rare souls who consecrate their entire lives to selfless service, leaving an indelible imprint upon human hearts and attaining immortality through noble deeds, are true Mahatmas. One such extraordinary visionary in our times is Sriman Dr. Velagapudi Prakasarao Garu. Commemorating the momentous milestone of the 20th Anniversary of the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF), Dr. L. V. Gangadhara Sastry, Founder & Chairman of the Bhagavad Gita Foundation, extended his heartfelt felicitations and shared an inspiring message celebrating Dr. Prakasarao’s noble life mission. Though residing in Frisco, Texas (USA), separated by vast oceans from his ancestral land, Dr. Velagapudi Prakasarao’s heart has always beat in unison with his motherland, mother tongue, and the timeless tenets of Sanatana Dharma. Established two decades ago in 2006, the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation shares a remarkable historical parallel with the Bhagavad Gita Foundation, both completing twenty glorious years of purposeful existence in 2026. Despite residing overseas, Dr. Prakasarao visits India almost every month—dedicating his wealth, resources, energy, and life itself to the service of Dharma. Witnessing joy in the eyes of his fellow countrymen, he embodies the highest ideal of a Nishkama Karma Yogi—an active spiritual seeker working without personal attachment or self-interest. Landmark Initiatives Championed by GHHF: Restoration of Ancient and Dilapidated Temples: Across countless rural hamlets, ancient and desecrated Hindu shrines that had fallen into despair are being meticulously renovated and consecrated, breathing sacred life back into village communities. The Crusade to Free Hindu Temples from State Control: While the places of worship of other faiths remain fully autonomous, Hindu temples across India tragically remain shackled under state endowments and governmental control. Dr. Prakasarao has mounted a tireless, uncompromising legal and socio-cultural campaign to restore the governance of Hindu temples back to the Hindu community. This historic movement demands the unwavering solidarity and support of global Hindus everywhere. Bala Samskara Kendras (Values-based Child Centers): Nurturing moral compass, cultural awareness, and civic consciousness from tender years, GHHF successfully operates more than 200 Bala Samskara Kendras across diverse states. These centers instill dharmic ethos, spiritual pride, and deep reverence for the nation in the younger generation. Ghar Wapasi (Reclaiming Ancestral Dharma): Sanatana Dharma is an enlightened path of universal direction, having no tradition of coercive conversion or predatory proselytization. Recognizing the systematic and targeted conversion campaigns that led thousands away from their ancestral roots, GHHF has actively spearheaded the noble cause of Ghar Wapasi, illuminating the majesty of Dharma and lovingly welcoming thousands of individuals back into the fold of their spiritual lineage and ancestral duty. Eternal Glory and Divine Blessings "न हि कल्याणकृत्कश्चिद् दुर्गतिं तात गच्छति" (Never does a person who performs noble and righteous deeds meet with ruin or sorrow. — Srimad Bhagavad Gita 6.40) One who strives solely for personal gain remains remembered only as long as he lives; but one who dedicates himself to universal benevolence lives forever in the collective memory of the world. Free from any desire for personal gain, Dr. Prakasarao represents the epitome of righteous commitment. Praying that the Supreme Lord bestows upon Dr. Velagapudi Prakasarao abundant health, longevity, inner strength, and prosperity to carry forth this sacred legacy, Dr. Gangadhara Sastry invoked Vedic blessings: "शतमानं भवति शतायुः पुरुषः शतेन्द्रियः आयुष्येवेन्द्रिये प्रतितिष्ठति" (May you be blessed with a vigorous, full lifespan of a hundred years with all your faculties hale, sound, and radiant). Concluding his address, Dr. Gangadhara Sastry offered his earnest prayers to Lord Sri Krishna for the continued success of GHHF on achieving its momentous 20th Anniversary milestone, invoking divine blessings of radiant health, longevity, and spiritual vigor upon Dr. Velagapudi Prakasarao to carry this sacred dharmic mission forward. Jai Sri Krishna | Jai Sri Ram | Bharat Mata Ki Jai  Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. Call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979

Vinayaka Chavithi embodies deep devotion, spiritual awakening, and the profound ethos of Sanatana Dharma, which reveres nature as divine. Living in seamless harmony with nature—the supreme force of creation, sustenance, and dissolution—lies at the very heart of our timeless heritage. Clarifying the nature of the sacred idol to be worshiped during Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata, the traditional Vratakalpa lays down an authoritative injunction: "स्वशक्त्या गणनाथस्य स्वर्णरौप्यमयाकृतिम् । अथवा मृन्मयीं कार्यां वित्तशाठ्यं न कारयेत् ॥" (Sva-shaktyā Gaṇanāthasya svarṇa-raupya-mayākṛtim | Athavā mṛnmayīṁ kāryāṁ vitta-śāṭhyaṁ na kārayet ||) This scriptural directive explicitly ordains that devotees should worship an idol sculpted from gold or silver according to their capacity, and if that is beyond reach, they must invoke the deity exclusively through a pure clay (Mṛnmayī) idol without being miserly. Nowhere do the scriptures permit the use of toxic chemicals or Plaster of Paris (PoP). Indeed, the divine mother Parvati sculpted Lord Ganesha from the sacred earth itself; emerging from clay, receiving our adoration, and dissolving back into the soil reflects the quintessential cycle of Ganesha’s philosophy. Affirming that "we must be a part of nature, never a burden upon it," the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation (GHHF) has spearheaded a grassroots campaign to replace chemical contaminants with the authentic grace of the earth element (Prithvi Tattva). Driven by the sacred resolve to uphold scriptural truth while preserving ecological balance, GHHF pracharaks and volunteers have mobilized extensively across towns and rural hinterlands to craft, gather, and distribute eco-friendly clay Ganesha idols entirely free of cost. In Banapuram Colony of I. Polavaram Mandal, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District, pracharaks B. Lakshminarayana and B. Kanaka Rao brought residents together for Bhagavannama Lekhana (the sacred writing of divine names), engaging young children and elders alike in chanting and transcribing divine names, including Sri Rama Nama. During this gathering, they emphasized the vital need to safeguard our cultural heritage, urged the community to resist unlawful religious conversions, and advocated welcoming converted brethren back into the warmth of Sanatana Dharma. Crucially, the representatives actively engaged with local pandal organizers to foster enduring unity across Hindu society through the festival, urging them to conduct celebrations with strict traditional decorum, rise above divisions, and distribute clay idols directly to ensure environmental sanctity. Concurrently, across Natavaram, Narsipatnam, Jilledupudi, and surrounding villages in Anakapalli District, pracharaks Raju and P. P. Raju, along with dedicated volunteers, carried out extensive distribution drives of free clay idols while dialoguing with mandal-level festival organizers to make these pandals vibrant centers of social harmony and collective strength. Championing the resonant call "Matti Ganapathi – Maha Ganapathi," they raised community-wide awareness on celebrating a pollution-free festival, presenting handcrafted idols to families, youths, and children. Through these actions, GHHF demonstrated that Sanatana Dharma is far more than ritual observance—it is a conscious way of life dedicated to universal wellbeing, social solidarity, and ecological equilibrium. As we welcome the Lord of auspicious beginnings, let us unite in choosing clay over chemicals, honoring ancient scriptures, and safeguarding Mother Nature. Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha | Jai Sri Ram! Your donations are appreciated. By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com PayPal: savetemples.org By Check: GHHF, 14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035. Call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979 {{album_1664}}