Hey all,

As some of you may already know, 2005 was a very challenging year for me and my family, both on the professional and personal front.  It is safe to conclude that it was the worst year of my life here in the USA since emigrating here in 1984.  However, as with all difficult times, they are cyclical and never last forever.  And the year ended on a real positive high with an extremely spiritual and personally, immensely rewarding journey to India to confront the demons of my family past and to seek answers to the long time, nagging voice inside my body that has been wondering "What should I be doing with my life?"

 

Seeing my father after 23 years, recognizing his simple, caring ideology and witnessing his wonderful humanitarian attitude made me realize his work and the work of the Ashram he began is devoted to people (especially children) less fortunate than us and in desperate need of assistance. A long time ago, my dad instilled in me many strengths, including the important one on the value of giving without seeking any reward.  It took me nearly 46 years to understand this and today, once again, he is inspiring me through his selfless acts of generosity to do more to help solve the issues of poverty in some small influential way.  I am embarking on a sojourn, at the beginning of the second half of my life, to muster all of my energies, resources, contacts and networks to make a difference and impact the lives of children and their families positively, resulting in them becoming Independant, productive and free from the shackles of poverty.  And I will look to all of you to contribute and help in some way because I know I am no different or unique than any of you, my friends and fellow fortunate human beings who during our lives continue to ask questions about soulful, social injustice questions like:

 

Your contribution could be as significant as verbal support and encouragement to personal acts of help and material and monetary generosity.

 

This quick note is just a brief introduction to the changes that I hope you will begin to observe with me.  I will share more details as time goes on and will be asking for your help.  Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions, or a desire to join me or participate in some way if these words have moved you or ring a familiar chord.

Have a prosperous New Year!

Dip Chandra