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Newsletter May 2006
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Thursday, Feb 18, 2010
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(Narain V. Hingorani - President)
The chill and snow of wintry dark days are already a memory. The spring storms have scattered the blossoms of flowering trees carpeting the driveway
with multicolored petals. With warmth in the air the Mayflowers are beginning to bloom. Even the tax refunds are here -
but where is the quarterly AIS Newsletter? Well, it is here- at last.
In the beginning of the year we had some frustrating time with the construction of the AIS website. After reevaluation,
revisions and reconstruction, the task is almost over and the site has a pleasant open look and new set up of various sections.
If still there are any questions and comments, please do write to us and we will try to resolve in the best possible way.
Last year saw successful conclusion of AIS agitation against four major assaults influencing on Sindhu culture; i.e. attempts
I. to remove SINDH from Indian National Anthem,
II. to change the name of upper reaches of Sindhu river to Singhe river,
III. to eliminate Sindhi language from school curriculum in the state of Gujarat,
IV. and to demolish Sindhi settlements in Ulhasnagar.
CD-SONG OF THE HINDU
In Bhagwan Gidwani's masterly book Return of the Aryans there is an important section which captures an era at the
dawn of civilization and describes how prior to ten thousand years ago the roots of Hindu philosophy evolved in the
shape of In Sanatana Dharma. At that time the 19th Karakata (Elected supreme Chief) of the powerful clan in Sindh
composed a song describing the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma. For centuries this song reverberated in towns and
settlements along the banks of Sindhu and Saraswati rivers. Gidwani has also brought this song to light in modern version as Song of the Hindu.
The concept to versify the song into Hindi/Sindhi lyrics and to render it in melodious voice with orchestral a
ccompaniment was conceived and discussed for more than two years. But not much was accomplished till end of the year 2005.
With the energetic leadership and guidance of our founding president Dial Gidwani, untiring efforts and selfless
service of Vijay Kewalramani (AIS Director India Chapter), Hindi Lyrics and haunting voice of Koshi Lalvani,
introduction in vibrant voice by Ram Jethmalani and his initial donation for production, the CD was recorded
last month in Mumbai, India. This CD is a presentation of by American Institute of Sindhulogy and Bharatiya
Sindhi Global Alliance, with a mission, to reach out to people of all creeds, to promote awareness of
Sindhu-Saraswati and other civilizations of India.
AIS and BSGA are presenting copies of the CD to media, opinion makers and important organization to promote
this unique CD and make it available globally. The CDs are nominally priced at Rs.150+Rs. 60(S&H;) in India at $5.00+$0.90(S&H;)
in USA and other countries. For bulk orders suitable discount will be given. Email orders may be placed with [email protected] or [email protected].
The Song of the Hindu will serve as an important instrument to spread the message of our mission and promote
the knowledge of Sindhu culture. The CD provides a very cost effective and convenient vehicle of
disseminating this knowledge far and wide. It could also inspire and encourage many enthusiasts,
young and old, to consider serious study of Gidwani's Return of the Aryans which, contains a treasure
trove of research and knowledge about places, people and their practices along the banks of Sindhu during pre-Vedic era.
AIS India chapter is mailing CDs to the President, the Prime minister and other Ministers and opinion makers.
AIS is confident the introduction by Ram Jethmalani on the cover of the CD will arouse their interest to listen
to the CD. We will also send CDs to leaders of major political parties. Press conferences are being arranged in
Mumbai with Ram Jethmalani, the lyricist and singer Koshi and Vijay Kewalramani to introduce
The Song of the Hindus to Indian media
AIS has been extremely encouraged by the enthusiastic reception given to the CD so far.
Some prominent organizations like YSA (Young Sindhi Adults) have requested copies of the CD,
which they are considering to purchase in bulk to distribute CD the delegates at their forthcoming
conventions. As it is the first lot of 1000 CDs has been sold out. The next order for 2000 CDs is
already placed and will be delivered in June 2006.
v
BOOK DISTRIBUTION / LIBRARY PROJECT
In early spring, honoring and respecting the wishes of many of our readers, AIS sent the following reminder
to several libraries to which we had earlier addressed a letter to purchase Return of the Aryan's from their resources.
Dear Librarian,
Subject: Recommendation to acquire 'Return of the Aryans' by Gidwani published by Penguin Group (ISBN 0-14-024053-5)
'Return of the Aryans' by Bhagwan Gidwani is a historical best seller that traces birth and beginnings of
the roots of Hinduism in 8,000 BCE and establishment of Hindu religion in Indian subcontinent.
It presents dramatic account of movement of Aryans from India to Asia and Europe, including Iran, Iraq,
Egypt, Greece, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Russia, Italy and Germany in 5,000 BCE. The book also reveals
glimpses of ancient art, culture, Yoga, music, abstract thought, philosophy and spiritual values of India,
with fascinating stories of the origins of Om, Namaste, Swastika, Sanskrit, ancient medicines and wines.
