Ashok
K. Malhotra
|
Home Address:
|
17 Center
Street
Oneonta, New York 13820
Phone: 607-432-0496 |
Office:
|
Department
of Philosophy
State University of New York
513 Fitzelle Hall
Oneonta, New York 13820
Phone: 607-436-3220
Fax: 607-436-2653
e-mail: malhotak@oneonta.edu and Ashok.Malhotra@oneonta.edu |
PERSONAL
Born: 1940, India
Health: Excellent
Citizenship: Naturalized Citizen of U.S.A.
|
Children:
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Raj Kumar
Ravi Kumar |
EDUCATION
Ph.D. University of Hawaii, 1969
M.A. University of Rajasthan (India), 1963
B.A. University of Rajasthan (India), 1961
EMPLOYMENT
2001-present SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor
State University of New York at Oneonta
1980-2001 Professor of Philosophy
State University of New York at Oneonta
1999 Fall & Acting Chair of Philosophy
1993 Spring State University of New York at Oneonta
1990 Spring & Adjunct Professor of Religion
1989 Spring Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York
1984 - 1988 Coordinator of General Studies
State University of New York at Oneonta
1975 - 1980 Chair of Philosophy and General Studies
State University of New York at Oneonta
1970 - 1980 Associate Professor of Philosophy
State University of New York at Oneonta
1967 - 1970 Assistant Professor of Philosophy
State University of New York at Oneonta
1970 Summer Visiting Professor of Philosophy
State University of New York at Buffalo
1965 - 1966 Teaching Assistant
University of Hawaii, Honolulu
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Introduction to World Philosophy
Existentialism and Phenomenology
Philosophy and Psychology of Yoga
Philosophical Ideas in Imaginative Literature
Philosophy and Literature of Alienation
Ancient Indian and Chinese Philosophy
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism
Recent Indian and Chinese Philosophy
Mysticism and Meditation in Indian and Chinese Traditions
Survey of World Religions
Religions of India, China, and Japan
History of 19th Century European Philosophy
History of 20th Century European Philosophy
Philosophy of Art
Theory of Knowledge
SPECIAL TOPICS
Philosophy
of Jean Paul Sartre
Philosophy of Nietzsche
Philosophy of Albert Camus
Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi
Philosophy of Yogasutras
Philosophy of Bhagavad
Gita
Philosophy of the Tao Te Ching
INTERDISCIPLINARY AREAS
Philosophy and Literature of Alienation (in conjunction
with SUCO's English Department)
Comparative Religions (in conjunction with SUCO's Anthropology Department)
Mysticism: East and West (in conjunction with SUCO's Anthropology Department)
Ideas of Freedom
Conceptions of Man
Philosophy Through Film
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Nominated and received the University of Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Award for 2010
Nominated and received the SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Award, 2001
Nominated and received the East West Center, Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Award for 2000
Political Involvement:
Elected as Hillary-Obama delegate from the 24th district, New York, 2008
(Google: Ashok Malhotra as Hillary delegate)
HOLLYWOOD TV CONSULTANT
Consultant and Script Writer for the Warner Brothers TV Series: Kung Fu: the Legend Continues 1992-1993
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
“Gentle Yoga for Health and Wellness,” a TV Program created as a service to the community is being shown at 9 AM on Saturdays on the Public Access Channel # 23 since 2009.
My 25 interviews of scholars and practioners of Yoga and Meditation Practice in various traditions and disciplines are being shown on the Public Access Channel # 23. (http://external.oneonta.edu/yoga/background.asp). They are also available on YouTube under “Ashok Malhotra in Discussion.”
MONTHLY NWESPAPER COLUMN
As a service to the larger community, I write a newspaper column on Yoga Life for the O’Town Scene, a special edition of the Daily Star, a local newspaper. These columns have appeared each month since July 2011.
FOUNDER
- Started the Philosophy Department at SUNY Oneonta (1967).
- Established the Philosophy Major and Minor (1970).
- Started the Intersession in India: “India Today: A Study in Contrasts” (1979).
- Established the SUNY Semester-Long Study Abroad Program in India (1988).
- Established the SUNY Oneonta “Learn and Serve Study Abroad Program in India” (1996).
Participants of the study abroad program raised funds as well as helped build six Indo-International Schools for more than 1200 female and minority children of India.
- Established the Ninash Foundation, a 501 C (3) charitable organization that raises funds with the assistance of students, faculty and members of the community to build schools for the impoverished children of India. The Ninash Foundation teams up with the “SUNY Learn and Serve in India Study Program” to build the Indo-International schools (www.ninash.org).
- Established the Yoga and Meditation Society for the Scientific Study of Spirituality (2004) that invites scholars and practitioners from all over the world to come to SUNY at Oneonta to present their ideas and experiences on contemplative practice in various disciplines and cultures. Twenty Five (25) speakers have visited the campus and spoken at the Yoga Society since 2004. Each one of these speakers has been interviewed by me and these interviews are being shown on the public access channel # 23 (http://external.oneonta.edu/yoga/background.asp) as well as are available on You Tube under “Ashok Malhotra in Discussion.”
- Started and edited the Yoga and Meditation Now: An International Journal of Health and Wellness, Vol 1 (2007).
- Endowed four SEVA (Compassionate Service) Awards for students and faculty at the University of Hawaii, East West Center (Hawaii) and SUNY College at Oneonta to recognize selfless service to humanity,. Since 2006, 20 compassionate students and faculty from all over the world have received these SEVA Awards for their outstanding service to the communities of diverse countries.
- Founder of six Indo-International Schools (three elementary and three high schools) that provide free education to more than 1200 underprivileged children of India in the underdeveloped villages of Dundlod (Rajasthan), Mahapura (Rajasthan) and Kuran (Gujarat).
