Sunday, December 19, 2010

VSNA Officers Thank members

Following is vote of thanks provided at last (December 05, 2010) BOD meeting.


Namaskara,
   I will keep "Vote of thanks" short without elaborating not because list of thanks is any small but to cover as much as possible per schedule as this is our last BOD meeting and we have covered many agenda items and to cover the remaining.  It will be posted on the site.

All three of us (Dr.Nagabhushana, Latha Mallikarjuna and myself) feel gratitude for having had the opportunity  to help our community and be able to serve it.  It would not have been possible without the help from you and many others in the community.

First of all, we like to thank chapter Presidents and BOD for all their support through out this period and successfully executing your local chapter duties,  passing important motions and  working throughout the year for the organization.  You have attended meetings and provided feedback, discussed points in detail, asked relevant questions to further organizations interests, contributed to activities like newsletters, raising funds for charities, etc. and many more.  Again, we like to thank you for all your support to VSNA.

We also like to thank BOR for providing support during the convention and other times throughout the period.

We also like to thank many BOD and non-BOD members who volunteered to help in committees including VSNA award selection committee, by-laws committee, finance committee, election committee, convention committees and others.  Committees help was instrumental in completing strategic and important milestones for the organization.  Committees and it s members have spent their valuable time handling their charters with  grace and professionalism.

Seniors in VSNA organization provide pivotal input for continuity and guiding.  They have undying interest to make sure that organization continues to lead the community and whole heartedly willing to spend time and/or money for the organization success.  We like to thank for their outstanding help and service.  Their suggestions and guidance were invaluable.

Holding convention is always a time of pride for the local chapter bringing it into spotlight. We understand how much effort, time and dedication is involved in hosting a successful convention and all three of us having spent many, many hours appreciate Chicago, Toronto for hosting excellent, successful conventions.  We like to thank both the chapters.  Now, the chapter that came forward with great enthusiasm and have already planned very well for the 2011 convention.  That is New England chapter.  Thank you for carrying on the tradition and responsibility to do so.

In the similar note, we like to thank the newly elected officers of 2011 and '12 who we are sure will take on this responsibility and successfully perform their duties.  So are newly elected BOD members.  Thank you.

Before I move to final thank you note for the VSNA community, I personally want to thank Dr.Nagabhushana and Latha Mallikarjuna for their outstanding work and it was pleasure working with them.  They have toiled through many hours, email threads and numerous meetings to efficiently handle multiple tasks without complaining and doing a excellent job while simultaneously handling their regular jobs.  Thank you both.

Finally, we like to thank each and every member of the community without whom the organization would not exist.  It is cliché to say it, but it is true for our organization for all the volunteer help that they have provided at each and every local chapter.  We are an organization in a foreign country trying to uphold the virtues of our community over last many decades.  Any contribution either financial, membership, kids performance in local chapter, community service or any activity will help further this.  So thank you for all your contribution to VSNA.

Thank You,
Shiva Maganahalli


Homage

We pray in Lord Shiva and Guru Basavanna to bless the eternal souls of Rajashekar Murthy, Dr.Koosappa Rajashekara and K.C.Vamadeva who attained Lingaikya. Our prayers are with their families and friends and we are grateful for their services to Veerashaiva communities and VSNA.
--
VSNA officers

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Rajyotsava Award for Mr.Nalawadi

VSNA likes to congratulate its member
Mr. Mallikarjun Nalawadi 
on being awarded 
Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 
for his contributions to VSNA
and Kannada communities


Sharanu,
VSNA Central Officers

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Deepavali Wishes

VSNA Wishes all its members 

A Very Happy Deepavali


Regards,
Dr. Nagabhushana
Shiva Maganahalli
Latha Mallikarjuna

Friday, September 10, 2010

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi

VSNA Wishes all its members 
A VERY HAPPY 2010 GANESHA CHATURTHI!


