Saturday, July 30, 2011

Print and electronic media clippings of Brahmrishi Kumar Swami Ji
































BRAHMRISHI SHRI KUMAR HONOURED BY NEW YORK STATE SENATE













5/16/2011 12:32:34 AM
Shadow Monitoring Desk
JAMMU, MAY 15: The New York State Senate has felicitated spiritual Guru His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji during His Holiness's recent visit to the United States of America. This is a great honor for us, Indians as His Holiness is the first person to receive such an Honor in the USA. His Holiness delivered an invocation at the opening of the session of the New York State Senate on April 27, 2011. Post his address the Senate for the first time passed a resolution, welcoming and commending His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji on his continuous contribution to the mankind, making the world a better place.
Apart for the honor bestowed by the Senate His Holiness was also felicitated at a special ceremony at the Nassau County Legislature for members of the Indian-American community. This ceremony was attended by Senator Jack M. Martins who presented a special Senate Proclamation in honor of Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji and proclaimed April 29, 2011 as "Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Day" in State of New York. This is one of the greatest honors to be bestowed to any Spiritual leader in recent times.
His Holiness is one of the most scholarly figures of world religions. With 310 million followers around the world he holds devout lectures across India, Europe, United States and Canada, which are attended by tens of thousands of people. Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji is one of the most renowned scholars of Ayurveda, India's 5000 year old system of medicine, and is an inspiration behind medical research being done to bridge the gap between the Eastern and Western medicine, for which he has been recognized and acclaimed with honors, awards and accolades by organizations and govern mental bodies at the local, state, national and international level. 

Indian guru drew crowds in Slough




Indian guru drew crowds in Slough

10:30am Mon 4th Jan 10:: written by Amy Willis

People from across the nation gathered in Slough on New Year's Day for the arrival of a world-famous Indian guru.
The guru, Brahmrishi Kumar Swami Ji or Gurudev, a spiritual healer from India, came to The Centre in Farnham Road on Friday as part of his annual European Tour.
Gurudev, who has met the Dalai Lama, is famous around the world with thousands flocking to his seminars.
He claims to cure the sick from illnesses including cancer, kidney stones, depression and serious piles.
He comes to Slough ever year to bless attendees, talk about the power of the mantra - a special prayer which he says has healing qualities - and spiritually heal committed followers.
Thousands travel from all around the UK every year just to see him.
Bushba Kundle, 40, had travelled from Edgeware in London. She has been coming to see him every time he visits the UK. "I come every time he does, I never miss him," she said.
"It is very important for me because we get a blessing from him. He makes me feel very peaceful and it makes me very happy when I see him. I would be happy to wait all night for him if I needed to, it is so important to me."
Mayor Joginder Singh Bal and a minister from Parliament on behalf of Theresa May, were also at the event. They offered Gurudev an invitation to speak in the House of Commons.

Our reporter Amy Willis joined the crowds and you can read about her experience in this week's Slough Express.

Brahmrishi Kumar Swami honored at AWB Food Bank reception


Brahmrishi Kumar Swami honored at AWB Food Bank reception

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New York: Judges of the New York Supreme Court, members of the New York State Assembly and Senate and public officials from all over Nassau County on April 29, gathered at the prestigious Chamber of the Nassau County Legislature on Long Island to honor His Holiness Brahmrishi Kumar Swami, a renowned spiritual leader of India. United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Con-gressman Joseph Crowley were also represented at the public reception.
The event was organized by AWB Food Bank, a charitable hunger relief organization, and emceed by Riti Sunshine Bhalla, a television host, whose programs are telecast by Sahara One across the United States, Canada and 21 other countries.
The dignitaries welcomed Kumar Swami with garlands and commended his humanitarian services and spiritual leadership. Honor citations and proclamations were issued on behalf of the local, state and federal governments.
Assemblyman Tom McKevitt joined Senator Jack Martins in presenting a Senate Pro-clamation declaring April 29 as “Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Day” in the state of New York. Senator Kisten Gillibrand commended the efforts of the Swami to improve the welfare of others through humanitarian assistance. Congressman Crowley issued a Proclamation citing the Brahmrishi as “one of the most scholarly figures of the world religions” and bestowed Congressional recognition upon him.
County Executive Edward Mangano recognized the “distinguished and outstanding record of excellence in community services” rendered by the honoree and delivered a citation through his Deputy County Executive, Dr. Phillip Elliott. Mangano also issued a citation to AWB Food Bank for 20 years of selfless commitment and dedicated efforts for hunger relief and recognized its founders, Ratna Bhalla and Varinder Bhalla, upon distributing eight million meals to the needy since 1991.
The humanitarian work of Kumar Swami also received recognitions from several leaders of New York State  and Nassau County. New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued an Honor Citation applauding “Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami for his leadership  in promoting human                 welfare.” Assistant Comptro-ller Joe Galante, representing DiNapoli, commended the humanitarian efforts of both the Swami and the AWB Food Bank and said: “The AWB Food Bank has been providing physical nourishment for the last 20 years while Kumar Swami Ji has been providing the spiritual nourishment all his life. Therefore, it is very appropriate for the two to come together for this event.”
Charles Lavine and Michelle Schimell also presented Honor Citations on behalf of the New York State Assembly and recognized “His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji worthy of the esteem of both community and the Great State of New York.”
The Town of Hempstead was represented by Mark Bonilla and Don Clavin, who welcomed the Swami with garlands. The spiritual leader was also garlanded by Supreme Court Judge Frank Gulotta, Supreme Court Judge Thomas Adams, Town Clerk Leslie Gross and Receiver Charles Berman of the Town of Hempstead.

