VSNA Convention 2011 & International Basava Conference A Grand Success!!!!
The
2011 International Basava Conference (IBC) was resounding success. From
vetting the topics and speakers to planning all the minute details of
the program the
IBC team and the Convention team brought forth a vision conceived by
VSNA leadership. It was unique to have a full-day of the VSNA conference
dedicated to spirituality and Veerashaivism. Special focus on Daasoha,
life in North America, new technologies and
Youth made it extremely relevant to the participants.
From
the opening blessings from Dr. Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga Mutt
via video and a key-note speech by Dr. Shimurthy Swamiji of Sirigere to
talks by Dr.Desh Deshpande, Prof. Goruru Channabasappa, Mr. Aravind
Jatti, Dr. C. Somashekar, Dr. Sharan Patil, Mr. Shivashankar, Mr. H.V .
Nagendrappa, Dr. Munavalli, Mr. Ayya, Dr. Chaitanya Hiremath, Mrs. Jaya
Rajashekar, Mr. Mahesh Chattanahally, Hon. Janardhana
Swamy, and Hon. Suresh Angadi, Dr. Munavalli, Mr. Ayya and our youths
Ms. Jasmina Prabhakara, Ms. Manisha
Rajaghatta
and Mr. Akarsh Vijay Shankar, we were drawn to the timelessness and relevance of Basava's philosophy in today's world.
We
owe a special thanks to Mr. Sadandand Hebbal (Co-Chair), Mr. Doddamani,
Dr. Munavalli, and Mr. Ayya - program chairs, Dr. Nagabhushana Malakkla
(past president
of VSNA) and Dr. Somashekara Pallegar (president) , Mr.Basavaraj
Mudenur (Conv Chair), Mr.Shivu P Basavaiah (Conv Co-Chair) and All team
members of the VSNA Convention 2011 who made this program such a grand
success.
A
special thanks to Mr. Pradeep Kumar of United Land Bank without whose
event sponsorship, we would not have been able to invite so many eminent
speakers.
Although
the event itself was a success, it will be meaningless if we are unable
to build upon it. We will be compiling all the talks into the "IBC 2011
Proceedings"
to capture and commemorate the conference with the hope that the
messages will continue to spark discussions and debate.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.†On behalf of VSNA New England Chapter members, Convention Committees and VSNA BOD we THANK YOU for participation and support.
Here are few highlights of the convention:
- Over 750 Sharana’s attended the convention.
- There was representation from 28+ states in USA and International participation from India, UK, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Singapore, etc.
- 30+ Invited Guests which included Swamiji, Dignitaries, Scholars, Entrepreneurs and Professional artists from USA and India presented during the convention.
- Over 4000 fresh and mouth watering meals and 1500 breakfast and 2000 snacks served.
- 10+ Hours of Quality Entertainment by professionals and chapter members
- 9+ Hours of Spiritual and religious sessions during first International Basava Conference.
- More than 50 prospective bride grooms attended Singles Meet event
- More than 40 youth took part in fun filled youth retreat & Dance with DJ event
- Business, Woman, Health, Education and Senior Seminar halls were packed with maximum attendance
- Sports activities such as Volleyball and Chess attracted large number of crowd
- International Daasoha Day celebration with 1k$+ food donation and several hundreds of volunteer hours spent in helping the local community.
- Donations collected from more than 100 generous donors ranging from 1$-5k$.
- Mr. Pradeep Kumar of United Land bank donated 25k$ to crown event sponsorship.
- 5 Corporate/Vendor sponsorships.
- Releases : Proud to provide Venue for iBasavanna iphone app, 6 Books, Maker’s Mint (Kartharana Kammata) published by VSNA, 5 CD’s (Daasoha, Samagra ganaka Vachana samputa) and web site launch ( www.vsna.org and http://www.wisdomofgoodliving.com/)
- 13+ various competitions with 39 winners in various categories
- 500+ mementos, trophies and medal distributed
- 60+ Banners and life size pictures displayed
- 50+ Artifacts displayed in Sharana heritage and Historical Convention Museum
- 20+ DVD’s recorded entire proceedings of the convention and few thousand pictures clicked.
All of this was possible only because of the tireless efforts of the volunteers, who have been preparing for this event for over year. Over 28 committees were formed and 100+ volunteers came together before and at the event to make this such a huge success. A special thanks to the Spouses and kids of these volunteers for providing their support during this time. Without the selfless efforts of volunteers, one could not even think of hosting such an event let alone pulling it off with such grand success.
Special thanks to
· Poojya Siddaganga & Taralabalu Swamiji’s who blessed the occasion.
· Basava Samithi, Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Mahasaba, Sharana Sahitya parishath & Rastreeya Basava dala.
· New England Kannada Koota and Hoysala Kannada Koota
· Rasarang School of Performing Arts
Ettigi Fine Arts Academy
· Mr. Pradeep Kumar United Land Bank our event Sponsor.
· Shri M S R Aradhya for artist sponsorship
· All corporate sponsor and Donors
· All Dignitaries, Scholars and Entrepreneurs for their enlightening speech and guidance.
· All Professional Artists and Musicians for their best performance.
· Ms. Maya Chandra who partnered with us in getting Inaugural address of Dr.Shivakumara Swamiji of Siddaganga math recorded.
· Mr.Prasanna Renu for his tireless volunteerism in bringing banners, trophies from India and marketing the convention.
· Samarthanam for Jolada rotti.
· Mr. Achyutha Kabbinada for his support in getting the banners from India.
On behalf of the Samaja, We want to take this opportunity to invite each and every volunteer & their family who participated in making this convention a huge success to the volunteer appreciation event to be announced shortly.
In closing:
“Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless. “
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