Sharanu,
VSNA Officers

Monday, July 12, 2010

BOD and AGB meeting at the Toronto Convention

Dear BOD Members,

For those who did not attended the Toronto Convention, I’m glad to inform you that the Convention was a grand success. Most of the attendees enjoyed the cultural, religious, health, and business forums. The Keynote speakers, Ramzan Darga and Ravi Reddy ,and Swamiji’s speech, were thought provoking. Other entertaining events such as the music, drama, the live painting, and the dance programs were appealing. The food was plenty and delicious. (see below the congrats letter sent to the Chair,Yuvaraj patil on7/7/10).

In the BOD meeting on Saturday morning:

There were a lot of discussions and many decisions. Shiva will send the minutes and highlights of the meeting.

I would like to briefly mention a few important topics that were discussed:

1. The payment of the annual central VSNA membership dues and the donation to the convention from each chapter. After discussion, it was decided that the small chapter (with a family 10-20) will pay 250 dollars, medium sized chapter (21-50 families) will pay 500 dollars, and large chapters (51 and above) will pay 750 dollars every year to VSNA as membership dues and donations toward the convention.

2. As you are aware, the award committee went through the nominations for the distinguished awards. Most of the nominees were excellent candidates; however, the committee has to select the superior candidate. The names of the selected candidates for each award were announced in the BOD meeting and approved by the BODs.( One or two nominations were incomplete, as the nominations were not sent in the prescribed form without a seconding member and the candidate’s brief resume was missing). Thank you for sending nominations.

The following is a list of the candidates selected for each award:


1. 2010 VSNA Professional Achivement Award: Dr. Shashi Kori

2. 2010 VSNA Outstanding Service Award: Mr. Prabhu Patil

3. 2010 VSNA_Women Award: Mrs. Komala Prabhakar

4. 2010 VSNA_Youth Award: No nominations received

5. 2010 VSNA_Scholarship: Following candidates were selected among the Limited nominations received.

a. Sarayu Kumar

b.Chandan Kittur

6. The past Chair of the convention, Bhavani Moodbagil

and past president Sundaresh Siddiah were given an award of appreciation for their hard work and dedication.



These candidates were honored by VSNA and blessed by swamiji Dr.Shivamurthy Muruga Sharanu during the awards ceremony, at the convention. Also Out going VSNA officers received the token of appreciation.

3. There was a brief discussion on donation from Dr.TR Shantha who wanted to send money to India through VSNA. Most of the members voted that the VSNA should go through with this transaction after obtaining an affidavit to the effect that the donation is from their own legal income and declare that VSNA is not liable for any litigation.

Following BOD session, there was a Think Tank session coordinated by Guruswamy Ayya. It was a Brain storm interactive session open to all attendees. At time it was tense and tough. Many youth participated in the interaction and exchanged their ideas. Guruswamy Ayya and Naga Manohar promised the youth more youth programs in the next convention and asked them to take a lead in conducting future conventions. When they expressed their disappointment that there are no representations in VSNA, I stepped forward and invited them to join the Youth leadership posts at central VSNA and youth secretary post at all local chapter level. In the Evening there was group meeting with youths arranged by Nag Manohar. Many youths boldly expressed their views on future VSNA. It was a frank discussion. Ultimately they promised to join central VSNA to mobilize Youth force all over USA and lead youth program in the upcoming convention. So, next day during my speech I announced the appointment of Prett Gowedr and Prashanth Uppin for the central VSNA and promised to appoint youth secretary from each Chapter.

So please identify one young member from your chapter and nominate him/her as youth secretary. Please send his /his name and email to us so that they will coordinate with our youth leaders ( and BOD youth coordinator). If you have young and energetic youth leader, Please send their names; they can join the present youth leaders team (at least I need 4-5 to operate at the central level).

From the Next host team New England Chapter Basavaraj Mudenur and Prashanth Uppin gave a beautiful presentation;They personally invited all Members to attend the Convention2011 at Boston.


