HINDU TEMPLE OF THE WOODLANDS
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Mission Statement
To contribute to the enhancement of values and way of life by: - Bhakti (right emotions) through religious, spiritual and cultural activities that promote devotion, assimilation of eternal values and creative artistic expression - Jnana (right Knowledge) through providing education in the philosophies that promote right understanding both within and outside community. - Karma (right action) through sponsoring various activities that promote goodwill and unity in the community.
About This Cause
HTW, in addition to providing religious services to the Hindu community, has within its mission to be 'a center for culture serving Greater Houston'. This part of the mission translates into a number of secular programs, some of which are highlighted below: Annandanam: This is a free food program on Sunday during lunch time for all visitors to the HTW campus. The program does not require any attendance of religious services. Visitors are simply able to walk-up to the food counter and get a healthy and nutritious meal. This program is very similar to the one Steve Jobs benefited from in his early years as a college student. The goal of the HTW program is to reliably and predictably offer food at no cost to benefit those that need it. This program is sustained by sponsorship and donations. Yoga: The temple offers free yoga program to all interested participants. The program does not require any attendance of religious services. Classes are offered five times a week by trained and certified volunteer yoga instructors addressing the needs of beginners and advanced practitioners. The goal of the program is to promote wellness through a holistic approach. In addition to regular yoga classes, the program also offers special classes by qualified external experts addressing specific advanced topics and celebrates the International Day of Yoga in the Woodlands Town Green in order to raise awareness among the community. The program has been very successful drawing participants from the broader community. This program is sustained by sponsorship and donations. Cultural Events: Periodically, high quality exponents who are well known in the fields of traditional Indian music and dance are invited to perform concerts at the HTW. This includes Carnatic and Hindustani music and various traditional dances like Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak etc. Concerts are free and is open to all who are interested with no requirement to attend any religious services. This program is sustained by sponsorship and donations. Major Events: Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Holi (Spring Festival of Colors) are celebrated in a big way at the HTW with the goal of allowing the broader community to experience Indian culture in an interactive way. These events have consistently drawn over 3000 people, with the most recent Diwali celebration drawing over 5000. Entrance, parking and participation in the events is free and includes free colors or fireworks for use during the celebrations. Given the large numbers of people and the interactive nature of the events, it requires meticulous planning and focus on the safety of all participants. No expense is spared to ensure that everyone has a positive. These celebrations are sustained through sponsorship, donations and the sale of food during the event. Language Classes: Classes are offered offsite for Indian languages of Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Gujarati. Classes are open to all without any requirement to attend religious services. Classes are taught by qualified volunteer teachers and a nominal annual fee is collected from the students. The program is working towards accreditation with the school districts so that students are eligible for course credits under their school program. The program is sustained through student fees, sponsorship and donations. HTW also has a number of other secular programs including for seniors and youth which are open to all without any requirement to attend religious services. I will be happy to provide more information on the same. All matching grants that we receive are captured in a separate bank account and the funds are applied only to secular programs.