- Provided financial assistance through the Ninash Foundation to help rebuild the entire Village of Kuran that was devastated by the earthquake in Gujarat in 2001. It was the first village to be rebuilt in less than five months after the earthquake.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
University of Hawaii Distinguished Alumni Award, 2010
Gullands Excellence Award for Non-Resident Indians, 2008
(Gullands Solicitors of United Kingdom and NRI Institute)
Spiritual
Leadership Award, 2006
(Religious Center, Southern Illinois University,
Edwardsville)
On Unlimited Love Award, 2004
The Institute for Research
The Jewel of India Award, 2002
The Bharat Excellence Award, 2002
Friendship Forum of India
Distinguished Teaching Professor, 2001
State University of New York
Distinguished Alumni Award, 2000
East West Center, University of Hawaii
Friends of Education Award, 1998
Oneonta Teachers Association
The Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1994
State University of New York
Professional Development Grants, 1984, 1993, 1999 and
2002
Walter B. Ford Foundation
United University Professions Excellence Award, 1991
State University of New York
Experienced Faculty Travel Award, Summer 1989
United University Professionals, SUNY Oneonta
NEH Summer Seminar, 1979
"Indian Logic and Epistemology"
University of Oklahoma
Director: Professor J. N. Mohanty, Department of Philosophy
Dean's Purse (local funding for new course development)
1986: Philosophy Through Film
1984: Cult Scare: A Study of Hindu Religious Groups in America
1979: Creative Living: An Introduction to Yoga, Zen & Mantra Meditation
Discretionary Awards (Merit Raises)
State University of New York College at Oneonta
Sabbatical Leaves:
1973, 1980, 1987, 1993, 2000, and 2006
State University of New York College at Oneonta
Certificate of Recognition, East-West Center, University
of Hawaii, 1967
(for services performed towards bringing cultural interchange between
East and West)
Selected Student Member, Fourth East-West Philosopher's
Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, Summer 1964
Summa cum laude, University of Rajasthan, India, 1963
(Gold medal for obtaining the highest gpa in philosophy in M.A. program)
Summa cum laude, University of Rajasthan, India, 1961
(merit scholarships for obtaining the highest gpa in high school and on
B.A. examinations)
GRANTS AND RESEARCH
Provost’s Faculty Development Award, SUNY at Oneonta, 2009,-2010 and 2011-2012
Faculty Development Grant funded by Provost’s Office
for the 15th “Learn and Serve in India” study Abroad Program
(2004-2005)
Local Society Initiative Grant by the Metanexus Institute
of Philadelphia to set up “Yoga and Meditation Society for the Scientific
Study of Spirituality,” 2004
Faculty Development Grant, 2003
Faculty Creative Activity Grants, 1998 and 1999
UUP Professional Development Grants, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2002
Center for
Social Responsibility Grant, SUNY Oneonta, 12/95-1/96
(to add a "Community Service" component to SUNY Semester in
India Program)
Office of International
Education Grant, SUNY Oneonta, Fall 1993
(to set up SUNY Summer in China Program)
Travel Grant to study
"Phenomenology And Heidegger" in Perugia, Italy, Summer 1992
University Awards
Committee of State University of New York Grant to do research on the
topic, "Classical Samkhya-Yoga Versus Sartre's Philosophy,"
Summer 1971
New York State Department
of Education Grant to study Indian Literature at the University of Rochester,
New York, Summer 1969
New York State Department
of Education Grant to participate in the Five-College Faculty Seminar
on India, 1968-69
New York State Department
of Education Grant to participate in the Six-College Faculty Seminar on
China, 1967-68
East-West Center Fellowship
to work towards a Ph.D. degree in Western Philosophy at the University
of Hawaii, 1963-65 and 1966-67
PUBLICATIONS
Books:
- Grandpa Chopra’s Stories for Life’s Nourishment, IdeaIndia, UK , 2011.
- Sartre and Yoga, 3rd edition, New York, Oneonta Philosophy Studies (OPS), 2010.
- Instant
Nirvana, Americanization of Mysticism and Meditation, 2nd edition, New
York, Global Publications, 2008.
- Yoga and Meditation Now: An International Journal of Health and Wellness,
2007.
- Wisdom
of the Tao Te Ching: The Code of a Spiritual Warrior,
New York, Global Publications, 2006.
- An Introduction
to Yoga Philosophy: An Annotated Translation of the Yogasutras, Ashgate
Publishing Ltd., Fall 2001.
- Instant Nirvana:
Americanization of Mysticism and Meditation, Binghamton, NY: Global
Publications, 1999.
- Transcreation of
the Bhagavad Gita, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1999.
- Culture and Self:
East-West Perspectives, Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1997 (co-authored
with Dr. Douglas Allen).
- Pathways To Philosophy:
A Multidisciplinary Introduction, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc., 1996
(co-authored with Dr. Douglas Shrader, along with the Instructor’s
Manual).
- Jean Paul Sartre's
Existentialism in Philosophy and Literature, Oneonta Philosophy Studies,
1995.
- On Hindu Philosophies
of Experience, Oneonta Philosophy Studies, 1994.
- Mysticism in the
Hindu Tradition, New York: Agathos, Inc., 1993.
- Sartre's Existentialism
In Nausea and Being and Nothingness, Calcutta, India: Writers Workshop,
1978.
Instructor’s
Manual:
- Pathways to Philosophy:
A Multidisciplinary Approach (with Douglas Shrader), NJ: Prentice Hall,
Inc., 1996.
Internet Publishing by the Cooperjal Limited of England, 2010: Available on Kindle through www.amazon.com and www.ideaindia.com
- Grandpa Chopra’s Stories for Life’s Nourishment
- Sartre and Yoga, 3rd edition
- Wisdom of the Tao Te Ching: The Code of a Spiritual Warrior
- Instant Nirvana, 2nd edition
- Yoga and Meditation Now: An International Journal of Health and Wellness
Poems:
- “Valentine’s Day Poem on Love” in Times Like These, 2010.
“Joyous Nothingness” in Endless Horizons, 2009
- "Rainbow and Rain,” in
The Best Poems and Poets of 2007, The International Library of Poetry.
- “Rich or Wealthy,” in Centers
of Expression, summer 2007.
- “Life’s Playfulness,” in
Timeless Voices, The National Library of Poetry 2006
- Song of Love,@ in Labours
of Love, Noble House, 2005
- Joyous Nothingness,
in The Silent Journey, The National Library of Poetry 2004
- “Beginning
of a Poem of Love,” Outstanding Poets of 1999, The National
Library of Poetry.
- “Song of
Love,” Outstanding Poets of 1998, The National Library of Poetry.
- “Celebration
of Life,” Best Poems of 1998, The National Library of Poetry.
- “Joyous Nothingness,”
Best Poems of 1997, The National Library of Poetry.
- “What is
Life?,” Best Poems of 1996, The National Library of Poetry.
- “What is
Death?,” After the Storm, The National Library of Poetry, 1995.
- “What is
Love?,” Dance on the Horizon, The National Library of Poetry,
1994.
Articles:
- “Role of Religion in Civilizational Development,” chapter in a book on Spirituality and Civilizational Sustainability in the 21st Century, edited by Drs. Andrew Targowski and Marek Celinski, 2012.
- “Reflections on Clash or Reconciliation of Civilizations,” in Dialogue and Universalism, Volume XXI, Poland, 1/2011
- “Building Character and Prosperity: Educating the Underprivileged Children of India, Proceedings of the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations,” Fall 2011.