At the Annual General Body Meeting on Sunday afternoon:

1. Members asked questions about the Newsletter. Fortunately our summer edition was out last week and one of our BOD members had a Hard Copy.

2. During the general body meeting the guidelines for the donors who wanted to send money to India through VSNA came up again. Most of the members opted that the VSNA members should deduct 5% donation or 250 dollars while the donor should sign an affidavit to the effect that the donation is from their own legal income and declare that VSNA is not liable for any litigation. There were limited paid members assembled in this meeting. Therefore, we should publish this motion from the general body meeting in our website and take the opinion of all VSNA members. Once that is done, the final verdict will be incorporated in the by-law. (I will forward an e mail from Vimala Siddalingaiah expressing her opinion on this issue).

3. In the general body meeting there was a discussion on the reallocation of the funds from the convention trust fund. I explained to the members that the recommendations made by the finance committee to reallocate funds will be implemented soon to procure a higher yield and growth.

4. Senior members especially Mr.Naga Manohar informed us that every year Central VSNA will make an earnest effort to get more contribution from the members to boost the value of the convention trust fund. The goal is to reach half a million so that the complete dividend from the trust fund will be given to the host chapter to conduct the convention. Please circulate this message to all your local chapter members and obtain a pledge to get the donation for the convention fund.


Thank you
With Sharanarthi ,
Dr.Nagabhushana Malakkla
President VSNA


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good job Toronto Convention team
Well done, Yuvaraj!
Good job Toronto Convention 2010 team!!
I admire the complete convention team in particular Yuvaraj Patil-Chair, Vijay Aivalli- co Chair, Jagadeesh Mandi-President Toronto Chapter, Komala Prabhakar, Desai, Shashi , Basavaraj Patil and ,Shankar for their wonderful work.
(The list is not complete;I am missing many names). I personally
appreciate their families for their time,dedication ,and hard work.
Also, I am grateful to all Donors who made this convention possible.
It was a successful convention when compared to initial hurdles you faced.
Yuvaraj, you silenced many critics who doubted your leadership qualities and capacity to run the convention.
Hope most of the Convention attendees stayed in the hotel and matched the contracted room occupancy.
Please update the list of attendees so that we can personally invite them for the next convention.

Now you can relax for a while; later you have to focus on bringing a beautiful souvenir and a DVD if possible.
(After that you have to close your convention account!).

Thank You
With Sharanarthi,
Dr. Nagabhushana
President VSNA

Saturday, July 10, 2010

2010 Award Winners

VSNA likes to congratulate 2010 Award Winners!

Dr. Shashi Kori - Distinguished Professional Achievement Award

Mr. Prabhu Patil - Outstanding Service Award

Mrs. Komala Prabhakar - Outstanding Woman's Award

Sarayu Kumar & Chandan Kittur - Scholarship Awards

Sharanarthi,
VSNA Central Officers

Saturday, May 8, 2010

VSNA Web Site and News Letters

Dear Members,
As part of VSNA Samparka Project II we have updated the website with latest changes (convention, officers, etc.) as well bring you news letter under our new news editor - Kusuma Aralere and Youth member Chitanya. Please visit vsna.org and news letter section. We will continue to update the site with latest from VSNA.
Inti,
Shiva

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Bone marrow donation/ registration

Dear VSNA members,
   Recently we came to know that one of our member is in need of bone marrow and we earnestly request you to register and help a fellow member.   Few of us are already member of bone marrow donor society for many years and we urge to you register as well.  For more details see below.
Sharanu,
Shiva Maganahalli

-----------------------------------------------------------
Plea from past President of VSNA, North California and relative of Nanjundeshwar Shetty.

Dear Friends,

  My Brother-in-law Nanjundeshwar (Nanjun) Shetty has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). In MDS, the cells in the bone marrow have problem making blood cells, many of the blood cells that are formed by the bone marrow cells are defective. The Doctors at Duke Hospital (Durham, North Carolina) have determined that a Bone Marrow Transplant  is essential to cure his MDS.

