Soundharya Nagasubramanian
I am honored to be the editor of this edition of Haripatrika. It’s been a decade since Haridwar —named aptly as the gateway to Vishnu – was established by our Pujya Swami Tejomayananda. A decade where Haridwar has been a haven of service, inclusion and spiritual education for the Portland community.
This past decade has had plenty of challenges for all of us – the Covid 19 pandemic, racial discrimination and political unrest being some of the recent few. Even while facing these challenges, Chinmaya Haridwar has continued its support of the community and increased its outreach with Homeless shelter cooking, Prithvi Seva , and other volunteer activities. The Haridwar community has woven a beautiful tapestry of seva that has set the background for many yagnas , vedantic discourses and visits from Acharyas and swamijis . All these events and many festival celebrations such as Holi have been very inclusive and open to the entire Portland community. The inclusive policy is a demonstration of the principle that the Atman in one is the same as Atman in everyone, and the entire universe is one family. This family and community has stood together, educated themselves to make spiritual progress. Bala Vihar and Vedanta study groups have provided education and knowledge to the Portland community .
Viewing the last few years through the lens of the co – editor, I feel blessed to have been part of this vibrant and inspiring community. With blessings from Madhur Krishna and our Gurus, I wish that Haridwar continues its tradition of service, spiritual education and inclusion.
Hari OM
Soundharya Nagasubramanian