- “Yoga Therapeutics: Philosophical, Scientific and Humanistic Approaches” in “The Roar of Awakening: A Whiteheadian Dialogue between Psychotherapies and Eastern World Views,” edited by George Derfer, Zhihe Wang and Michel Weber and published by Frankfurt/Lancaster, ontos Verlag, Process Thought XX, 2009. “Perspectives
on Mysticism,” The Journal of Faculty
of Religious Studies, McGill University, Volume 35 (2007).
- “Building
Character Brick by Brick by Building Schools for the Impoverished
Children of India,” Journal of Ethics and Leadership, 2007.
- Wisdom Used Compassionately:
The Ninash Foundation,@ Journal
of East West Connection, 2005.
- “Toward
A One-World Culture: A Philosophical Perspective and A Practical
Solution,”
Common Ground, Australia, 2004.
- “The Concept
of Mythic Consciousness in India,” In Honor of Professor Puligandla,
Spring 2000.
- “A Letter
in Honor of Professor Mohanty,” Letters to Mohanty, January 1999.
- “Mysticism
In The Hindu Tradition,” Journal of Asian Thought and Society,
Spring 1989.
- “Meditation
in Yogasutra and Chuang Tzu,” Journal of Asian Thought and Society,
Fall 1984, pp. 133-140.
- “Guru Business:
A Study of Muktananda & Rajneesh,” Asian Research, Hong Kong,
1982, pp. 823-834 (co-authored with Nina Malhotra).
- “Hesse's
Novel Siddhartha: A Rare Synthesis of Hinduism, Buddhism & Existentialism,”
Asian Research, Hong Kong, 1981, pp. 705-713.
- “Introductory
Remarks on the Problem of Truth,” Philosophy East and West, Spring
1980, pp. 421-424.
- “Perspectives
on Meditation & Personality,” Yoga, 1980, pp. 111-120 (co-authored
with Nina Malhotra).
- “Introductory
Remarks on the Problem of the Self,” Philosophy East and West,
April 1979, pp. 123-127.
- “Aesthetics
of Tagore,” International Philosophical Studies Series: SUNY Buffalo,
December 1978, pp. 60-69.
- “Classical
Samkhya B Yoga Versus Sartre's Philosophy,” Journal of Asian Thought
and Society, Spring 1977, pp. 68-82.
- “Hinduism's
Second Shot at Becoming A Missionary Religion,” Bharata Manisha,
October 1976, pp. 14-22.
Newspaper Articles:
Yoga Life Column
- “Yoga Life: Focus on an Object for better meditation.”The O’Town Scene, The Daily Star, December 8, 2011
- “Yoga Life: Tune out distractions and Tune into breathing.” The O’Town Scene, The Daily Star, November 3, 2011
- “Yoga Life: Be Good Through Yoga?” The O’Town Scene, The Daily Star, October 6, 2011
- “Yoga Life: How Yoga Got Popular?” The O’Town Scene, The Daily Star, September 1, 2011
- “Yoga for Stress Relief,” The O’Town Scene, The Daily Star, August 11, 2011
- “Yoga Life: Four Types of Yoga,” The O’Town Scene, The Daily Star, July 14, 2011
Articles for Religious Column
- “Service to humanity should be the goal of all religions,” The Daily Star, July, 2011
- “Zen: Bridging Ordinary and Religious Life,” The Daily Star, September, 2010
- “Yoga and Healing,” Religious Column, The Daily Star, August, 2009.
- “Path of Taoism will lead you to your Inner Self,” Religious Column, The Daily Star, July, 2008.
- “Religion as Service,” Religious Column, The Daily Star, August 2007.
- “Yoga Helps Mold Heart, Body, Mind for Spiritual Life,” Religious Column, The Daily Star, May 2005.
- “Hinduism as Religion,” Religious Column, The Daily Star, May 2004
- “India Joins the Big Boys Club,” Guest Editorial, The Daily Star, Oneonta, May 1998.
- “India’s Democracy Remains Strong,” Guest Editorial, The Daily Star, Oneonta, November 5, 1984 (Co-authored with Nina Malhotra).
Reviews:
- Andree F. Sjoberg, Dravidian Language and Culture, Comparative Civilizations Review, Spring 2012.
- Grazia Marchian
and Raffaelle Milani, editors, “Frontiers of Transculturality
in Contemporary Aesthetics,” Philosophy East and West, Fall 2003.
- Ray Billington,
“Understanding Eastern Philosophy,” International Journal
of Hindu Studies, Fall 2000.
- James Austin, “Zen
and the Brain: Toward An Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness,”
Philosophy East and West, Fall 2000.
- Alan Roland, “Cultural
Pluralism and Psychoanlaysis: The Asian and North American Experience,”
Comparative Civilizations Review, Fall 1999 and Spring 2000.
- Ninian Smart, “Dimensions
of the Sacred: An Anatomy of the World’s Beliefs,” Comparative
Civilizations Review, Fall 1999.
- Andrew Feenberg,
“Alternative Modernity: The Technical Turn in Philosophy and Social
Theory,” Philosophy East and West, Spring 1997.
- Iyenger, “Light
On the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,” Asian Thought and Society, Fall
1994.
- Ganeswar Misra,
“Language, Reality, and Analysis: Essays on Indian Philosophy,”
The Review of Metaphysics, December 1991.
- Paul Brunton,
“Perspectives,” Idealistic Studies, Spring 1989.
- Ronald Newfeldt,
“Karma & Rebirth: Post Classical Development,” Philosophy
East and West, Fall 1987.
- Christopher Chapple,
“Karma and Creativity,” Philosophy East and West, Fall 1987.
- Tigunait, “Seven
Systems of Indian Philosophy,” Metaphilosophy, Spring 1986.
- John Koller, “The
Indian Way,” Philosophy East and West, Fall 1983.
- A. K. Sinha, “Vedanta
& The Modern World” and “Tantra,” Philosophy East
and West, Spring 1983, pp. 203-206.
- George Rupp, “Beyond
Existentialism and Zen,” Philosophy East and West, Spring 1981,
pp. 109-110.
- M. K. Bhardra,
“A Critical Review of Sartre's Ontology of Consciousness,”
The Southwestern Journal of Philosophy, Spring 1980.
- Chatterjee, “An
Invitation to Hinduism,” Philosophy East and West, Spring 1980.
- V. P. Varma, “Some
Contemporary Meta-Ethical Theories,” Philosophy East and West,
Spring 1980.
- Karl Potter, “Indian
Metaphysics & Epistemology,” Philosophy and Phenomenological
Research, Fall 1979.
- N. K. Devaraja,
“Indian Philosophy Today,” Philosophy East and West, April
1978.