A person needing a bone marrow transplant (recipient) needs to receive marrow from someone whose tissue type is close to his/her own type. Since tissue types are inherited, similar to hair or eye color, it is more likely that the recipient will find a suitable donor in a brother or sister( tests are underway to match his sisters' tissue type ). This, however, happens only 25 to 30 percent of the time. If a family member does not match the recipient, the Registry database is searched for an unrelated individual whose tissue type is a close match. It is more likely that a donor who comes from the same racial or ethnic group as the recipient will have the same tissue traits. Ethnic Minorities have a 30-40% chance of finding a match from the existing NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) registry. There is critical shortage of South Asian Donors for Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant. South Asians make up less than 2% of the National Registry (133,000 out of 7.4 million). One Simple Reason for South Asians to act now.

The registration process is free and very simple. Ravi and I registered, we just had to give our cheek swabs and fill out a form.
In order to be a donor, you must:
~ Be the ages of 18-60
~ Have no serious, ongoing lower back problems
~ Be in good general health.
~ You will join a national registry of potential donors for ANY patient in need

We earnestly request you all to take a few moments and register today. Time is of the essence since it takes a month to get on to the donor list after you register. 
Please forward to your friends and family and urge them to register.
The best doctors in the world cannot help without a matching donor. Committed Donors can save lives.
Sincerely,
Jayashree and Ravi Handyal.
------------------------------------------------------------


Request from North Carolina President - Yogeesha Vinayaka


Sharanu,
I am writing this email requesting you all for big favor. 

Our NC-Chapter member Nanjundeshwar Shetty has been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). It s a blood disorder. Individuals who have MDS have bone marrow that don't function normally and as a result they do not have enough normal blood cells for the normal functioning of the body. The doctors at Duke Hospital have determined that a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) is essential to cure MDS.

Getting a right bone marrow match likely depends on the race/ethnicity.  Due to minority population of Indians/South Asians, the donor registry pool is small. 

I am calling for your help on behalf of Shetty family and need everybody’s help in finding a match.

As it takes about 8 to 12 weeks for somebody to get on to the donor registry, I sincerely urge your immediate effort in spreading the news.

Our NC chapter’s Ex-President Vish Tharuve has put together a very informative website in order to help this effort. Please visit http://sites.google.com/site/nanjundshetty/ for more details.

The registration process is very simple as described on the registry websites, http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now/join_now.html   or register at one of many donor drives.  You can go on the website to find out where the upcoming drives near you http://www.marrow.org/HELP/Events/index.html

For more information please visit: http://www.marrow.org/index.html
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
Yogee Vinayaka
President
VSNA NC-Chapter.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Central VSNA 2010 Election

Sharanu All VSNA members,


Central VSNA is starting the election process of VSNA Officers for the next 2 year term (2011-2012).  As per by law 3 members of the Election committee, currently consisting of  Dr. Munavalli Chair, Mr. Doddamani and Deepak Bevinamara will be conducting the elections. 

This year we are trying to set up an electronic voting system and the election committee will shortly meet and discuss logistics of this voting system.

This year you will be electing all four members of Central VSNA officers:

  1. President
  2. Vice President
  3. Secretary
  4. Treasurer
And 
  •  Three BOD members (Executive)

Eligibility:  

The candidates should be life members or paid members with good standing having interest, intention, and time to improve VSNA.

Who can nominate:  

Any VSNA members can nominate suitable candidates for the above positions. Interested life members can nominate himself/herself as per the by-laws for any of the positions.

Nomination forms: 

For all nominations please use the nomination forms through your local presidents.  Central VSNA has distributed the electronic copies to them.

Team Nomination:  

It is advisable to nominate your own team (slate) on single nomination form (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer) as your team members will be working together closely.

Eligible Voters:  

All VSNA Life member and All VSNA Paid members. See VSNA By-Law Article IV Section 8.

How the Election committee will determine the eligibility of the voter?

