Author: Parveen Chopra
Author
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Blending faith, science, and sacred architecture: Sharmila Ford on the grand vision of the TOVP
Honored by India with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, Sharmila Ford reflects on building the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium with her husband and fellow ISKCON devotee Alfred Ford. It is an architectural marvel in Mayapur, West Bengal that bridges Vedic cosmology with modern science. An exclusive interview. Read more
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Sharmila Ford on her spiritual journey, cultural roots, and helping build ISKCONโs TOVP
Descended from statesmen & scholars, Sharmila Ford reflects on her roots, giving up academics for family, and dedication to fulfill ISKCON founderโs vision. Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in India is a massive project she is spearheading with Alfred Ford, her husband, she says in Part 2 of her interview. Read more
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Our philosophy embraces a modern, evolving approach to spirituality: Guruji Poonamji
Beyond books, life holds its own wisdom. Guruji Poonamji, founder of Divine Bliss International headquartered in Florida, shared her wisdom with Lotus on discovering lifeโs deeper truths, awakening the light within, new age Hinduism, and embracing spirituality beyond religious boundaries. Read more
๐ Teachers -
From kitchen alcoves to museum walls: How prints democratized Hindu devotional art
The exhibition titled ‘Household Gods: Hindu Devotional Prints, 1860โ1930’ at the Met museum in New York explores how mass-produced calendar art brought the divine into everyday Indian homes. Read more
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We want people with disabilities to earn and pay taxes: Samarthanam founder Dr. Mahantesh
Can a visually impaired person build an organization with nearly 1,000 employees and a turnover of Rs 100 crore, impacting hundreds of thousands of lives? Dr. Mahantesh G. Kivadasannavar, founder of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled in Bangalore, India, shows what becomes possible when disability is not treated as a limitation. Read more
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Blind cricket is changing what disability can mean: Dr. Mahanteshย
In this second part of the interview, Samarthanam founder Dr. G.K. Mahantesh tells Lotus about blind cricket, inclusion, and creating opportunities that enable people with disabilities to thrive. Read more
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Bhaktamar Stotra: How a Jain hymn is evolving into a healing practice
We discover how a 7th century Jain prayer dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar has evolved into a system of healing and personal transformation, employing mantras, yantras and science. We speak to Dr Manju Jain, a pioneer who has promoted Bhaktamar in America, and two other practitioners. Read more
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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat delivers Hinduismโs universal message to the world
Amid pushback in New York, Bhagwat champions pluralism and interfaith unity as part of the right wing Hindu organization’s globe outreach in its centenary year. Read more
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I moved through the world with intention, not limitation: Neil Doshi on blindness and success
New Jersey-based Indian-American entrepreneur Neil Doshi lost his eyesight, but not his vision for life or zest for success. Discover how intention, resilience, and independence helped him turn adversity into purposeโand a life of possibility. Read more
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The householder guru who took meditation to the masses
A new documentary honors Brahmarshi Patriji, founder of the Pyramid Meditation Movement, and his vision for a new generation of conscious leaders. Read more
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Akshardham Museum project in New Jersey seeks to reawaken India’s civilizational heritage
Envisioned as the world’s first museum dedicated to Sanatana Dharma, the Akshardham Museum in Robbinsville, New Jersey will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage, science, spirituality, and timeless values under one roof. Read more
๐ Faith -
Harmony turns differences into strength, unity propels peace: Dr. Gnanvatsal Swamiย
Giving examples ranging from crayons and tea to ancient scriptures, Dr. Gnanvatsal Swami of BAPS explained in a recent talk how unity is built not by eliminating differences but by embracing them with understanding, appreciation, and compassion. Read more
๐ Wisdom -
A Lotus In The Mud hosts devotional Yoga Day event cherished by 200 guests on Long Island
The multi-faceted, multifaith celebration in Hempstead, NY highlighted devotion as a pathway to inner transformation and spiritual evolution. Read more
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From modelling to monkhood: Why Lama Aria Drolma left success behind
She had success, status, and a glamorous career. Then she gave it all up. What did Lama Aria Drolma discover that fame and achievement could not provide? Read more
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Art is my spiritual language: Nayan Kisnadwala on creativity and consciousness
A late bloomer, Nayan Kisnadwala evolved from a finance professional into an artist, spiritual student and custodian of Vedic Heritage Inc, in New York, carrying forward the legacy of his spiritual teacher, GuruMaa Jyotishanand Saraswati. He is a panelist for Lotusโ Yoga Day celebration on June 14 where his spiritual art will be featured. Read more