Antonio de Nicholas, “Meditation Through the Rig Vedas,”
Philosophy East and West, April 1978, pp. 230-231.
- Troy Wilson Organ,
“Western Approaches to Eastern Thought,” Philosophy and
Phenomenological Research, Spring 1977, pp. 356-357.
- R. Puligandla,
“Fundamentals of Indian Philosophy,” Philosophy East and
West, Spring 1977.
- George Feuerstein,
“The Essence of Yoga,” Philosophy East and West, July 1976.
- C. M. Pathak, “The
Problem of Being in Heidegger,” Bharata Manisha, October 1976.
- Eliot Deutsch,
“Comparative Aesthetics,” Philosophy and Phenomenological
Research, September 1976, pp. 140-141.
- M. N. Roy, “The
Future of Indian Politics,” Asian Socialism, Summer 1976.
Edited Works:
- “East-West
Perspectives on Truth,” a symposium organized and chaired by me
during the annual meeting of the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy,
in Washington, D.C., December 1979. The panel papers were edited by
me and were published in Philosophy East and West, 1980.
- “The Problem
of the Self: East-West Perspectives,” a symposium organized and
chaired by me at the annual meeting of the Society for Asian and Comparative
Philosophy in Washington, D.C., December 1978. The panel papers were
edited by me and were published in Philosophy East and West, 1980.
- “East-West
Perspectives on Dying and Living,” a workshop chaired by me at
the American Philosophical Association meeting in New York, December
1975. The panel papers were edited by me and were published in The Journal
of Chinese Philosophy, Spring 1976.
Invited Papers:
- “Building Character and Prosperity: Educating the Underprivileged Children of India,“ presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations,” New Orleans, June 2011.
- “Dravidian Language and Culture,” a review of Andree F. Sjoberg’s book presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations, New Orleans, June 2011.
- “The Spirit of Indian and Western Civilizations: Clash or Cooperation,” presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations, University of Western Michigan, Kalamazoo, Michigan, June 2009.
- “Using Philosophical Wisdom Compassionately to Help Humanity” read at “The Uehiro Cross Currents Philosophy Conference: The Love of Practical Wisdom,” University of Hawaii, Honolulu, March,19-20, 2009. “Promoting Literacy through Building Indo-International Schools
for the Underprivileged Children of India,” presented at the
annual meeting of the International Society of Asian and Comparative
Philosophy, Asilomar, California, June 2008.
- “Philosophical
View of Globalization and a Practical Solution,” presented
at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Comparative
Study of Civilizations, University of New Brunswick, St. John, Canada,
June 2008.
- “Time and Mystery of Existence,” presented
at the Congress 2008, Vancouver, Canada, June 2008.
- “Promoting
Literacy through Building Indo-International Schools in India,” presented
at the annual meeting of the International Society for Asian and
Comparative Philosophy, Asilomar, California, June 2008.
- “Philosophical
View of Globalization and a Practical Solution,” presented
at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Comparative
Study of Civilizations, University of New Brunswick, Saint John,
Canada, June 2008.
- “Compassion
in Action: Building Elementary Schools for the Underprivileged Children
of India,” presented
at the Eastern Connecticut State University, March, 2008.
- “Yoga
as the Art of Sculpting the Body, Emotions and Mind,” presented
at the Monthly Meeting of the Yoga and Meditation Society for the
Scientific Study of Spirituality, Oneonta, New York, January 2008.
- “Building
Character by Building Schools in India,” presented
at the 17th International Congress of Vedanta at Miami University,
Ohio, September 2007.
- “Yoga
and Healing,” presented at the Metanexus Conference at Philadelphia,
June 2005.
- “Influence
of Yoga and Indian Epics on Star Wars Films,” presented at the
annual meeting of the International Society for the Comparative Study
of Civilizations,” St. Paul, Minn., June 2005.
- “One-World
Culture: A Philosophical Perspective and a Practical Solution,”
presented at the annual meeting of the East West Center, Nihon University,
Tokyo, August 2004.
- “Towards
A One-World Culture: A Philosophical Perspective,” presented at
the annual meeting of the Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations,
St. Petersburg, Russia, September 2003.
- “Practical
Wisdom: The Ninash Foundation,” Island of Rhodes, Greece, July
2003
- “Yoga and
Yoda: Star War Connections,”and “Eliot Deutsch’s Contributions
to Philosophy East and West,” presented at the Thirteenth International
Congress of Vedanta, Miami University, Oxford, OH, September 2002.
- “Building
Character Among U.S. Undergraduate Students Through Building Elementary
School in India,” presented at the 8th Annual Asian Studies Development
Program National Conference, Agnes Scott College, Atlanta, GA, March
2002.
- “Significance
of the Bhagavad Gita for the New Millennium,” presented at the
Parliament of the World’s Religions, Cape Town, South Africa,
December 1999.
- “Transcreation
of the Bhagavad Gita,” presented at the fourth annual Provost’s
Author Series at the State University College at Oneonta, November 1999.
- “Instant
Nirvana,” presented at the Global Cultural Studies Conference,
Binghamton University, October 1999.
- “Significance
of the Bhagavad Gita for the 20th and 21st Centuries,” presented
at the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations,
St. Louis, Summer 1999.
- “Philosophical
Reflections on the Civilization of the Next Millennium,” presented
at the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations,
St. Louis, Summer 1999.
- Review of Alan
Roland’s “Cultural Pluralism and Psychoanalysis,”
presented at the International Society for the Comparative Study of
Civilizations, St. Louis, Summer 1999.
- “Jean-Paul
Sartre’s Existentialism as Literature and Philosophy,” SUNY
Oneonta, Summer 1999.
- “The Bhagavad
Gita’s Significance: Interpretations and Translations,”
presented at the 10th International Congress of Vedanta, Port-of-Spain,
Trinidad, March 1999.
- “Sartre and
Yoga on Self,” presented at the annual meeting of the Sartre Society,
Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, February 1999.
- “Concepts
of Consciousness,” presented at the Institute of Global Studies,
Binghamton University, October 1998.
- “Joys and
Perils of Translating the Bhagavad Gita,” presented at the New
York Conference on Asian Studies, October 1998.
- “Concepts
of Self: East and West,” presented at the 12th Biennial Conference
of the Australian Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy at the
University of New South Wales, October 1998.
- “Tagore’s
View of Art,” presented at The Asian American Studies Institute,
University of Connecticut at Storrs, September 1998.
- “Tao of Life,
Romance and Death,” read at the 34th International Congress of
Asian and North African Studies, Hong Kong, August 1993.