It is the duty of the Presidents of every Chapter to send us the list of paid members /eligible voters with their email address (send central VSNA annual membership  $35 each if they are not a life member).  This list will be officially sent to Election committee.

Election Schedule:
   

Following is the tentative dates for the election (This date may change according to the decision of election committee).

1st March 2010:  Opening date for filing nominations

30th March 2010:  Closing date for filing nominations   

First week of April, the election committee will contact the nominated candidates for confirmation of their nominations.

15th April 2010:  Last date for withdrawing nominations

 If there are more than two candidates for one post there will be an election.
 

20th April 2010 to 30th April 2010:  The Ballot (or Ballot in electronic version) will be sent to all the eligible voters.   

1st May 2010: Opening date to send the Ballot.

1st June 2010:  Last date to receive the Ballot by the election committee.

15th June 2010:  Results of the election will be sent by election committee to central VSNA.                     

3rd July 2010:   Official announcements of new VSNA President and other officers will be announced at the VSNA Convention.    

If you have any questions please send your questions to your president or election committee - "vsna_election_comm@yahoogroups.com".

Thank you
With Sharanarthi,
Dr.Nagabhushana Malakkla
President VSNA

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Maha Shivarathri - 2010

VSNA Wishes all its members
A Happy Maha Shivarathri




Monday, February 1, 2010

Invitation to VSNA 2010 Convention



Dear Sharanas,
  It is a great pleasure to invite you all to the 33rd VSNA Convention to be held in Toronto, Canada. As you all aware, Veerashaivas or Lingayats are scattered across Canada and USA. VSNA annual convention gives an opportunity for us to come together and understand our culture, religion and values.  This annual convention will help to learn and understand Basava philosophy, which is applicable even in this modern time.  The convention will provide a spiritual, social and cultural experience and display the talents and heritage of fellow Veerashaivas.  This gathering typically about 500 plus members will enable us to preserve and propagate our culture and tradition to our children.

The VSNA Convention is a celebration of our spirit and our identity. The convention facilitates us to connect with our roots, discuss religion with learned Swamijis, experience linga pooja and meditation, listen to scholars, immerse in cultural activities, and know more about health, and learn secrets of successful businesses
. This is one place where we meet old friends as well as make new ones and establish or expand net works. This also gives an opportunity to put aside our differences and unite as one.  Essentially, convention creates a bridge where we pass principles of Veerashaivisim and Basava philosophy to the next generation.Basically it will help in connecting our children, community, and culture that helps our next generation form a bond that lasts forever.

To arrange a convention of this magnitude with various activities in different areas to satisfy all age group is a challenge. Toronto Convention team is working hard to conduct a wonderful Convention. Please attend Toronto Convention with your family to celebrate, participate, experience and enjoy different activities of convention on July 3 and 4, 2010.

Sharanarthi,
Dr.Nagabhushana Malakkla
President VSNA

Friday, January 22, 2010

VSNA Officers & Executives

VSNA is an organization with more than 2000 members in US and Canada and has 18 local chapters throughout. 


Central VSNA Officers

PresidentDr.Nagabhushana Malakkla
SecretaryShiva Maganahalli
TreasurerLatha Mallikarjuna


BOD Members
Kishore Channabasaviah
Kusuma Aralere
Prabhu Patil
Sundaresh Siddiah
Suri Suresh


BOR Members
Vijay Kotrappa
Honappa Jayakumar
Jayshree Jagadish
Jayaswamy (Chicago)
Dilip (Atlanta)
Laxmi Hiremath
G. Shankar (India)



