Author:
Publication: The New York Daily
News
Date: July 13, 2000
A select few are born in every century
to light the spark of love, devotion, and selfless service among their
communities. Young Kavindra Jaganan, age 16, is doing that very thing
at the recently completed Hindu Sanatan temple in East Elmhurst, New York.
Following in the steps of his priestly forefathers, he encourages the youth
of the Indo-Caribbean community to get in touch with themselves so that
they become better people. The mandir, costing in excess of one million
U.S. dollars, is a reflection of the community's determination, hard
work, and sheer devotion. The end result is an ornate structure of
ancient tradition where the area's Hindu worshippers can be spiritually
uplifted. Devotees are descendants of early immigrants from Uttar
Pradesh and Bengal in India. Operating with volunteer priests, the
temple is open for morning and evening pujas. The temple group's
future goals include development of youth religiously and culturally by
sponsoring trips to India, establishing scholarships for underprivileged
children, and promoting programs to help senior citizens, to name only
a few.