- “Hindu-Muslim
Conflict in India,” read at the Society for Asian and Comparative
Philosophy Conference, Jiminy Peak Conference Center, Hancock, MA, July
1993.
- “Meaning
of Life: East and West,” read at the annual conference of the
Himalayan Institute, Honesdale, PA, June 1993.
- “Mysticism
In The Hindu Tradition,” read at the Sixth East-West Philosophers’
Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, July-August 1989.
- “Radhakrishnan's
Universal Religion,” read at the Radhakrishnan Centennial Conference,
Miami University, April 1988.
- “Meditation
in Yogasutra and Chuang Tzu,” presented at the annual meeting
of Asian and Comparative Philosophy, Honolulu, Hawaii, August 1984.
- “Cults &
Religious Groups In America,” presented at annual meeting of New
York Asian Studies, Canisius College, Buffalo, October 1983.
- “Guru Business:
A Study of Muktananda & Rajneesh,” presented at annual meeting
of New York Asian Studies, Hartwick College, Oneonta, October 1982.
- Discussant on a
panel, “Compassion, Wisdom, and Peace,” headed by the Dalai
Lama of Tibet, Syracuse University, October 1979.
- “Hesse's
Novel Siddhartha: A Rare Synthesis of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity,”
presented at annual meeting of the New York Asian Studies Society, Elmira
College, October 1979.
- “Western
Conceptions of Eastern Forms of Meditation,” a symposium chaired
by me at annual meeting of New York Asian Studies Society, Syracuse
University, October 1978.
- “Perspectives
on Meditation and Personality,” presented at the meeting of Asian
Studies Society, SUNY Buffalo, October 1977.
- Discussant on the
panel, “Ethics of Respect for Life: East and West,” at annual
meeting of the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy in conjunction
with the APA Meeting (Western Division), New Orleans, April 1976.
- “Hinduism's
Second Shot at Becoming a Missionary Religion,” presented at the
regional meeting of the Asian Studies Society, Colgate University, New
York, October 1975.
- Discussant on a
paper, “Aesthetics of Kierkegaard,” during the “East-West
Dialogue in Aesthetics,” SUNY Buffalo, April 1975.
- “Aesthetics
of Tagore” presented at the State University of New York Dialogue
in Aesthetics, SUNY Buffalo, April 1975.
- Discussant on the
panel, “Energy Development in India and its Social Implications,”
at annual meeting of the Society for Asian Studies, San Francisco, March
1975.
- “Classical
Samkhya-Yoga Versus Sartre's Philosophy,” presented at annual
meeting of the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, in conjunction
with the APA Meeting, Boston, 1972.
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
- “Yoga as the Art of Sculpting the Body, Heart and Mind,” presented at the SUNY Oneonta Convivium, November, 2011.
- “Promoting Literacy among Women through Ninash Foundation,” presented at the meeting of “Dinning for Women” at the Unitarian Universalist Society, Oneonta, New York. The lecture raised more than $800 for the cause of female literacy in India.
- “Ninash ‘s Experiment in Global Education,” presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations, Tulane University, New Orleans, June 2, 2011
- “To Find Yourself is to Lose Yourself in the Service of Others,” at the Unitarian Universalist Church at Oneonta, NY, May, 2011. The presentation raised more than $1000 for the Ninash’s Literacy Project.
- “Service is My Life’s Message,” at the Temple Israel, Binghamton, New York on April, 2011. The presentation raised more than $1100 for the Ninash’s Literacy Project.
- “Building Character Brick by Brick by Building Schools for the Underprivileged in India,” at the first BITSAA (Birla Institute of Technology and Science) Global Meet, Delhi, India, January 8, 2011.
- “Lecture
and Demonstration of Yoga,” presented at the Ninth Annual Undergraduate
Philosophy Conference, SUNY Oneonta, April 2004 and April 2005.
- Keynote Address
and Poetry reading at the Poetry Slam, Oneonta, NY, Feb 2004.
- Keynote Speaker
at the 40th East West Center Reunion Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov
2003.
- “Building
Character by Building Schools in India,” presented at the conference
on 'Works of Love: Scientific and Religious Perspectives on Altruism,’
Metanexus Institute on Religion and Science and the Institute for Research
on Unlimited Love, Philadelphia, PA, May 21-June 5, 2003.
- “Lecture
and Demonstration of Yoga,” presented at the Eighth Annual Undergraduate
Philosophy Conference, SUNY Oneonta, March 2003.
- “Indian View
of Wisdom Contrasted with Western View” and “Indo-International
Schools Project” invited presentations at the Nonwestern Wisdom
Workshop, University of Hartford, CT, February 2003.
- “Building
Character Brick by Brick” presented at the SUCO Center for Social
Responsibility Conference, Morris Hall, November 2002.
- “Building
Schools for the Impoverished Children of India” presented at the
New York State Asian Studies Conference, Skidmore College, October 2002.
- “Yoga and
Yoda: Star Wars and the Sacred Indic Tradition,” presented at
the annual conference of Global Studies, Binghamton University, October
2002.
- “Dialogue
Among Civilizations in the Hindu Tradition,” presented at the
annual conference of Global Studies, Binghamton University, October
2002.
- “Non-Western
Wisdom” and “Indo-International Schools Project” presented
at the annual meeting of the Society for the Comparative Study of Civilization,
Jamaica, May 29-June 3, 2002.
- “Commencement
Speech” presented to SUCO Humanities Graduates, May 2002.
- “Sartre and
Suzuki: Nausea and Satori,” presented at the annual meeting of
the Japan Studies Association, Tokai University, Honolulu, Hawaii, January
2002.
- “Joys and
Perils of Starting Indo-international Schools in India,” presented
at the annual meeting of the International Society for the Comparative
Study of Civilizations, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, May 2001.
- “Conversion
of Hinduism of the Upanishadas into Instant Nirvana,” presented
at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Holland, December 2000.
- “Setting
Up the Indo-International School for the Underprivileged Children,”
presented at the Annual Conference on “Social Service and Spirituality:
A Hindu-Roman Catholic Dialogue,” Loyola Marymount University,
Los Angeles, CA, November 2000.
- “Two Indias:
The Literacy Gap,” keynote address presented at the World Affairs
Council of the Monterey Bay Area, Pebble Beach, CA, November 2000.
- “Reflections
on the Vedic Tradition,” presented at The Institute of Global
Cultural Studies Conference, Binghamton University, October 2000.
- “The Message
of the Bhagavad Gita for the 20th and 21st Centuries,” presented
at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Holland, August 2000.
- “Spreading
Literacy Among Under-Privileged Children by Opening Schools in India,”
presented at the EWC/EWCA 2000 International Conference, Honolulu, HI,
July 4-8.
