Cancer Prevention Walkathon

On the eve of World Cancer Day, JETUSA California chapter conducted the first annual Cancer awareness and prevention walkathon on Sunday February, 3rd 2008. It was a 4 KM walk held in downtown San Jose, CA. Approximately 250 enthusiastic walkers participated in the event. Inspite of the rainy and windy weather, walkers participated with a spirited walk without caring about the soaking showers and wind chill. Some of them did multiple laps.

Dr Sandhya Srinivas, MD, Oncologist and Associate Professor at Stanford University, gave an inaugural speech and flagged off the walkathon after a brief prayer by Kum Prapanna Vaisaradiji. About 80 High School students participated as volunteers and walkers. Walkers displayed colorful placards with cancer slogans such as "Nip it in the bud", "Arrest Cancer before it kills you", "Early detection is the best prevention", "A minute of smoking brings years of suffering." etc., It was very encouraging to see the group of students, children and walkers distributing the awareness literature to the pedestrians. They have also raised money for the cause during the walkathon.

Many of the participants were strongly motivated and took resolutions towards improving their lifestyle and health. Everyone was happy that a noble cause was being served and they were able to participate in it. A cancer patient came to the program and was moved at the JETUSA efforts in spreading cancer awareness. Flyers, flowers, table cloths, volunteer badges, registration forms etc were all set in lavender color, as it is the color for cancer in general. T-shirts, walkathon kits, discount coupons from sponsors were given to participants free of cost. When walkers came back they were served with fresh fruits and water. Special gifts were announced for those who raised $100 or more. Overall, it was a wonderful program, and JET California Team is very enthusiastic by the response. We are committed to do more such programs to support the community.

Prajna Summer camp at Fremont

Summer is almost coming close to an end and the Fremont local chapter conducted its phase of Prajna summer camp. The camp was held near Ardenwood area and about 40 students registered to come for the event. The camp was held from August 13th to August 17th 2007. Certificates were distributed on the last day of the camp.

Prajna Summer camp at Sunnyvale

The Sunnyvale local chapter conducted its Prajna summer camp for 2 weeks from July 16th to 20th and July 23rd to 27th 2007. The camp was conducted in Sanatana Dharma Kendra, Sunnyvale. Roughly about 100 to 150 children had registered for the camp. The camp was completed successfully with certificates being distributed to all the children at the end of the camp. The children also put up performances at the end of each week.

Swamiji leaves for New Jersey

After the usual Theertha Goshti Swamiji bid goodbye to all of us. Swamiji and several others with Swamiji were heading to New Jersey.

Sri Swamiji arrives at Fremont

The day after Memorial day - Tuesday morning at around 2:15 am Sri Swamiji set foot in the Bay Area at Sriman Vishnuji's residence. Several devotees were waiting eagerly for Swamiji's arrival. Once Swamiji arrived Vishnuji welcomed HH into his home after washing Swamiji's feet and adorning Swamiji with a garland. Once inside, Swamiji peformed A:rathi to the lord. It looks like after all we were showered by his divine grace - HH talked to each and every devotee even after a long tiring journey. Swamiji fixed the timings for Theertha Goshti for the day (Tuesday 05/29) at around 10:00 am. After a while we all wished Swamiji "Good night" in the form of "Jai Srimannarayana" and took leave for the night. Here are a few pictures taken during the occasion.