by Mahindra Bisram
During the period of Pitri Paksha, a time set aside to honor parents and ancestors, it is highly recommended that Daanam (Charity) be given. There is no better way to honor one’s parents than to give a gift that will keep on giving; I’m speaking of education of course. Two often used phrase by Guruji, Pt. Ram Hardowar are “Knowledge is power” and “Knowledge is purifying”. With these thoughts in mind and to give back to their country of birth, the annual Pt. Ram & Radha Hardowar scholarships were given to two deserving students in Guyana. In addition, a scholarship was given to Valmiki Vidyalaya Primary School. All scholarship recipients must be high academic performers, willing to continue with higher studies and involved in the propagation of Sanatan Dharma.
Pt. Tulsie a member of SN SOS presenting the cash award to Sanjiv Nandalall (above) and to Bhim Ramkissoon (below)
Sanjiv Nandalall, a deserving student of Best Village, Vreed-en-Hoop, Berbice was selected based on a number of factors. The most important one being that he was the top graduating student and valedictorian of the Class of 2011 at Saraswati Vidya Niketan. Sanjiv received his award in the presence of all the teachers at his school on September 21st 2011. Swami Aksharananda told all the teachers to spread the message to all students to work hard and be outstanding so they too might be given a scholarship.
Bhim Ramkissoon a graduate of Skeldon Line Path Secondary was selected based on the following factors: (i) he is one of the top graduating students of the 2011 class; (ii) he is highly recommended as being a honest and hardworking individual of exemplary character; (iii) he is active in the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma; and (iv) his father is unemployed due to health reasons and he is in financial need. Bhim is also very active in the No. 69-70 Shri Ram Mandir of which he is a member and is currently pursuing a Diploma in Social Work at the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus. Taken all these factors into consideration the members of SN SOS believe that Bhim is very deserving of the Scholarship. Bhim received his award during a special ceremony at his school on September 26th 2011.
The Principal at Line Path, Mr. Rampersaud, in his opening statement of the award ceremony told all students in the assembly that this was the first time in history he is witnessing an award being given at the school. Pt Tulsie told the students that hard work leads to success and every student should strive to receive the annual award
The members of SN SOS would like to congratulate Sanjiv Nandalall and Bhim Ramkissoon on their well deserved Scholarship awards and wishes them continued success. It is the hope of the organization that these scholarships will enable the awardees to continue their educational endeavors so that they can achieve their individual goals as well as increase their contribution to society.
Pt. Tulsie accompanied by his wife Sattie presenting the Scholarship to the principal of Valmiki Vidyalaya Primary School on September 21st 2011.
This school was selected based on its commitment to the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma and the focus on educating the children of the community.
All recipients of the awards were very happy and sent words of appreciation and thanks to Panditji Ram Hardowar and the SN SOS Organization for awarding the scholarships.
The Scholarships were provided in one-time payments of $800 (US Dollars) to each of the recipient by Pandit Tulsie Bisesar a Member of SN SOS who went to Guyana to make the awards on behalf of the organization. SN SOS would like to thank Pt. Tulsie for taking the time to present the Scholarships on behalf of the organization.
Surya Narayan Seva Outreach Sang (SN SOS) is a non-profit charitable organization headquartered in Jamaica, New York. Members of SN SOS come from diverse backgrounds and consist of professionals, pandits and other select members of the community. Our humanitarian effort is seen as a way of extending the boundaries of Surya Mandir beyond its physical constraints and opening up its door to many more people in a time of need. Our mission is to provide medical care with a focus on prevention and a healthy lifestyle, social, economic and educational assistance to people in need around the world especially in Guyana, New York and India. Service will be provided to the underserved through love and compassion in our actions. The values and morals thought to us by our religion Sanatan Dharma will be our guiding light as we move forward to help the needy and less fortunate.
If you would like to volunteer your services or make a donation to help further the goals of SN SOS, please contact us at 646-210-2754 or e-mail at PtRamHardowar@gmail.com.
Please visit us at www.snsos.org and www.ssnm.org to find out more information about Surya Narayan Seva Outreach Sang and Shri Surya Narayan Mandir, Inc.
Additional Photos of Scholarship Award Presentation
{AG}/2011-SNSOS-ScholarshipAwards{/AG}