- “Comparative
Philosophy: Indic-Existentialism,” presented at the International
Conference on The Humanities on the Birth of the Third Millennium, Fatih
University, Istanbul, June 5-6, 2000.
- “Building
an Elementary School for the Underprivileged Children of India,”
presented by invitation at the Gifts Of Service To The World during
the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Cape Town, South Africa,
December 1999.
- “Concepts
of Consciousness: East and West,” presented on Australian Public
Radio with Christine Williams as radio host, October 1998.
- “Comparative
Study of Consciousness,” presented at annual meeting of the Society
for the Comparative Study of Civilizations, Reitaku University, Japan,
June 1998.
- Commented on a
book review, “Dimensions of the Sacred: An Anatomy of the World’s
Beliefs,” by Ninian Smart, at annual meeting of the Society for
the Comparative Study of Civilizations, at Reitaku University, Japan,
June 1998.
- “Consciousness
in India and the West,” presented at annual meeting of the Society
for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, University of Hawaii, January
1998.
- “Starting
a Primary School in the Village of Dundlod, India,” presented
at the New York State Association for Asian Studies, Binghamton University,
October 1997.
- “Phenomenology
of the Self,” presented at The Institute of Global Cultural Studies
Conference, Binghamton University, October 1997.
- “Joys and
Perils of Translating the Bhagavad Gita,” presented at the annual
meeting of the Asian and North African Studies Society at Budapest University/Eotvos
Lenrand University of Hungary, Summer 1997.
- “Yoga and
Taoism on Meditation,” presented at the annual meeting of the
International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations, Brigham
Young University, Provo, Utah, May 8, 1997.
- “Self: Sartre
and Samkhya-Yoga,” presented at the University of Bergen, Norway,
May 1997.
- “Phenomenology
of Consciousness: India and the West,” presented at the University
of Bergen, Norway, May 1997.
- “Philosophy
in Literature,” presented at the University in Bergen, Norway,
May 1997.
- Lecture, “Inspirations
from India,” Unitarian Universalist Church, Oneonta, March 1997.
- “Joys and
Perils of Directing SUNY Semester in India,” presented at the
SUNY Albany Seminar on Religion, March 1997.
- “The Taoist
View of Love and Death,” presented at the annual meeting of the
International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations, Pomona
College, Pomona, CA, June 1996.
- Participant in
two Round Table discussions: “How Has South Asia Done in the Past
Five Decades” and “What is in Store for South Asia”
at the “Rethinking South Asia Conference,” University of
Hawaii-Manoa, April 1996.
- India/Pakistan:
Collision or Compromise,” read at first conference on “Rethinking
South Asia,” University of Hawaii-Manoa, April 1996.
- Commented on five
papers dealing with “Human Rights in India, China and Japan,”
at annual meeting of Association for Asian Studies, Honolulu, Hawaii,
April 1996.
- “Phenomenology
of Consciousness: Sartre and Samkhya” and “Philosophy in
the Upanishadas,” presented at Philosophy Colloquium, University
of Nevada at Las Vegas, February 1996.
- Lecture on”Shakuntla,”
a play written by Kalidasa, a famous India poet, Hartwick College, Oneonta,
November 1995.
- “Sartre and
Samkhya-Yoga on Self,” presented at Second World Phenomenological
Congress, Guadalajara, Mexico, September 1995.
- “East West
Perspectives on the Bhagavad Gita,” presented at annual meeting
of the International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations,
Wright State University, Ohio, June 1995. Also, I chaired a panel on
the “History of Global Philosophy Project.”
- Mrs. Nina Malhotra
and I were invited to discuss SUNY Oneonta's Semester In India Program
at meeting of the SUCO Religious Studies Committee, March 1991.
- Invited by Indian
Association of University Professors to discuss SUNY Oneonta's Semester
In India Program at annual meeting in New York City, February 1991.
- Lecture, “Six
Systems of Indian Philosophy,” Hartwick College, February 1991.
- Panel participant,
“Death and Dying,” Hartwick College, January 1991.
- Slide show presentation
and discussion of SUNY Semester in India Program at the New York Conference
on Asian Studies, Syracuse University, November 1989.
- Panel organizer,
“Recent Hindu and Buddhist Concepts,” at the Sixth East-West
Philosophers’ Conference, Hawaii, Summer 1989.
- Lecture, “India's
Philosophy, Religion & Society,” First United Presbyterian
Church, Oneonta, December 1985.
- Lecture and slide
show, “India's Religion,” Sidney Center Senior Citizen's
Club, Sidney, NY, November 1985.
- Lecture and slide
show, “India's Art, Religion, & Society,” Franklin Senior
Citizen's Club, Franklin, NY, October 1985.
- Lecture, “India's
Culture Through Stories,” Hamden Senior Citizen's Club, Hamden,
NY, May 1985.
- Lecture, “India's
Religions and Culture,” Stamford Senior Citizen's Club, Stamford,
NY, April 1985.
- Lecture and slide
show, “Indian's Art & Society,” Colchester Senior Citizen's
Club, Downsville, NY, February 1985.
- Lecture, “A
Study Abroad Experience in India,” organized by American Association
of University Women, Oneonta, February 1985.
- Paper presentation,
“Cult Scare,” at the Seminar on World Religions organized
at SUNY Albany, January 1985.
- Lecture presentation
and discussion on film, “AKIRU,” sponsored by the SUCO Religious
Studies Committee, Fall 1983.
- Panel participant,
“Cults and Search for Security,” organized by the SUCO Religious
Studies Committee, February 1983.
- Panel participant,
“Concept of the Self: Comparative Perspectives,” organized
by the SUCO Philosophy Club, November 1981.
- Presentation and
discussion on WDOS' “MIDDAY LIFE” with Tom Anthony about
my book, Sartre's Existentialism, November 1979.
- Lecture, “A
Rational Approach to Mysticism,” delivered at SUNY Oneonta for
the Philosophy Club, Fall 1976.
- Lecture, “Meditation
in America,” given at SUNY Oneonta during Meditation Week, organized
by the Student Union, Spring 1976.
- Lecture, “Religious
Themes in India's Art,” sponsored by the SUNY Oneonta Art Club,
Spring 1975.
- Lecture, “The
Philosophy of Existentialism,” sponsored by the Students' Philosophy
Club, The University of Bridgeport, CT, April 1975.
- Lecture, “Indian
and American Students: A Comparison of Values,” sponsored by the
Philosophy Department, Kurukshetra University, India, Fall 1973.
