Over 350 people attended Chinmaya Maruthi’s annual ‘Taste of India’ fundraising event, held on November 7th at the DiBurro’s function hall in Haverhill, MA.  Featuring a wide range of cuisines from different parts of India, the event aimed to please even the most discerning palate. Whether it be Chettinadu Korma, Hyderabadi Bhaigan, Punjabi Chole, Dahi Balla or Thayir Vadai, one found it all at the food stalls put up at the event.  The food was either donated or provided at a nominal cost by local caterers and restaurants.

Dr. Gopal Dwarakanath, President of Chinmaya Maruthi welcomed the guests and spoke about Chinmaya Maruthi. “Our goal is to address the five different needs of our members – spiritual, cultural, educational, community service and religious. We are happy that our membership is growing,” said Dwarakanath.

Bhramhacharini Bhamati who has recently joined as the resident Acharya of Chinmaya Maruthi addressed the guests   - “Our mission is to share our love with all of you. We believe that the world around us is nothing but a refelection of ourselves and by changing ourselves we can see the beauty in the world around us. Thus we are not here to change anyone. We are here to change only ourselves,” she said.  She urged everyone to come and be part of Chinmaya Maruthi and its avail of its various services.

Desh Deshpande, Chairman and CEO of Sycamore Networks,  who is an advisory board member hoped that the mission would grow like a banyan tree. “A banyan tree starts with just one root and when it grows it spreads its roots,” said Deshpande. He emphasized that community building was central to Chinmaya Maruthi’s mission. “We need to do three things to build a community – We must celebrate each other’s success – we must support each other and nurture the young. We are trying to do all this at Chinmaya Maruthi,” said Deshpande.

In addition to food, there were also stalls selling jewelry and saree.  Babysitting was available for younger children so the adults could relax and enjoy the evening. The activities of the center have grown rapidly over the past year. The temple has special events all through the week. There is growth in attendance at all events including the “Balvihars” and the “Satsangs”.  To learn more about Chinmaya Maruthi , please visit their website at www.chinmayamaruthi.org.

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