Local VSNA Chapter Officers
AlabamaPresidentShivashankar Tumkur
California - CentralPresidentArun Kumar
SecretarySudha Nagabhushan
TreasurerVenu Gopal
California - NorthPresidentAnuradha Burji
Vice PresidentShanta Vajragiri
SecretaryDeepak Bevinamara
TreasurerHarsha Hanji
Food SecretaryKalpana Rajendra & Suma Moogi
Entertainment SecretaryShilpashree Hanji & Manu Hiremath
Youth CommitteeDhruva Byakod & Karan Kurbur
WebMasterProvin Dhawan
California - SouthPresidentSavitha Mandi
Vice PresidentShivanand Bellad
SecretaryManu Swamy
TreasurerDada Patil
FloridaPresidentAakash Rudraprasad
Vice PresidentSuresh Belthur
PresidentPrakash Doddamane
GeorgiaPresidentMamatha Dilip
Vice PresidentSudhir Mysore
SecretarySrinivas Reddy
TreasurerSanjay Melinamane
Illonois - ChicagoPresidentChannu Kambalyal
Vice PresidentDanashree Suresh
Secretary/ TreasurerNandish Dhananjaya
MarylandPresidentDr. Jagadeesh G.
Vice PresidentDornal Basappa
SecretaryShashidhar Nagenalli
TreasurerKavitha Mattikalli
Michigan - DetroitPresidentMahesh Patil
Vice PresidentAravind Tigadi
SecretaryAnand Neralagi
TreasurerShyla Beltur
New EnglandPresidentShivakumar P
Vice PresidentYashwanth Gaddi
SecreatarySuma Vijayashankar
TreasurerSunitha Kankure
New YorkPresidentMallesh Mariswamy
Vice PresidentShivaraj Bhujange
SecretarySatish Murthy
TreasurerRathna Bale
North CarolinaPresidentYogeesh Vinayaka
OhioPresidentVaishali Hattarki
SecretaryAmit Vagarali
TreasurerAnu Ravish
Pittsburg - PennsylvaniaPresidentDr. Mahesh Mallikarjuna
TexasPresidentNeela Kumar
Vice PresidentSachin Biradar
SecretaryRajesh Vrushab
TreasurerSushma Hiremath
Toronto - CanadaPresidentJagadish Mandi
Vice PresidentGirija Mahant
SecretaryParvati Malemath
TreasurerRajivee Rugi
DC & VirginiaPresidentGirija Angadi
Vice PresidentSuresh Kori
SecretaryRajashree Galagali
TreasurerAndanappa Kori
MembersShantala Patil & Shiva
Prasad
West VirginiaPresidentDr. Devaraj


VSNA Convention 2010 - Toronto, Canada
Chair PersonYuvaraj Patil
Vice Chair PersonVijay Aivalli


For blog updates, contact Shiva Maganahalli

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

2010 BOD Meeting Dates

Dear BOD,
   Please mark your calendar for our 2010 BOD meetings.  You will also be notified again before each meeting through group emails.

Day Date Time
Sunday Jan. 10, 2010 8am PST/ 11am EST
Sunday Mar. 14, 2010 8am PST/ 11am EST
Saturday Jul. 03, 2010 6am PST/ 9am EST
Sunday Oct. 10, 2010 8am PST/ 11am EST
Sunday Dec. 05, 2010 8am PST/ 11am EST

Inti,
Shiva

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Karnataka Flood Donation from VSNA

Dear VSNA Members,

On an auspicious day of "Shivadeepotasava" - December 1, 2009 Dr.Jagadeesh presented the check to JSS Mahaswamiji in Mysore on behalf of VSNA. The check amount was $16,831 (Sixteen thousand eight hundred thirtyone dollars) and VSNA likes to thank all those who donated for the cause.

VSNA will continue to accept any donations to this cause and sincerely urges every member to be a part of this. Please send your checks to VSNA treasurer - Latha Mallikarjan and complete (100%) donations will go toward helping the flood victims through JSS.

Dr. Jagadeesh noted that "Mahaswamiji upon receiving the check informed us about the developments that are taking place in the flood-affected areas and assured us the amount will be put into use in construction of houses for the flood victims".  The presentation of donation was well received by local news organizations including new papers like "Mysore Mitra", "Prajavani", "Andholana", etc.

Sharanu,
Shiva