- Lecture, “Sartre's
Existentialism as Philosophy and Literature,” sponsored by the
Philosophy and Literature Club, Lyndon State College, VT, May 1973.
- Lecture, “Sartre's
Concept of Freedom,” sponsored by the Philosophy Department, Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, May 1970.
- Lecture, “Existentialism
and Education,” Conference of Teachers, Spring 1969.
- Lecture, “Philosophical
Roots of India-China Conflict,” The League of Women Voters, Spring
1969.
- Lecture, “Philosophy
of Education in Ancient India,” Conference of Teachers, Spring
1969.
- Lecture, “Education
in Contemporary India,” video-taped for SUNY Oneonta's Education
Department, prepared by the Instructional Resource Center, Fall 1968.
- Lecture, “Gandhi's
Satyagraha as a Political Tool,” at the Unitarian Church, Oneonta,
Summer 1968.
- Lecture, “Concepts
of Death in Chinese Philosophy,” at the Unitarian Church, Oneonta,
April 1968.
RADIO AND TELEVISION APPEARANCES
Radio:
WOUW Radio, Oneonta, New York, June 2009, Feb 2011
AMOR Radio, Holland, 2006
WRPI Radio, Troy, New York October 2004
Kathy Zox Show, Albany September 2003
Radio Albany, Albany, New York, August 2003
National Public Radio (WSKG, USA) January 2002
Holland Radio July-August 2001
Jain Radio, Zee Radio, Doordarshan Radio (India) June 2001
Australian Public Radio October 2000
All India Radio April 2000
Television:
CBS and Fox Channels 2011
CBS 2011
During 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver, as a Delegate (for Clinton/Obama) from the 24th District of New York, I gave seven TV interviews to reporters from Canada, France, India, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and the USA.
Public Access Channel, Schenectady August 2003
NBC News (WKTV, USA) August 2001
Holland TV July-August 2001
NBC News (WKTV, USA) April 30-May 10, 2001 (Broadcast of Seven Episodes on the Ninash Foundation’s work to rebuild the Village of Kuran after the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat)
Jain TV, Zee TV, Doordarshan TV (India) June 2001
Nataraja TV (Holland) December 2000
NBC News (WKTV, USA) April 2000
ABC World News Now (USA) March 2000
MEMBERSHIPS
Professional Organizations
American Philosophical Association
Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy
Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy
Association for Asian Studies
New York State Asian Studies Society
Jean-Paul Sartre Society
International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations
Offices Held:
- CEO of the Ninash
Foundation with chapters in USA, Holland and India
- Member, Executive
Council, International Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations,
1998-2000 and 2004-present
- Reviewer, NEH
Grant Proposals, 1978-present
- Secretary-Treasurer,
Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, 1988-1993
- Symposium Chairman,
Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, 1982-86, 1975-80
- Deputy Chairman,
State University of New York Asian Council, 1979-80
- Vice-President,
Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, 1978-79
- Member, Program
Committee, Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy, 1975-80
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Editorial Work
Appointed to the SUNY Press Editorial Board, 1989-1992
Reviewer of manuscripts for:
Macmillan Publishing
Company
Open Court
Prentice Hall Publishing Company
State University of New York Press
University of Hawaii Press
Longman Publishing
Journal of Philosophy East and West
Consultant
Translation of passages from the Tao Te Ching, for Kung Fu: The Legend
Continues, T.V. series by Warner Brothers, 1993.
ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (SUNY)
Member, Editorial Board, Educational Change, 1995-Present
Member, Editorial Board, Oneonta Philosophy Studies, 1992-Present
Member, Editorial Board, The SUNY Press, 1989-1992
Member, International Exchange Committee, 1984-present
Director, SUNY Semester In India Program, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996
Member, Dean's Advisory Committee, 1985-1988
Co-chairman, SUCO Religious Studies Committee, 1978-1988
Director, Intersession Program to India, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1984-85, 1986-87,
1999-2000
Sub-committee Chairman, President's Task Force, 1980-1986
Vice-President, UUP, Local, 1980-81
Advisor, SUCO Philosophy Club, 1973-1980
STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE/INTERNATIONAL VENTURES
INDIA:
I am the founding director of the SUNY Oneonta “Learn and Serve in India ” study abroad program whose goal is the total immersion of students in learning about another culture by helping to spread literacy among the poorest of poor children in the remote villages of India. During the start of the new millennium, through this International Education program students and faculty from the State University College at Oneonta founded and built a new building of the Indo-International School for 250 underprivileged children of the Village of Dundlod, Rajasthan, India. The building was inaugurated on January 15, 2000. Since this Indo-International School venture was recognized as ‘a model of gift of service to humanity,’ and was presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Parliament of World Religions in Cape Town, South Africa, in December 1999, it was broadcast on “ABC World News Now” on March 23, 2000 and WKTV on August 14, 2001. Because of the success of this international venture in spreading literacy through volunteerism, we planned to replicate this project by building one school each year in other states of India.
The second Indo-International School for 205 underprivileged children was built and inaugurated on June 26, 2001 in the Village of Kuran, Gujarat, India, a town that was devastated by the 2001 earthquake A ten part series on the Indo-International Schools project was aired on WKTV (NBC affiliate) from April 30-May 11, 2001 as well as on Zee TV, Jain TV, and Doordarshan TV of India on June 30, 2001.
The third Indo-International Art and Culture Restoration School in Mahapura near Jaipur, India, was built and the first phase was completed by 2004. This school that started with 14 underprivileged children has grown to an elementary school and a high school with the state of the art library equipped with computers, providing education to 280 children in 2011.
At present, there are six Indo-International schools (three elementary and three high schools) educating more than 1200 female and other minority children of India. The goal is to help build more schools in different parts of India as funds become available in the future. More than 300 students, faculty and members of the community have participated in building these schools.
RUSSIA AND UKRAINE:
I was selected by the Citizen Ambassador Program to visit Russia and Ukraine
during Summer 1993 to explore the possibility of setting up a SUNY program
at Moscow University. I joined a group of 15 professors, teachers and
administrators from the United States who visited various schools and
colleges throughout Russia and Ukraine.
CHINA:
I was selected
by the Citizen Ambassador Program to visit China during the Fall 1993
semester to explore the possibility of setting up a SUNY Summer Program
at Beijing University or Fudan University. Fudan University has shown
enthusiastic interest in this program.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Ninash Foundation’s Literacy Project to Save Needy Children (www.ninash.org)
In 1996, I established the Ninash Foundation to promote literacy among the disadvantaged female and minority children and adults. It is an international education effort in cooperation with the SUNY College at Oneonta to build schools for the underprivileged. Seed money came from selling my rental house, my talks and yoga sessions at the schools and clubs; royalties from books and donations from individuals and organizations. Moreover, I involved students in this charitable cause by creating the SUNY "Learn and Serve" study abroad program where participants would serve by raising funds and traveling to India to build Indo-International schools in remote villages.
