On March 4, 2012, students, teachers, and parents celebrated and performed a Puja for the goddess Saraswati. This Puja is given significance all over India, for offerings to this goddess is said to provide one with greater knowledge (Saraswati represents knowledge, music, arts, and science). She is also the consort of the god Brahma.

            Firstly, everyone was to take off their shoes and jackets before entering the assembly hall, a sign of respect to Hers Truly. Upon entering the assembly hall one finds themselves face to face with a great display of the goddess. On the altar lay a large picture of Saraswati herself, one that ISW has been reusing every year for a few decades as a tradition since it was handmade for the first Saraswati Puja held. Underneath are a few more picture frames of other important Gods like Ganesha, and adjacent are some flowers and other decorations. All of this is done to please Saraswati. Those attending were asked to wear yellow, which is a tradition for Basant Panchimni.

~by Puja Sarma

It was intriguing for me to enter the classroom of Sarwan K. Aggarwal, a teacher brought by the ISW Cultural School. Mr. Aggarwal would be teaching the children something called “Vedic math”.

Vedic math is basically a different way to perform math problems. It is important to note that Vedic math dates back to the Rishis, some of the oldest of Indian ancestry. These Rishis converted complicated mathematical theories and laws into a more usable form for everyone. Even today, Vedic math can still be useful to these students.

By Mrs Pushpa Joshi

ISW celebrated Mahashivaratri on 19th of February.   Pushpa Joshi conducted the Puja which was followed by Shiva chalisa an bhajans.  Mr. Vithal Bhakta, Prakash and Pushpa Joshi and  group participated in Bhajans.

After some more participants every one enjoyed delicious prashad ka khana. Meera Gupta very punctually and efficiently MCd the program.

This event was sponsored by Mr. Umesh, Nibha and family.