The book is now available for sale from Penguin Group (Canada) or through your regular book-supplier.
Please see contact details of Penguin Group (Canada) in the Note below.
We recommend that you acquire this masterly book for your library for study of ancient civilization and culture.
Yours sincerely
Narain V. Hingorani
(President)
American Institute of Sindhulogy
www.sindhulogy.org
Note: Contact information of Penguin Group (Canada): Lorraine Kelly, Special Markets & Corporate Sales
Manager, Penguin, 90 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite #700, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 2Y3;
Email: [email protected]
Many libraries refused to accept the E-mails sent by AIS, some have asked their names to be
removed from our mailing lists and some have told us they have put AIS address on their SPAM lists.
After writing thousands of letters and sending reminders AIS does not know which libraries have purchased the book.
In spite of our requests to do so they have not taken the trouble of advising us.
We, therefore, seek the support and assistance of all readers who have been advocating and encouraging AIS to send
reminders to the libraries. Since AIS has succeeded in having Penguin Canada to stock the book for the North American market,
it is now time that you make recommendations to the libraries in your area by visits, and letters/emails etc to purchase
the book. Your personal requests are likely to be more respected and yield positive results.
NEW DIRECTORS
Last year saw addition of three directors to the Board of AIS:
Bharati Belani
Nand Belani (Information and Website)
Vijay N. Kewalramani (India Chapter)
In March this year we had the good fortune of having Michael Sawyier join the Board as a New Director.
Michael is a well-known attorney and a long time friend of Indian community in Chicago area.
He had shown keen interest in the mission and activities of American Institute of Sindhulogy for a long time.
After a telephone consensus of the Founding Directors, AIS sent a formal invitation to Michael to join AIS as a Director,
which he has graciously accepted. We welcome Michael in our midst and look forward to his long and rewarding association with AIS.
INDUS EXHIBITION IN CHICAGO
Michael Sawyier is specially excited about AIS's very first planned project of arranging an Indus/Saraswati
exhibition in Chicago area on similar lines as one held in Japan six years ago. He will pursue and build on
our initial efforts of approaching the Field Museum. With his contacts and association with philanthropic
Chicago society we are encouraged to believe that the Chicago Indus Exhibition will not remain just a dream for long.
While presenting the CD-Song of the Hindus at gathering of some scholars in history, anthropology and archaeology
AIS discussed the Indus exhibition held in Tokyo. In this connection AIS also presented the DVD entitled Ancient
Unspoken Civilization Lost to the History-Indus. This DVD was produced by NHK (Japan broadcasting corporation) in
August 2000 in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of NHK in collaboration with Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum of
Tokyo and Nagoya, Japan. We also showed them the beautifully printed catalog of Indus archaeological findings
(borrowed from Indian Pakistani and English Museums) that were displayed at these exhibitions.
SCHOOL BOARD PROGRAM
We still await responses from many Government and School board officials to our letters urging them to consider
introducing the study of Indus Valley Civilization in Illinois state school curriculum. AIS will contact
these officials on phone and by letters to arrange meetings to discuss this matter further.
OVERSEAS CHAPTERS
We are glad to inform you that the first overseas chapter of American Institute of Sindhulogy is being opened in India,
the process for setting up the Branch has already been started by approving the necessary amendments in the Constitution of
AIS and sending it to the authorities for approval.
A managing committee in India, headed by Vijay Kewalramani, Director, AIS India Operations would run the Chapter. The
India Chapter would be duly registered in India as a Social and Charitable Organization under the Indian laws and
shall also have a tax-exempt status.
The contact details of AIS, India Chapter are as under:
Vijay Kewalramani (Director, AIS India Operations)
American Institute of Sindhulogy (India Chapter)
108/109, Paradise Towers,
Gokhale Road, Naupada,
Thane - 400 602.
Phone - (91 22) 2537 2532, (91) 98200 73165
E-mail - [email protected]
We also would like to invite like minded people from different parts of the world who endorse the aims and
objects of IAS to come forward and start local Chapters in their Countries, The local chapter can be registered under the
local laws governing Social and Public Charitable Organizations.
CONCLUSION
AIS is exploring different means of raising funds to finance our ever-increasing activities and projects.
We are also looking to the mechanics of the grant proposals to charitable social and educational foundations.
AIS is always open to suggestions and ideas from our readers specially researchers, thinkers and academician to
strengthen the cause of our mission.
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We reiterate our gratitude for your continued support and encouragement, which inspire us to greater efforts to
uphold our ancient culture and promote global awareness about glorious contributions of Indus/Saraswati civilization
to the physical, mental and spiritual advancement of Human Society.
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