Problem There are 165 million Dalits (untouchables) in India, whose children are scorned, derided, relegated to the most undesirable part of the village. They are often unwashed, hungry, and forced to perform menial labor for pennies a day. The upper classes enforce this social discrimination by not allowing the Dalits to sit next to other children in schools thus keeping them illiterate.
Method To root out this evil of illiteracy, the Ninash Foundation through the "Learn and Serve" program raised funds to build the first elementary school for 50 underprivileged children of Dundlod. Since 2000, the foundation has built six schools providing education to more than 1200 children.
Results Spread of Literacy is bearing fruit. These children, who 15 years ago, were picking up cow dung for living, are now literate in three languages, writing plays on female literacy and performing them for the community. From the first batch, ten of the children have already gained admission to colleges thus becoming an inspiration for others. My visits to the schools reveal that equipped with literacy, these children are now asserting their right to be treated as valuable human beings. Social barriers of caste, religion and gender have softened and a dialogue has commenced among the classes. Furthermore, through education they now have a better chance at getting a decent job in the burgeoning economy of India.
Inspiration
The work is inspiring because the underprivileged children, who never had the opportunity of getting education before, are now learning eagerly while discussing their future plans to go to college; the college students from the USA, who built schools for the disadvantaged, are discovering their niche in life; 1500 children from five elementary schools in the Oneonta-Cooperstown areas, who through collaboration with children of six Indian schools, are experiencing the joy of globalization and civic engagement; and I, through this international-collaborative-effort providing educational opportunity to the needy, have found my life's mission.
Inspired by the Ninash's experiment, a former student from SUNY Oneonta built a hospital in Malawi-Africa; a Dutch teacher wrote children's books on service; an English teenager created a calendar on the schools; a Dutch Rabbi raised funds; European musicians did benefit concerts; a senior-citizen donated his first year's social security check; children from New York to Arizona raised funds through penny drives and kiss the goat projects; and college students joined Peace Corps, Habitat and service organizations to help victims of disasters. Ninash's project was presented to the Dalai Lama as a “Gift of Service” and its video shown in five continents.
In India, the one-room-school with 50 underprivileged children has grown to six schools educating 1200 children. Each village's population has increased by 20-25%. New roads, linking the schools with the main roads and major cities, have been built. In one village alone, 50 new houses, 20 shops, 3 pharmacies, 2 dispensaries, 1 restaurant and 1 railway station have been built. The monthly economic impact has increased from Rupees 100,000 to 200,000 for the villages. The social barriers are weakening and breaking down. Locally, more than 1500 children and 12 teachers from 5 elementary schools in Oneonta-Cooperstown area have immersed themselves in studying India and service-learning projects to raise funds for building rooms, libraries and playgrounds for the Indian schools. England and Holland are undertaking similar fund-raising drives. In 2008, three principals from the Indian schools participated in the Oneonta-Dundlod sister cities celebration that brought together more than 300 community members.
Future
Our goal for the next 5 years is to bring 100% literacy in villages where the schools are located. By replicating the Ninash's literacy experiment globally; we plan to save all those underprivileged who might otherwise end up as slumdog children.
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES (1999-2011)
- Various fundraising activities were organized from 1999 to 2011 to raise funds for the Indo-international schools project. Some of the activities are outlined below:
- Rummage sale by the Oneonta Rotary
- Orpheus Theater’s production of Secret Garden
- Appearance on the Chuck Richer show, WDOS Radio Station, appealing to the local community to help donate money for the construction project of the Indo-International School in Dundlod
- SUCO Marketing Club’s Bowl-A-Thon
- Alfresco’s Restaurant Dinner “Meet the Royalty”
- Italian Kitchen’s “Matching Gift”
- Mailing more than one thousand Ninash Foundation brochures to colleges and organizations for donations
- Inviting Mr. Raghuvendra Singh and Mrs. Ganga Singh, the Royal Couple of Dundlod (India), to be guests of the SUNY College at Oneonta to help raise the money for the school
- Inviting A.V. George, Principal of the Indo-International School (Dundlod, India), Pushpendra Singh and Yatan Singh, Principals of the Indo-International Culture Preservation School in Mahapura (Rajasthan, India) and Ram Gusai, principal, Indo-International School (Kuran, Gujarat) to be guests of the SUNY College Oneonta to help raise funds for the schools in India
- Running a number of news conferences in Oneonta, Utica, Albany, Binghamton and various parts of India to appeal to the members of the community for donations
- Appearing on “ABC World News Now, WKTV, NBC, CBS and Public Access Channel to raise awareness among people regarding the plight of 160 million underprivileged children of India and to ask for their help in raising money for the Indo-International Schools
- Appearing on the All India Radio, Australian Radio, Holland Radio and Zee TV and Doordarshan TV in India to appeal to the people for donations
- Fund raising by children from the Oneonta Schools District and Cooperstown (New York0 as well as Gavilan Peak School (Arizona)
- Setting up the goal to raise $250,000 for a trust fund for the Indo-International Schools
COMMITTEE WORK
- Member, SUNY Oneonta
and Hartwick College (Oneonta) Committee on Cooperation in Resources
- Member, SUNY Oneonta
and Hartwick College (Oneonta) Committee on Curriculum (cooperation
in philosophy and religion)
- Member, Library
Committee, 1980-94; Fall 2000
- Member, Council
of Department Chairmen, 1975-80; Spring 1993; Fall 1999
- Member, College
Senate, 1973-75
- Member, Curriculum
Committee, 1971-73
BIOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND
Who’s Who in the World, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004-2005-2008-2009-2010-2011-2012
Who’s Who in the East, 1981-82, 1986-87, 1999-2000, 2003-2004-2005-2009-2010-2011-2012
International Poetry Hall of Fame, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2005
Outstanding People of the 20th Century, 1999
Who's Who in American Education, 1992-93, 1994-95, 1996-97, 2003-2004
Who's Who Among Asian Americans, 1994-95, 2003-2004-2005-2008-2009-2010
Men of Achievement, 1988
International Who's Who of Intellectuals, 1983
Who’s Who in Asia, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010
ARTISTIC PURSUITS
Paintings displayed at the Verga Gallery, Woodstock, New York; Bobby Sharp Gallery, Oneonta, New York; Alfresco’s Restaurant, Oneonta, New York; Phoenix Café, Oneonta, New York; and Country Club Café, Oneonta, New York. |