NEW YORK STATE SENATE: THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD


         
         THE STENOGRAPHIC RECORD
         ALBANY, NEW YORK
         May 2, 2011
         REGULAR SESSION


SENATOR JOSEPH A. GRIFFO, Acting President FRANCIS W. PATIENCE, Secretary
         P R O C E E D I N G S
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: The Senate will come to order.
         I ask everyone present to please rise and join with me as we recite the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.
         (Whereupon, the assemblage recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.)
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: Senator Skelos.
         
SENATOR SKELOS: Mr. President, I feel very honored today to have with us a unique spiritual leader who is truly revered around the world.
         His Holiness Brahmrishi founded one of the largest spiritual institutes in India. He has devoted his life to improving human welfare among people of all faiths and religions. He has inspired millions of people around the world to dedicate their lives to helping others.
         It is an honor and pleasure to have him join us today and deliver the invocation for our session.
         Your Holiness.
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: Thank you.
         Your Holiness.
         BRAHMRISHI SHRI KUMAR SWAMI JI: Respected Senators [in Hindi].
         MS. BHALLA: Good afternoon, Senators. You have just heard Param Pujya Shri Kumar Swami Ji, one of the most renowned spiritual leaders of India, deliver his invocation prayer in Hindi.
         At the outset, His Holiness expressed his gratitude and said: "Esteemed Senators of New York have shown enormous graciousness by inviting me to this chamber. Millions of people around the world salute you and express their gratitude for the great love and affection you have all shown towards me. I also express my sincere gratitude to the government of New York State, its generous people, its scientists, and the intellectuals of this great country."
         Then His Holiness offered the following prayer: "O God, please guard and guide all members of the Senate of the State of New York. Instill in them the wisdom, the courage, and the right spirit so the political activity in this esteemed Senate can be a powerful instrument for human transformation and contribute to the physical and spiritual well-being of the citizens of this great state and this great country.
         "May this body continue to embrace diversity without resulting in divisiveness. May this Senate seek and celebrate unity without imposing uniformity. May these Senators work to the best of their abilities without becoming attached to the fruits of their work. May they promote justice, moral clarity, ethical living, acts of kindness, and most of all righteousness. Because where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. Where there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. Where there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. And where there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world."
         (Applause.)
         MS. BHALLA: Thank you.
         And now, on behalf of the entire Indian-American community across New York State and the United States, may I please take this opportunity to thank Majority Leader Senator Dean Skelos for leading the effort to honor His Holiness in this august body.
         I would also like to thank all other Senators who have supported the resolution honoring His Holiness. Thank you very much.
         (Applause.)
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: Senator Skelos.
         
SENATOR SKELOS: Mr. President, we have a few items to run through. But I would ask His Holiness if he could stay. We will be adopting a resolution in about 30 seconds honoring him for his visit today.
         If we could go to the reading of the Journal, please.
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: Reading of the Journal.
         THE SECRETARY: In Senate, Sunday, May 1st, the Senate met pursuant to adjournment. The Journal of Saturday, April 30th, was read and approved. On motion, Senate adjourned.
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: Without objection, the Journal stands approved as read.
         Presentation of petitions.
         Messages from the Assembly.
         Messages from the Governor.
         Reports of standing committees.
         Reports of select committees.
         Communications and reports from state officers.
         Motions and resolutions.
         Senator Skelos.
         
SENATOR SKELOS: Mr. President, there's a Resolution 1165, which I've sponsored. If we could have it read in its entirety and move for its immediate adoption.
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: The Secretary will read.
         THE SECRETARY: Legislative Resolution Number 1165, by Senator Skelos, welcoming and commending His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji upon the occasion of delivering the invocation at the opening of the session of the New York State Senate on May 2, 2011.
         "WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition and just tribute to those individuals of religious commitment who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom of human understanding; and
         "WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is honored to welcome and commend His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji upon the occasion of delivering the invocation at the opening of the session of the New York State Senate on May 2, 2011; and
         "WHEREAS, Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji is the founder of the Bhagwan Shree Lakshami Narayan Dham, one of the largest spiritual institutes in India dedicated to the welfare of people of all faiths and religions, with an outstanding and inspiring record of community service; and
         "WHEREAS, This prominent spiritual leader is one of the most scholarly figures of world religions who holds devout lectures across India, Europe, the United States and Canada which are attended by tens of thousands of people and are watched by millions on television; and
         "WHEREAS, Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji is one of the most renowned scholars of Ayurveda, India's 5,000-year-old system of medicine, and is an inspiration behind medical research being done to bridge the gap between the Eastern and Western medicine; and
         "WHEREAS, Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji has been recognized and acclaimed with honors, awards, and accolades by organizations and governmental bodies at the local, state, national and international level; and
         "WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the State of New York is of great importance to the vitality and well-being of our communities; now, therefore, be it
         "RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji upon the occasion of delivering the invocation at the opening of the session of the New York State Senate on May 2, 2011, and be it further
         "RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to His Holiness Brahmrishi Shri Kumar Swami Ji."
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: On the resolution, all in favor signify by saying aye.
         (Response of "Aye.")
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: Opposed?
         (No response.)
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: The resolution is adopted.
         Senator Skelos.
         
SENATOR SKELOS: Again, we thank His Holiness for being here.
         We will take a five-minute break. If any members wish to take a picture, we'll do so right by the clock.
         So again, thank you very much.
         (Applause.)
         
ACTING PRESIDENT GRIFFO: The Senate stands at ease.
         (Whereupon, the Senate stood at ease at 3:20 p.m.)
         (Whereupon, the Senate reconvened at 3:29 p.m.

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