In memory of - Venkata Ramakrishna Kantamneni

Aug 6th, 1937 - Dec 26th, 2010

We take some time at the start of the New Year to remember Mr. Kantamneni, who was an integral part of YICG for so many years. He passed away on Dec 26th, 2010 at home, in New York, after a valiant fight with liver cancer. He remained alert to the end, engaged with his life, making sure that everyone in his circle was least disturbed.

To many he was known as Tanuja's father - to us he was Mama. Over the last ten years he cared for so many facets of running our program, not public but behind the scenes. He was always there, willing to lend a hand in anything. We remember when he painstakingly took individual photographs for our 2005 yearbook, with prefabricated ethnic backgrounds. It was an extraordinary initiative and we could not have done it without Mama and his methodical approach. He was there for our annual functions taking detailed instructions on how he should photograph the show, with a cumbersome camera weighing at least 5 lbs. He was such a good sport.

There was a time when we had no banners and he offered to get many varieties made in India, during one of his trips. We have our lightweight banners now due to his efforts. His numerous trips to India always had some YICG shopping - table coverings, books, banners, posters, maps, saris, and artifacts. Our resource room would be incomplete without all these treasures. He was our first Telugu teacher, bringing the books from India and embarking on a new curriculum.

He was amazingly artistic, able to work with precision on art projects. We have a beautiful picture of baby Krishna in our Resource room made by him with small glass beads. We will continue to cherish it.

He was truly willing to wear any hat to support us. Over the years he and his wife donated generously, mindful of our ongoing financial needs. He was part of our working team.

Undoubtedly his blessings form a key element of YICG's metaphorical foundation, based on generosity of thought, word and deed. May his soul forever be a source of joy to all whose lives have been touched by him.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Rathi Raja

Sports Day at YICG - Annual Holiday

Every year Sports Day brings all our families together for some old and some new games!! See if you can recognize the games.

Check out our photos on Facebook.

Conversational Hindi at YICG - Languages

Body Parts Bingo in Conversational Hindi!!!

Come learn to speak Hindi and also have lots of fun!!

Learn thru games, music, poetry and movies!!

Hiking in Sunken Meadow Park - Long Island

Photographing the photographer~~!!!

A brisk chilly day for a wonderful 2 hour hike in December  with Rajesh Verma leading the way. Surprisingly challenging on the Bluff, facing the ocean - steep, slippery with dry leaves. Immensely enjoyable by the Adult Gita class members.

College Essay by Kripa Bhagat - The YICG Experience

College Essay by Kripa Bhagat:

"Every Saturday afternoon ever since I can remember, I have participated in the Hindu heritage classes offered by the Young Indian Culture Group. In first grade, we were hearing stories from the Ramayana or the Mahabharata. In sixth grade, we were making power points about the temples in India. Now, we understand the stories behind our culture, the religion behind our prayers, and the values behind our actions. I learned how to think conscientiously about the world around me. The lessons taught me to ask questions about everything. I learned the importance of respecting other people's opinions, preserving my culture, and appreciating others'. Every lesson gave me a broader view of the world and made me appreciate my own opportunities. As my life continues to thrust me in new situations, I am thankful to have
had an environment to grow into the strong-willed, passionate, and perceptive woman that I have become and I am excited to bring these qualities into my future experiences."

Leadership Lessons on Compassion and Empathy from Vedic 5 class

Prerequisite for Leadership - Compassion and Empathy - from Vedic 5 High School class

Krishna tells Arjuna in Chapter 5 - Vs 18-21 The Wise see Atma in everyone, irrespective of status in society. They are neither elated by pleasure nor saddened by pain. They remain in a constant state of joy. They conquer their senses, mind, intellect through the power of meditation and reach oneness with Brahman.

Some guiding principles to bring into our daily lives :

‘First see to understand and then to be understood’
* The more respectful and understanding you are, the more open you are to learning about other people
* The more you learn, the less you fear
* The less you fear, the more comfortable you feel around all kinds of people
* The more people you know, the more you appreciate the diversity of experience and the more interesting your life becomes

Genuine Listening
* First, Listen with your eyes, heart and ears - 7% words, 40%Tone/Feeling, 53% Body Language
* Second, Stand in their Shoes
* Third, Practice Mirroring - it does not advice, does not judge, it reflects
* Mimicking Mirroring
 Repeating Words Repeating Meaning
 Using the same words Using your own words
 Cold & Indifferent Warm & Caring
   
*Poor Listening Styles
- Spacing Out
- Pretend Listening
- Selective Listening
- Word Listening
- Self Centered Listening(Judging, Advising, Probing)

Conversational Hindi - Young Indian Culture Group, Languages

The sweet sounds of Hindi!!
Rachna Bahri with Conversational Hindi students